For most people, dealing with property isn’t something you do on a daily basis, and yet selling up and moving home is potentially one of the biggest decisions you can make. This means that no matter how far up the property ladder you might be, selling or buying a house can be a daunting process.
But Coleman Estates are here to help with our team of experts ready to offer insider advice on the best practices to follow. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or downsizing for retirement, we can help you find your dream home and secure the best price for your property.
The first step to buying a home is to have a clear understanding of where you stand financially. First-time buyers will need to save up for a deposit, but there are also other costs like Stamp Duty, solicitor’s fees and moving vans. Lots of buyers forget to factor these in when calculating how much they need to save, and it’s easy to get caught out by them.
If you’re going to need a mortgage, then it’s also a good idea to get your mortgage in principle before you start looking. This will help you set a realistic budget, while also showing sellers that you’re serious about making an offer. Once you have an offer accepted, remember that the banks will want to see your last few statements to carry out an affordability assessment, so try to avoid any large or risky purchases.
It’s also extremely important to make sure you research the solicitors you want to work with. They are the ones who will handle your purchase, so you’ll want to find professionals who have an excellent track record for customer service. So, what should you look out for?
Make sure they’re communicative and will keep you up to date with every step of the process. You should also try and choose someone from your area, as they will have local knowledge about anything which could impact your progress. The best thing to do is to ask friends and family for recommendations, only going with a solicitor who you feel will make every effort to make the transaction go as smoothly as possible.
Before you begin your search, make a list of priorities starting with the neighbourhood. Look into school districts to make sure you get the right postcode and check out things like public transport routes, gyms and parks. Remember, you’re also buying the lifestyle that comes with the property, so finding your dream home shouldn’t mean sacrificing hobbies or having an extra-long commute.
When you have your neighbourhood narrowed down, you can start thinking about must-haves for the property itself. This could be anything from a garden to an ensuite or even the potential to extend in the future. Deciding what you want from your property will help narrow down your search and save some time.
You should also consider the type of property you want. Both new builds and older properties have good and bad sides to weigh up, and going back to your list of priorities can help you decide which is right for you. New builds come with help-to-buy schemes which make them a fantastic option for first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder. They’re also brand new, have no chains and are ready to move into without any decorating.
On the other hand, an older property is ideal if you want a project where you can put your own stamp on the place. They also tend to be in better locations with larger gardens, and you can usually find ways to improve the interior and increase the value. The profits you make could then be used to move you further up the property ladder towards your forever home.
Regardless of the age of the property, bear in mind that the décor can be easily changed, so focus on the physical space that’s available. We suggest looking at floor plans and arranging more than one viewing to make sure the property is right for you.
Selling a house is all about making it as attractive as possible. Many buyers will drive by to check out the neighbourhood, which means you’ll want to make sure your property has great kerb appeal. Make a strong first impression by clearing away the weeds, keeping bins tidy and adding some annuals by the front door. This will show buyers that your property has been well looked after, setting the tone for the rest of their viewing.
Inside, make sure to clean your property from top to bottom. This is one of the most important steps in selling a house and can have a big impact on the speed and price of your sale. This is because clean properties feel more inviting and have fewer distractions, meaning buyers can appreciate the true potential of your property. It also shows that you’re willing to help make the moving process that much easier for them.
Putting your property on the market for the right price is key when it comes to securing a sale. The risk with going too high is that you might deter potential buyers, while going too low could lose you your profits. With this in mind, research is essential for finding the right price.
Nowadays, sites like Rightmove give buyers easy access to all the information they need about recent sales in your area, which means they’ll know what a typical house like yours sells for around your neighbourhood. Keep an eye on the competition and compare recently sold properties with your own to get a realistic idea of what buyers are willing to pay.
Buying a house is a big decision, which means that selling one can take some time. Buyers might love your property and seem keen during the viewing, but there are other external factors they need to consider which can affect their decision to make an offer. Don’t be disheartened; the right person will come along.
When buyers do make offers, they generally try going lower than the asking price. They’re also looking to get the best deal they can and usually expect there to be a little wiggle room for negotiation, but if they’re genuinely interested, they may come back at a later date with a price closer to what you’re looking for. Just remember, they wouldn’t have made the offer if your property wasn’t right for them.
While selling a property can take time, choosing the right estate agent will have a big impact on this. You need a team who are going to be proactive in finding you a serious buyer, using all the right marketing tools to show off your property at its best. Before choosing who to go with, check out their current instructions to get an idea of the type of properties they handle. This will give you a good indication of the sort of buyers they have on their contact list.
You should also choose a team with excellent negotiation and communication skills. When you get an offer, they should be able to negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible price for your property. They should also be responsive to both yourself and potential buyers, as the longer communication takes, the more chance buyers have to change their minds.
If you’re thinking about selling your Shropshire property or looking to move to the area, then contact our friendly team here at Coleman Estates. We have a range of sales packages available, all of which come with expert advice from Telford’s best rated estate agent to make sure you enjoy a stress-free sale and quick completion. Get in touch and find out why the Best Estate Agents Guide voted us one of the top estate agents in the country.
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