Dream home top of your New Year’s resolution list?
For a 2020 sale, today’s the day to start planning!
As we approach the end of the year, and look ahead to a new season in our lives, we start to make resolutions and goals to make the next year our year. High on the list every year is to find and move into a dream home, and 2020 could be the year you make this a reality. Yet as such a mammoth idea, can it be pulled off?
The answer is yes! And the time to start planning and researching is now. Statistics by Rightmove and Zoopla have consistently shown that from Boxing Day throughout the beginning of the year, the number of people looking to buy rises steeply.
If you want to move in 2020, can you afford to miss out on this prime selling time?
You might not have time between Christmas parties and visiting the in-laws to have a good de-clutter and clean, but have you thought of doing your homework before you start asking estate agents around for a valuation? You can do that while you are waiting in the queue at Waitrose. Or while sitting on the tube or train on the way to work.
Use the Internet to get a handle on property prices
Fill your down time with a good trawl of the internet to see what properties are available in your area - it helps to see what competition your property would be up against and to get an idea of a what a realistic asking price might be. This bit of research is also worthwhile before you invite an estate agent around for a valuation – a good valuer should be well informed about what is available and should be able to compare notes with you about what is currently listed.
Sold Prices
There may be a big difference between the price a property is marketed for and the sale price it actually achieves. Sometimes we see sale prices below the asking prices, so make sure you check the houses, which have actually sold.
Nothing better than a bespoke valuation
No matter how good your online research skills may be, there is no replacement for an experienced estate agent's valuation. A good estate agent should be able to provide you with what are called "comparables" – properties that have sold in your area that are similar to your own. If an agent is not able to provide comparables they may have simply not done their homework.
An estate agent should also be able to tell you what buyers they currently have registered who may be looking for a property like yours.
What your Internet research could reveal when choosing an estate agent
While doing your Internet searches, take the time to register with an estate agent who can provide you with expertise and professionalism. Search their website for evidence of the reassurance of great reviews– others will have done the vetting for you and picked the best of the best. It’s also great to check that they offer extensive marketing for your property and will keep you updating at every point in the process so you feel comfortable and listened to.
When the Queen's speech is over there will be nothing left to do but start getting buyers through the door.
Even if you are not ready to start getting people through your door right now, we can start lining up buyers and promoting your property while you celebrate the holidays and then you get on with your big moving plans when you are ready in the New Year.
Get in touch today to get started.