With Brexit out of the way the property market has sprung back in to action with plenty of buyers and sellers on the market looking to move.
Coronavirus has brought some uncertainty, and while it’s currently business as usual, estate agents may need to suspend viewings at some point. So what does this mean for buyers and sellers?
Buyers
Use the time to have a good nose at what properties are available, research new areas/properties you might not have looked at before but which may work for you. Talk to estate agents about your requirements and ask any questions you may have.
Create a shortlist of properties you’d like to see and get viewings booked for a few weeks time. If the viewing date needs to move this is easily done, and you will be the first to know when viewings are available.
Sellers
If buyers can’t view your property, they can’t view any others either. However they will likely have more time at home to look online and choose which properties they’d like to view in a few weeks. We have already seen an increase in property views online, so I’d recommend staying on the market and using the time to prepare you and your house for sale.
Use the time at home to your benefit
Many of us will be spending more time at home over the coming weeks. This presents an ideal opportunity to prepare you and your house for sale, doing all those things we never have time to do!
Declutter
- You know all those boxes in the garage and loft you’ve moved from house to house and never got around to sorting out?! Now is the time!
- Sort through the kids toys and bag those that can be donated to charity
- Pack away some of the knick-knacks that, although beautiful and sentimental to you, may distract a viewer. This will also put a dent in the packing
- Clear out the shed. You’ve probably been dreading this job, best to do it while you have time than the week before you move!
Sprucing and refreshing
- Touch up any paint chips on the walls and doors so your house looks tip top rather than tired
- Neutralise the decor in any rooms that are bold and polarising – a couple of coats of neutral paint may do it
- Tidy the garden, fix broken fences and gates, scrub away any mould or algae and jet wash the patio, decking and paths
- Have a good spring clean and shampoo any carpets with visible marks
The dreaded paperwork
There’s too much paperwork when you’re a grown up, but it has to be done. Getting the basics in place before you go on the market can save you weeks in the conveyancing process.
- Select and appoint a solicitor to represent you
- Speak to a mortgage advisor to confirm what funding is available to you so you can refine your search and focus on the properties that work for you financially
- Gather paperwork relating to your house. You can download the Property Information Form (TA6) and the Fittings and Contents Form (TA10) from The Law Society Website.
Finally, now you’ve cleared out the shed you may have found your chimenea or fire pit. Why not spend an evening roasting marshmallows over the fire and storytelling with your family!
For advice on selling your home, recommended solicitors and mortgage advisors, please feel free to call us anytime, we’re always here to help.