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Selling your home
There are many reasons for needing to move home – a job promotion to a different area, your family outgrowing your present property or indeed, as your family grows up and flies the nest, downsizing. Once the decision has been made planning the move carefully will take away much of the stress
Estate Agents
Decide which estate agent you want to use – estate agents fees and services vary and therefore it is wise to talk to several different agents making sure you receive their proposals in writing. By checking prices of houses for sale in your area of a similar type you will have some idea of the amount you could sell your home for.
You will need to know whether the estate agent will include your property in their shop displays, on the internet and what advertising they will put in place. Also if they will be present to show prospective buyers your home - you may prefer to do this yourself.
The estate agent will be able to give you an idea as to the amount your property could be sold for – be realistic and don’t overvalue your home as this could drive potential purchasers away. When you have a rough idea of what you can expect you can work out a how much you can afford to pay for your next home. The budget planner on in our ebook will enable you to have a better guide.
Preparing your home for sale
The sale or rejection of your home could be decided within a few seconds of a potential buyer knocking on your front door so it is essential that your garden and entrance to your home are well maintained.
The most important rooms to a purchaser are more likely to be the kitchen and bathroom so make sure these are clean and tidy.
To give the impression the house has been looked after, complete any unfinished DIY jobs and present all the rooms at their best, ie clear out the junk room and present it as a bedroom or study.
A potential buyer will be more impressed if your home is spotlessly clean and any clutter such as shoes, clothes and toys are put away.
In winter turn on the lights and heating so that a buyer will feel the home is warm and inviting, in summer open windows and let in as much light as possible.
A house that smells of ground coffee or freshly baked bread is more likely to sell than one that has unpleasant odours from cigarettes and pets.
Financing your new home
Westpoint’s consultants will be able to provide you with a mortgage decision in principle. This will give you the assurance that a mortgage will be available and also when you have found your dream home, your application can be placed without delay. Details of the types mortgages available are detailed later in this guide.
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