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Guide for Buyers and Sellers | 3
Sellers' checklist
other facts to hand, such as whether the prop-
cluttered. Identify and remove a few
erty carries a National House Building
unnecessary pieces of furniture and rooms
Council ten-year guarantee, or if there are any
1. The Es
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tate Agent
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can appear considerably more spacious.
damp-proofing or timber treatment guaran-
When choosing an estate agent, talk to friends Traditionally viewers pay most attention to
who have sold recently and count the For Sale
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tees.
the bathroom and kitchen, so pay special
Make clear what carpets, curtains and/or elec-
and Sold boards in your area to find out attention to making these appear bright and
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which agents have the highest success rate.
Get valuations from two or three estate circle6
clean
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trical appliances are to be left.
Do not hover behind viewers while they look
Treat any serious problem such as damp or
around, but let them inspect things on their
agents. But, don’t choose an agent simply dry rot before you put the house on the mar-
because he has given you the highest ket. If, for any reason, you are unable to do so,
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own at their own pace.
Answer questions openly and honestly. If the
valuation, unless you are sure the price is do not try to hide their existence from view-
buyer believes you will be a friendly and co-
realistic. ers, as they will simply be uncovered at a later
operative person to do business with, the
date when the property is surveyed.
more likely they are to put in an offer.
2. The Pric
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e
Do some research into the prices being asked 5. Sho
- and paid - for similar properties in your circle6
wing the Property 6. Arrange a HIP
Create a pleasant atmosphere. Vases of newly- All sellers must provide potential buyers with a
area. Check with estate agents and look in the cut flowers can give a fresh feel, while gentle Home Information Pack (HIP) in order to help
local paper. If you want a quick sale, ask for music on the stereo can put buyers at their them make their mind up about the property.
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less.
Like all prices, house prices are determined by circle6
ease The HIP comprises a set of documents provid-
We all know about introducing homely ing key information about the property on the
the law of supply and demand - the greater smells such as freshly baked bread or newly market, such as planning permission, boundary
the demand, the higher the price. The worst brewed coffee when showing off your home - ownership and energy efficiency. Some docu-
times for demand tend to be Novem-ber and but be careful that they do not become over- ments are compulsory and others optional. For
December with Christmas looming, and powering. Avoid using strong, synthetic air instance, while the searches and the Energy
August when holidays are at their most conditioners; viewers may suspect you are Performance Certificate are compulsory, a
popular. trying to mask other odours such as damp or Home Condition Report giving details on the
3. Pr
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oviding Details circle6
drains condition of the property can be included but is
In the summer, open windows, and in the optional.
Ensure that the photographs of the property winter turn up the heating to make the place You can arrange the HIP through your estate
are colour and picture it in sunlight - ideally
in summer. Provide interior as well as exterior circle6
cosy agent, conveyancer or mortgage adviser so shop
Have bills to hand to show buyers what they around for the best price. It must be in place
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shots. can expect to pay for gas and electricity. Have before you put your property on the market.
Make sure that the estate agent’s description
is correct. They are now legally obliged to give
the right details but you had better check -
particularly the dimensions given for rooms.
Make sure that special features such as French
windows, walk-in wardrobes and wall cavity
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insulation are given proper mention.
Provide a list of answers to the questions
viewers are likely to ask, such what shops and
supermarkets are nearby, the standard of local
schools, what public transport is available.
4. Making the Mos
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t of your Home
Restrain from the temptation to totally redec-
orate, it could arouse suspicion. Moreover,
you are unlikely to recoup the cost of
installing a brand new bathroom suite or fit-
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ted kitchen when you sell.
Tidy the garden, particularly at the front of
your home as this will have a huge bearing
on the viewers’ first impression as they draw
up to the property. Window boxes can break
up bare lines, add colour, and are fairly
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inexpensive
Pay attention to detail. Fix faulty door latches
and squeaky hinges. Make sure that windows
do not stick. Mend guttering and fix loose
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roof tiles.
While a fully-furnished home with a lived-in
feel is more appealing than an empty one,
avoid letting the place appear cramped or
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