Book your
STEP ONE - GET AN ONLINE VALUATION
So the very first thing you need to do if you’re even considering moving home, in the next couple of years, is to carry out an online valuation.
There’s a lot of misunderstanding about what online valuations tool does and how it can help you.
So let's clarify.
When you go to the tool, you’ll be asked for your door number and postcode, and that’s pretty much it. So a significant benefit is that the valuation tool is quick and easy to use.
The downside is that the quote isn’t 100% accurate.
Especially if you’ve carried out any specific improvements on your home, or your property is unique.
But at this stage, you don’t need an accurate valuation.
You’re just looking for a ball-park figure, for when you’re going to be talking with mortgage arrangers and budgeting.
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is that they don’t carry out online valuations, regularly.
I would recommend every 3 months. Because of the way the valuation tool calculates your prices, you’re going to get to know whether property prices in your area are increasing or decreasing.
And if so, by how much. And you may need to refer to this information if and when, you start talking to Estate Agents.
Another way you’ll benefit from using the valuation tool is to track property prices in other areas.
This is so important if you’re moving to another area.
For example, you may find the gap between the value of your home and your onward purchase increases in a growing market, but it may decrease in a declining market.
STEP TWO - ARE YOU BEING REALISTIC WITH YOUR ONWARD PROPERTY.
One of the reasons that Sellers, like you, go an emotional rollercoaster, is you have to find the balance of getting the price for your home, as well as ensuring your next home actually exists.
So this might sound silly, please bear with me, and I’ll explain. So I’ve been fortunate to work as an Estate Agent for over 20 years, across several counties.
A few real-life examples of where a couple are looking to sell their first home and move to an area with a particularly good school, three good size bedrooms and a downstairs WC with a budget.
However, the types of houses in that particular catchment means the third bedrooms are small, or the era of build means they don’t have a ground floor WC.
I had a recent example of grand-parents looking to move to an area, to help to support their son and daughter-in-law with their children.
They wanted to be within walking distance of grandchildren’s house but needed a bungalow. But there weren’t any bungalows in the area.
It’s at this early planning stage that you take a look at the property portals and speak to local agents, about your budget and requirements to ensure you're realistic, from the outset.
Make sure you budget for the costs of ownership too. Property Portals like Zoopla will give you estimates on some of these costs.
STEP THREE - BUDGETING
Speak to your bank and research the costs of moving.
Possible things you’ll need to budget for are; Your first months’ rent, deposit and fees if you’re moving into rented accommodation; If you’re buying, your deposit, Mortgage Arrangement Fees, Survey Fees, Conveyancing costs and fees, Stamp Duty, Estate Agent Selling Fees and Removals.
If you’re going to be relocating to another area, you may need to consider travel costs for viewings, as well.
STEP FOUR - INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME
Now that you’ve got an idea of how much your house is worth, how much your next property is going to cost, and everything is within budget a question which I’m regularly asked is ‘How can I increase the value of my home?’.
Granted, this question is usually asked later on in the process, by I think it’s a question you need to ask yourself now.
Yes, in future blogs we’ll be talking about carrying out small improvements which will improve kerb appeal, creating a homely feeling etc.
But at the moment I’m talking about works which will affect not just the value of your home, you’re your ability to sell it, without issue.
Let me explain.
When you eventually place your home on the market, you’ll set a price based on what you and your agent think it’s worth, assuming there are no problems with the house.
And that’s is my point.
The assumption that your property is perfect.
Your buyer will also place an offer on your property, assuming there’s nothing of concern, with the property.
In a recent report, commissioned by HM Department for Business, Energy and Strategy, 21% of sellers who eventually sold, had experienced a previous buyer’s offer falling through.
That’s a huge percentage, and that doesn’t include properties being withdrawn from the market without an offer, or properties where a sale falls through and isn’t put back on to the market.
Further to that, the main reason buyers said that they’d pulled out of the sale, was due to survey issues.
So this is your opportunity to investigate if your home has any issues, which would be raised in a survey.
My key point here is that if you can prove to a buyer, that there’s nothing wrong with your property, you not only going to be able to demand a premium price.
You’ll save, on average £747 to £917, in costs due to delays, which previous sellers reported in the survey.
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME?
We’re a specialist estate agent selling Country, Period, Luxury and Equestrian Homes. The houses for sale include vast Country Estates as well as Modern Mansions. Check out our current collection here
Contact Heenay Joshi Property Experts to explore our 11-step strategy for a hassle-free sale or access our buyer guides to navigate the buying process.
Read Testimonials from Previous Clients
Visit our blog section for other insightful market updates and hints & tips.
With our area guides and live feed of local market data, you can stay informed about the latest trends in the property market in Warwickshire and make well-informed decisions.
