When selling a home, property viewing is often the most important stage. The online aspect of property selling is becoming increasingly important in promoting the property and generating interest. Most buyers won’t buy a home until they have viewed the property at least once. This makes property viewing an essential component of selling a home.

Feature the highlights

For most viewings, the living room and kitchen are the main events. As the most used, sociable and visible spaces, it’s where buyers make a large part of their judgement. Whether your main living areas are classic rooms or open-plan, it’s time to showcase all their inherent characters.

Fireplaces are a natural focal point of any room and are high on the list of plus points for buyers. They can also be seductive at any time of year: a rack of chunky logs on the hearth, candlesticks and ceramics on the mantelpiece, and a large mirror or picture on the wall above are timeless ways to make them the centre of attention, whatever your personal style.

Special small spaces

Give your little rooms the big-star treatment. Nobody needs to go roller-skating in your spare bedroom, so concentrate on a fabulous feel and a clearly defined role. Having a dedicated home office, guest room, or nursery gives a small space a larger sense of purpose and value. Nurseries and single bedrooms are easy enough to arrange, but a common mistake with offices at home is using miniature furniture to create an illusion of space. The result is usually a room that’s impractical and unenjoyable to use, and it’s an unnecessary step: even the smallest bedroom will comfortably take an adult-sized desk and chair.

Boutique bedrooms

Bedrooms are our most private and personal spaces, but when looking for a buyer, they need to welcome in the world. Nobody knows more than hotels, so take a leaf out of their book to create a sanctuary of rest and relaxation. Headboards are the foundation of a showstopper, whether crushed velvet or rich walnut.

Modern or traditional, they give a bed an aura of grace and look great with pillows plumped and stacked against them. Paint the wall behind in a deep luxurious tone to complement and contrast with your décor. You’ll achieve peak boutique with a pair of bedside tables dressed with the rule of three used by professional stylists and photographers. Perfect accessories include lamps, clocks, books, vases and photo frames – play around until you find your favourite trio. At the bottom of the bed, a throw or blanket draped casually or carefully adds texture, comfort and warmth while softening the room’s acoustic.

Garden delight

By night and day, gardens and balconies are the icing on the cake at viewings. Whether it’s playtime, sunbathing, dining or thinking, having somewhere outside to unwind, relax and socialise is a valuable commodity in any home. Whatever space you have outdoors, look for opportunities to enchant. A table and chairs prove you have the room for dining under the sky, but it’s the styling that sends an irresistible invitation to sit down and stay. Small potted succulents or cactuses on the table are an instant and low-maintenance dash of green that’s not only hardy and handsome, it doesn’t need moving whenever you sit down to eat. Lightbulb chains strung overhead also look magical at night, with yellow-toned bulbs emitting a warm and cosy radiance without attracting insects. 

Even if your garden or balcony is free of foliage, placing a few ready-planted seasonal pots around the dining area will elevate the appearance of your photos and your viewers’ experience.

Artful accessorising 

Mirrors are perfect for a shot of glamour, extra light or filling a bare wall. Whether you’re going for classic gold, bold upcycling or a sleek modern frame, they give you the freedom for some playful garnish. Seasonal fruit and veg look fantastic on a kitchen countertop, and if you’re feeling particularly arty, try displaying them directly on the surface.

Otherwise, a bowl brimming with colourful fresh produce is a universally tasty sight and talking point. Fluffy towels and robes add a spa-like quality to bathrooms, so treat yourself now to the ones you’ve been eyeing up for your new home and keep them just for viewings. Timber or bamboo accessories like bath shelves, caddies and dispensers add richness and warmth that goes with anything. For anywhere else you feel could use an extra something, Pinterest is your friend! Type in “how to style a…” followed by your room or furnishing of choice, and a world of inspiration will open up before you.

Also, during the property viewing itself, there should be opportunities to find out more about the buyer, and focusing on the following information can help create a picture of who is looking to buy the property:

• Where is the person moving from?
• What is important to them in finding a new home?
• What other properties have they recently viewed?
• What do they like/dislike about the current property?
• What is their buying position?

This information can help the seller provide the potential buyer with the information they want. It can also help to develop a profile of the person or people looking to buy property, which can help to shape the way viewings are conducted in the future.

Be ready to provide information about the property

It is also likely that the potential buyer will have questions, so it is important to be as prepared as possible. The seller should be able to answer questions like:

• How long the property has been on the market?
• Why is the property up for sale?
• The sales history of the property?
• Pertinent information regarding the property and surroundings.

There is also a need to create a positive impression, and this doesn’t just relate to the home, it relates to the person carrying out the viewing. You should make sure your estate agent is as presentable as possible. They should be present at the property before any viewer arrives and you should have all of the information.

Are You Looking to Sell Your London Home Fast?

Selling a home can be stressful, but if you are to sell your London property quickly, it can be even more nerve-wracking. Whether you need to sell quickly for a new job, for financial reasons or because of a personal situation, there are a few tactics you can use to increase your home’s marketability. Here are my tips on how to sell your property in the quickest time possible.

Choose your agent wisely

When you see a home that’s been sitting on the market for a while and has some obvious detractors, like Christmas lights still hanging up in March or an unkempt lawn, your first thought should always be that the estate agent isn’t doing their job correctly. You want to be working with an estate agent who is as invested in selling your home as you are, which means someone who will tell you exactly what you’re doing wrong and how you can improve it.

When you’re selecting an agent to work with, ask for referrals from people you trust and who have been through the process themselves. Also, when speaking to potential estate agents, determine how passionate they are and how well they know the local property market.

Go on the market at the right time

The housing market usually has a pattern throughout the year, but there are always slight hurdles that tend to affect the market. So it is important that you put your property on the market at the right time so that you can get the maximum amount of interest and viewings for your home.

Declutter

As soon as you know you’re going to list your home (and before pictures are taken), get to work on clearing out clutter from your home. Rent a storage unit or find a family member willing to share some extra space in their home and box up everything that you won’t need in the near future. The less stuff you have to clutter up your home, the more that buyers will be able to see the space itself, and not the items crowding it.

Depersonalise

Buyers need to be able to see themselves in the property, and they’re going to have a tough time doing that if they’re looking at your family photos. The sooner you can remove any items that personalise the home – photos, mail, personal papers, etc. – the better you can present a blank slate to the buyers who come through.

Be accommodating

The selling process can be a bit of a pain, especially when buyers start scheduling showings and you have to get out of the house. But it could be worse… you could have no buyers coming through at all!  

Set yourself apart

Make sure all potential buyers who come through your house are made to feel warm and welcome, so for every viewing that comes through, they get to feel welcome, even though you are now there.

Set out fresh cookies on the kitchen counter with a sign saying “help yourself.” Even put on a fresh pot of coffee, now only will it make for a nice touch, but everyone loves the smell of coffee and it will help make it feel more homely. You could even consider setting out water bottles or a basket of fruit. Regardless of what you choose to do, a tiny bit of extra effort will help you stand out from the competition and could go a long way in helping you sell your home fast.

Price to sell

One thing that can really speed your selling process is pricing your home competitively. Overpricing will lead to more time on the market, and ultimately, you may end up selling at that lower price anyway — it’ll just take you longer to get there.

You may even want to price your home a little lower than comparable homes in your area to drum up interest and cause a bidding war. The effectiveness of this strategy depends on the state of your local property market, so it might be a good idea to seek advice from your chosen estate agent.

Handle any quick repairs

While you don’t have time for major renovations, it’s still important to take care of any easy fixes that might deter potential buyers:

• Patch up spots where paint is peeled or scratched.
• Fix loose tiles.
• Repair loose door handles.
• Tighten leaky faucets.

You may also want to invest in a few minor upgrades that will make your home show better:

• Apply a fresh coat of paint inside.
• Install new hardware on kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
• Swap out old or outdated light fixtures.
• Purchase matching (newer) appliances.

Stage and add curb appeal

No matter your timeline, every seller can benefit from a weekend spent sprucing up their home’s interior and exterior. After all, making a good first impression with buyers is crucial.

Hire a professional photographer

It may seem faster (and cheaper) to snap a few pictures of your house on your phone, but poor listing photos could make your home sit on the market longer.

These days, most estate agents will provide professional photos of your home for you. If they don’t then you might want to consider switching estate agents.

Before images are taken, make sure your home has plenty of light. Open the blinds, replace old lightbulbs or update fixtures, and let in as much natural light as possible. This is also a best practice for listing appointments!

10 Essential Factors to Consider When Selling Your Property

Selling a property can be a significant decision, both emotionally and financially. To ensure a successful sale, we’ve gathered insights from top estate agents to highlight the ten essential elements you should consider when selling your property. By understanding these key aspects, you can confidently navigate the selling process and make informed decisions that will help you achieve your goals.

Setting the Right Price

Determining the right price for your property is paramount. Top estate agents emphasise the importance of conducting a thorough market analysis to understand trends, recent sales, and demand. They recommend pricing your property competitively. Setting a realistic and enticing price will attract potential buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale.

Enhancing Curb Appeal

First impressions matter when selling a property. Estate agents advise investing in enhancing your property’s curb appeal to create an inviting and attractive exterior. This can include simple tasks such as maintaining a well-manicured lawn, decluttering the front yard, and applying fresh paint to the façade. A visually appealing property is more likely to catch the attention of prospective buyers and generate a positive initial impression.

Staging the Interior

Properly staging the interior of your property can significantly impact buyers’ perception and the overall sale process. Estate agents recommend decluttering and depersonalising the space, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves living in the property. They suggest rearranging furniture, adding tasteful décor, and ensuring optimal lighting to highlight the property’s best features. Professional staging can make a substantial difference in attracting buyers and increasing the perceived value of your property.

Conducting Necessary Repairs and Maintenance

Addressing any necessary repairs and maintenance tasks is crucial when selling a property. Top estate agents stress the importance of fixing issues such as leaky faucets, broken windows, or damaged flooring. Taking care of these repairs enhances the overall appeal and instils confidence in potential buyers, showing them that the property has been well-maintained.

Hiring a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent

Collaborating with a knowledgeable real estate agent is invaluable when selling your property. Experienced agents bring expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills. They assist with pricing strategies, marketing your property effectively, and managing inquiries and negotiations. Working with a reputable agent ensures that your property receives maximum exposure and increases the likelihood of a successful sale.

Creating an Effective Marketing Strategy

A comprehensive and tailored marketing strategy is essential to attract potential buyers. Estate agents recommend professional photography, well-written property descriptions, and high-quality online listings. They may suggest additional marketing channels such as social media, targeted advertising, or open houses. By implementing an effective marketing strategy, you can reach a broader audience and generate more interest in your property.

Considering the Timing of the Sale

The timing of your property sale can impact the level of demand and competition. When deciding the optimal time to list your property, estate agents advise considering market conditions, seasonal fluctuations, and local factors. Understanding the market dynamics allows you to strategically position your property for a timely sale and secure a better price.

Preparing Necessary Documentation

Properly preparing the necessary documentation is essential for a smooth selling process. Estate agents recommend gathering documents such as property deeds, warranties, permits, and tax information. Having these documents readily available streamlines the transaction process and instils confidence in potential buyers, demonstrating your commitment to transparency and professionalism.

Negotiating Effectively

Effective negotiation skills are crucial for achieving a successful sale. Top estate agents suggest being open to negotiations while having clear priorities and boundaries. They recommend considering offers holistically, considering the price and other terms and conditions. Estate agents facilitate negotiations and ensure a fair and beneficial outcome.

Managing the Closing Process

The closing process can be intricate, involving legal and financial procedures. Estate agents guide you through this process, coordinating with lawyers, inspectors, appraisers, and other professionals. They help ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time, facilitating a smooth and efficient closing.

Conclusion

Selling a property requires careful consideration of multiple factors to achieve a successful outcome. By taking into account these ten essential factors, including setting the right price, enhancing curb appeal, staging the interior, conducting necessary repairs, hiring a knowledgeable real estate agent, creating an effective marketing strategy, considering the timing of the sale, preparing necessary documentation, negotiating effectively, and managing the closing process, you can navigate the selling process with confidence. Relying on the insights and expertise of top estate agents will help you make informed decisions and maximise your chances of a successful and profitable property sale.

Strategies for Long-Term Financial Success

Real estate has long been considered a lucrative investment avenue, providing the potential for long-term financial success. However, navigating the complex world of real estate investing requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. In this article, we will explore expert strategies for investing in real estate to achieve long-term financial success. By understanding these strategies, you can make informed investment choices and build a robust real estate portfolio that generates sustainable wealth over time.

 

Set Clear Investment Goals

Before diving into real estate investing, it’s essential to set clear investment goals. Expert investors emphasise the importance of defining your objectives, whether it’s generating rental income, long-term appreciation, or diversifying your investment portfolio. Clearly articulating your goals will guide your investment decisions and help you stay focused on the desired outcomes.

 

Conduct Thorough Market Research

Thorough market research is crucial for identifying the most promising investment opportunities. Expert real estate investors recommend studying market trends, analysing supply and demand dynamics, and assessing economic factors that impact the local real estate market. This knowledge allows you to target areas with potential for growth and identify properties that align with your investment goals.

 

Choose the Right Property Type

Selecting the right property type is a critical decision in real estate investing. Experts suggest considering factors such as location, rental demand, and property condition. Options may include residential properties, commercial properties, multi-family units, or even niche sectors like student housing or vacation rentals. Each property type has its own dynamics and potential returns, so thorough analysis and consideration are essential.

 

Evaluate Potential Cash Flow

Cash flow is a vital aspect of real estate investing. Before making a purchase, expert investors analyse the potential rental income against expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Positive cash flow ensures that the property generates income after expenses, contributing to long-term financial success.

 

Leverage Financing Options

Leveraging financing options can enhance your real estate investment potential. Experts advise exploring various financing avenues, such as traditional mortgages, commercial loans, or partnerships with other investors. Assessing the financing landscape and understanding interest rates, loan terms, and repayment schedules allows you to optimise your investment returns.

 

Perform Due Diligence

Thorough due diligence is essential to mitigate risks in real estate investing. Expert investors recommend conducting property inspections, analysing market comparables, reviewing financial statements, and assessing the property’s legal and regulatory compliance. This comprehensive analysis ensures that you make informed investment decisions and minimise potential pitfalls.

 

Implement a Long-Term Investment Strategy

Real estate investing is a long-term endeavour, and experts stress the importance of implementing a strategic approach. This may include diversifying your portfolio, reinvesting profits, and leveraging the power of compounding returns. Aligning your investment strategy with your goals and staying committed to a long-term vision is key to achieving sustained financial success.

 

Focus on Property Management

Efficient property management plays a crucial role in real estate investing. Experts emphasise the importance of selecting reliable property management services or developing strong management skills if you plan to self-manage. Effective property management ensures the property is well-maintained, tenants are satisfied, and rental income is maximised.

 

Stay Informed and Adapt

The real estate market is dynamic, and successful investors stay informed about industry trends and changing market conditions. Experts recommend continuous education, networking with fellow investors, and staying updated on legal and regulatory changes. Being adaptable and willing to adjust strategies based on market shifts allows you to seize new opportunities and mitigate potential risks.

 

Seek Professional Advice

Seeking professional advice is invaluable in real estate investing. Experts suggest consulting with real estate agents, financial advisors, and legal professionals who specialise in real estate transactions. Their expertise and experience can provide valuable insights, help navigate complex processes, and ensure that your investment decisions align with your long-term goals.

 

Conclusion

Real estate investing offers tremendous potential for long-term financial success when approached strategically. By setting clear investment goals, conducting thorough market research, choosing the right property type, evaluating cash flow, leveraging financing options, performing due diligence, implementing a long-term investment strategy, focusing on property management, staying informed, and seeking professional advice, you can build a robust real estate portfolio that generates sustainable wealth over time. With expert strategies and a disciplined approach, real estate investing can be a powerful pathway to achieving your financial goals and securing long-term financial success.

How to Keep The London Property Market Moving

A property chain is a term used to describe a group of buyers and sellers buying and selling properties from each other. Each party is linked together in a ‘chain’. The chain has a beginning, a first-time buyer for example, and an end, someone who is selling and is not buying on. The rest of the chain is made up of people who need to both buy and sell.

In theory, there could be any number of links in a given property chain, which can make them problematic at the same time. If one person forgets to return a signed document on time, the whole process could be delayed for everyone. Or even worse, if just one person changes their mind about their purchase or has their mortgage application rejected, the chain breaks down completely.

Your chain can only move at the pace of the slowest party. So what can you do to prevent everything from grinding to a complete standstill?

Firstly, if you have a good estate agent, your chain should be progressed efficiently. However, it only takes one party in the chain to not be efficient in responding to their conveyancer’s requests to slow things down. Unfortunately, some of these matters will be out of your control, but there are some things you can do yourself to help progress your part of the chain.

>Employ a good, experienced estate agent and conveyancer/property solicitor. Ask them how long they have been doing the job for and how busy they are.

>Speak to your agent and conveyance regularly. Ask if there is anything they or you should be doing. Email is great for this; not so intrusive but reminding them to keep you updated.

>Get your finances in place early, especially cash for your deposit at the time of exchange.

>File everything. Keep copies of all correspondence relating to the sale of your property and the purchase of your new property, from all parties.

>Sign, date any paperwork promptly, including copies of your correspondence and notes of telephone conversations.

>Sign and return all of your paperwork promptly. Deliver documents by hand, courier or special delivery.

>Put clauses in your buying and selling contracts stating the dates of exchange, surveys and completion.

>Make clear your expectations, via your agent and conveyancer, on dates. Once a survey has been signed-off, and your mortgage has been approved, you can begin to talk about dates for exchange and completion. In a long chain, getting everyone to move at the same pace is difficult. Those higher up the chain will have agreed their sale/purchase later than you and will be behind you with mortgage applications, surveys, etc.

If you’re already in the middle of a sale or purchase and looking for guidance on what you can do to help keep your chain moving, the only real option you have, other than those mentioned here, is to chase up those who are falling short.

There are things you can do to help get it back on track. Communication is key to property chains keeping intact. Communicate, communicate, communicate. If you’ve chosen a good conveyancer, they’ll be happy to talk to you whenever and however it suits you. The key is to stay well informed and keep communicating, and always make sure to do your bit. Make a point of reviewing your tasks daily. If your ‘to do’ list is empty, call your conveyancer and ask if there’s anything else you could be doing.

No one can predict the future and therefore, although you may come across issues, sometimes it is difficult to foresee them. Just because one of the situations does arise, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be overcome. A lot will come down to making the right choice when selecting your estate agent and conveyancer, but you can also do your bit by being proactive, too.

I hope this helps!

If you’re looking for help in selling your home, I cover Willesden, Cricklewood, Dollis Hill, West Hampstead, Kensal Green, Queens Park and the surrounding areas.

What Can You do to Your Property With No Planning Permission?

When you decide to start making changes to your home, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘Do I need permission for this?’

Fortunately, there are many things you can do without any planning permission at all. After all, you did buy your property, so it does belong to you.

There are many reasons you might want to make changes to your home. You may want more space for a growing family, you may have run out of storage, or you might need office space for a new small business venture.

Of course, there are restrictions on the right to a PD, especially if you live in the Conservation Area or if you have already made numerous changes to your home. Larger and more significant projects or adding large extensions will require planning approval. Always check everything before you start working to avoid inconvenience.

Whatever your reason, here are some developments you can do without having any permission from the powers that be.

Internal remodelling

If you wish to develop the inside of your home, you can do so long as the development doesn’t involve the expansion of space. However, you will need Building Regulations approval for structural elements and electrical work.

Windows and doors

You do not need permission to move, replace or add new windows to the original walls of your home. So long as you don’t live in a listed building same goes for double-glazing. Bay windows, however, will require permission, as they are considered an extension. You may need planning permission to add or replace windows if the conditions were attached to the original permission, in which case it is a good idea to check with local authorities what the conditions are.

Loft conversion

You won’t need planning permission to get extra space by converting a loft. Loft conversions are a great way to create more space in your home for a bedroom or lounge area. A dormer window also does not require permission. But they must not sit more than the highest part of the existing roof or extend towards the plane of the roof at the main elevation.

How to Pick the Ideal Estate Agent For Your North London Home?

If you are looking to put your North London home on the market this year you’re probably going to need the help of a local estate agent. However, before you go for any old estate agent, here are some tips to help you choose the right estate agent for you and your property.

How to Prepare Your London Home For a Sale?

Properly preparing your home before it is listed is critical to ensuring it attracts the most amount of interest possible. This usually means a faster sale, and maybe even a bidding war – which could end up with a higher than expected offer on the table!

The basic rules of prepping your house for sale

Before we dive into the steps of prepping your home for sale, let’s go over the general rules first. In general, the goal of prepping your house should be to:

• Create a clean, clutter-free environment. Nothing makes a home look more poorly maintained than dirt, clutter, and overall messiness. A clean environment gives buyers confidence in the property and its condition.
• Offer a neutral colour palette. Prospective buyers need to be able to envision themselves in the home, and that’s hard to do if there’s a bright green wall and crazy, patterned wallpaper staring them in the face.
• Put yourself in a buyer mindset. Think like a buyer when prepping your home. What would they like? What would give them pause? Let that drive your preparations.
• Minimise where possible. The less furniture, decor, and personal items you have out, the better. In fact, it might even make your home look larger.
• Emphasise curb appeal. First impressions are everything. Make sure your home’s curb appeal makes a good one.
• Ensure your home is photogenic. A picture is worth a thousand words. Make sure your home lends itself to high-quality photos that will really make your listing shine.
• Address obvious repairs. If there’s a broken window, dent in the door, or nonworking faucet, fix it before you list the home. You can bet it will show up on the buyer’s inspection and need fixing anyway.
• Add little details and touches that matter. At the end of the day, the property needs to feel like a potential home to buyers. Small touches like fresh flowers or the smell of warm cookies can make all the difference.
• Prep yourself and your family – particularly for the showing aspect of selling a house. What’s your exit strategy? Where will you go during showings, and how will you keep the place clean? Having a plan in place is vital before you open your doors to prospective buyers.

What other preparations can you make prior to putting your property on the market?

Identify repairs and make a plan

Normal wear and tear can add up, especially if you’ve lived in your home for a long period of time. From a door that squeaks to a window that sticks or a toilet that runs until you jiggle the handle, it’s easy to ignore minor issues that seem like quirks.

Buyers, however, may see these quirks as problems that lower the value of your home or as bargaining chips during the closing process. If you have too many noticeable repairs, buyers may also wonder if more serious issues lurk below the surface, and that could prevent them from making a good offer.

Declutter and clean – make it feel spacious

Big kitchens, bathrooms and storage tend to be big selling points so it can help to make your rooms look as spacious as possible. Professional home stagers recommend that you remove 50% of your items.

Go through your home, decluttering and organising spaces. Don’t just shove belongings in closets, cabinets, attics and basements, as buyers look inside all of those places. Use storage bins that can be tucked under beds or neatly stacked in a basement or closet.

Decluttering also includes furniture. The scale of your pieces should match the size of the room, and buyers should be able to easily walk around spaces without bumping into furniture. Make sure furnishings don’t block doors, windows or architectural features. In a small living room, for example, consider removing end tables or accent chairs. Such moves aren’t convenient, but remember, they’re temporary.

Depersonalise your home and help buyers to see its full potential

In addition to cleaning and decluttering, you should consider depersonalising your home. The goal when selling is to have a buyer fall in love with your house, picturing themselves living there and imagining their belongings inside. That can be difficult if your home has your personal stamp all over it.

Also, consider updating your accessories and furnishings if your décor is outdated or avant-garde. You don’t want buyers to miss out on key features of your home because they’re distracted by your belongings.

Paint where it needs it most

A fresh coat of paint can make a home feel new. In fact, painting is one of the most common recommendations estate agents make to sellers before they list. Paint can help small rooms appear larger and highlight architectural details. Be mindful of your colour choice, however. It is recommended that you use warm neutral colours, such as beige, tan, gold and gray. Because these shades go with anything, they can help buyers to picture their belongings in your home.

Set the stage

Now comes the final step: staging your home. The goal is to create a great first impression so that buyers put your home at the top of their list. On average, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than those that aren’t staged.

You don’t need to stage your entire home. Focus instead on rooms that impress buyers most, such as the kitchen, living room and bathrooms. In the kitchen, for example, place a bowl of fresh fruit on the countertop and set the table with beautiful dinnerware and linens. It is always a good idea to leave cookies and a fresh pot of coffee with a “help yourself” sign. Not only is this a nice touch, but everyone loves the smell of fresh coffee!

In the living room, toss a decorative blanket on the arm of the sofa and add a vase of fresh flowers to the coffee table. Update bathrooms with fluffy new towels and display a dish of decorative soaps.

Put a tray with a book and teapot on the edge of the master bed. Create a single focal point in each room, hanging a simple piece of artwork that enhances your staging, or highlighting architectural details, such as a fireplace or beautiful windows.

Keep it clean and consistent

Once your home is ready to sell, the trick can be maintaining that level of repair and decoration. Viewing requests can happen at a moment’s notice, and you won’t always have time to ready your home.

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Control of clutter by putting things away when you’re done using them. Enlist the whole family, so the responsibility is shared. Make a habit of wiping kitchen and bathroom fixtures and surfaces daily. Keep wastebaskets emptied. Vacuum or sweep before you leave the house. Keep your garden tidy and remove weeds every week. Keep your walkway and porch clean and accessible.

If you have children, keeping things tidy can be more challenging. Streamline their toys for the time being, or create a rule around how many toys can be out

 

Estate Agent Terms You Should Know.

Communication is curial when buddying up with an estate agent to sell your property, and although it is the estate agent’s job to speak clearly so you have an understanding of what’s happening to your property and the market, it doesn’t hurt to know the terminology.

Let’s have a look at the most common and confusing terms here.

APRC

Annual Percentage Rate of Charge, the total cost of the credit to the consumer, expressed as an annual percentage of the total amount of credit, including interest and other charges applying.

Bridging Loan

A temporary loan is advanced to help buy a new property before the existing one has been sold.

Chain

A number of linked property sales where the exchange of contracts must take place simultaneously.

Closing Date

The date set for submission of offers when more than one party show interest in the property.

Completion Date

Completion of the legal transaction with all monies and documents having been distributed. This is also when the seller’s solicitor will instruct the estate agent to release the keys.

Conveyancer

A person other than a solicitor who may conduct the conveyancing.

Conveyancing

The legal work involved in buying and selling properties.

Covenant

A condition contained within the Title Deeds or lease, that the buyer must comply with, which is usually applied to all future owners of the property. A restrictive covenant is one that prohibits the owner from doing something.

Disbursements

Fees, such as Stamp Duty, Land Registry and search fees on top of conveyancing which you normally pay via your solicitor.

Draft Contract

Unconfirmed version of the contract.

Early Repayment Charge

A charge made by the lender if the borrower terminates a mortgage in advance of the terms of the particular mortgage. Normally occurs when the borrower has benefited from reduced payments or cash back in the early period of a mortgage.

FIMBRA

Financial Intermediaries Managers & Brokers Regulatory Authority.

Gazumping

The practice by a seller accepting a higher price than that previously agreed with someone else.

Gazundering

The practice by a buyer lowering his offer just before the exchange of contracts.

IFA

Independent Financial Advisor

IMRO

Investments Managers Regulatory Organisation. Regulates investment managers.

Joint Agency

Where two estate agents work together to market a property.

Joint Mortgage

A mortgage where there is more than one individual named responsible for the mortgage.

Land Certificate

A Land Registry certificate proving ownership of property.

Land Registry

The Government organisation that holds records of all registered properties in England and Wales.

LAUTRO

Life Assurance Unit Trust Regulatory Organisation.

Maintenance Charge

A charge made towards the upkeep of a leasehold property.

Missives Concluded

Scotland only. The solicitors must agree on the written negotiations of the sale – the ‘missives’. This can only be done once a mortgage offer is received. When the missives are agreed, this is known as ‘conclusion of missives’. Both parties are now legally bound to the sale/purchase.

Mortgage Deed

A legal document relating to the mortgage lender’s interest in the property.

Mortgage Offer

A formal written offer made by a bank or building society to lend an approved amount to purchase a property.

Multi-Agency

The selection of two or more estate agents to act on the seller’s behalf, usually incurring a higher fee than if the sale is completed by a sole agency.

Negative Equity

When the value of a property is less than the outstanding sum owed on a mortgage.

Ombudsman

Independent professional bodies who investigate complaints on behalf of customers against estate agents, solicitors and insurance companies.

Part-possession

The term is used when a property is being sold, where a tenant has a legal right of occupation.

Private Treaty

The way in which most house sales are completed in England and Wales.

Repayment Mortgage

Your monthly repayment includes part interest and part capital repayment. So long as you meet all of the payments required by the lender on time, your mortgage will gradually reduce until it is repaid in full at the end of the mortgage term.

Repossession

When loans are in default the mortgage lender can repossess the property and sell it so they can repay the debt.

Retention

Holding back part of a mortgage loan until repairs to the property are satisfactorily completed.

Subject to Conclusion of Missives

Scotland only. These words are used to indicate that an agreement is not yet legally binding.

Title

The ultimate record of ownership of a property, the evidence of which is found in the title deeds.

Transfer Deeds

The Land Registry document that transfers legal ownership from seller to buyer.

Under Offer

When the seller has accepted an offer on the property but contracts have not yet been exchanged.

Variable Interest Rate

Rate of interest payment that fluctuates over time inline with general interest rates.

Vendor

The legal name sometimes used to describe the seller of the property.

Verbal Offer

Offer from prospective purchaser, not legally binding on either party.

Writ

Mode of commencing legal proceedings.

Buyers Market vs. Seller Market: What’s the Difference?

A buyers market describes an economic situation in which goods are plentiful, buyers have many options and prices are low because of excess supply relative to demand. A sellers market describes an economic situation where goods are scarce, the number of buyers is relatively few, and prices are high because demand exceeds supply. However, the difference between buyers markets and seller markets is not as straightforward as it may initially seem.

What is a buyer’s market?

In a buyer’s market, real estate is more affordable because supply exceeds demand. This means there are more homes on the market than there are buyers – putting downward pressure on prices.

In a buyer’s market, properties not only tend to sell for less, but they also tend to stay on the market longer before an offer is made. Less interest from buyers means vendors need to price their properties more competitively to sell within a reasonable timeframe.

Although a buyer’s market typically means properties are cheaper to buy, they also might not offer much growth potential in the short term if the market is continuing on a downward trajectory.

What is a seller’s market?

A seller’s market is the opposite of a buyer’s market in that demand exceeds supply, meaning vendors can usually sell their properties quickly and at a favourable price.

In a seller’s market, time on market tends to be low, while median home and unit prices are high. Under these conditions, vendors are less likely to budge on price simply because they have more negotiating power.

It’s also not uncommon for properties to sell above their list price in a seller’s market as buyers compete for the hottest commodities.

How to tell if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market

In most cases, property markets aren’t strictly favourable to buyers or sellers but rather a combination of both. For example, most UK cities have suburbs where demand is greater than supply and vice versa, creating pockets of both buyer’s markets and seller’s markets.

Tips for selling in a buyer’s market

In an ideal world, you would be able to sell during a seller’s market when property prices are at a peak and buyer demand is high. But there are a number of reasons why you might need to sell in a slow market, such as a change in family circumstances or because you’re moving to a different area. In any case, there are still things you can do to help secure the best price and sell within a reasonable timeframe, even in a buyer’s market:

Cast a wide net – Instead of waiting for prospective buyers to come to you, you’ll need to get in front of as many eyeballs as possible to improve your chances of selling. In addition to listing your property on the usual platforms, talk to your estate agent about marketing your property on places like social media and other community platforms to give it as much visibility as possible.

Have your home professionally staged – If you’re planning to sell your home, professional home staging can go a long way to getting you the maximum sale price. It helps accentuate the space and gives prospective buyers a view of your home as an attractive, modern space with plenty of lifestyle appeal.

Be flexible – You’ll want to take advantage of any potential opportunities that pop up, and that means being flexible and ready for inspections at any time. Keep on top of those little chores so your home is at least largely presentable for any prospective buyer who wants to make a last-minute viewing, as it takes only one to make the sale.

Consider incentives – Buyers are more likely to ask for incentives in a buyer’s market, so consider offering a couple of incentives upfront. This could be anything from throwing in the dishwasher and fridge with the property to offering to pay council rates for the first few months after the sale. Think about what you can do to sweeten the deal and get an edge over comparable properties in the area.

Choose a trusted estate agent – Don’t just go with the most recognisable estate agents by default. Make sure to do your research and ask the right questions when evaluating estate agents so you can be confident the person you choose has an in-depth knowledge of your market and a solid track record.