Should You List Your Home before Hunting for a New One?

If your dreams of buying a new home rely on the sale of your existing property, then there’s one fundamental question you need to answer.

Are you going to look for a new home first and then list your property – or do things the other way around?

While both scenarios can work out in the end, we think one option is far more favourable – and that’s getting your current property on the market first.

Here are four reasons why.

Show you’re a … Continue Reading…

Six Key Types of Homebuyers and How to Target Them

Want to fast-track your property sale by getting your marketing just right?

Then spend some time thinking about the type of buyer most likely to fall in love with your home, and ensure you target them.

Once you’ve identified the type (or types) of buyers looking for a property like yours, you can tailor your presentation and marketing accordingly.

First-time buyers– As the name suggests, buyers in this group are making their first property purchase and are chain-free (which can be an appealing … Continue Reading…

Property Negotiations: Tips to Help You Seal a Successful Deal

When it comes to preparing for a property sale, most sellers focus on the early stage of the process: sprucing up their home and choosing an agent to manage the marketing.

But there’s another element to nailing a successful property deal that gets less attention but is just as critical: negotiating the sale.

How do you know when to accept an offer and when to hold out for more? And what should your strategy be if you have more than one offer … Continue Reading…

Six Things to Ask Your Partner Before You Start Your Property Search

Buying a property with a partner can be an exciting next step in a relationship.

Swapping paying rent or living with family for cosy nights with your beloved in your own home can be a blissful prospect.

But before you arrange a series of viewings in a giddy rush of excitement, it’s worth sitting down and talking a few things through with your partner.

Purchasing a property is a huge commitment, yet most couples spend more time planning a holiday (7.8 hours) than … Continue Reading…

Why Property Inspections Could Save You Money

As a landlord, you’ve probably experienced that feeling of dread when your tenant’s name flashes up on your phone, reporting a problem.

Or how about the horror of receiving the news that you’re going to have to pay for urgent (and expensive) repairs?

If either of these situations sound familiar, it could mean you’re not inspecting your rentals enough.

Being a landlord isn’t just about buying a property and raking in the rent. It’s a difficult job that requires attention to detail, making … Continue Reading…

Want to Celebrate Christmas in Your New Home? Then Act Now

Unless you’re one of those super-organised types who spend the year secretly buying stocking fillers and stashing them under your bed, Christmas is probably the last thing on your mind right now.

And why should it be? It’s summer, the schools are shut (for a few more days at least), and you still have months to dust off your reindeer antlers and Yuletide jumper.

But there is one reason why it may be worth thinking ahead to Christmas.

If you have plans to … Continue Reading…

Should You Invest in a Turnkey Buy-to-Let or a Renovation Project?

Whether you’re an established landlord or a first-time investor, you’ll probably be thinking about what to buy: a ready-to-go rental or a doer-upper. Which one should you pick?

Currently, lots of changes are being made around rental rules, and reports claim that many landlords are selling up. However, there are still plenty of investors making their move into the rental space. And with the UK facing a possible decline in house prices, now may be the right time for you.

But what … Continue Reading…

What Is Next-Door Syndrome and Could It Affect Your Property Sale?

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a nosy neighbour at some point, haven’t we?

A ‘for sale’ sign goes up on a property in your street, and within minutes you’re online to find out what it’s on the market for.

Soon enough, you’re marvelling or shuddering at your neighbour’s taste in décor and deciding that your home is bigger, smaller, smarter or scruffier than theirs.

There’s nothing wrong with this; in fact, if you plan to sell up yourself, it’s useful market research. … Continue Reading…

Why Good Property Photos Are an Essential Step in the Sales Process

It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but then (confusingly), it’s also said that first impressions count… Why are all these clichés so important? Well, when marketing a property, it’s a bit of both: how a property looks will catch a buyer’s eye before they pore over the finer details.

Photos of your property are what hooks the buyer, what drives them to pick up the phone to arrange a viewing, and what helps them imagine … Continue Reading…

Cut the Clutter: Great Storage Tips for Your Home

Close your eyes and picture your dream home. What do you see?

A home that’s light, spacious and orderly? Or one that’s chaotic and cluttered with objects piled high and shoes and clothes strewn on the floor (along with bits of Lego that you inevitably tread on).

The first scenario is the one that most people aspire to – and for good reason.

Research shows that when our environment is tidy, we’re less anxious and more productive. In contrast, we feel more distracted … Continue Reading…