If you are keen to sell your home, you want your property to look as stylish and as attractive as possible. The property market is highly competitive, and you want to ensure your home stands out for all the right reasons. This includes having a greener home. Continue reading “Greener Homes Attract Buyers – Easy Tips”
Tag: sales
A Shocking Reason Your Home May Not Be Selling
If your home isn’t selling, but other homes in the area are, you want to know the reason why. You and your agent should be able to review the market and come up with ideas why your home isn’t selling. There may be an issue with the local area, there may be a lot of houses for sale in the market, or there may not be a significant number of buyers. It may even be that your home is priced too high.
However, if it isn’t any of these reasons, you may feel as though there isn’t any reason why your home isn’t selling. Of course, there may be a shocking and surprising reason your home isn’t selling or generating interest.
Your home may be too cheap
You would think if your home had a low value, you would have a lot of interest. Savvy buyers seeking a bargain would surely see your home as the ideal option when it comes to affordability and value for money. However, this isn’t always the case, and you may find buyers ignore your property listing.
Don’t sell your home with a nine at the end, round up
Over the years, many industries have thrived with price tags ending in a 9. This style of pricing subconsciously makes people think they are getting a better deal. The reality is they may only save a penny or a pound, but the psychological difference may be enough to grab attention.
However, in the digital era, some of the benefits are lost. Buyers set price parameters starting and ending in 0’s, which means that your property price may lie outside the parameters, suitable customers. Equally, your cost will lie at the maximum of the parameter where it sits, so your home will come across as one of the more expensive for a buyer.
Get an accurate price for your home
The most important thing for you to do before pricing your home is to ensure it is appropriately valued. We offer this service, and our team will make sure you have an accurate and genuine price in place for your property.
It is essential to know the local average, but if your home isn’t comparable with the regional average, you shouldn’t use that as a barometer. If your home is more appealing than the average home, the average price lumps it in with many properties in your area. Buyers could be crying out for what you offer, but if the house seems the same as the rest, they may not give it the care and attention it deserves.
If you are looking to sell your home, you need support and guidance from local experts. We are pleased to say we have helped many vendors sell their home, and our team have skill and expertise in the psychology of sales. We will help you find the ideal price for your home, and we look forward to assisting you to sell your home soon.
Staging Your Home At Low Cost
Selling your home is often a challenging proposition. One issue that many people overlook is the cost of selling your home. There are many fees associated with selling your home, but you also have bills to pay when making your home look as appealing as possible.
You should look to stage your home to attract buyers. With an attractive home aimed at the most likely buyer, you significantly increase your chances of selling the property. However, some vendors are concerned about the cost of staging their home. At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have helped many homeowners cut the cost of staging their home without compromising on quality.
We are pleased to help you stage your home at low cost.
Add a new coat of paint
While you don’t want to add garish colours or go overboard when it comes to rejuvenating a room, there is a lot to be said for adding a new coat of paint to a room or home. While you should be modest when it comes to your colour scheme, making a place feel less drab is a fantastic way to entice buyers and make the most of your home.
Add a sense of space
You should look to add space at your home because this is what buyers want to see. However, if you cannot physically add space, you need to make your home feel spacious. There are several simple tips you can follow here, but mirrors are extremely useful in transforming your home. A well-placed mirror makes a room seem more spacious, and it can make a room feel lighter too.
Also, make sure that you create space around windows. Minimise drapes and items blocking the window area. Not only will you allow more light to flood into a room, you develop a sense of space that is highly appealing to buyers.
You don’t need to buy furniture to stage your home
An essential part of the staging process is to present the room in a manner that appeals to the buyer. Therefore, it makes sense to have furniture that the likely buyer approves of. However, if you don’t own furniture that matches the needs or taste of a prospective buyer, you may be opposed to buying furniture to sell your home.
Thankfully, you don’t need to buy furniture for the staging process. If you have friends or family members who have this style of furniture, ask if you can borrow furniture from them for a short time. Also, some firms specialise in loaning furniture on a short-term basis. Installing these items in your home for a limited period helps you create a great impression, without spending a lot of money.
If you are looking to sell your house in Petersfield, get in touch. We aim to help you connect with buyers and by calling on Williams of Petersfield, you receive guidance from a local expert in the property market, so get in touch.
How To Choose Your Ideal Buyer
Even though there has been much pessimism regarding the property market in recent times, property deals still take place. We are pleased to say we have helped many vendors in Petersfield sell their home. If you are keen to sell your home in the Petersfield area, please get in touch, and we will be happy to assist you find your ideal buyer.
Given the demand for property, it is not uncommon for vendors to have multiple offers to consider. If you find yourself in this position, you need to evaluate your options. Naturally, many vendors believe the most significant offer is the most appealing option.
However, it may be the most substantial offer isn’t the best for your needs. On many occasions, the most extensive offer will be your best offer, but this isn’t always the case. If you want to know how to choose your ideal buyer, there is several things you need to consider.
Consider the terms of all offers when looking for your ideal buyer
There may be times when a smaller offer is more appealing. An example of this comes when you have a cash offer and an offer dependent on a mortgage. If the lease has only been agreed in principle, the cash offer may be far more attractive, even if it provides you with slightly less money. This would make the cash buyer your ideal buyer.
A mortgage agreed in principle isn’t a guaranteed mortgage, so it may not be on offer. Even if this mortgage does come to fruition, it may take several weeks for the lease to be made available. If you have a cash offer, you can proceed much more quickly, which appeals to many vendors.
If you need to move quickly or there is a deadline in place when it comes to selling your home, a cash deal makes more sense.
Is the buyer part of a chain?
Another thing to consider when evaluating offers is the status of the buyer. If the buyer is involved in a chain, this may hamper your ability to conclude the deal effectively. When people are involved in a property chain, there is a higher risk of deals collapsing, or at least being delayed.
If you receive an offer from a first-time buyer, their offer may be more appealing to you than a more substantial offer from a buyer involved in a chain. If you want to conclude quickly and reduce the level of stress you experience in selling your home, looking for a chain-free offer is a smart move.
Is the buyer motivated to move in?
If you are dealing with a motivated buyer, you should find the deal moves much more quickly. There is a great deal to be said for choosing an offer from a buyer who wants to conclude soon as opposed to someone who seems content to take things at a slower pace.
Don’t be afraid to speak with the prospective buyer and ask their opinion on the move, and what they want to achieve. This information may provide you with insight into whether this is the right buyer for you.
If you plan on selling your home, you need to have your home valued. We’re pleased to offer a valuation service, and whatever help you require in selling your home, we can provide it. When you want to sell your Petersfield house, contact Williams of Petersfield.
What Costs Do You Need To Cover When Selling Your Home
While most people are aware of buying your home is expensive, not as many people know the costs of selling your residence are also prohibitive. These costs need to be met at the same time, and if you don’t budget for them, you may create a significant gap in your finances.
At Williams of Petersfield, we are here to help you know what costs you need to cover when selling your home.
Energy performance certificates (EPC)
If you sell your home, you need to have an EPC for the property. You may already have an EPC. You should be aware that EPCs last for ten years, so if you have arranged an EPC in the past few years, you will be covered.
If you don’t have an EPC in place, you need one. The costs of an EPC vary, so make sure you shop around. The price can vary between £35 and £150, so there is a gap between what you might end up paying.
Estate agent costs for selling
If you use an estate agent to sell your home, and you should use an estate agent to sell your home, you need to pay for this service. Not all estate agents are the same; not all professionals charge the same price and not all agents charge you in the same manner.
It is believed the average estate agency fee in the UK is between 1% and 1.5% + VAT, but the cost can range between 0.75% and 2.5% + VAT. Most vendors use traditional High Street agents. While some people use online agents in the hope of lowering the cost of the service, online agents don’t always provide value for money.
Some online agents don’t offer all the services you need; other agents may not be of a good enough standard to promote your home. Some online agents provide an excellent service, but it is telling most vendors still use traditional estate agents.
Before you choose an estate agent, confirm the price is suitable, and make sure it provides you with value for money.
Conveyancing solicitor fees
You’ll also rack up conveyancing fees when selling your home, and this can be expensive. It is not uncommon for conveyancing solicitor fees to range between £550 and £1,000 + VAT. Similar to estate agent fees, not all conveyancing professionals offer the same service or standard of work. Before you commit to a conveyancing solicitor, research them and what they offer.
Try to find a well-recommended professional who you feel comfortable with using. If you are selling and buying, you may be able to obtain a discount for using the same professional for both conveyancing elements.
Other costs you need to pay include:
- Removal costs
- House cleaning costs
- Redecorating costs
- Mortgage exit fees
- Stamp duty
With so many costs to consider, it is critical you budget for these aspects when selling your house. If you plan on selling your home and want assistance from a local professional, contact Williams of Petersfield, and we’ll be happy to help.
What Home Improvements Add Most Value
All homeowners should hold an interest in adding value to their home. Even if you don’t intend selling soon, adding value to your house offers comfort and confidence. Of course, if you plan on selling your home fast, it makes sense to make home improvements that attract buyers, add value and make your home stand out from the crowd.
If you plan on staying in your home for many years to come, you can make home improvements that meet your needs. However, if you plan on selling soon, think about what buyers want or need from a home. Improvements that are tailored to the needs of the buyer, while increasing the value of your home, should ensure that you make a smart investment.
Garage door upgrades are affordable and in demand
For a quick impact when improving your home, consider the benefits of upgrading your garage door, if you have one. While having a stylish or appealing garage door is essential for many homeowners, the key reasons to have a garage door is functional. You want a safe and secure garage door that keeps people out while keeping possessions safe.
Also, with an increasing number of people using their garage space as a living area, or connecting their home to the garage space, security is paramount. Upgrading the reliability and robustness of your garage door will have a hugely positive impact on the value of your home, and buyers.
Decking makes sense with home improvements
Anyone who has outdoor space at their home knows the benefits of sitting in the sunshine, enjoying pleasant weather. However, to make the most of great weather, it is critical to have an area that allows people to relax and unwind.
Investing in the decking area is a smart choice, and it should ensure you make the most of your time in the sun, while also adding value to your property. A decking area is the sort of thing buyers look for, and if it differentiates your home from other properties in the area, all the better.
Upgrade the kitchen
With the kitchen being the hub of modern life, there is a great deal to be said for ensuring this room is of the highest standard. You don’t need to overhaul your kitchen completely, but you should add new appliances.
Ensuring your kitchen looks contemporary is a smart way to attract attention. You should also look to maximise space in your kitchen. Adding new storage options improves the appearance and utility of your kitchen, which is sure to draw attention to your house.
Be more energy efficient
Energy efficiency upgrades are vital in making the most of your home. Improving the energy efficiency of your home makes it easier to save money. Whether you intend to sell your home soon or not, this is a great feature to have in your house.
At Williams of Petersfield, we are here to help you make the most of your home. If you want to add value to your house, increasing the likelihood of selling your home, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
Here’s How To Prepare Your Home For A Viewing – Urgently!
The viewing stage is critical in selling your house. You may find prospective buyers view your home on more than occasion, but you need to impress every single time. If you have a lot of time to prepare your home for a viewing, you have more opportunity to create the best possible impression.
However, you don’t always have a lot of time to prepare your home for a viewing. There are times when you may only get minimal notice of a prospective buyer coming around to view your property. When you live in the house during the sales process, it is virtually impossible to maintain a showroom like state, and this means you have work to do to ensure the home meets the standards you need to match.
Start to prepare your home with the decluttering process
The decluttering process is essential in presenting your home. A good declutter is critical when readying your house for images, and it is equally important when you welcome guests to your home. Get rid of any junk or unnecessary items from around your home.
Try to keep accessories and additional items, such as ornaments or photo frames to a minimum. You want the buyer to picture themselves living in your home, and this becomes more likely when you remove most of the items of you and your loved ones.
Ensure the kitchen and bathroom are spotless
All rooms are important when selling your home, but you need the kitchen and bathroom to look fantastic and very clean. Make sure you wipe down all surfaces, clean the flooring and try to create as much space as you can.
If you create a showroom like environment in the kitchen and bathroom, you are far more likely to develop a positive atmosphere with your guests and prospective buyers.
Clean the floor if you can
Buyers eyes will naturally scan a room from the floor to the ceiling. Therefore, your floor will be looked at carefully, and you need to create a positive impression. Take the time to vacuum carpets, sweep wooden floors and give tiles or vinyl laminate a going over with a mop.
Freshen up the bedroom
It is possible to liven up your bedroom quickly and effectively. Changing your bedsheets and linen for fresh additions will change the mood of the room, making it look cleaner and more appealing. The bed is the centrepiece of the bedroom, and if it looks attractive, you stand a better chance of impressing prospective buyers.
Hopefully, you have enough time to focus on these tasks. If your time is minimal, start with the decluttering process and then try to fit in as much else as you can. Also, try to give yourself time to calm down before the buyer arrives, ensuring you efficiently greet them.
If you are looking to sell your home, it is best to call on the support and guidance of a local professional. Get in touch with Williams of Petersfield, and we will be more than happy to help you out in the sales process.
Improve Your Bathroom and Sell Your Home
Every room has a role to play in selling your home. There is an argument that your home is only as attractive or as appealing as the weakest room in the house. Therefore, every homeowner looking to sell their home should look to present each room as best as they can.
However, some rooms are more important than others in engaging buyers. To make the best impression on buyers, make sure your kitchen and bathroom are in excellent condition. These rooms need to be cleaned to a high standard, they need to be spacious, and they need to be welcoming.
A lot of tips are available on how to present a kitchen in the best manner, although there are fewer articles and tips on how to improve your bathroom to sell your home. At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to provide you with the best standard of service, and if you’re looking for guidance on how to improve your bathroom to attract attention, and persuade buyers to make an offer.
Blitz the mould in your bathroom
You know that bathrooms need to be clean, but if there is mould in your bathroom, it could be a worrying sign of more significant problems. A bathroom with mould may suggest there is a dampness problem or an issue with the ventilation in the house.
Therefore, you want to treat the root cause of these problems, but you also need to remove all visible signs of mould and damage. This can be a tough task, but with the right attitude, effort and plenty of bleach, you can create a stylish bathroom.
Create more space
Space is critical in every room of the house, and the bathroom is no different. As a vendor, you want to ensure that you offer as much space as you can in your bathroom, which isn’t always easy for the “smallest room in the house”.
However, one suitable solution that helps is the addition of wall-mounted cabinets. Storage space is vital in bathrooms, especially when you consider the number of cosmetic products, medicine and other items contained in the bathroom.
Wall-mounted cabinets also make for a safer room, keeping dangerous items out of reach of children. Therefore, adding more floor space and creating a safer environment will help make a positive impression on buyers.
Choose a simple yet pleasing colour scheme
If you’re decorating before selling your home, it is essential to think about the needs of the buyer. You may believe bold colours will ensure your room or home stands out from the crowd, but it may be off-putting to prospective buyers.
Think about the traditional colour schemes associated with bathrooms, and try to cultivate a clean and consistent colour scheme that appeals to buyers.
Add finishing touches
Small touches like folded towels, scented candles and accessories will help ensure your bathroom, and home is the one remembered by prospective buyers.
If you are looking to sell your home, it makes sense to call on the experts for support and guidance. If you want help from local specialists, get in touch with Williams of Petersfield. We’re delighted to have assisted many vendors in selling their house, and we look forward to helping you.
Freshen Your Home With These Houseplants
Whether you are looking to sell your home, and you wish to make the best impression, or you want to enjoy your home as much as you can, there are some extra touches you can add. There is a great deal to be said for adding vitality and life to your property, and you can freshen your home with these houseplants.
You don’t need to be overtly green-fingered to manage and maintain these plants, many of them look great from the moment you place them in a pot. As long as you remember to douse them with water every so often, you benefit from a brighter atmosphere that can even clean the air in your room.
With homeplants you can add some aloe vera to your home
If you are looking for a cool plant, you cannot find a better option than aloe vera. This style of plant is well known for healing properties and the colourless jelly that lies inside it. However, if you are looking for an attractive plant that is easy to care for, this is the sort of affordable houseplant that helps transform your home.
Get to the point with a cactus
If you want to have a plant in your home, but the thought of caring for it puts you off, a cactus may be the ideal addition to your home. The desert cactus doesn’t need much water to survive, and your living room is likely to be a much more comfortable environment than a dry and dusty desert.
You’ll find cacti come in all manner of shapes and sizes, so if you’re looking for a fantastic addition to your home, which helps you deal with prickly characters, this is an excellent choice.
Jump on the zeitgeist with avocado
Avocado is very much in these days. If you thought this shade was only for bathrooms from the 1970s, you have missed the boat in recent years. Millennials and hipsters have taken to avocado in a big way, and you can grow your plant from an avocado pit.
This can take some time, but if you are prepared to put in the time and effort, you can bless your home with an avocado tree.
A rubber plant adds some colour
You don’t need to opt for a green houseplant. If you want something different in your home, or you need something else to match with the colour scheme, why not consider the chameleon benefits of a rubber plant. Yes, in low light, rubber plants have a green appearance, but when you place them in an area that benefits from a lot of light, the leaves take on a deep burgundy colour.
This is a fantastic looking plant that makes your home stand out for all the right reasons.
Herbs are a fantastic addition
If you want to be resourceful, why not add a plant that allows you to be creative in the kitchen. Herbs are an excellent ingredient to have on hand, and you cultivate an indoor herb garden at home with ease.
No matter what your property aims and ambitions are, Williams of Petersfield is on hand to help you make the most of your time and home, whether you add some houseplants or not!
if you would like to contact us to see how we can help you with your next property move, please click here.
Brexit Delay Leads To Property Listings Increase
It is fair to say there has been an awful lot of focus on Brexit in recent years. Every aspect of life connects to the upheaval, and of course, the property market has been affected by the political changes. While the Petersfield market hasn’t been as severely affected as some areas, it is vital for residents to be aware of how the overall market is performing, especially with the latest Brexit delay.
Uncertainty harms the property market, and Brexit has left many people feeling uncertain about what is going to happen next. It is easy to see why many buyers decided against making a significant commitment, and if buyers don’t buy, vendors don’t sell, and there is no movement in the property market. This may not immediately touch the Petersfield property market, but a slowdown in house sales affects everyone.
Some buyers have decided now is the time to list their property
However, with the latest Brexit delay, which may see a decision come in October, or perhaps not, it seems as though some vendors have decided enough is enough. After the March deadline passed, a notable number of homeowners listed their house, with the April 2019 listings being 0.8% up on the April 2018 listings. This may not seem like a massive list, but in a year to year terms, it is worth considering.
Also, a leading estate agent states that 49% of significant towns and cities experienced an increase in new properties coming on the market in April 2019 compared to March 2019. London was immune to the positivity, perhaps suggesting there is still a significant concern in the capital about what lies ahead, but in many places across the country, there was a sizable rise in property listings.
Many areas have experienced a sizable increase in listings on a month to month basis thanks to Brexit delay
For the month on month figures, Stevenage experienced a 69.4% increase in listings while Salford saw 43.8% more homes available to buy. Chichester witnessed a rise of 33.8% in listings while King’s Lynn welcomed 33.3% more homes on the market. Other areas seeing a sizable increase in the month on month listings include:
- Ipswich rising by 22.5%
- Gloucester increasing by 20.1%
- Carlisle rising by 19.8%
- Warrington witnessing a rise of 17.6% in listings
There is growing positivity about the market, especially with concerns about a No Deal Brexit subsiding.
Sam Mitchell is the Chief Executive Officer of Housesimple, who released a statement, saying; “Home owners wasted little time in marketing their properties once the new Brexit date was confirmed. There was inevitably a slight lull in market activity in early April, but activity has picked up noticeably since 12 April, and although we’ve seen a more subdued spring bounce than in previous years, under the circumstances, seller numbers are at healthy levels, particularly in the North.”
Whatever move you wish to make in the property market, make an informed decision by contacting Williams of Petersfield. We are pleased to say we have helped many homeowners sell their house, and we are here to help, so get in touch.
How Long Does It Take To Sell Your Petersfield Home?
While each property sale is unique, people like to know likely timescales. In the property market, average figures are often significant. A vendor shouldn’t expect to receive the average price for their Petersfield home, but if they are planning, the average sales price for similar homes in their area provides a guideline for budgeting. Similarly, if you want to buy a home, you’ll look at average house prices in an area, and determine if it fits your budget.
Therefore, if you want to know how long does it take to sell your Petersfield home, you should start by looking at average times. Information culled from Rightmove, and HM Land Registry provides a platform to review local selling times, and the data for Petersfield postcodes is interesting.
How long do you expect to take to sell your Petersfield home?
Many of you will have an interest in the GU31 postcode area. This is one of two postcodes covering the Petersfield post town area, playing hosts to areas like Petersfield, Buriton, Elsted, East Hampshire and Chichester. The average time taken to sell property in the GU31 postcode stands at 23 weeks. This is higher than the average in most other local postcodes, so don’t be surprised if it takes a bit longer to sell your home if you hold a GU31 postcode.
According to Zoopla, the average price paid for GU31 property in the past 12 months stands at £505,384.
In the GU32 postcode area, covering East Meon, West Meon, Sheet, Steep and East Hampshire, the average time taken to sell a property is listed as 18 weeks. Compared to the average time of 23 weeks associated with the GU31 postcode, selling your home will feel easier here! A period of five weeks can feel like a very long time when you are selling your home.
In figures provided by Zoopla, the average price paid for GU32 property in the past 12 months is £458,330. The difference in average price paid between the two postcodes may be a factor in the difference in the average time taken to sell a property.
You can speed up property sales
Of course, there are ways you can improve the sale of your home, and it is possible to sell your home more quickly without compromising on the quality of the sale. Steps to consider include:
- Select the most suitable buyer, not necessarily the buyer who places the highest bid
- Price your home accurately
- Enlist the services of a skilled and qualified estate agent with a local agent
The right estate agent has a huge role to play in selling your home and speeding up the process. At Williams of Petersfield, we are delighted to say we have helped many local vendors sell their home promptly. We know the local area, and we know what buyers want, which means we can aid vendors.
This knowledge ensures we assist you connect with buyers, and to sell your home quickly, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.