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Ask the right questions when viewing a property.

questions to ask homeowners

When searching for a new home, most of us will create a shortlist of properties that interest us and arrange to view them. But what should you do at the viewing appointment? 

Of course, you must look at the property and decide if you like it and want to buy it. Could you see yourself living there? But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are crucial pieces of information that, if you know the answers, can assist with your offering process. Ironing out those questions at the viewing appointment makes sense to ensure that you are armed with all of the information before making any decisions or offers. 

These 13 questions are essential to ask; the answers will help you shape a sensible offer and negotiate effectively.

Why is the owner selling?

Often, this will be due to personal reasons, whether a relocation for work, more space needed for a growing family or perhaps a downsize. It is an excellent question to ask to understand the sellers’ motivations.

How long has the property been on the market?

The longer a property stays on the market, the more questions will be raised about it. Is there a reason that no one has offered on it yet? Perhaps you could put in a slightly lower offer?

What price is the seller looking for?

You will often find that the marketing price and the selling price of a property are different. Whilst you will probably not be given a figure that the seller will definitely accept, you may be able to find out how negotiable the sellers are.

Have the sellers already found a new home?

This question will tell you about the timescale of the sellers. It will also tell you if there is time pressure for the sale to complete, which is essential for you to know and ensure that your timescales match up. Is there an urgency for them to achieve a sale before they miss out on the property of their dreams? Is there room for negotiation because they are in a rush?

Is there a chain?

If the sellers have already decided on a property to buy, there may be a chain. The more parties involved in a chain, the more complicated the property transaction and legal process might be, which could impact the timescale.

Have there been any offers?

The actual figure of any offers that have been made before is confidential, but it can be helpful to know that there has been other interest so that you can gauge where to pitch your first offer.

Have any significant renovations been made by the owners?

If an offer is accepted, you will need paperwork to prove that any significant works were signed off properly. This is useful to discuss at this stage so you know beforehand before making an offer, as it can cause delays with the solicitors later.

What is included in the sale?

Items can sometimes be included in the sale or negotiated separately. Knowing what is included with the price will allow you to fully negotiate a deal to include other items you may be interested in.

Have there been any surveys?

Whilst the copy of the survey report will most likely not be available for you to read as it belongs to the person who paid for it, the estate agents will be able to tell you if the survey results caused a previous sale to fall through. 

Listed/conservation

There are finer details that could impact your life in the property, so it is critical to find out beforehand. If the property, or any part of it, is listed or in a conservation area, this will impact what you can do to the property after buying it. And in our area, its good to ask about any Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) for large trees on the property.

School catchments

If you already have school-age children or are thinking about starting a family, the school catchment area will be vital information for you. Families have moved house altogether to get their children into the school of their choice. We’re very fortunate to have many excellent schools in the neighbourhood, both state and independent.

Transport links

If you have to commute to work, the time it will take you and the convenience of the transport links will soon be significant to you. Adding an extra 30 minutes to your commute will cost you 5 hours of free time each week! And if you have to cross a busy junction or the traffic is renowned for congestion, you may lose even more time. 

Tenure

If the property is freehold, you are offering to buy the property and the ground it sits on. But if there is a flying freehold or a lease of some kind, then you will be bound by the terms for the duration of your time at the property. You will need to know the details – the length of the remaining period, the cost of the ground rent, and any prohibitive regulations will all impact your ownership of the property. 

The answers to these questions will help you understand the market, the seller’s urgency, and your potential negotiation power, enabling you to make a good offer that is more likely to be accepted. 

All of this will help you build a complete picture of the property, which goes much deeper than a simple viewing where you will only be decided based on the surface-level interest in the property’s general appearance. It’s a bit like having a blind date and deciding to marry that person without getting to know them first.

If you’re thinking about moving, sign up for our property alerts to be notified of new listings before they hit the portals. Or reach out to the Managing Partner for your area to discuss your wish list for a new home. We’d be delighted to help.

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Can the interior design choices you make affect the value of your property?

Interior Design Choices

Our homes are our castles, and we like nothing more than styling and personalising them to our own tastes. DIY is a huge business in the UK, and almost all of us have an ongoing project, improving or changing some aspect of our home, changing wallpaper, paint colours, or maybe even tiles and flooring. But how much could this DIY obsession affect the value of our home?

Interior design is a huge industry; from bespoke interiors to magazines showcasing beautiful homes, there is a fascination with interior design, and trends seem to change dramatically as the years go by – who remembers those floral chintz sofas from the 80s?

As trends change with the seasons, new styles and colour schemes increase and decrease in popularity. One moment we’re all painting our homes white and grey, and the next, we’re buying vibrant jungle-themed wallpaper. But is there a point when your personal style will begin to have an impact on the value of your home? Could a wallpaper pattern really decrease your home’s value? 

The interior of a home can make or break a sale. If you are too ‘out there,’ you may put buyers off. Or at least have to pinpoint the exact buyer who is a) looking to buy a property, b) is looking to buy a property the size, style and location of yours, c) at your asking price, and finally, d) with your exact taste in interiors. That is quite a lot of factors to find a buyer for your home, isn’t it?

A manor house would be lovely to buy but imagine the entire interior is bright red, filled with gold-plated fittings, frilly furniture, tasselled lampshades and taxidermy on every shelf. Would you pay the asking price? Or would you make a lower offer because you’d have to arrange for the decorators to come as soon as you completed the purchase? Unless, of course, you happen to like that sort of thing. 

Retro interiors, particularly from the 60s and 70s, are often very popular as long as it’s a nod to the era and not an exact replica. The idea is to incorporate hints into the property from that time, not turn your home into a museum. Avocado bathroom suites might be coming back into fashion, but it could be more likely to put a buyer off. 

Minimalist styles tend to work best and could be the perfect solution to selling your home for the highest possible price. Simple, clean and tidy, a minimalist interior would likely feel empty and sparse to the owner of the red taxidermy house. However, it is most likely to appeal to the largest number of would-be buyers, which is the key when selling your home. 

Scandi interiors are ever-popular for this very reason. It is a simple style without any overbearing patterns or colour schemes to put anyone off. And rather than dull and clinical, there are often pops of colour to create interest and add cosiness to the property.

In an ideal world, your home will attract many buyers with multiple offers, increasing the demand and, therefore, the value. If your home is so quirky that you really have to find the one buyer that will like it, there is limited demand, which could affect the value negatively. 

So, by all means, personalise your homes, but if your taste is very quirky, would you be better off toning that down a little when you decide to sell? 

If you are thinking of selling your home, get in touch with the Managing Partner for your area to arrange a valuation today, or start with a very quick online valuation to see your property’s current market potential.

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When selling a property, is it essential to have printed brochures?

property brochure

99% of Property searchers will start their search for a property online. It is convenient and time-saving, not to mention far more enjoyable, to search for a new home whilst sitting on your sofa instead of trailing around the town centre visiting different agent’s offices. 

The purpose of a property brochure is to showcase the property and its features and benefits. This is still important, only now it needs to be online. Because of this need to prepare an online presence for each property, agents can utilise many more tools and strategies to sell properties than simply a printed brochure.

From high-quality presented video walk-throughs like mini tv shows to a virtual tour that allows the viewer to view the property as often as they like, technology has come so far that there are many ways to market a property sale now.

But, a brochure is still needed; it is just not required to be printed. Digital downloads of brochures will allow buyers to see the property from home without harming the planet and filling up the recycling boxes. 

To promote a property for sale, there must be some marketing materials that can be easily emailed to potential buyers. The extent of this marketing material depends on the agent and the seller, but something must be produced to showcase the property. 

You need some way to show the interior, layout and the property’s main features to entice potential buyers and encourage them to view. Using either a floorplan or a virtual tour to show the layout and images or a video to show the interior style and size of the property. The written description is where you can sell the lifestyle, describing the property in a way to promote the best features of the property. The wording works particularly well when you want to highlight an element of interest in the property but is not seasonal. For example, Christmas dinner/Christmas morning, but you’re trying to sell your home in summer. Or summer BBQs when you’re trying to sell your house in winter. 

Although, likely, printed brochures are not going to be made any more – after all, they are expensive, bad for the planet, and end up in the recycling bin more often than not – a digital brochure will still be created to showcase your property in all it’s glory. 

The content of that brochure will need to have written descriptions that showcase your home and encourage searchers to come and view it. It will also have beautiful images so searchers can see the property and be excited about the real-life viewing. 

But, consider for a moment that rather than simply writing a list of rooms and measurements, and rather than mentioning where every plug socket and tv point is, use the brochure to tantalise the tastebuds of the property searchers. 

Show the viewers about their future in the property and the memories that they will make. Encourage them to view rather than hit them with a list of facts about the house. Sell the lifestyle your property will allow them to have and showcase how it will be the best for family parties, summer BBQs or Christmas morning. These are occasions throughout every year that homeowners will want to host or arrange, and you can show them that your home would be perfect for them.

Of course, no one will buy a property because it is quite good for BBQs, but if your home ticks every other box, it could be enough to push them into offering on your home rather than someone else’s that they may have on their shortlist. 

There are ways to promote a property without creating a brochure, such as a video walk-through presented by the agent in a TV style to allow the agent to highlight all of those features. Still, a viewer will not watch a 30-minute presentation video. So, a combination of video, floorplans, images, and great words all work together to market a property in the best way possible. 

Fisher & Partners is transforming the way property is sold. We invest heavily in videography and digital marketing of our homes to ensure that potential homeowners are able to get a sense of how it would feel for them to live in your home. Since you work with a managing partner from start to finish, you can ensure the features and benefits of your home are showcased effectively. If you’re considering listing your home on the market, we’d be delighted to give you a current market appraisal and discuss our services.

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Are You a Homeowner With Pets and Planning to Sell your Property?

sunningdale with pets

Sunningdale and its neighbouring villages are renowned for being pet-friendly communities. Your furry friends are an essential part of your family and homes. However, when it comes to selling your property, it’s important to consider how your pets may impact the process. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you navigate selling your home while managing your beloved pets.

Prepare for Viewings with Care

While it’s not always practical to remove your pets from your home, it’s ideal to have them out of the way during viewings. If you have dogs, arrange for a family member or friend to take them for a short walk or have them safely secured in the car during the viewing appointments. This allows potential buyers to focus on the unique features of your home without distractions.

Conceal Bowls and Bedding

During viewings, it’s best to hide your pets’ food and water bowls, as well as their bedding. These items are not selling features and may not make a positive impression on buyers, regardless of their love for animals. Store these temporarily in a cupboard, the garage, shed, or even your car while the viewings take place. Once the potential buyers have left, you can bring back your pets and their belongings.

Create an Inviting Environment

Before each viewing, take the time to freshen up your home. As Sunningdale residents know, our noses can become accustomed to familiar scents. Open the windows to let in fresh air and consider using air fresheners or scented candles to give your home a pleasant aroma. Opt for popular scents like vanilla or explore floral options for a refreshing spring atmosphere. Clean scents like linen or relaxing lavender can also create a welcoming ambiance. By appealing to buyers’ senses, you increase the likelihood of leaving a positive impression.

At Fisher & Partners, we understand the unique challenges of selling a home with pets. Our Managing Partners are ready to provide you with accurate valuations and expert advice to maximise your property’s potential. Get started by requesting a free, no-obligation online valuation or reach out to our team today.

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How an Estate Agent will Value Your Home at a Property Valuation

When valuing a property, an estate agent will take into consideration several factors, including…

1. Location 

The location of the property is a crucial factor in determining its value. Homes in highly desirable areas, such as those close to good schools, transport links, and amenities, are likely to be worth more than those in less popular locations.

2. Size and layout

The size and layout of the property will also affect its value. Larger homes with more bedrooms and living spaces will generally be worth more than smaller properties.

3. Condition

The condition of the property is also a significant factor in determining its value. A well-maintained home that is in good repair will be worth more than a property that needs a lot of work.

4. Age and type of property

The age and type of the property will also impact its value. Newer properties or those with unique architectural designs may be worth more than older, more traditional homes.

5. Recent sales of similar properties

Estate agents will also look at the sale prices of similar properties in the local area to get an idea of the current market value. This is often done through a comparative market analysis (CMA).

If you are looking to move, whether that is in the near or far future, we would be delighted to help you on this important journey.

Please get in touch with us by visiting our Contact Us page, or by booking a valuation on our Valuation page. 

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Top Interior Design Tips for Creating Spaces that are Both Stylish and Practical

Interior design plays a crucial role in making a house feel like a home. Not only do you want to design a space that is inviting, welcoming and in keeping with your personal style, it is important to ensure that the interior of your home is practical, useable and has longevity.

We were delighted to meet with Alexander James Interiors recently, who are one of the UK’s, and the world’s, leading Interior Design houses. We spoke to the lovely Julie Clifford, Head of Brand Partnership, and Beatrice Knight, Head of Marketing and Client Services, to chat all things interior design.

Not only did we discuss the amazing bespoke service they offer their clients, they also shared with us some great tips and advice. We discussed current interior design trends, as well as how the covid pandemic has affected these trends, and their top tips for clients when designing the interior space of their home.

Some of our favourite tips they shared with us were…

  • As well as considering the look and feel of space, remember to consider the practicality of it – does it have longevity, will the design and space still be practical for your growing family overtime, does it give you all the functionality you desire it to.
  • When choosing a colour palette for your space, make sure it is something you absolutely love but can also see yourself enjoying in years to come – you could consider going for a neutral palette and changing up the colour of accessories.
  • Comfort is key! Having a beautiful home that you love is of course very important, but equally so is the comfort of your home. Sofas, beds, office chairs, desks and kitchen island stools are just some of the crucial aspects of your design where comfort should be a top priority.

To find out more about all the fantastic advice Alexander James Interiors shared with us, please watch our coffee morning with them below…

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Turning Your Dream Home into a Reality – Architect Tips with Ascot Design

When creating your dream home, you of course want to work with the best of the best in the industry to achieve your desired outcome. Ascot Design is an award winning architects who serve both private clients and the public sector. They are based in Berkshire, UK but work on and deliver projects worldwide.

We were delighted to chat with Alex Horder, the Managing Director at Ascot Design, about their world-leading architectural practice. He shared with us current architectural trends, what to consider when designing your home, as well as more information about the fantastic service they offer.

Watch our coffee morning with Ascot Design below to find out more…

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UK Mortgage Rates Advice for 2023

If you’re looking to move house and buy a new property, you will likely be wondering about the UK mortgage rates.

We recommend talking to a Mortgage and Protection Advisor to give you all the relevant information and advice you will need. Buying a new home is a big commitment, so it is very important that you have all the information regarding current mortgage rates and what the best options are for you, from a professional.

We had the delight of talking to Paul Cleveland, a Mortgage and Protection Advisor at Fairstone, who provide financial planning and wealth management solutions to help you achieve your life goals.

Paul shared with us some fantastic information about UK mortgage rates and some brilliant advice for people considering a move. He also discussed mortgage rate trends and how these could change overtime, as well as the importance of knowing your financial position before property searching.

To find out all the great advice Paul shared with us, please watch our coffee morning with Paul on our YouTube channel below…

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5 Easy Steps to Prepare Your Home for Viewings

Selling your home can be a stressful process, but we believe that with a thorough plan and understanding of the process it doesn’t need to be. One key element of selling your home is viewings, and often not enough thought or effort goes into this. Our top tips are…

1. Declutter

Where possible limit the number of items that personalise the house such as family photos, memorabilia, collections, and furniture. Remove excess items that make rooms appear cluttered as this will give potential buyers a better impression. 

2. Repair

Make sure to repair any known defects in the house, such as broken windows, leaky faucets, or damaged flooring. Potential buyers won’t be interested in a home with a long punch list. 

3. Paint

Freshen up paint colours in each room of the house with neutral tones and finishes. Neutral colours will make the house more attractive to potential buyers and may also increase its resale value. 

4. Stage

Staging the house can help potential buyers envision how the space can be used and also present it in its best light. Use simple and stylish decor to make the house feel inviting, intimate and attractive to potential buyers. 

5. Clean

Consider having a deep clean to make sure your house is truly looking as good as it possibly can, making it easy for buyers to fall in love with it.

At Fisher & Partners we will always be on hand to advise and guide clients in order to get the best possible route for them. By working closely together we can make sure that the whole processes is as smooth as possible for you. 

If you are considering a move, are struggling with your current estate agent or simply need some advice, please contact us and we’d be delighted to help.

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UK Property Update for 2023

The UK property market is an ever changing landscape and looking ahead to 2023 there’s a number of factors that will affect the market. 

Demand for housing is likely to rise in the UK as the population continues to expand and the economy bounces back from the turbulence of 2022. This means that the outlook for 2023 is promising, all against a backdrop of rising interest rates, increased costs of living and a pessimistic viewing from broadcasters on a national level.

In terms of prices, experts predict that the market will remain largely stable in the next few years and that house prices may rise by around 5-10%. However, this will vary significantly depending on the region, with some markets being more expensive and better performing  than others. Certainly the Home Counties will be expected to out perform the rest of the UK, with strong demand from across the globe and limited expansion in terms of property development, underpinning values and transactional volumes. 

The pandemic has also had a major impact on the property market and this could continue in 2023. Working from home is becoming more common, meaning that people may be less reliant on their local area and more likely to move farther away in order to get better value for money. However the migration from city centres to more suburban and rural areas is still affected by the desire to have good communication links and social infrastructure. 

Additionally, in recent years travel restrictions have affected the number of overseas buyers, but as we return to a post-Covid normality we will expect to see the return of foreign investors taking advantage of the weak pound and any uncertainty in the markets.

If you’d like any further advice or help from us then please do reach out to use using our contact page.