Guide to Buying / Selling

• Decide in general terms what you are looking for and your minimum requirements.
• The ideal property is rarely available. Consider properties that can be adapted to your requirements.
• Property purchase is a major expense. Take a builder’s advice about repairs, alterations, inprovements, and extensions.
• Consider the advantage of an independent surveyor’s report. If you are buying with assistance of a mortgage, then there will be a valuation report which may identify building problems requiring attention.
• If you decide that you would like to place an offer on a property, we will discuss this with you and the seller. We would need to know what your purchasing position is, for example, do you need to sell a property before purchasing, are you sold subject to contract, if so, what is the chain involved (if any) ,are you an investor or first time buyer, do you need a mortgage? We will then check those details. Once a sale has been agreed we will need your solicitor’s details and we will confirm the sale in writing to all parties.

• First impressions are important – try to arrange your home to be inviting and uncluttered for viewing purposes.
• A fresh coat of paint makes walls appear lighter and rooms bigger.
• Keep your garden tidy and add some colour with seasonal flowers.
• Try to create a lifestyle statement that will impress visitors.
• Decide what fixtures and fittings will remain with the property, and any other items you might consider selling to a purchaser.
• Decide on a solicitor or legal conveyancer.
• Who holds your deeds? Inform your building society/bank if you have a mortgage- they may hold the deeds.
• Cash buyers are ideal – yes, there are some around.
• Buyers who have sold, and keen to move, are in a strong position. Buyers whose properties are on the market ,and not sold, will inevitably create a chain reaction.