Advice to Vendors

Advice to Vendors

If you need to sell your current house before being able to buy then speak to one of our branches and begin that side of the process as soon as possible to avoid frustration and disappointment. There have been a lot of fluctuation in house prices in recent years and a fresh valuation on your own property is key. Arrange for Templeton Robinson to value your property.

When a viewing has been arranged, it is useful to consider the following points as first impressions really do count:

• Ensure the Garden is tidy and any clutter or rubbish is tidied away
• Clean the house from top to bottom, (this doesn't need to be done for every single viewer)
• Tidy up any clutter in the house or cover it up, this can help give a feeling of more space
• Keep pets out of sight (not everyone is an animal lover)
• Open the windows periodically to air the property, especially if it is unoccupied
• Make sure kitchen surfaces are clean and clutter free
• A clean bath, hand basin and toilet create the right impression
• If the bathroom is tiled, clean grouting is important
• Throughout the house a good smell is important and attractive
• Make sure all beds are made
• Try to keep all stairs clear
• Fresh flowers can add an attractive, homely feel
• Also advise your solicitor of any alterations or amendments made to your home  during your ownership which may require updated paperwork such as ground landlords approval or management committee approvals etc.  This may ultimately prolong the conveyance process or mortgage offers of buyers and dealing with it now will help avoiding further stress at a crucial point of your sale.
• Make the most of the space by ensuring a useable and aesthetic layout.
• Atmospheric lighting and comfotable looking soft furnishings will help your viewers relax.
• Tiles can be refreshed with a grouting pencil.
• Dress your dining table with some fetching flowers and candles
• Put on your best bed linens, plain muted colours are more universally appealing than fussy patterns and bold designs.  Make sure the curtains are hanging properly and rooms are well aired.
• Are the windows clean and the paint presentable? Invest in some bedding plants or hanging baskets as they can make all the difference.
• Does the property smell pleasant and welcoming?  Would a new light fitting or large light-enhancing mirror do the trick.
• Lights should be on, even during the day, to give a bright impression.
• Make sure your street number is clearly displayed near the front door.
• Allow the potential buyers time by themselves to chat privately (don't crowd out or hassle)
• Don't follow visitors into rooms as that may make rooms appear smaller
• Replace dead light bulbs
• Fix door handles, windows, latches and creaking doors and floors
• End the tour in the best room so everyone leaves with a good imperssion.
• Sellers are often vulnerable to buyers trying at the last minute to renegotiate the price downwards (gazundering), when the legals are just ready to sign, by buyers using the excuse of a bad survey or financial difficulties.  Templeton Robinson have the experience and know how to minimize this risk and ensure you achieve the full market potential price where cheaper sales options dont!!
• In Northern Ireland estate agents find the buyer and agree price detials; solicitors do the paperwork.  Contracts for the sale and purchase of land must be in writing.  For this reason and becuase the process involves so much money solicitors act for sellers and buyers to advise and protect their respective interests.  This process is called conveyancing.  Conveyancing procedures involve the preparation of a contract by the seller's solicitor and the examination of the contract and the title (ownership) documents by the buyer's solicitor prior to signature.  The seller is obligated to disclose all his knowledge about the property but the buyer carries responsibility for buying the property in its current physical condition.
• A solicitor is respobsible not only to his seller client but also to the seller's lender who must be paid off the entirety of the existing loan.  Similarly a solicitor for a buyer is also legally responsible to the lender providing the new mortgage money and has to report to that lender on behalf of and at the expense of the buyer.

These hints can help towards ensuring as stress free a move as possible, consider the following when you know you are due to move: