Moving home is an exciting time, but like anything it pays to be prepared and proactive, here are 6 steps that we believe will help you prepare for your move and find what you are looking for.
1. Write down your must haves and your possible compromises
Not to be the bearer of bad news here, but it is highly unlikely that you will find a property that ticks ALL of boxes for exactly what you want. Therefore before you embark on your search you need to prioritise your list, work out what you could compromise on and what is an absolute MUST. Knowing this before your search could save a lot of wasted time, and also open some doors that you might not have previously considered.
2. Register with estate agents in your dream area
Good estate agents always refer to their database when bringing a property to market, some even contact their database prior to putting the property on Rightmove!
If you call your local agents to register with them and then regularly keep in touch with them during your search you will remain front and centre in their mind when they visit a property with a view to placing it on the market. Give them the list you have put together at point one and be open minded when they contact you with a potential new home.
3. Employ a search agent
Did you know you can hire a good estate agent to help you look for a new home, not just sell yours?
At MovingWorks we offer a buyer service where we will proactively contact properties that match your requirements before they come on the market. Not all agents have the technology or know how to offer this service, but it is certainly something worth considering. In the same way that an independent mortgage advisor can assist you in preparing your finances, a good agent can help you on the buying side as well as the selling.
4. Get financially prepared
This is really important! If you are wanting to snap up your dream home you need to be in a financial position to act immediately. Think how much stronger your offer is if it is accompanied with a decision in principle and confirmation of your deposit monies.
It not only shows you are serious, but it also shows the agent and house seller you are organised and ready to move immediately. A decision in principle is the pre-approval of a mortgage with a bank or building society and this can be arranged by a mortgage advisor. Getting a decision in principle is an important step and shouldn’t be left until you have found a property.
5. Put your house on the market
A lot of home movers will think that they can place an offer on a property without selling their own. This is called an ‘interest only’ offer when the purchase is one that is dependent on another property sale and really isn’t worth the paper it is written on. There are too many ifs, buts and maybes with an interest only offer and we would never recommend a seller remove a house from the market on the strength of an interest only offer. Therefore getting in the best possible position means taking the leap of faith with your property, getting it on the market sooner rather than later is often our advice.
6. Have a negotiation strategy
Once you have found your dream home, it is time to negotiate with the estate agent marketing that home. You need to consider a strategy here and if you don't have one, we will be more than happy to give you some hints and tips.
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