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Top Tips for House Viewings

December 17, 2011 By ABarnes

Buying a house is a huge deal. For most people it is the most expensive purchase they make in a lifetime and it is not a decision to take lightly. If you are uprooting a family for the move it is even more important to get it right so that you and your children settle in and adjust to the changes as easily as possible. Here are some top tips for when you start to visit properties you are considering buying in order to help you to make a decision:

  1. Dig deep when you talk to the estate agents: how long has the house been on the market? What are the circumstances surrounding the sale? How much interest has there been?

  2. Sort your budget out. Make sure you are realistic about your mortgage options so that you don’t end up disappointed and frustrating the vendors.

  3. Take a drive and a walk past the property at different times of the day and evening including mid week and the weekends. It is worth seeing what goes on in the surrounding area and getting a feel for the neighbours.

  4. If you think you might want to extend or do a loft conversion at some point have a look at similar properties and see what they have done. You can also sometimes have an off the record chat with the local planning department.

  5. Try to imagine yourself living there. Where will you park your cars? Which bedroom will each member of the family inhabit? Where will you store the ironing board?!

  6. What will you have to buy in order to get the place how you want it: consider beds on finance if cash-flow is an issue, Bensonsforbeds.co.uk have a great range of options.

  7. If you and your partner have a specific list of must-haves for the new house, does this property tick enough boxes for you both?

  8. What’s your gut feeling? Take the whole family round and get a vibe for the place: it has to feel right or it’s not right for you.

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The right sofa for you

December 13, 2011 By ABarnes

So, you’ve decided to change your furniture in your living room and you’re not sure what sofa is best for you and your family.

There are so many shapes and sizes of sofa available today that the choice can be rather bewildering.

It helps to empty your living room of all the furniture that is going to be replaced and then look at the space you have available. Take measurements of the room and remember to take note of potential obstacles – like a low level window or a radiator that you don’t want to block with a sofa.

Then it’s time for the fun bit.  Search online for some different sofa sales and stores and get a feeling of which retailers’ products you like. Take a few hours to do a tour of the shops you think may have what you want.

Corner sofas are very popular and come in a variety of sizes – you can get them with a chaise longue side and a sofa side, some come with seats that are recliners and others contain a sofa bed.  There are even options for clever storage under the cushions.

Traditional two-seater and three-seater sofas look good if you have a fireplace to put them either side of, or a big coffee table that you want to put in between them. You can also go for the more traditional choice of a sofa with two armchairs.

The kind of finish on the sofa you choose depends on your household. A fabric sofa can be very cosy and comfortable, but if you have small children you may find that light colours get marked easily.  If you are set on a light colour, make sure that you get it ‘scotchguarded’ before it’s delivered to protect the fabric.  Leather sofas always look smart and retain their shape really well.  They are also wipe-clean, so can be really practical.

Whichever style sofa you choose, make sure you plenty of time sitting on the showroom models to make sure they are as comfortable as they are good-looking!

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Pattern dilemmas in a living room

December 6, 2011 By ABarnes

So, you’ve decided to redecorate your living room or den, and give it a fresh new look and increase the chances of it selling.  One of the most common mistakes people make when decorating their home is using bold patterns, but instead of making a statement, they end up with a horrible mess of clashing swirls, patterns and colours.

It needn’t be this way.  Just take a little time to get coordinated, and decide which items you’re going to have patterned and what you’re going to keep plain. Get down to a sofas sale and look around for some inspirational ideas.

Think about how long you’re likely to leave the room once you’ve decorated – and what will wear best, the items of furniture like sofas and chairs, or the walls and the carpeting.

In general, people are likely to change pieces of furniture more often than the carpeting.  So it might make sense to get a nice plain colour for the carpet.

Walls are easier to change – if you’ve decorated with a bold pattern along one wall and you decide after a few months it’s a bit loud and makes your room less relaxing to be in, it’s a fairly simple process to cover it up with paint, or choose a different paper that is more gentle on the eye.

You’ve also got to take the other members of the family into your decision-making.  Decorating the room with beautiful floral patterns may appeal to you and your daughter, but what if your husband is having the boys over to watch the football for an evening – will he be embarrassed to bring them into this girly salon?

If you love patterns and everyone else wants something more restrained, then perhaps its best to put your statement patterns into the accessories in the room – the cushions on the sofa, a rug in front of the fireplace, that kind of thing.  They’ll be so much easier to replace with something new when you feel like ringing the changes again.

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Tips to make your bedroom stand out at house viewings

November 28, 2011 By ABarnes

We all know how tough the housing market is these days, and we all know how important it is that your house stands out. When people are on house-viewings they tend to forget house easily and after a while they all kind of merge together into one and they’ll usually go for the most memorable one. So the best advice I can give is that you start renovating your house room by room until it’s in a good enough state to have people over for a viewing. And if you don’t know where to start, just start with everyone’s favourite room: the bedroom.

Redecorating your bedroom doesn’t mean you need professional help to do it all. Some jobs are easy to tackle but with just a few handy tips in mind, you’ll be able to take on any new task. Preparation, first and foremost, and good planning is vital for any big job. To achieve the best outcome and for smooth running of a project as a whole, as boring and clichéd as it sounds, planning is a must.

There are a few things you need to consider when planning. Firstly, work to a budget. Write one down and do not exceed it however tempted you may be. Get a scrapbook and start a file of colour schemes and designs, get samples to stick on, put every idea in your head in this book, and consider a range of different looks. This way, when it comes to choosing which one to pick, you’ll have more of an idea of the finished product and what you are aiming to create.

Plan your time, get a diary, and decide when everything needs to be done. Make sure you stick by it at all times. Then, get organised. Make a list of all the tools you need and buy everything before you start so it’s all in hand and there’s no rushing and fussing over things whilst trying to complete the task. Safety is one thing everyone tends to forget; even some of the smallest tasks require it. When working, wear protective clothing to protect yourself from any potentially hazardous materials.

Finally, don’t waste money on things that you don’t need, spend your money on things you do need, like beds and go somewhere where you know you’ll get value for money like http://www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk. Make sure you buy only the tools you will genuinely need and don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need every latest gadget to paint your walls; a simple roller will do. You should also calculate how much paint or wallpaper you’ll require, as you don’t want to buy too many and be stuck with a bunch of paint pots you don’t need. After this has all been done, you should be ready and equipped with the knowledge to redecorate your bedroom.

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Preparing your property to sell

November 22, 2011 By ABarnes

If you want to sell your property, you need to think like a buyer.

So try and think back to exactly how you felt when you bought the property. What did you really fall in love with? What was going through your mind at the time you bought? What little things that worry you now about selling didn’t worry you at all at the time you bought?

Think all these things through then ask a friend (preferably one who hasn’t see your property much – or better yet, ever) to cast a critical eye over the place. Reassure them you won’t be affronted by their most candid observations. They need to be absolutely frank with you about every aspect of the property – including the asking price.

Now this latter point is vital. Obviously, price is the single main determining factor in selling your place, so you need to be realistic in understanding what the market will take. Take real advice form a real estate agent – and listen to it. Now set the lowest rice you’ll accept – add on 10% or so for a little wiggle room and don’t budge an inch!

Also – in preparing your property to sell, do all that work you’ve been meaning to. Scrub, polish and paint the place – or get someone else to – and make it look clean and tidy throughout. This stuff really does work at a subconscious level.

If you look to find David Lichtenstein, founder and boss of The Lightstone Real Estate group, he is interested in buying it at the price you’ve set – or some other successful and shrewd property mogul, big or small, then you’ll know you’re in the right ball park!

In other words, you need to do all you can to try and attract the most suitable buyers – at the right price. Remember; you buy and sell in the same market.

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Improve your property

November 10, 2011 By ABarnes

As anyone who has ever tried to sell a property will tell you, selling your home can be a stressful business. Showing group after group of people round your house can be tiring, and having someone show an interest, only to change their mind at the last minute, can be extremely frustrating. And if you’ve found the ideal new property to move into but can’t get out of your current home, it is nothing short of a nightmare.
This is especially true if you have no idea why your property won’t sell! Sure, the housing market is sluggish and money is tight for many, but you’re offering a fantastic property and you’re offering it at a highly reasonable price. So just what is the issue?
Well, it may be that the little things you don’t even notice are letting you down and getting in the way of you making that longed-for sale. Despite seeing a house that they know has great potential and is on the market for a very competitive amount, prospective buyers can be, almost subconsciously, put off by any lack of attention to detail when it comes to your home’s interior.
Things like faded wallpaper, peeling paintwork, a shabby old sofa bed or a scratched and worn coffee table can all be factors that build up, leaving potential buyers feeling unsure about your property and deciding that it might be great value, but it’s just not for them.
Take the time to spruce up your home by paying attention to these details and making sure you get down to a bit of home improvement where necessary. You may have to spend some money on new furnishings or décor, but it will all come back to you plus more when you sell your property at the price it deserves.

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SELLING PROPERTY

March 16, 2011 By admin

Finding a buyer for your property can be somewhat seasonal. Spring into Summer and early autumn are the best times. Try to get the maximum potential value and decide realistically how much you need to spend to make improvements.

First impressions are important when selling a house. Do not leave chipped woodwork or marks on walls. Kitchens and bathrooms should be spotlessly clean and shiny! No dripping taps! Kitchen doors can be painted or varnished and doorknobs replaced,without replacing the whole kitchen.
Rooms should have a specific purpose and be painted in a fairly neutral colour to maximise light and space. Use stronger colour for accessories and the occasional accent wall. Not everyone wants to move in a redecorate the whole house immediately. Keep the rooms as tidy as possible. Clutter will close in a room and buyers will not see the room as spacious and attractive.

Fireplaces are always worth careful consideration. They are a focal point in the room and there are some very attractive fireplaces around these days for both gas and solid fuel. Logburners are very popular and with winters being colder they could be a huge asset in securing a sale, especially if quite new. Another idea is to restore a fireplace using antique material from reclamation yards, which will give a total unique feel.
There are finishing tips such as using fresh flowers and fruit and most importantly do not have pets on the premises during viewings and keep pet areas odourless and hair free.
Try to be as helpful as possible to potential buyers. Offer information about local amenities and touching on running expenses can be a great help.

Always check the roof and guttering. Water causes wear and tear and it maybe that you need to replace tiles or lead flashing.

Make the garden area as attractive as possible. Lawn areas and shrubs should look tidy and try to bring colour into the garden where possible. Containers with attractive plant arrangements can be obtained at any time of year and they certainly add something to patio areas and or placed at the front door and on a patio can give the area a ‘lift’.

When selling a house, you will need an energy performance certificate. You must commission this before you put your home on the market but you do not have to have received it. A good place to find this information is a government website called directgov.co.uk.

The method used can vary. An estate agents is more expensive but they will take full responsibility for selling the property, negotiating a price, taking buyers around and advertising. If you are going to try to do it yourself consider how much time you have, to devote to the process and deal with problems.
When it comes to deciding the price of your house, you can ask an estate agent to do it for you, free of charge. You then need to draw up a list of fixtures and fittings, which an estate agent will ask for in the description. Carpets and curtains are either fixtures or for separate negotiation.
Estate agents calculate their fees on the final selling price of the property usually between one and a half and two and a half percent.

The agent will discuss the type of agreement with you either sole or joint agency. Under joint agency you are asking more than one agent to sell the property and they will share the commission fees regardless of who sells it, so the fees for sale are likely to be higher.
All agents must belong to a redress scheme approved by The Office of Fair Trading. If you have a complaint about an agent you can contact the Property Ombudsman scheme.
There will be several types of buyers to negotiate with, which the agent will do for you. The first time buyer, has found a buyer but is part of a ‘selling chain’, a cash buyer or is likely to get a mortgage and wants to move at the same time as you.

When you have accepted an offer either you or the estate agents needs to decide who is going to do the legal work, yourself, although this is quite involved, or a solicitor or a licensed conveyance (write to the Council of Licensed Conveyancers for a list). There is no set sale of fees, so care should be taken to contact more than one solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer. Check whether the sum is a fixed fee, includes expenses and VAT and what the fee is if the sale does not go ahead.
When contracts have been exchanged inform the fuel and phone companies. Ask for final readings on completion, also inform the Council responsible for Council Tax. If the buyer is paying a deposit this will be paid to the solicitor at exchange of contracts and is held until completion. The house must be empty on the allotted completion day and keys are given in. The solicitor will receive the rest of the purchase price and hand this, with the deposit to the seller.

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Selling Your Property

March 4, 2011 By admin

If you are keen on Trading Up, you may have seen how easy changes can maximize the selling potential of your property. Check our guide to selecting the right estate agent and discover important tips to be sure that you get the maximum sale cost.

Discover the maximum potential price of your property. It’s useless spending £20,000 on improving a property if it’ll only add £10,000 to the sale price. Look at local property papers and visit agents to discover the price for similar properties on the same street.

The ideal time for selling is spring and autumn; the market slows down during late summer and over Yuletide and New Year. If a property is sold while the market is buoyant, it’s more likely to draw in the requested price.

Upkeep and repair

Finish off tiny DIY roles – touch up chipped woodwork and replace washers on dripping taps.

Before a consumer steps into a home, they’re going to have already formed an impression. A carefully tended garden, pathway and fence are instantly appealing.

Water could cause major issues in undesired places. Take a look at your roof and guttering, replace damaged tiles and mend the lead flashing. It’s worth casting an eye over the drains too. A drain cleared before a blockage happens is less complicated on the nose and the wallet!

A regular lick of paint will keep a property looking good and keep degradation in check. A newly-painted front door with glossy brass fittings always creates an excellent impression. When selling, a surveyor will be in a position to spot if attempts at ‘sprucing up ‘ your property are simply fast fixes – he will be much more impressed by continuing upkeep.

Cutting the grass could be a last-minute pick-me-up. Feeding it a week or two previously will brighten it up and cause it to appear healthy.

If your fitted kitchen units look beat, simply replace or paint and polish the doors. This could be much less expensive than purchasing a completely new kitchen. If the units are in reasonably good shape and only look dated, just replace the doorhandles, handles and taps. Another cheap trick’s to fit good strong work surfaces on to existing units.

Look and Feel

Paint walls – a pale, plain shade maximize the sensation of light and space and enables consumers to picture their possessions in the property. Research shows that most purchasers like natural, earthy colours to bright, bold shades. Though there is a wide selection of paint colours available, magnolia remains the top selling colour.

To stop rooms looking too tasteless, use robust colours for accent walls or cushions and accessories.

De-personalise your rooms by removing private items, for example family photos and children’s drawings, which may distract prospective customers. Purchasers should be taking a look at the property not the owner’s possessions, so hide those things till the property is sold. Removing mess also makes it less complicated for consumers to envision their own belongings in a room.

Plant pots can offer colour in your garden. If you do not have time to fill your own, you can always get some pre-made.

Flowers and a fruit dish will brighten up a room and supply an agreeable smell.

Organise rooms – a property will be more attractive if rooms have a particular purpose and this permits consumers to see the total potential of the property.

Revitalise a bathroom with a green leafy plant and new taps, shower curtain and light pull. All of these items can get picked up cheaply from DIY warehouses.

Coloured bathroom apartments are out and old school white is back in style. If you have an avocado or pink rest room, consider investing in a white suite. It’ll enhance the value of your property.

Restoring fireplaces and period features, eg ceiling roses and cornices, can add thousands of pounds to a property. If you do not have a fireside then a striking picture can work just as well. If you choose to install a hearth, look for an original period grate and surround in reclamation yards. Pick up more concepts in Houses DIY and Design Inspiration sections.

Tips

Avoid robust food odours – don’t cook food like fish or curry before a viewing as the smell will linger. The scent of freshly-baked bread or fresh coffee though is claimed to supply a hospitable feel to a home.

Ask chums or family to look after any pets during viewings. Try and make spectators feel relaxed. Offer them a coffee and ask them if they require any farther info regarding bills or local conveniences.

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