London & Norfolk
020 7924 4181
sales@markhillier.com
lettings@markhillier.com

Mark Hillier’s Tip’s For Buying & Selling before Christmas – You Still Have Time!

As we approach the festive season, time is of the essence for anyone looking to sell or buy before Christmas Day.  However, despite this seems to be the impossible, there is still a window of opportunity.

With only 6 weeks till Christmas, we have provided simple guide lines that will ensure your sale or new purchase can be achieved without the additional stress: –

SELLER’S

Choose the Right Agent

A good agent with local and in depth knowledge will communicate with you often, give honest feedback from each viewing and be proactive in their approach, which is vital for a swift sale.

Realistic Pricing

Over ambitious pricing could put potential buyers off. If you place the property at a competitive price, you may get buyers competing which often results in offers above the asking price.

Paperwork

Make sure you include a fittings and fixtures list, the energy performance certificate (EPC) which is legally required, and details of anything you are not including in the sale. If you’ve carried out any works on the property, make sure you have all the relevant planning permission and consent, building certificates and any guarantees on windows, doors etc… Instruct your solicitor to pay for the local authority searches, which is valid for three months, which can be passed onto your buyers to avoid any delays on this matter.

Tidy Your Home

First impressions are vital, so touch up paintwork and de-clutter. Move around furniture to define spaces, consider the available light and space. If the rooms seem light and airy they will be more appealing to buyers.

Be Patient 

November / December can be a good time to sell as those searching at this time of year are typically more serious about the house hunt. They may include families relocating for job changes and those who’ve recently sold and are urgently on the lookout for a new home. You may have fewer viewings, but they will probably be more genuine.

Appoint a Solicitor

This is absolutely essential to a quick move. A slow solicitor will frustrate both buyer and seller and could even scupper a sale, so act quickly. It’s important to research firms and ask for recommendations from your agent.  Try to avoid appointing a family solicitor, as time is precious and sometimes this can lead to a slower process which could jeopardise being in your new home before Christmas.

Be As FlexibleAs Possible

With many sellers deterred from putting their house on the market so close to Christmas, there can be less competition. An accommodating vendor, who allows for viewings at irregular hours for example, could help clinch a sale.

Know Your Target Market

A good agent who understands your motivation will consult with you about your target market. If you are attracting interest from young families for example, it may be worth turning a study into a bedroom / nursery so they can see the value of the space.

Plan Ahead

Quick sales often mean exchange of contracts in the same week or even the same day. Be prepared and book a removals firm in advance to avoid disappointment.

BUYER’S

Find a Solicitor 

Appoint a solicitor immediately as the success of a purchase is all down to them.  A good one will reduce the likelihood of gazumping.

Funding in Place

Failure to secure a mortgage, or one that is big enough for your dream home, is the single largest cause of collapsed house purchases. You could approach a lender directly or use a mortgage broker who will shop around on your behalf. Get a written agreement in principle from a lender before you even look for properties. This will mean you are considered “a serious buyer” by estate agents acting for sellers.

Avoid Any Problem

Flats with unusual features such as short leases, flying freeholds or disputed rights of way can lead to acrimonious and expensive delays.  Choose an uncomplicated property.

Book the Removal Company

The final moving day is 23rd December, so book now and ask the firm to pack your goods too as they will be quicker than you. Inform mail deliverers and utility companies of your new address.

If you are thinking of selling or letting your property, please do not hesitate to Contact us today for a free market appraisal and find out how Mark Hillier can assist you.

London Office: 

T:  020 7924 4181

E:   sales@markhillier.com or lettings@markhillier.com

Norfolk Office:  

T:  01508 218398

E:  sales@markhillier.com or lettings@markhillier.com
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