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Tag: Selling Your Home

Top tips for finding your perfect home this summer

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Moving home is becoming more streamlined and less stressful, especially during the summer months. The relaxing vibe, longer days, and better weather make it an ideal time to find your perfect home.

What do you want from your next move?

Consider what you want in your next home. A larger garden might be on your priority list, so as you browse the wide range of properties available in summer, create your own list of must-haves. This might include location, the number of rooms, or the type of property. Stay open to new ideas and possibilities—sometimes the perfect property is one you hadn’t initially envisioned.

Talk to a local property expert to find your perfect home

The UK property market is highly varied, with conditions changing from one street to the next. Local knowledge is important for a successful move. The market you are leaving will be different from the one you are entering, and your needs are as unique as the properties available. Spend time with a local property expert to discuss your requirements; this is a key step in finding your perfect home.

Book a valuation

Planning your moving budget starts with a home valuation. Your property’s value may have increased more than you expect, opening up possibilities for better properties. Ensure you get a thorough, in-person valuation to determine the true value of your home without unrealistic pricing, which can negatively impact your sale.

Look at recently sold prices

Don’t rely solely on your agent for market insights. Looking at the selling prices of recently sold properties or similar homes can help you understand the market better. This summer is marked by stability, offering good equity growth for sellers and reasonable pricing for buyers.

Maximise viewings with longer days

Summer brings an abundance of properties to the market, so book as many viewings as possible. With quieter roads during school holidays and better weather, you can take more time to view properties. A good agent can help you find that special “I’m home” feeling.

Curious about your property’s value?

If you’re ready to find your perfect home this summer, contact our local experts or find out what your home could be worth with our free online property valuation.

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July property market update

Posted on by Sophie Winter

The property market has seen a notable shift this July as average new seller asking prices drop by 0.4% (-£1,617) to £373,493. This larger-than-usual decrease, compared to the 20-year July average of -0.2%, indicates that sellers are making efforts to capture buyer interest amid the myriad distractions of the season, including the General Election, ongoing sporting events, and the summer holiday period.

Market activity steady despite General Election

Despite the distractions, the property market has remained strong during the General Election campaign. Sales have increased by 15% compared to the same time last year, showing that serious buyers are still moving forward with their plans. Additionally, there are 3% more new sellers compared to last year, highlighting steady market activity.

Buyer demand

Overall buyer demand is stable, but interest from first-time buyers has dropped by 2% due to affordability challenges. First-time buyers are particularly affected by changes in mortgage rates.

The current average five-year fixed mortgage rate is 4.97%, better than the peak of 6.11% in July 2023. However, it remains much higher than the 2.51% average in July 2021, before the Bank of England raised rates 14 times in a row.

Anticipation of interest rate cuts

Many in the market are focused on when the Bank of England will cut its Base Rate, which could happen as soon as August or September. This cut would likely boost home-movers by making mortgages more affordable and improving market confidence as we head into Autumn.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Science, says:

“A Base Rate cut is expected to lead to lower mortgage rates, which could be the gamechanger for some would-be home-movers who are being held back by significantly higher monthly mortgage costs. The average five-year fixed rate is still nearly twice as high as it was before the first of 14 consecutive Bank of England rate increases in 2021, with rates staying elevated for much longer than many thought they would. A first Base Rate cut for over four years, together with the new political certainty, could set the scene for a positive Autumn market, with improved affordability and a more confident outlook in the second half of the year.”

Positive outlook for the autumn market

The recent General Election has brought political stability, boosting home-mover confidence. The new government’s focus on housebuilding and planning reform is promising for the housing market. This stability, along with a potential interest rate cut, sets up a strong Autumn market.

In summary, despite challenges, especially for first-time buyers, the outlook is positive. Sellers are lowering prices to attract buyers, and market activity remains strong despite seasonal and political distractions. The expected interest rate cut could further energise the market, benefiting home-movers as we approach the end of the year.

Curious about your property’s value?

Find out with our free online property valuation.

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How to sell your home quickly

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Want to know how to sell your home quickly? Selling your home is a process and it’s essential to safeguard both you as the seller and any potential buyers. Completing all the necessary legal work and documentation typically takes time, making it improbable to finalise a sale overnight.

The time it takes to sell your property can vary based on current market conditions, as house prices and buyer demand fluctuate. However, there are steps you can take to speed up the process.

Selling your home with a trusted estate agent

Choosing a reputable estate agent can streamline the selling process, alleviating much of the effort from your shoulders and placing your property in the hands of professionals. A trusted estate agent, like CR Real Estate, offer expert marketing and photography services to ensure your property makes an excellent first impression on potential buyers. We will also create a listing for your property on the leading property portals, Rightmove and Zoopla. To explore your selling options with local experts, contact our team here.

Preparing your home for sale

Your online listing will need photos that showcase your home to potential buyers. A well-presented property is more likely to attract interest. Cleaning and staging your home now will make it easier to take appealing photos when the time comes. This preparation also benefits viewings.

Sell your home in just 56 days

Using the modern method of auction can significantly speed up the selling process. Your property will be listed for a set period, typically 30 days, allowing buyers to bid on it. At the end of this period, your property is reserved for the highest bidder, who must exchange contracts and complete the purchase within 56 days. While selling via auction can result in a higher or lower price than anticipated, it accelerates the selling process and prevents your property from sitting on the market. Find out more about selling by the modern method of auction by contacting our team on 01634 570057.

Free property valuation

Discover how much your property could be worth with a free, no-obligation property valuation. Book an appointment, and one of our local experts will be in touch.

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Is summer a good time to sell your home?

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Deciding when to sell your home can be challenging. We understand that sellers want to move at a convenient time while also aiming to maximise the sale price for their next property.

Although the property market is active year-round, the summer months are especially advantageous and popular for listing your property for several reasons.

Stable property prices

We recognise that some homeowners have been more hesitant about selling recently. There has been uncertainty regarding future property prices, and sellers naturally aim to secure the best possible price.

While some might believe their property could sell for more if they wait for the market to grow, they also risk getting less if prices decline. A stable market is not only safer for sellers but also attracts typically cautious buyers.

Reassuringly, the average property price in June barely changed since May (a difference of less than 0.0%) and is up 0.6% compared to this time last year, suggesting that prices have stabilised for now.

With property prices currently stable, now is an excellent time to book in a free property valuation from a local selling expert.

Show summer highlights of your property

Summer is the ideal time to showcase your outdoor spaces, so consider sprucing up your garden with some light gardening, lawn care, and staging of garden furniture.

The sunny weather naturally brightens viewings, providing an opportunity to highlight features such as skylights and bay windows.

Photographs taken during this season will benefit from natural light and better weather, making your property more appealing and creating a strong first impression on buyers. Prospective buyers will also enjoy exploring the local area more during summer.

Good time for families to buy

Many potential buyers are likely in the same situation as you, wanting to move before the year ends. This increases the chances that your house could be quickly sold to someone aiming to move before the colder months.

If your property is spacious, it might be perfect for a family wanting to move while their kids are on summer break. This timing would allow them to enroll their children in their new school early in the academic year, or even before the term starts.

Moving in the summer is also more convenient due to clearer weather, making it easier to move your belongings. Some potential buyers may have waited until summer to move for this very reason.

If you want to move this year, it’s essential to take action now.

Selling your property takes time, so it’s best to start as soon as possible. Given that the conveyancing process can take on average around 12 weeks, plus the time needed for the buyer to secure a mortgage, you’ll need to act now if you want to move before winter.

Earlier this year, it took an average of 78 days to find a buyer. By May, this wait time had decreased by 28 days, with Rightmove reporting an average of just 60 days to secure a buyer.

Listing your property for sale now increases your chances of finding a buyer quickly. Get started with a free, no-obligation property valuation from our local experts to get an estimate of your property’s market value.

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Switching estate agents: could a fresh approach be the key to selling your home?

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Maybe things started off well, but now viewings are sparse. You might feel your agent’s initial enthusiasm has dwindled, or perhaps you’re questioning if your home was overpriced initially, especially if you’re now being urged to make a significant price reduction.

Being stuck on the market is frustrating, especially when you see your neighbours selling their homes and moving out. It might be time to consider a new strategy. But how can you be sure that switching estate agents will improve your situation?

In this week’s blog, you’ll find all the information you need to switch agents confidently and choose the best one to get your sale back on track.

What is your reason for switching estate agents?

People switch estate agents for various reasons, and some of the most common ones we hear when they come to us include:

  • Their plans have changed, making the move more urgent.
  • Their home has been on the market for a long time with few or low offers.
  • They’re disappointed with the marketing of their home.
  • They’re getting no viewings and no new enquiries.
  • They’re being pressured to reduce their price significantly from the initial valuation.
  • They don’t enjoy communicating with their agent, or the relationship is strained.
  • They’ve lost confidence in their agent’s ability to find a buyer.

If any of these relate with you, switching estate agents could be your next step. Remember, there’s no such thing as an unsellable home, and it’s never too late to start fresh.

What are the benefits of switching estate agents?

Even if your home has been on the market for a long time, switching estate agents might seem like an unnecessary hassle. After all, don’t all buyers just look at the same property portals these days? Isn’t one agent much the same as another?

Actually, there are several benefits to changing estate agents, including:

  • Your property will be reset as a new listing on the property portals (if you stayed with the same agent, you’d have to take it off the market and wait 16 weeks to regain that status).
  • New photos taken from different angles and a new description can make your home look fresh on the market, catching the eye of buyers who may have missed or discounted it before.
  • You’ll have the benefit of hindsight and experience to ask the right questions of your next agent (more on that later).

Switching estate agents can also replace any feelings of resignation with renewed confidence in your move. Whenever you’re feeling stuck, taking action is always the answer.

Review your current agents results and performance

When considering a change of estate agents, take a moment to reflect on your time on the market, examining the interest you’ve received and your experience with your estate agent.

  • How was the communication when booking viewing appointments, providing feedback, and staying in touch?
  • Were you greeted warmly whenever you called, or did you feel like a nuisance?
  • Are your photos and description a good combination that does justice to your home and entices people to view?
  • How many viewings has your agent arranged, and how does this compare to other homes they are marketing?
  • Has your estate agent successfully sold homes similar to yours in the area, or does your listing seem out of place among their others?
  • Is your asking price the one your agent advised, and does it reflect recent comparable sales in the area?
  • Has your estate agent made any suggestions about presentation, either initially or in response to viewer comments?

Choosing a new estate agent

If you’ve decided to switch your estate agent, consider these tips to help you find your new selling agent:

  • Search property portals for homes similar to yours and check the agents’ websites to find the best marketing strategies.
  • Contact your second and third-choice agents from your initial valuation to get their updated thoughts on price, market conditions, and their sales strategy.
  • Look around your local streets for signs from other agents selling homes like yours.
  • When agents visit your home, do they support their suggested asking price with recent comparable sales?
  • Review their terms of business for contract lengths, notice periods, and whether any costs are payable upfront or if it’s completely no sale, no fee.
  • Try asking them to lower their commission rate – not necessarily to pay less, but to identify the strongest negotiator. The best agents typically aren’t the cheapest.
  • Lastly, consider which agent’s company you enjoyed the most. Your relationship will last several months, so choose someone you trust and enjoy speaking to each week.

How to switch estate agents correctly

Once you’ve chosen a new estate agent to take over the sale of your home, follow these steps for a seamless transition:

  • Provide written notice to your current agent according to the terms of your contract and request a confirmation response.
  • Obtain a list of the names of people who’ve viewed your property so you can inform your new agent and avoid potential double fees.
  • Instruct your current agent to transfer any keys they hold to your new agent.
  • Ask your new agent for recommendations on minor repairs or presentation improvements to prepare for their new photographs.
  • Discuss with your new agent the best strategy for selling your home—whether to switch and relaunch on the same day or take a short break from the market.

With these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and a fresh start to get your move underway.

Is it time to switch estate agents?

If you’ve read this far, you’re likely considering your options for switching estate agents and getting your home sold. If so, we’d love the opportunity to show you how we can help you find a buyer and get your move underway.

Give us a call on 01634 570057 or book an appointment online to share your plans with us and see how we can help.

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February revealed as the best month for selling homes

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Based on an analysis by Rightmove, the UK’s largest property website, February stands out as the optimal month for selling homes. Offering those who list a property for sale with the greatest chance of securing a buyer quickly.

The study, based on millions of properties listed since 2012 (excluding 2020 due to the Covid pandemic), revealed that, on average, homes listed in February took 51 days to find a buyer. This surpasses March by a day and aligns with January. Additionally, approximately 66.4% of homes listed in February successfully found buyers. This shares the top spot with April and narrowly surpasses March’s 66.3%.

Moreover, February listings show the highest probability of completing a sale and the lowest likelihood of being withdrawn by the owner. Rightmove emphasised that March also ranked high in the analysis. The data underscores that those preparing to sell at the onset of spring position themselves better for a successful move in 2024.

Whats happening in the current property market?

The current property market shows an 8% increase in the number of buyers contacting agents about homes for sale compared to the previous year, accompanied by an 11% rise in the number of new properties listed by sellers.

But we understand that you can’t always plan or predict when a move is needed. But for those who have the flexibility to move whenever desired we advise from our experience in selling homes the strength of the market is particularly higher at the beginning of the year. Ultimately, the best time to get moving is the time that’s right for you. And our team of experts are here to help you whenever you need us.

Want to find out how much your home is worth?

If you are considering selling your home or simply want an idea of what it may be worth – please contact our expert team today to see how we can help you. 

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Benefits of selling with an independent estate agent

Posted on by Sophie Winter

Despite the growing demand for properties in Kent, many homeowners still find selling their property to be a difficult task. In this competitive market, you need to make your house stand out from the rest of the crowd by effectively market your property, and manage numerous legal and administrative issues.

This is where the services of an estate agent are here to help. We have the expertise and proficiency to make the process much smoother. We will be able to help you to sell your home conveniently, faster, and at a better price. Hence, this is why most people turn to independent estate agents for support.

There are several benefits to selling your home with the assistance of an independent estate agent.

An independent estate agent is familiar with the area

When it comes to selling or presenting any property, local knowledge goes a long way. In comparison to an online or larger agent who doesn’t have this knowledge, an independent local estate agent, who is likely to have a database of potential buyers, who knows the market, and where you can get all of the required information and facts about the property, will deliver a more specialised and personalised service.

A knowledgeable agent can provide information that extends beyond knowing the local bus or train routes, which can easily be found online. They will be more familiar with the area. And their presence will allow them to not only attract buyers to the property itself but also highlight the appeal of the surrounding area. This enables them to effectively market properties using the most impactful strategies available.

Independent estate agents have built a name, trust, and relationships in the community

The fact that a local independent estate agent from the area is likely to be well-known and recommended has significant appeal. If they have assisted a number of other homeowners in finding their dream house or selling their property, they naturally inspire confidence and trust, qualities that individuals seek when navigating the process of buying or selling a house.

Additionally, having your property promoted or advertised by a local independent estate agency can greatly enhance its visibility. It can also ensure that information about your home spreads swiftly, reaching a broader audience.

An independent real estate agent will devote more time and attention to you

A local independent estate agent will dedicate ample time and personalised attention to your needs. In contrast, agents from larger firms often have specific targets and handle extensive portfolios. Consequently, they might lack in-depth knowledge about your property and struggle to fully understand your requirements due to time constraints. They may not have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with your home thoroughly, offer tailored advice, or help you enhance its presentation.

Opting for an independent estate agent can provide peace of mind when you’re selling your home or looking for reassurance throughout the selling process.

Final Thoughts

Do you want to talk to our team about the benefits of selling with a local and independent estate agent? You can contact our experts at CR Real Estate to learn more.

We would be delighted to hear from you and assist you with all of your estate agent requirements. We will provide you with the finest quality service and ensure you receive the best support that you deserve.

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