Author: colin_williams

Vendors Must Keep In Touch With Buyer Demand

Posted on by colin_williams

While vendors should focus on what they want to achieve when selling their home, there is a lot to be said for being aware of what buyers are looking for. If you can tailor your home or offer to better meet the needs of likely buyers, you will find it easier to connect, hopefully assisting you in the sales process.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are keen to help buyers and vendors connect. We know the local market, and we know what buyers are looking for. With our help, Petersfield vendors can connect with buyers, and enhance their chances of selling their home.

NAEA Propertymark figures offer insight into house hunters looking for homes

There has been a lot of information and statistics issued in the housing market since it re-opened after lockdown, but some bodies and organisations are more highly regarded than others. When NAEA Propertymark issues information, people listen. This is because it provides realistic information from estate agents across the country.

Some of the leading statistics revealed by the organisation include:

  • The number of house hunters registered per NAEA branch member increased by 7% between February and May
  • The number of house hunters registered per NAEA branch member rose from 322 pre-lockdown to 344 post-lockdown
  • In May, 70% of properties sold at a price that was lower than the initial asking price
  • The average number of properties available, per branch as of May 2020, was 35
  • This figure is a fall from the figure of 41 per branch recorded in May 2019
  • The supply of homes, based on year-on-year, figures fell by 15% between March 2019 and March 2020
  • Sales to first-time buyers in May stood at 32%, increasing from the 22% sales to first-time buyers in February

Mark Hayward is the Chief Executive of NAEA Propertymark, and he said; “It’s great to see the market up and running again, bringing some much-needed confidence back. With estate agents following new socially distanced protocols and the demand for viewings soaring, we are set for an exciting summer.”

Mark continued by saying; “It will be interesting in the coming months to see if the lifestyle changes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on house sale locations, especially in and around commuter towns.”

More support for first-time buyers?

There have been calls from MPs for more to be done to support first-time buyers looking to step onto the property ladder. Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said; “The Government must be proactive in ensuring that the banks assist first time buyers rather than wealthy landlords to access homes on the market. Too many young people are losing life opportunities to the Covid-19 pandemic, and this must not be another instance of that. I have written to the Secretary of State for Housing to ask what measures will be taken to support first time buyers.”

Eleanor Williams is a Finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, and she said; “First-time buyers are a vital part of keeping the mortgage market moving, and so it comes as great news that lenders are again starting to relaunch products in the higher LTV tiers. Concern has been raised about the possibility of house price falls and consequential potential negative equity situations, making lenders understandably more cautious about lending in these higher-risk circumstances.”

Eleanor continued by saying; “Lenders have also found though that they have been overwhelmed by the level of demand for these brackets of products, resulting in some needing to withdraw deals only recently relaunched in order to manage their workload. Consumer demand is clearly evident, and the re-introduction of more deals for those with a 10% deposit, or even less, by more lenders would hopefully provide prospective purchasers with the choice they need to move forwards with buying a home.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Vendors – Stage The Outside Of Your Home And Sell It

Posted on by colin_williams

With buyers placing even more importance on garden space and the outside of homes, vendors need to tailor the way they present their home. Many homeowners are more than happy to stage the inside of their home to attract buyers, and given the increased level of demand on garden space, we believe vendors should consider staging the outside of their home.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have assisted many local homeowners to connect with buyers. By knowing how to make your garden more appealing, you can enhance the chances of selling your home quickly, and for the best possible price.

The demand for outdoor space is obvious

The first monthly market survey report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) since the housing market re-opened provides a number of reasons why vendors must focus on the outside of their property.

The RICS survey collects opinions of agents across the country, so it offers useful insight into what property market professionals expect to see in the industry. The survey reported:

  • 81% of agents predict an increase in desire for homes which have a garden or a balcony
  • 74% of respondents predict an increase in demand for homes located close to a green space
  • 68% of respondents believe properties with privacy and less communal space will be in greater demand

Simon Rubinsohn is the Chief Economist at RICS and he said; “There are already signs that those looking to buy a house are responding to the conditions created by the pandemic by seeking out properties with gardens or balconies and nearer green space. These and other similar features are likely to increasingly command a premium over higher-density urban locations, according to respondents to the survey.”

Gardens matter for property buyers

There has also been backing for these predictions from one of the leading property portals in the United Kingdom. Their studies suggest that while gardens have always been a popular search term for buyers, there has been an increase in prospective buyers looking for outdoor space in their next home.

Rightmove’s housing market analyst Miles Shipside said; “During lockdown people have been re-evaluating what their must-haves are, and both buyers and renters are craving a home with its own outside space rather than a flat. Usually home-movers tell us the kitchen photographs are the most important when they’re looking at a property advert, but now agents should consider giving greater prominence to pictures of gardens and outdoor spaces to attract the attention of prospective renters and buyers.”

There is consensus that outdoor space is important. Of course, when outdoor space becomes a common feature in the market, there is a need to ensure your garden stands out for the right reasons.

This is why staging outdoor space is going to become a critical feature in the property market.

Consider these areas when staging outdoor space to sell your home

  • Always start with the decluttering and cleaning process, as this creates space and makes the area look more attractive
  • Carry out repair work, focusing on paths, property walls and property doors and windows
  • Create borders around different types of plants and flowers
  • Mow the loan and ensure all borders are tidy
  • Ensure all border barriers, such as fences, are in good condition
  • Consider adding lighting to the outside of the property as this will enhance security, safety and functionality
  • If you have space for people to gather, consider adding garden furniture

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Vendors – Legal Kerb Appeal Sells Your House

Posted on by colin_williams

One of the most important things you can do when selling your home is to make buyers feel confident. If a buyer feels positively about your home, and that they will receive value for money with the purchase, they are more likely to make an offer.

Therefore, it makes sense to show your home is in good condition. You also want to prove you have every legal issue taken care of. At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have helped many local homeowners sell their home, and we believe taking care of the legal kerb appeal makes a positive difference in the sales process.

What is legal kerb appeal?

Legal kerb appeal, in the words of Chris Salmon, who is a co-founder and Director of Quittance Legal Services, is; “Simply, legal kerb appeal is the strengths of the property when considered from a legal perspective. Legal kerb appeal could also involve proactively addressing any potential legal issues before a buyer is found.”

In an interview conducted on the Property Road website, Chris was asked about what vendors should look to do to ensure they are ready to sell their home in the near future.

Chris responded by saying; “If you are on or are thinking of going on the market, we’re pushing the concept of ‘legal kerb appeal’. Sellers will be entering a buyers’ market, and must do everything they can to improve their chances not only of finding a buyer, but also completing the sale.”

He continued by saying; “For example, if the property has a roof terrace without planning permission, the buyer’s solicitor will pick this up. Instead, the seller’s solicitor can identify a suitable indemnity policy and offer it as part of the sale. This proactive approach will reassure buyers and avoid delays later in the process.”

How will the housing market move forward?

Chris was also asked about what he thinks will happen in the property market when the industry moves forward. He said; “The consensus is that the pent-up demand that emerged shortly after the 2019 election will gradually resume. It’s very likely that in-progress transactions will suffer a logjam as capacity challenged property services firms struggle to fulfil a rush of requests for searches, surveys and managing agent information. We anticipate significant delays for up to a few months after the lockdown eases.”

Steps in managing legal kerb appeal

With so many sources discussing the importance of legal kerb appeal, most vendors will be keen to incorporate it into their sales process. Here is a list of steps you should follow in managing legal kerb appeal before and during the sales process:

  • Complete all property transaction forms
  • Anticipate which problems are likely to occur, and resolve them
  • Involve external parties and management agents as quickly as possible
  • Collate all documents as early as possible
  • Start the process of recovering or replacing missing documents as early as possible
  • Agents, vendors and legal professionals should work together to find solutions

The earlier you start, the better

As with most things in life, and certainly as with many things in the sales process, the sooner you start, the better. When it comes to legal kerb appeal, the sooner you start to put things in order, the better for you.

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Vendors With A Pet? Tips To Sell Your Home

Posted on by colin_williams

Selling your home can be a lot of work, and vendors must overcome a lot of obstacles in their way. In the current climate, selling a house is a tricky proposition, and this is why Williams of Petersfield is here to ensure you receive the best standard of service, no matter your circumstances. If you’re a vendor with a pet, we have tips to help you sell your home. Continue reading “Vendors With A Pet? Tips To Sell Your Home” →

Vendors And Buyers Want Help From Traditional Agents

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When the housing market re-opened, there was a significant spike in demand, which is perfectly understandable. During lockdown, some people’s circumstances will have changed, and other people will feel like a change of scenery, after having spent a lot of time at home. Continue reading “Vendors And Buyers Want Help From Traditional Agents” →

Property Demand Remained High During Lockdown

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The re-opening of the housing market in mid-May saw a high level of activity in the housing market, but this shouldn’t have been a surprising outcome. There were many households whose lives had been put in limbo due to the housing market being paused. These people would have been keen to conclude their deals as soon as the market was up and running again. Continue reading “Property Demand Remained High During Lockdown” →

How To Prepare A Home For Sale After Lockdown

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With the Government announcing the housing market can re-open, a lot of people have been keen to engage the market as quickly as possible. Both Zoopla and Rightmove, leading property portals in the United Kingdom, have unveiled stats indicating there was significant pent-up demand in the market. Continue reading “How To Prepare A Home For Sale After Lockdown” →

How People Are Responding To Working From Home

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It would be fair to say many people are considering if remote working is the best thing for them, and their employer. There is a range of benefits associated with working from home, and if businesses can save money without compromising on quality, it is likely many firms will change their standard working practices. Continue reading “How People Are Responding To Working From Home” →

DIY Work Is In Demand During Lockdown – Top Tips

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With so many people spending more time at home, and looking for projects which will keep them active, it is likely there will be a DIY boom during lockdown. With many leading DIY and hardware stores re-opening, offering the chance for homeowners to buy equipment and materials, homes across the country will be restyled. Continue reading “DIY Work Is In Demand During Lockdown – Top Tips” →

Remote Working Tips For Your Home

Posted on by colin_williams

A significant number of people dream about working from home, although it is fair to present circumstances are not how people imagined how it would happen. If you find yourself working from home, the process may be strange and new for you. If you are looking for remote working tips for your home, we are more than happy to help.

You should look to replicate your standard workstation or area as best as you can. This may not be possible or feasible. However, if you can make changes, maintaining consistency at home will help you be productive.

You should get dressed

You don’t need to dress as you would typically for work unless there is a requirement to do so. However, it is beneficial to get out of your pyjamas, get washed and freshen up for the day. You might think working from home in your most comfortable clothes all day is “living the dream”, but this is a bad idea.

It may hamper your productivity, and it will make it harder to fall asleep at night. Getting dressed and ready for work will help you enter a more productive mind frame.

Create a space that is specific for work

Depending on how much spare room or space you have at home, this may be easier said than done. However, by creating an area for work, you will differentiate between home-life and work-life much more easily.

If you have a busy home, setting up an area where you can work, and not be disturbed, is of benefit. You may find that children and pets don’t necessarily respect these boundaries, but adults and older children will hopefully provide you with peace to work when you are in this area.

Having a specified workspace is also helpful in switching off at the end of the day. When you step out of the work zone, you can relax and focus on other matters.

Do you have the equipment you need to work?

While each person is different, if you have a desk-based job, there will be some equipment you need alongside your laptop, PC or tablet. Therefore, you will probably require:

  • A comfortable chair
  • A desk with enough space for your needs and which is at a suitable height to work
  • A broadband connection which allows you to work and communicate
  • Software to communicate with clients and colleagues

Some people find noise-cancelling headphones to be helpful, but this may depend on your home, your budget, and what work you are carrying out.

Make sure you take breaks

It is helpful to take breaks from work. If you want to catch up with colleagues, arrange a time where you can have a coffee and catch up. If you want to take a break with people inside your home, schedule it, as this will give you something to look forward to.

We appreciate this is a challenging time, but at Williams of Petersfield, we are here to assist you as best we can. If you are looking for any guidance or advice from a local agent, please get in touch with us today.