Tag: estateagent

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Checklist for a Smooth Home Sale Progression

Selling your home is a significant milestone, and while it can be an exciting process, it also comes with its challenges. At Fisher and Partners, we believe that a well-organised approach can make all the difference. Once you’ve accepted an offer, ensuring a seamless sale progression is crucial to avoiding delays and unnecessary stress. To help you navigate this stage with confidence, we’ve put together a checklist to keep you on track.

1. Choose a Solicitor or Conveyancer

The first step is to appoint a solicitor or conveyancer who specialises in property transactions. Having an experienced professional in place early on ensures that all legal documentation is managed efficiently. Look for someone with a strong track record, excellent communication, and proactive case management. Your managing partner at Fisher and Partners can recommend trusted professionals if you need guidance.

2. Prepare for Buyer Inquiries

Buyers will have questions about your property, from structural details to utility costs and local amenities. Anticipating these queries and providing prompt, accurate responses can help maintain momentum. Your agent will assist in handling these conversations, ensuring buyers have all the information they need to proceed with confidence.

3. Reviewing and Accepting Offers

Once offers start coming in, your agent will keep you informed and provide expert advice to help you make the best decision. Beyond price, consider factors such as the buyer’s position—are they chain-free? Do they have mortgage approval in place? Once you accept an offer, your property is typically marked as ‘Sold Subject to Contract’ and the legal process begins.

4. Drafting the Contract

Your solicitor will prepare a draft contract outlining the terms of the sale, including fixtures and fittings, completion timelines, and any conditions agreed upon. During this period, the buyer may conduct surveys and searches. If any issues arise, your agent and solicitor will work to resolve them swiftly, keeping the sale moving forward.

5. Exchange of Contracts

Once both parties are satisfied and all conditions have been met, contracts are exchanged. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding, and a completion date is set. You’ll need to finalise your moving arrangements and prepare for handover.

6. Completion Day

On the agreed completion date, the remaining funds are transferred, and ownership of the property officially changes hands. You’ll hand over the keys, settle any outstanding mortgage balance, and finalise payments to your estate agent and solicitor.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully sold your home!

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to provide you with a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner at Fisher and Partners, and we’ll arrange a time to chat. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Three Reasons Your House Isn’t Selling – And How to Fix It

Are you trying to sell your home but not getting the interest you expected? After the bustling property market in recent years, you may have hoped for a quick sale with offers rolling in. Instead, you’re faced with silence. If this sounds familiar, here are three key reasons your home may not be attracting buyers and what you can do to change that.

1. Presentation

First impressions matter. If your property isn’t presented in the best possible light, potential buyers may skip past it altogether. Ensuring your home is tidy, decluttered, and well-staged can significantly improve its appeal. Professional photography is essential, high-quality images will help your property stand out online and encourage more buyers to book a viewing. Think of it this way: you want potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your home, and a well-presented space makes that much easier.

2. Price

Pricing your home accurately is crucial. Buyers are increasingly savvy; after weeks of searching, they develop a clear understanding of what represents good value in their chosen price range. If your property is slightly overpriced, it may stand out for the wrong reasons. Ensure your valuation is based on recent sales data in your area rather than relying on outdated figures from a previously inflated market. By positioning your home correctly within the current market, you’ll attract more serious buyers.

3. Promotion

Even the most stunning property with a realistic price can struggle if it’s not marketed effectively. Is your agent showcasing your home in the right places and targeting the right audience? A strategic marketing plan should include professional photography, engaging property descriptions, and promotion across various channels, from major property portals to social media. Ensuring your home is presented to the right audience is key to attracting motivated buyers.

The Solution

If your home is presented beautifully, priced correctly, and marketed strategically, those vital viewing appointments should follow. While you can’t control every buyer’s decision, you can create the best conditions to make your property impossible to overlook.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we will set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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Maximising Your Outdoor Space for a Successful Sale

When selling your home, first impressions count and that includes your outdoor space. A tired-looking garden, weathered paintwork, or a neglected patio can leave potential buyers questioning how well the property has been maintained overall. With outdoor space now high on buyers’ wish lists, ensuring yours is well-presented can make all the difference.

Fortunately, small improvements can have a big impact, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. With a little attention to detail, you can create an inviting and appealing exterior that helps buyers picture themselves living there.

Doors, Walls, and Windows

Start with the basics: does your home’s exterior need a refresh? A fresh coat of paint on doors and windows can make an immediate difference. Choose classic, neutral colours to appeal to a wider audience. Check for any cracks in the plaster or masonry and get them repaired to ensure your home looks well cared for.

Small details matter too, sparkling clean windows, polished door handles, and well-maintained window frames can subtly enhance your home’s overall appeal. These little touches help create an impression of a property that has been well looked after.

Roof and Guttering

While a full roof replacement isn’t usually necessary, minor repairs can go a long way. Loose tiles or missing slates should be replaced to avoid raising concerns for potential buyers.

Likewise, don’t overlook your gutters. Broken or clogged guttering can suggest deeper maintenance issues, so ensure they are clear and in good working order. If your gutters have accumulated moss or even sprouting grass, a quick clean will improve both function and appearance.

Gardens, Patios, and Balconies

Outdoor space is a sought-after feature, whether it’s a garden, patio, or even a compact balcony. Whatever space you have, showcase it to its full potential.

For gardens, keep the lawn neatly trimmed, hedges tidy, and flower beds free from weeds. If you have a patio or deck, make sure it’s clean and in good repair, pressure washing can make a world of difference.

If you have a balcony, simple additions such as potted plants, a small bistro table, or outdoor lighting can help buyers visualise how they might use the space. A well-maintained outdoor area signals that the property has been cared for and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves enjoying it.

Final Touches

If you have a shed that’s on its last legs, consider removing it rather than leaving it as an eyesore. For larger gardens with mature trees, it’s worth having them checked and trimmed where necessary, this not only enhances the space but also reassures buyers that they won’t be dealing with falling branches in the future.

Ultimately, preparing your outdoor space for sale is about helping buyers envision their lifestyle in your home. Even if you haven’t made the most of your exterior space, a little effort now can make all the difference in attracting the right buyer and achieving the best possible sale price.

Thinking of selling your home? We’d be delighted to offer you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner today to arrange a time to chat – we’d love to hear from you.

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Is Your Property Overpriced, or Is It Just the Market?

Are you trying to sell your property but not getting the interest levels you hoped for? Are viewing numbers down? When you first launched, did you expect a surge of interest but were instead met with silence? If you’re unsure whether your property is overpriced or if it’s just the current market conditions, keep reading.

Why Isn’t Your Property Selling?

Selling your home is a significant decision, often after months of consideration and research. So, it can be incredibly disheartening to finally take the plunge, only to see little to no interest.

When a property is first launched, it’s promoted heavily through alerts, mailouts, and matches to potential buyers. This initial push is typically the busiest time, so it can be disappointing when all that promotion leads to no viewings.

You might wonder, “Surely there’s someone out there looking for a home like mine?” While agents and property websites are getting your property in front of potential buyers, the issue is often closer to home, quite literally.

Could It Be the Price?

If there’s little to no interest from the initial launch, it’s often due to an overestimated asking price. This issue usually goes back to the initial valuation before you even chose your agent.

Overvaluing properties is surprisingly common, and it’s not always a deliberate act of deception. Here’s why it happens:

  • Competition Between Agents – When you invite multiple agents to value your home, they’re competing for your business. Some may quote a higher price to win your listing, knowing full well that they can suggest a price reduction later. Unfortunately, this tactic can lead to your property staying on the market longer, often resulting in a lower final sale price.
  • Flattery – It’s never easy for an agent to suggest a price lower than what a homeowner expects. Some agents might try to soften the blow by giving an optimistic valuation. While this may feel good initially, it doesn’t help when it comes to actually selling.
  • Optimism from Sellers – It’s natural to want the best possible price for your property. If you receive a range of valuations, the temptation is to list at the highest figure quoted. However, this price is often at the very top end of your property’s value range, and the market may not support it.
  • Changing Market Conditions – Between your valuation and the launch date, the market may have shifted. Economic factors, seasonal trends, or local market changes can all impact buyer demand and price expectations.

What Should You Do Next?

If your property isn’t getting the attention you expected, it might be time to reassess your pricing strategy. Consider the feedback from the market so far, this is valuable information that can guide your next steps.

A price adjustment doesn’t necessarily mean undervaluing your home; it’s about finding the right price point to attract serious buyers. By relaunching your property with a new strategy, you can generate renewed interest and improve your chances of a successful sale.

Need Help Figuring It Out?

If you’re unsure why your property isn’t selling, we’re here to help. At Fisher and Partners, our experienced managing partners specialise in your local market and can provide a no-obligation assessment of your current strategy. We’ll help you get to the bottom of the issue and offer tailored advice to maximise your property’s value.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner, and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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Why a Local Independent Estate Agent Is Your Best Choice When Selling Your Home

Selling your home is one of life’s most stressful experiences, and choosing the right estate agent can make all the difference. While national chains may seem like the obvious choice, local independent agents often provide a superior service. Here’s why:

1. Personal, Hands-On Support

Unlike corporate agencies where you may never speak to the same person twice, independent agents offer a more personalised service. You’ll often deal with the same expert throughout the process, ensuring a smoother and less stressful experience.

2. Genuine Local Expertise

Local agents live and work in the community, giving them an in-depth understanding of the local market. They know the best way to price, market, and sell your home to the right buyers—something a national chain simply can’t match.

3. No Corporate Red Tape

Large agencies have rigid structures, where the person valuing your home may never be involved in the sale. Independent agents, often business owners themselves, are fully invested in achieving the best outcome for you.

4. A More Motivated Team

Corporate agencies focus on listing properties, often incentivising valuers to bring in more homes rather than sell them. Independent agents earn their success through completed sales, meaning they’re motivated to get you the best possible result.

5. Stronger Buyer Connections

Because they work closely within the local market, independent agents often have a network of potential buyers ready to view your home—sometimes even before it goes online.

Sell Smarter with a Local Expert

Choosing an independent estate agent means receiving tailored service, expert advice, and a committed team working to sell your home for the best price.

Thinking of selling? Get in touch with our local property experts today!

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Selling Property with Tenants: What You Need to Know

Thinking of selling your rented property but unsure how to navigate the process? Here’s a guide to help you weigh your options and make informed decisions.

The Challenge of Tied-Up Equity

As a landlord, you may enjoy the financial benefits of rental income, but the equity in your property can feel frustratingly out of reach. While increasing borrowing to release funds is an option, it comes with higher monthly costs. For many, selling the property is the best way to access that equity.

Key Considerations Before Selling

  1. Notice to Tenants
    If your property is occupied, you’ll need to decide whether to serve notice to your tenant. If you do, you’ll lose rental income during the sale process, which could last months.
  2. Selling with Tenants in Situ
    Keeping the tenant in place during the sale might maintain your income, but it limits your buyer pool to landlords, which may lower the sale price.
  3. Access for Viewings
    Selling with tenants requires their permission for viewings, which can complicate the process and deter buyers.

Balancing the Pros and Cons

Ultimately, selling with tenants provides a steady income but narrows the market. Selling vacant allows broader interest but may leave you covering costs while it’s on the market.

If you’re considering selling, contact our team today for expert advice and access to landlord buyers. We’d be delighted to assist you.

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Action Steps to Get Your Home on the Market Quickly This New Year

With the decorations packed away and the kids back at school, now is the perfect time to focus on selling your home. If moving house is one of your New Year’s resolutions, follow these steps to get your property on the market quickly and effectively.

1. Declutter, Stage, and Style

As you tidy away the remnants of the festive season, take the opportunity to declutter and reorganise. Removing excess items will not only make your home feel more spacious but also create a clean slate for staging. Consider how your property will look in photos, buyers are drawn to bright, open spaces. A well-presented home helps buyers envision themselves living there, which can increase interest and even boost offers.

2. Tackle Those DIY Jobs

Loose door handles, peeling paint, or unfinished DIY projects can give buyers the impression that your property isn’t move-in ready. These small issues can lead to tougher negotiations and lower offers. Use a weekend to tick these tasks off your list, giving your home that polished and well-maintained look that attracts serious buyers.

3. Understand Your Home’s Value

While the festive season may not have been the ideal time for a full property valuation, January is perfect for getting started. Start by getting an instant online valuation to get a ballpark figure. It’s quick, easy, and gives you a good starting point. At Fisher and Partners, our online valuation tool provides an accurate estimate in less than 60 seconds, giving you insight without the need for an in-person appointment.

4. Define Your Next Step

As you prepare to sell, take some time to consider what you’re looking for in your next home. Is it a family-friendly community with excellent schools? A cosy space for retirement? Register your preferences on our website and set up tailored “Heads Up” alerts. You’ll receive notifications about new properties that match your criteria, ensuring you don’t miss out during this active time in the property market.

5. Book Your In-Person Valuation

Once you’ve organised your home and gathered initial information, arrange a professional in-person valuation. At Fisher and Partners, our experienced managing partners offer a bespoke, one-on-one service. They’ll provide a thorough understanding of your property’s value, giving you the confidence to move forward. January is a particularly busy time for buyers, so launching your home on the market now ensures it will be seen by motivated house hunters.

Ready to Begin?

If selling your home is on your to-do list this New Year, let us help you get started. Visit our website to get your instant property valuation or register for personalised Heads Up alerts to find your next dream home. When you’re ready, contact your local managing partner to book your in-person valuation.

We’d be delighted to assist you with every step of your property journey, get in touch today!

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Why Selling Early in the New Year Could Be Your Best Move

It’s common for homeowners to wait until spring to put their property on the market, believing it’s the ideal time for a sale. However, this approach often misses out on a prime opportunity. Many buyers make the decision to move over the Christmas period, and their property searches ramp up as soon as January begins.

At Fisher and Partners, we frequently advise our clients to list their homes early in the New Year. This period typically sees low stock levels, meaning fewer properties are available, while buyer activity tends to peak. By launching your property during this window, you can get ahead of the competition, capture the attention of motivated buyers, and create a smoother, less pressured sales process.

The results speak for themselves. In just the first week and a half of January, across Fisher and Partners, we’ve seen offers worth over £10 million combined. Buyer activity has surged, and those clients who followed our advice are reaping the benefits of early market exposure, staying ahead of the competition.

If you’re considering selling your home, now is the time to act. Be proactive, take advantage of this seasonal uptick in activity, and give yourself the best chance of a successful sale.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to provide a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner to arrange a time to chat. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Take a Break This Festive Season: How to Pause Viewings on Your Property

Nativity plays, shopping, present wrapping, and staff parties. It’s all go in the run-up to Christmas. There is so much going on at this time of year. Preparing for viewings on your property, on top of everything else, could be enough to send you over the edge!

If your property is on the market for sale and you can see your diary filling up fast with the pre-Christmas festivities, you might be feeling overwhelmed, thinking that you simply couldn’t fit in any viewings from potential buyers. 

Nativity plays, shopping, present wrapping, and staff parties. It’s all go in the run-up to Christmas. 

There is so much going on at this time of year. Preparing for viewings on your property, on top of everything else, could be enough to send you over the edge! 

So what should you do? You want to sell your home and move in the new year, so you want as many viewings as possible, right? But how can you fit these viewings in?

When your diary is full of festive occasions, so is everyone else’s. Many buyers put a hold on their property search until the new year. Choosing to stop viewings and online searches until they have the bandwidth to view properties seriously and really consider their next move. 

If fewer buyers are looking for a property, then the likelihood is that there would be fewer viewing appointments anyway. So, why not take advantage of this and take a break yourself?

Many people feel they need to take their property off the market altogether to enjoy Christmas in peace. You don’t have time to clean your home and present it the way you like, and you have the tree and decorations up everywhere, which, although it makes your home lovely and cosy, will also make it feel smaller because there is extra stuff around. 

But did you know that you can ask your estate agent to place you on “do not disturb”?

This is not a withdrawal from the market, simply a pause on viewing appointments until the new year. Any viewing enquiries that come through the agents at this time can be told that the property is on hold until the new year, scheduling the viewing appointments for when things are not quite as hectic and you have the headspace to focus on selling your home.

Don’t worry that you’ll be missing out. In reality, most buyers have had their focus redirected to Christmas festivities, too, so they are not likely to be booking many viewing appointments. Serious buyers will wait until the new year and may even be relieved that you won’t be taking viewings from any other buyers.

Get in touch if you are on the market and want to take advantage of the Do not disturb marketing option. 

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Should You Put Up Your Christmas Decorations if You’re Trying to Sell Your Home?

If you’re in the process of selling your home, the festive season may raise some questions. Should you take your home off the market for a few weeks? Or can you juggle viewings with your holiday plans? Most importantly, should you decorate your home for Christmas, or would that hinder potential buyers?

Let’s address these concerns and explore why embracing the holiday spirit could actually help you sell your home.

The Magic of Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy and warmth. Towns sparkle with twinkling lights, and homes feel especially cosy. This magical atmosphere can work to your advantage when marketing your home. A well-decorated home filled with festive charm can stir positive emotions in buyers and help them imagine themselves celebrating future holidays there.

Removing your property from the market over the festive season, however, will ensure one thing: no one will see it. This time of year can be an opportunity to stand out, especially if other sellers decide to step back. With fewer competing properties, your beautifully presented home could capture the attention of serious buyers.

Why Christmas Decorations Can Help

Tasteful holiday decorations can enhance your home’s appeal. Many buyers envision how they would use the space during holidays; where the Christmas tree would go or if the dining room has enough room for festive feasts. By subtly showcasing your home as a welcoming haven for the holidays, you can create an emotional connection with buyers.

Here are some tips to strike the right balance:

  1. Choose a Signature Colour
    Opt for a single colour scheme to keep your decorations elegant. Whether it’s gold, silver, or a classic red and green, a cohesive look adds sophistication to your home.
  2. Keep It Simple
    Avoid overloading the space with decorations. You want your home to feel festive but not cluttered. Think of how a high-end interior shop might decorate: understated, stylish, and inviting.
  3. Skip the Inflatable Santa
    Large, flashy decorations might be fun, but they can detract from the elegance buyers are looking for. Save the bold statements for next year.
  4. Set the Scene
    Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, subtle holiday scents, and even gentle Christmas music. Offering mince pies or mulled wine during a viewing can leave a lasting impression.

The Festive Advantage

Buyers visiting your home during the holidays may already be in a good mood, and your thoughtful decorations can deepen their emotional connection to the property. If you can evoke the magic of Christmas, you may inspire them to make an offer… and fast.

Ready to Sell?

If you’re thinking about selling your home or want to refresh your approach this season, we’d be delighted to help. Contact your local Fisher and Partners managing partner for a free market appraisal. Let’s set up a time to chat, we’d love to hear from you!