Buying

 
Click here to download our guide  Buying and Selling Guide 
Click here to download our   Property Tax Guide
 
Be prepared to view as soon as possible – The best properties in the market generate the most interest, so don’t waste time when it comes to buying your new home, you are competing with lots of buyers.

Put yourself in a position to buy – Qualify yourself for a mortgage as soon as possible. When buying a property you must provide your estate agent with as much information as possible, from your property being chain free to your readiness to proceed with the purchase.

Look beneath the surface – When buying a house it is important to make an impartial judgment based on every aspect of the property. Make sure you distinguish between major work and ‘cosmetic’ work. Don’t let your judgment be clouded.

Protect yourself – property surveys maybe expensive, but they can uncover major defects which may not be obvious. We recommend Glendale Surveyors  reading@glendalesurveyors.com

Location, location, location –  Go to our community information pages to help research the local schools, shops, parking, transport to get a good feel of what it will be like to live there.

Don't over negotiate! - if you find your ideal home and it is priced correctly, consider offering the full asking price to avoid losing out. Don’t try and save a few thousand pounds and lose your dream home for the next 10 years!

Ask lots of direct questions about the property – If this is the property of your dreams then ask as many questions as you can about it. Remember to ask about any previous building work that has been undertaken, and why the owners like living there
Remember, the estate agent works for the vendor – The agent is working on behalf of the seller so be willing and eager to view properties so that you’re top of the agent’s list to call. Stay in regular contact so they are aware of your interest in their properties.

Don't be put off by a property that is on the market at a low price, compared to others in the area – In this housing market some of the best deals are sold on behalf of developers and lenders and priced to sell quickly. These properties include some of the best value houses around, so remember to give these your consideration
 

Selling

 
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Click here for a valuation   valuations@davistate.com
We are members of National Association of Estate Agents, click here to find out why this is important to you  Why choose an NAEA agent
 
Click here to download our guide 7 Steps to selling your property

Repairs and maintenance –
•    Finish off small DIY jobs - touch-up chipped woodwork and replace washers on dripping taps.
•    A well-kept garden, pathway and fence are immediately appealing.
•    Water can cause major problems in unwanted places. Check your roof and guttering and replace broken tiles. It's worth casting an eye over the drains too. A drain cleared before a blockage occurs is easier on the nose and the wallet!
•    A regular lick of paint will keep a property looking good and keep deterioration at bay. A newly-painted front door with shiny brass fittings always creates a good impression. When selling, a surveyor will be able to spot if attempts at 'sprucing up' your property are simply quick fixes - he'll be much more impressed by ongoing maintenance.
•    Cutting the lawn regularly and feeding it will brighten it up and make it look healthy.
•    If your fitted kitchen units look tired, simply replace or paint and varnish the doors. This will be much cheaper than buying a new kitchen. If the units are in fairly good condition and only look dated, just replace the doorknobs, handles and taps. Another economical trick is to fit good, solid worktops on to existing units.

Look and feel-

•    Paint walls - a pale, plain shade maximises the feeling of light and space. Although there's a wide range of paint colours available, magnolia is still the top-selling colour.
•    To prevent rooms looking too bland, use stronger colours for accent walls or cushions and accessories.
•    De-personalise your rooms by removing personal items such as family photographs and children's drawings which may distract potential buyers. Buyers should be looking at the property, not the owner's possessions. Removing clutter makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own belongings in a room. Either throw it away or put it into storage – it will have to be moved soon anyway!
•    Plant pots can provide colour in your garden. If you don't have the time to fill your own, you can always get some ready-made.
•    Flowers and a bowl of fruit will brighten up a room and provide a pleasant smell.
•    Organise rooms - a property will be more appealing if rooms have a specific purpose and this allows buyers to see the full potential of the property.
•    Revitalise a bathroom with a green leafy plant, new taps, a shower curtain and a light pull. All these items can be picked up cheaply from DIY warehouses.
•    Restoring fireplaces and period features, such as ceiling roses and cornices, can add thousands of pounds to a property. If you don't have a fireplace, a striking picture can work equally well. •   
•    Avoid strong food odours - don't cook food such as fish or curry before a viewing as the smell will linger.
•    Take the dog for a walk, not everyone loves him!
•    Try and make viewers feel comfortable. Show then briefly round ,then let them go round on their own.