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Step 2 - Estate agents

Dealing with estate agents

Estate agents come with mixed reputations. They are also unregulated. Anyone can set up as an estate agent and there are around 14,000 practicing estate agents in the UK. We recommend that you check them out carefully and also see if they are a member of a trade body e.g. the National Association of Estate Agents.

What will an estate agent do for you?

An estate agent should offer the following service:-

Which estate agent should I choose?

When deciding upon an estate agent it is important to understand the type of contract they may offer you.

Description of Estate Agent Contracts

What are the pros and cons of selling a property privately?

Pros

Cons

BEWARE

The office of fair trading recently gave new recommendations that if you have a sole contract with an estate agency and you sell privately via one of these internet private home sales companies then you must still honour the estate agent’s sole contract and pay them the commission. Read the OFT’s guidance to fair trading in estate agency here

Should I sell my property at auction?

An alternative to estate agents and private selling is using a property auciton. This is not necessarily a cheaper option as many auction houses sell properties for around 2% commission. The majority of buyers tend to be property investors with an eye for a bargain, so it may also not guarantee a good price. Auctions tend to work well for unusual properties that perhaps have a wow factor. They also work well for a property with potential for development in a highly sort after area.

The real benefit of selling at auction is the time the property is on the market and gets sold. All transactions must be completed within 28 days of the sale. This is a good option if you are in hurry to sell and need access to your funds and equity quickly.

What is house swapping?

This an interesting idea that is becoming more and more popular. Basically how it works is that you swap properties, both prices are estimated fairly and the difference between the higher price and the lower price is to paid to the party owning the more expensive property

The benefit is that you save on stamp duty. House builders are now beginning to offer this method of transaction in order to speedup transactions.

How can I improve my property’s value?

Now you have decided upon the method of selling your house, you need to consider how you are going to sell your property. And the starting point for that is to make your property look great!.

A recent Direct Line Survey showed that 16% of us are carrying out improvements solely to add value to our home. Over 30% spend up to £5,000 improving their property for a sale.
As part of this survey, Andrew Winter from Channel 4’s selling houses offers the following tips for improving the value of a property:-

  1. Kitchen and bathrooms. Putting in a new kitchen or bathroom is always a safe and predictable way to spend money. Not only will you add considerably to the value of your home – you will also get a lot of pleasure from it!
  2. Loft conversions. These offer fantastic value for money, but don’t be tempted to squeeze two rooms into a loft space. Instead convert the loft into a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a guest bedroom, a teenage bedroom or a family games room. What’s important is that you keep it as a large room, giving your home instant ‘wow’ factor.
  3. Exteriors. “Many people spend thousands improving the inside of their property without giving any thought to the exterior – big mistake!
    Spending money on replacing windows and doors with sash uPVC or timber windows together with fixing any loose guttering, down pipes and garden gates can have a big impact on the value of your home.”
  4. Decorating. Neutrals always work best – they make your rooms appear bigger and brighter. However, we are in danger of going overboard with
    the minimalist look. Put neutral colours on walls, floor and fittings, but introduce some colour through paintings, family photographs and soft furnishings to give your home warmth and appeal.
  5. Gardens. There is not a lot you can do with the size of your garden. However, if you have an unsightly garden you need to spend money tidying it up. It will increase the value of your property instantly. Make sure you include a deck or patio area in your garden, smarten up the front garden and replace any fallen boundary fencing.
  6. Study. “Nearly 6 out of 10 households now have a computer.This has created an essential need for a study in many homes. Turning an under-stairs cupboard or a section of a conservatory into a study can be a great asset. But make sure it is away from the main living and sleeping areas.”
  7. Entertainment systems. Most new homes are now pre-wired for surround sound and broadband points. If you are thinking of having your house re-wired, remember to include this at the same time. It will save you a lot of money in the long term.
  8. Swimming Pools. If you have a detached house with a good plot of garden, swimming pools have become in vogue as a major lifestyle enhancement to your home. Heated pools are much cheaper nowadays and you will instantly get your money back on your investment, with profit.

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