❤️ Roses are red, violets are blue, if you're looking to move, then we'll help you ❤️
It can be hard to find THE ONE! You keep scrolling and swiping left more than you are right through some potentials that match your criteria, maybe saving a few to favourites. You dream. Then the next time you look, your favourite has gone and been snapped up by someone else! Here are a few tips on how to never miss out again...(on your dream home)
It is a big commitment and most likely signifies some huge change in your life so it may take some time to prepare, plan and be sure you are making the right decision. Here are a few tips to help you plan ahead and ensure that when you find your dream home, you are ready to move, most likely to have your offer accepted and make the process as stress free as possible.
Research the local market
Whether you are looking to stay in your local area or move further afield, it is good to get an idea of what is coming to market, prices, see roughly how long it takes properties to sell and try to decide your wishlist criteria. You might be dreaming of a bigger garden, undercover parking (or the space to build one) to save time on those frosty winter mornings, something closer to schools or even your favourite local pub!
Action: Very few agents use all 3 of the major portals (OnTheMarket, Zoopla and Rightmove), so we suggest you sign up for alerts with all of them.
Some agents, Sandersons included, send alerts to anyone registered with them for premium viewing BEFORE they are launched to the main portals. Some properties do get snapped up early so it is worth registering direct with any local agents with the technology to facilitate not only pre-portal alerts, but alerts which actually meet the criteria you set when you register.
Organise your home, de-clutter and get on top of general maintenance
Ultimately you are inviting someone else to imagine living in your home.
They find this much easier to do this if the property is clean as it makes it more appealing and welcoming.
They are more likely to picture themselves living there with minimalist personal possessions and ‘clutter’ on show. It is advisable to tidy anything distracting away for photographs and viewings so buyers can focus on how they see themselves living there.
Don't feel like you need to put in a new kitchen or bathroom to be able to sell your property as it is not always a good investment. This is often one of the main things people like to change anyway to suit their taste and lifestyle.
By presenting as blank a canvas as possible, they can imagine the space furnished with their possessions and consider any changes they might make to suit them.
Action: Make a plan and get started as soon as you can. Click here for more detail on how to prepare your property for marketing.
Timings
The process of selling and moving is rarely instantaneous. The industry averages are as follows taking into account the time to find a buyer followed by time to progress the sale to exchange of contracts and completion:
- Industry average time to secure an offer - 45-60 days (around 1.5-2 months).
- Time for conveyancing and legal processes - 8-12 weeks (around 2-3 months).
= Total average time from listing to completion: 4-5 months
It can of course be more than this if you end up being involved in a long chain which is dependent on multiple other transactions going through successfully. Or it may even be within weeks (like in this case study) if the marketing and pricing for selling your property is spot on and you find a proceedable buyer with straightforward or cash free financing. We always advise people work to the industry average as a minimum but know there are decisions you can make during the process which can also determine the overall time it takes.
Action: Take some time to work out when you ideally want to be in your new home or any upcoming deadlines such as closing dates for applications to local schools, holidays, Christmas, milestone events etc. You can then work backwards to plan a worst case scenario when you might need to thinking about getting your property ready to market.
Valuations on your own property
It will help you with planning your onward purchase budget if you have an idea of what you are likely achieve for your existing property. It is worth inviting 2-3 agents out for a market appraisal and to find out more about what they offer.
The quality of service, marketing, photography/videography, communication and sales progression (critical period between offer accepted, exchange of contracts & completion) is likely to vary quite significantly and should be reflected in the fee. Also consider what is important to you during the process about the agents involvement- this can determine if a corporate agent with a standardised approach or independent agent with a bespoke and personal service is right for you. They will also offer different contract terms which are worth checking and comparing as some (not Sandersons) may tie you into a sole agency agreement for up to 3-4 months.
Action: Start researching agents in your local area and read their Google reviews. If you are unsure which agents to invite, try searching on British Property Awards and Best Estate Agent Guide to look out for any agents which feature on both as award winning agents.
Make yourself a proceedable buyer
This term is used regularly by Estate Agents for summarising a buyers current position and potential suitability for a property based on whether they are likely to be ready to commit to making an offer and moving.
When registering to view a property you may be asked some questions about your current situation. In some cases, if a vendor is looking for a quick sale they may not even entertain a viewing from someone who is not in a position to move quickly. They will also want to check if you have started to arrange finance with a Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) in place or proof of funds if a cash buyer.
Action: If you are serious about moving, we would suggest choosing an agent and allow them to start preparing marketing particulars for your property. Then at the point you are ready to start viewing and making offers as you've received a new alert for your dream property you are in a strong, proceedable position as your property can be live within minutes.
