housing market Archives | Fisher & Partners

Moving homes is an exciting time filled with thoughts of your new dream house. Our job is to help you present your old house in the best possible light to maximise your property’s potential. That’s why we’re here to provide you with invaluable tips and tricks to help you prepare beforehand.

Our expertise and commitment to showcasing your property’s true potential will ensure a smooth and rewarding selling experience. So, let’s dive in and make sure your old house shines, capturing the attention of eager buyers.

Freshen Up Your Home for a Stellar Impression

At Fisher & Partners, we know that a clean home leaves a lasting impact on potential buyers. Take the extra time to deep clean every nook and cranny, from the tops of cabinets to hidden corners. If you’re still living in the property, consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure a sparkling presentation.

Create an Inviting Atmosphere with a Pleasant Scent

First impressions matter, including how your home smells. Avoid overpowering scents and opt for a subtle, well-maintained fragrance. One clever tip is to add a touch of polish to your radiators, giving your home a welcoming and cared-for aroma. A few strategically placed scented candles can also enhance the ambiance without overwhelming the senses.

Showcase Your Space by Decluttering

Maximise the potential of your property by decluttering and showcasing its true beauty. Box up unnecessary items and temporarily store them elsewhere, allowing your home to feel more spacious and inviting. This clean and open environment will capture buyers’ attention and help them envision their own possibilities within the space.

Create a Blank Canvas with Neutral Decor

To appeal to a wide range of tastes, consider neutralising your decor. While your personal style may be unique, neutralising the space allows buyers to envision their own preferences and possibilities. A fresh coat of paint and subtle decor adjustments can create a blank canvas that speaks to their imagination.

Embrace Natural Light and Outdoor Vibes

Open up your home to natural light by drawing back curtains and letting sunshine flood in. This brightens the space and creates an inviting atmosphere. Add a touch of nature with potted plants or fresh flowers to enhance the freshness and vitality of your property.

Highlight Storage Spaces for Added Value

Organise your storage spaces to maximise their potential. Potential buyers appreciate ample storage, so ensure closets are well-organised, clothes are neatly hung, and oversized furniture is removed. Presenting everything in its rightful place showcases the functionality and value of your property’s storage options.

Transform Your Bathroom into a Tranquil Retreat

Create a spa-like experience in your bathroom by stacking coordinated towels, adding scented candles, and incorporating small plant pots for a touch of nature. Coordinated bath mats and towels create a cohesive and harmonious look, while the simple act of closing the toilet seat can make a significant difference in overall appeal.

Fisher & Partners understands the power of these home staging techniques. By following these tips, you can make a remarkable difference in how potential buyers perceive your property. If you need help with getting your home show-ready, our property concierge service can connect you to professional organisers and home stagers to assist.

Contact us today to book an accurate market appraisal to find out your home’s true value. Then get ready to impress, maximise your property’s potential, and secure the sale you deserve.

Have you ever come across the term “qualified buyer” in property transactions? Estate agents often mention it, and if you’re looking to sell, understanding what it means can be very beneficial. Let’s dive into why having a qualified buyer can make a world of difference when selling your home.

What Does ‘Qualified’ Mean?

In the context of buying property, “qualified” doesn’t mean the buyer holds a specific certification. Instead, it’s an estate agent’s way of identifying buyers who are ready and able to purchase, with clear requirements in mind and, most importantly, the financial means to proceed. At Fisher and Partners, we carefully qualify every buyer, reducing the likelihood of time-wasting viewings and increasing the chance of a smooth sale for you.

Why Qualifying Buyers is Essential

An experienced estate agent will register buyers on their system and note the specifics of what they’re looking for. Just as you wouldn’t want to view homes that don’t fit your criteria, the same applies to buyers. When we know what a buyer wants, we can match them with suitable properties, ensuring your home attracts genuine interest rather than casual lookers. Think of it as matchmaking for homes – it’s all about compatibility.

Qualifying buyers extends well beyond knowing their “must-haves.” It delves into their financial capacity, which is critical for you as a seller. The last thing you want is to prepare your home for a viewing or accept an offer, only to find out the buyer doesn’t have the resources to back it up.

What a Qualified Buyer Looks Like

When we say a buyer is “qualified,” we mean they meet these essential criteria:

Clear Financial Position: The buyer has outlined exactly how they intend to finance the property. This might be through cash, a mortgage, or funds from a pending property sale. We ensure that prospective buyers either provide proof of funds (for cash purchases) or show a mortgage agreement in principle, so there’s no ambiguity about their financial capability.
Transparent Timescale: They’ve communicated their timing expectations. For example, they may have a property to sell themselves, or a rental notice period to complete. We then share this information with you so that you have a realistic idea of their timeline.
Property Sale Status: If the buyer needs to sell their own property first, they inform us of its current status – whether it’s on the market, under offer, or just beginning the sale process. This transparency helps you understand how realistic their offer is in terms of timing and their ability to proceed.

Why It Matters to You

Imagine this: you receive an exciting offer, perhaps even over your asking price, and rush to find your next dream home. But suddenly, you learn that the buyer isn’t as ready as they seemed – they still need to sell their property, which isn’t even listed yet. With your hopes set high, you might now face frustrating delays, or worse, the buyer might be unable to sell their own home for the needed amount. All of this could have been avoided if the buyer’s qualifications were clearly understood from the start.

By thoroughly qualifying each buyer, we help protect you from the risk of failed offers and sudden setbacks. When a buyer’s finances and timeline are clear, you gain peace of mind that the transaction can proceed as planned, allowing you to confidently move forward.

Using This Knowledge to Your Advantage

With qualified buyers, you have more than just an offer on paper. You have insight into the circumstances of each potential transaction, allowing you to make decisions that fit your needs. If, for example, you aren’t in a rush to sell, you can confidently consider offers from buyers with slightly longer timelines. Or, if speed is a priority, you might opt for a cash buyer who’s ready to move swiftly.

The knowledge your estate agent gathers from each buyer ensures a smoother, more informed decision-making process, aligning your expectations with those of the buyer from the outset.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about buyer qualification, our team of experts is here to help. Understanding this process could save you valuable time, energy, and money. If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to offer a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner at Fisher and Partners, and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.