Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2020
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
UPDATED 13 May 2020
Housing Market Re-Opens
The Government announced last night that it's a green light for home movers and estate agents. Under new regulations, key activities relating to moving home will be permitted, with renters and buyers allowed to move home and view properties as long as they observe physical distancing.
Further updates to follow.
UPDATED 12 May 2020
We have full access to emails, operating systems and where appropriate, calls by phone, WhatsApp etc.
Even though we can’t visit you at this time, we are still able to value your home by live video link. HIT THE REQUEST A VIDEO VALUATION TAB and then we will be in touch to provide a unique LIVE Harrison Brant Valuation.
The housing market may be paused right now, but if you are planning to sell after the lockdown, this does not mean you need to postpone your preparation.
Whilst the current situation means that certain tasks are no longer possible, there are still lots of jobs that can be completed around the home.
The main thing to remember is that as a seller, you get two opportunities to make the right impression to potential buyers.
The first is when a buyer sees your home listed on online, which means that your property needs to look shipshape for the photographs.
The second is when a buyer comes to view your home. In both cases, you will want to make sure that your home looks as good as it can.
To help you, we have drawn up a checklist of our top ten tips, to ensure that you are ready to go!
1) Now is the time to look at your home with fresh eyes.
Enter each room as if it were for the first time. Is there anything you could improve upon? Some basic DIY can make a significant difference to the appeal of a room, i.e. touching up paintwork to skirting boards, walls and ceilings or anything else that you feel might improve its first impression.
2) Does each room have a purpose?
Look at dressing each room for its primary purpose, i.e. has an unused bedroom evolved into a storeroom? If so, restore it to a bedroom as that is what your buyer will be expecting to see.
3) Do the rooms feel light and airy?
Is it time for a spring clean/declutter? Make sure that there are clear pathways around your home, particularly in any hallways and landing areas.
4) Look at the front of your home.
Consider its curb appeal, this is the first impression a buyer will get, can it be improved upon? Weeding, touching up paint work, cleaning the facias and windows, do consider if this should be a job for a local contractor. Jet washing pathways and drives can also help, as can moving rubbish bins out of view.
5) Your rear garden
Should you have one, this is likely to be one of the more important selling features of your home, so anything that can be done to improve it, is worth considering. It maybe that just some basic tidying and cutting back would suffice. If however, you feel greater expenditure is needed then do consider contacting us for further advice to see if it would be worthwhile.
6) Garages and outbuildings
These should be tidied and cleared as necessary. Not only does this suggest there is ample storage space available, anyone thinking of working from home can see the potential for a home office or gym etc.
7) Time to clear the loft space?
Not only will this save you time when you move, a clear loft will allow a buyer to see the potential for converting into additional accommodation.
8) Finishing touches
Consider increasing the number of indoor plants within your home, this will not only provide a pleasant living environment for you, but will help to create a homelier feel for viewers.
9) Historical paperwork
This is an ideal time to get together any relevant historical paperwork that will be needed for the conveyancing process. Not having this available when required, will cause a delay to your move. Examples of such paperwork would be documentation for the latest boiler service, any electrical work, building regulation or planning documents for any work that has been carried out to your home.
10) Why did you buy your home?
We often find that the reasons why you purchased your property are just as relevant today to potential buyers. If you compile a list of these reasons, we will look to incorporate our marketing material.
