Estate Agents in Brighton and Hove
Useful advice for buying and selling your house or flat in Brighton and Hove
Selling your property in Brighton and Hove
The following advice could make the difference between a successful sale and a no sale. Don't leave it to the imagination of the buyer to gain a successful conclusion to the sale of your property.
Buying a property in Brighton and Hove
The following advice could make the difference between a successful purchase or disappointment.
Useful advice for buying and selling your house or flat in Brighton and Hove
Selling your property in Brighton and Hove
The following advice could make the difference between a successful sale and a no sale. Don't leave it to the imagination of the buyer to gain a successful conclusion to the sale of your property.
- Ensure that your property is clean and tidy prior to the buyer visiting. Remove as much clutter as possible to give the impression that your property is spacious.
- Have your carpets and curtains cleaned, using a steam cleaner to remove stale smells. You may not notice stale odours in your property but the buyer will. Pay particular attention to the toilet - nothing will put a buyer off more than dirty or smelly toilets.
- Decorate the property with fresh flowers, have fresh coffee brewing or even fresh baked bread to generate welcoming pleasant smells. If you must use an air freshener, choose one that is light like vanilla or lemon - nothing too heavy.
- Remove all trace of pets from your property and if necessary leave them with a neighbour.
- It is always an idea to invest a little in redecorating your property. Light fresh neutral colours and clean white woodwork that will fit into any ones choice of colour scheme and allow them to move in without any major redecoration.
- Point out the benefits of owning your property and be honest about any drawbacks be they structural or cosmetic. Honesty is the best policy, clients aren't stupid and surveys will uncover any hidden problems. Potential buyers will appreciate your open approach and feel more inclined and willing to make an offer.
- In most circumstances, we will try to accompany all buyers on appointments to view your property. However, if you are showing a potential buyer around your property try to make them feel at home. Tell them about local amenities, ask them what they are looking for in a property, offer them refreshments and the opportunity to sit down and relax. If you feel comfortable, let them walk around your property unaccompanied. If we are escorting a potential buyer around your property, please allow us to do our job but if possible be handy to answer any questions about your property.
- Potential buyers will have questions that we may not have the answers to. So prepare a list of frequently asked questions and answers. Council tax band and amount payable, who supplies gas and electricity and the normal monthly bills. Be prepared to show these bills. If your property is leasehold, the length of lease, annual ground rent and maintenance costs, contact details of the freeholder and managing agent.
- If we are not at hand and a potential buyer makes you an offer, refer them to us. Don't place yourself in a position where you may regret accepting a low offer, we will always negotiate on your behalf.
Buying a property in Brighton and Hove
The following advice could make the difference between a successful purchase or disappointment.
- If you are buying a property and need a mortgage, make sure that you have an offer in principal before you do anything else. Our mortgage advisors can help you if required.
- Establish and prioritise what you need from your new property - Ample or easy parking, sea views, garden space, close to Brighton station, close to Brighton amenities, close to Brighton city centre, number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
- Listen to us. Sometimes a property may not look ideal on paper. We know our markets and the properties we have for sale in Brighton and Hove. If we suggest you should view a property, even if it doesn't fit your initial expectations, it may be perfect for your needs.
- Before buying your property in Brighton or Hove, explore the area. Take the time to walk around at different times of the day and night, rush hours, closing times, end of school days. Find out where the local amenities are located. Bus stops, doctors, dentists, hospitals, schools, shops etc. Don't leave yourself exposed to any nasty surprises.
- Ask how long the property has been on the market. Find out how property prices are performing. If possible, buy in the most expensive location you can afford. When it comes to selling your property, it is often better to have bought a property in need of work in a better area than the best property in the worst area. Prices are driven by area more than anything else.
- We are here to help and advise so look at as many properties that fit your criteria as possible. We want you to buy the right property for the right reasons. We know and understand the importance of recommendation.
- Make adequate notes about every property you view. It will help you remember and not get confused about what you saw and thought about each property.
- As soon as you are ready to make a decision - make an offer. Good properties that are correctly priced always sell no matter what the market conditions. Wait and the likelihood is you will miss it.
