Guide to Buying a Property

Finding a property

As well as looking in estate agents’ windows, the internet is also an excellent research tool for finding properties. There are now many websites specifically geared for property searches, as well as those catering for people who want to sell without an agent altogether. Loveitts also have their own website listing all of the properties currently available.

Viewing properties

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when looking for the house of your dreams:

• View the properties as soon as possible. Leave it too long and you could lose out.
• Have an idea of the points that you would be prepared to compromise on. You will be lucky to find a house that suits your requirements perfectly.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are viewing, vendors and viewing representatives will always try to be helpful.
• Don't be afraid to make visits with tradesmen to find out what you're letting yourself in for.

Putting in an offer

Ensure that before putting an offer forward you have taken advice from an Independent Financial Advisor. Loveitts have an advisor available 7 days a week to give you the advice and guidance that all purchasers need when buying a new home. It's human nature to try to strike a deal, but if you find your ideal home and it seems to be priced correctly, consider offering the full asking price. This means you'll be taken seriously, there won't be any time-wasting and it will lessen the possibility of another party stepping - or gazumping you. Once the sale is agreed Loveitts can assist you with instructing a local Solicitor (Conveyancer) to deal with the legal part of the process of buying a house.

Chains

One in three property chains fall apart. This can happen for numerous reasons, from one party not having their finances in order, to an unpleasant surprise in the survey. The best way to ensure a chain progresses smoothly is through good communication. Stay in regular contact with your conveyancer and estate agent to make sure everything possible is being done to speed things along. It can also help to stay flexible. Be prepared to move in with your family or rent as a short-term measure if it means you can keep the chain going.

Gazumping

Gazumping - outbidding rivals at the last minute - is a horror estate agents are powerless to stop. There's little you can do to repel a determined bidder, but there are ways to lessen the chance of it happening, or at least reduce the impact if it does:

• Offer the full asking price and request that the property is removed from the market as soon as your offer is accepted.
• Be flexible with the vendor and don't quibble over minor points.
• Make it clear you're willing to complete on their timescale, not yours.
• Be nice to the vendor - if you've established some kind of relationship with them, it should be harder for them to let you down.
• Take out insurance - you must do this before you instruct your solicitor, but then if you're gazumped, you can be refunded the cost of your various fees.

Help and advice

Loveitts Sales Negotiators have a wealth of knowledge and experience within the property market. They are here to help, advise and support you through every step of the buying process.

 Guide to Selling a Property

Find out the maximum potential value of your property. It's pointless spending £20,000 on improving a property if it will only add £10,000 to the sale price. Look at local property papers and visit estate agents to find out the asking price for similar properties on the same street.

Repairs and maintenance

• Finish off small DIY jobs - touch up chipped woodwork and replace washers on dripping taps.
• Before a buyer steps into a house, they will have already formed an impression. A well-kept garden, pathway and fence are immediately appealing.
• A regular lick of paint will keep a property looking good and keep deterioration at bay. A newly-painted front door with shiny brass fittings always creates a good impression. When selling, a surveyor will be able to spot if attempts at 'sprucing up' your property are simply quick fixes - he'll be much more impressed by ongoing maintenance.
• Cutting the lawn can be a last-minute pick-me-up. Feeding it a couple of weeks beforehand will brighten it up and make it look healthy.
• If your fitted kitchen units look tired, simply replace or paint and varnish the doors. This will be much cheaper than buying a totally new kitchen. If the units are in fairly good condition and only look dated, just replace the door knobs, handles and taps. Another economical trick is to fit good solid worktops on to existing units.
• Paint walls - a pale, plain shade maximises the feeling of light and space and enables buyers to imagine their possessions in the property. Research shows that most buyers prefer natural, earthy colours to bright, bold shades. Although there's a wide range of paint colours available, magnolia is still the top-selling colour.
• To prevent rooms looking too bland, use strong colours for accent walls or cushions and accessories.
• De-personalise your rooms by removing personal items, such as family photographs and children's drawings, which may distract potential buyers. Buyers should be looking at the property not the owner's possessions, so hide these items until the property is sold. Removing clutter also makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own belongings in a room
• Plant pots can provide colour in your garden. If you don't have the time to fill your own, you can always get some ready-made.
• Flowers and a bowl of fruit will brighten up a room and provide a pleasant smell.
• Organise rooms - a property will be more appealing if rooms have a specific purpose and this allows buyers to see the full potential of the property.
• Revitalise a bathroom with a green leafy plant and new taps, shower curtain and light pull. All these items can be picked up cheaply from DIY warehouses.
• Coloured bathroom suites are out and old-fashioned white is back in vogue. If you've got an avocado or pink bathroom, consider investing in a white suite. It will add value to your property.
• Restoring fireplaces and period features, such as ceiling roses and cornices, can add thousands of pounds to a property. If you don't have a fireplace then a striking picture can work equally well. If you decide to install a fireplace, look for an original period grate and surround in reclamation yards.

Tips

• Avoid strong food odours - don't cook food such as fish or curry before a viewing as the smell will linger. The smell of freshly-baked bread or fresh coffee though is said to provide a welcoming feel to a home.
• Ask friends or family to look after any pets during viewings.
• Try and make viewers feel comfortable. Offer them a coffee and ask them if they need any further information about bills or local amenities.

Help and advice

Loveitts Sales Negotiators have a wealth of knowledge and experience within the property market. They are here to help, advise and support you through every step of the buying process.