Author: Linda Stringer

The most crucial choice you will make when selling your home is choosing an estate agent. Your choice of estate agent will have an impact on how much it sells for, as well as how quickly and easily the sale of your property proceeds.

Here are some ideas to help guide you to make the right choice for you, your property, and your circumstances.

Valuations

Keep an eye out for estate agents who inflate their valuations to get your business. When a property is priced too high, it usually takes longer to sell and almost always needs a price cut to attract serious buyers.

Estate agents spend years honing their ability to value homes. They have to learn how to assess how much property is worth by looking at its location, state, the current market and economic conditions, buyer demand, and any special features that might make each one more or less valuable.

Marketing

Agents that are proactive don’t only place ads on Rightmove. They keep an up-to-date database of clients who are actively looking to buy a property and will be aware of their readiness to move forward. 

Using social media, they interact with potential buyers. They also use both traditional marketing methods (like local property magazines, window displays, etc.) and cutting-edge online marketing on a variety of platforms.

Handling Offers 

A good estate agent will take the time to learn about the financial standing of your potential purchasers. They will learn details such as their financial situation, like if they have an Agreement in Principle for a mortgage. Are they trying to sell a property, and if so, where are they in the process? Are they in a chain if their property is up for sale? Are they interested enough in your property to be flexible with the dates of the exchange and the completion?

The best estate agents will be able to tell you if it’s a good idea to accept an offer or if there are other offers that are better because the buyer is more likely to go through with the purchase.

Progressing the sale

Many estate agents will hand off control of the transaction to the solicitors once an offer has been approved. Yet delays, poor communication, and frustration could result from this.

Proactive, personal estate agents like me will work to speed up the sale by talking to the buyers, sellers, and their conveyancers to make sure you can move into your new home as quickly and easily as possible.

If you are considering putting your property on the market, give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send me an email at linda.stringer@exp.uk.com to find out how a personal, one-to-one approach to selling your home can make all the difference.

If you are thinking about moving and want to be in your new home in  Sheffield and Rotherham in time for the summer, you need to put your house on the market as soon as possible. There is no time to waste because it typically takes 12 weeks from the time an offer is accepted until the sale is completed.

Spring is frequently seen as the ideal time of year to sell a house. Buyers come out of their self-imposed winter hibernation when it gets warmer, and the sunshine and spring flowers bring your outdoor areas to life, making them more appealing to potential buyers.

The fact that many families try to time their home purchase to coincide with the end of the school year is another reason why now is a smart time to list your property for sale. 

When the weather is nice, people are more willing to go out and look at properties. The longer days also make it easier to schedule viewings in the evening. Natural light improves the appearance of all properties, so always try to schedule evening viewings while it is still light. 

You may even be able to sell your property for more money if there are more buyers looking, as increased demand in the market has a ripple effect on prices.

Spring is also a great time to give your home a thorough cleaning. Freshen up the air inside your home by letting the crisp spring air in by opening all of your windows and doors. To bring colour and life into your home, don’t forget to take advantage of seasonal flowers by filling vases with vibrantly coloured blooms. 

All of these things will increase the attractiveness of your property to buyers, which will not only help you sell your property faster but may even help you achieve a higher selling price. 

The increased number of buyers will influence how quickly they make their decisions. Buyers will not delay as long if a house goes on the market because they will not want another buyer to snap it up first. 

Therefore, they are more likely to make an offer as soon as they have viewed the property, assuming they like it. For sellers, the good news is that this shortens the time their property will spend on the market.

If you are thinking of moving in Sheffield and Rotherham, then you should act quickly to take advantage of the increased number of customers, as a result of the improved weather, and their eagerness to complete their purchases in time to move into their new homes by the summer.

If you would like to be in your new property in time for summer, please give me a call on 07920 097 175 and I will be delighted to help you get moving.

According to a study of their members conducted by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, 81% of respondents said there is a growing demand for homes with balconies or gardens.

This makes it abundantly evident that when getting your house ready to sell, your outdoor space shouldn’t be an afterthought. It frequently has the power to determine whether a sale occurs or not.

It is simple to make your garden seem its best in Spring and Summer, but that does not mean you should give up trying to make your garden appear lovely in Autumn and Winter. Your Winter garden may go from boring to gorgeous with a little bit of work.

Make sure your outdoor area is organised and spotless. Remove any weeds you find, trim the grass as needed, clear the paths of moss, and make sure your outdoor furniture is neat and tidy.

A few winter flowering plants and colourful pots can make your outdoor areas much more attractive.

Since we now spend more time socialising outside, thanks to the pandemic, it makes sense that many prospective buyers find outdoor entertaining spaces to be appealing when looking for a new home. If you don’t already have one, then creating one is simple. A gazebo is a great option for offering shade from the sun and rain, while a fire pit or chiminea can offer some much-needed warmth in the chilly months. 

If viewings take place late in the day when the light is beginning to fade, the addition of fairy lights can really help to show off your garden and make outside seating cosier. Blankets and waterproof cushions can also help.

Remember to clean and clear your sheds. They are a component of the property you are attempting to sell, so you should make an effort to keep them as clean and well-maintained as your home to increase the sale price.

Having wildlife visit our gardens is advantageous for both them and for us. Whilst food is scarce, birds are appreciative of any nuts and seeds we leave out for them, and in exchange, they provide us with a colourful display as they fly through our gardens, adding to the tranquillity and calmness that many potential purchasers find appealing.

I am always happy to come and take a look at your property in <<AREA>> and make suggestions on how to prepare to bring your property to market successfully so please give me a call on 07920 097 175 or email me at linda.stringer@exp.uk.com if you would like me to come and give you some ideas for your outdoor areas.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so it is a good time to talk about love – your love for your home. Our homes are our castles. We put our hearts and souls into them. We decorate them with love and turn them into reflections of our personalities.

However, when it comes time for us to part with them, this love for our properties can be detrimental to our ability to sell them. It is important that once you decide to sell your home, you try to detach emotionally from it.

Everyone has their own perfect property in mind. What attracts one person will not attract another, so do not get upset if your house receives a few rejections. 

It is hard to hear criticism about the property you love from viewers. When I show your property to potential buyers, I give you feedback that I think will help you sell it. If the criticism isn’t constructive or helpful to you, I will shield you from it.

Estate agents are the matchmakers of the property world. My job is to find the perfect person or people for your home who will love it as much as you do.

A viewing is like a date. Your property only has one chance to make a good first impression. I am always happy to make a few suggestions as to how you might be able to best present your property, and I promise to be tactful when doing so!

When a potential buyer says they want a second date, I mean viewing, I am ready to listen to their concerns and help them decide if your property is right for them.

As the song says, you can’t hurry love. I have been to a few viewings where someone fell in love with a property right in front of my eyes and made an offer right away. I have also taken people to see a property five times before they decided to make an offer.

I can help guide you through the whole process of selling your property. You can be assured that however lucky or unlucky you are in love, I will help your home find its perfect match.

One thing is definitely true. If you instruct me to find your property the perfect new owner, you will fall head over heels with my service and care.

If you would like to fall in love with a new property this year, give me a call about selling your home in Sheffield and Rotherham on 07920 097 175 or send me an email linda.stringer@exp.uk.com and I will be happy to help you.

One of the most common questions I am asked as an estate agent is ‘when is the best time to sell my property?’ This is a particularly popular question in the run up to Christmas, with sellers wondering whether they should list their property before Christmas, or wait until the festive period is over.

So, when should you put your property on the market? That’s exactly what I’m going to tell you!

The Busiest Day On Rightmove

Did you know that the busiest day on Rightmove is Boxing Day?

In fact, on Boxing Day, and in the run up to New Year, traffic on Rightmove soars by 70%.

This is partly due to people being off work for the Christmas period, and partly due to buyers being ready for a fresh start for the New Year.

So, if you’re looking to sell your property, the best time to list it on Rightmove is on Boxing Day – so that it’ll be right at the top of the search listings as the traffic hits Rightmove.

When Should You Put Your House On The Market?

If you’re thinking about putting your property on the market, now is the perfect time. You can have your photos taken before you put your Christmas decorations up, and then enjoy your Christmas period stress-free. I will then launch your property onto the online portals on Boxing Day, so that you can capitalise on that New Year traffic.

We can then book in your viewings from Tuesday 3rd January 2023, giving you time to take down your Christmas decorations and recover from the festive period.

Will House Prices Fall In 2023?

This is a difficult question to answer, as the property market is so dynamic and ever-changing.

As you may know, house prices have been consistently rising for the past two years, ever since Covid hit the world. In a market like this, it’s inevitable that the market will eventually stabilise, and house prices may even fall slightly.

However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put your property on the market! In fact, if you’re thinking of selling in the next few years, now is the time to do it.

The housing market always picks up again after a small dip – so even if prices do fall slightly in 2023, they will almost certainly start to rise again in 2024.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! The best time to sell your home is Boxing Day on Rightmove. If you’re thinking of putting your property on the market, now is the perfect time to do it.

If you have any questions about selling your property, or the housing market in general, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I would be more than happy to help!

If you’ve been looking at houses on Rightmove, you might have seen the acronym OIRO used. But what does OIRO mean and what’s it got to do with property?

OIRO stands for “Offers in the Region Of”, and is commonly used by estate agents to give a guide price for properties that are being sold. When a property is advertised as OIRO, it means that the seller is open to offers from buyers who are willing to pay the asking price, or close to it.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about OIRO properties, including how you decide what offer to put in, and what to do if your offer is rejected.

Why Is OIRO Used?

OIRO, or ‘offers in the region of’, is becoming more common in the UK property market. So why are estate agents using it?

The main reason is that it protects the seller. By not giving a specific asking price, they can avoid pricing themselves out of the market or selling for less than the property is worth.

It also protects the buyer, as they can be sure that any offer they make will be taken seriously by the seller.

This type of listing can be helpful for buyers who are looking for a property that is negotiable, but it can also be frustrating if you are not sure how much wiggle room the seller has.

Making An Offer On An OIRO Property

If you’re interested in making an offer on an OIRO property, there are a few things you need to take into account.

The first is that you’ll need to be able to prove that you can afford the property. This means having a mortgage in principle or proof of funds from your savings or investments.

The second is to think about what you’re willing to pay for the property. This will be based on a number of factors, including the current market value of similar properties in the area, how much work needs to be done to the property and your personal circumstances.

Once you’ve decided on an offer price, you’ll need to put this in writing to the seller’s estate agent. They will then present your offer to the seller, who will either accept, reject or counter-offer.

If your offer is rejected, don’t be discouraged. The seller might be open to negotiating, so it’s worth trying again with a higher offer.

And if you’re not sure what offer to make, you could always ask the estate agent for their advice. They should be able to give you an idea of how much the seller is likely to accept.

As always though, a house is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay. Whilst some properties may sell for less than their guide price, others may sell for well above the listed price. So, I’d always recommend offering what you think the house is worth. Otherwise, you could risk losing your dream property.

What Happens If My Offer Is Accepted?

If your offer is accepted, the next step is to instruct a solicitor and start the conveyancing process.

The solicitors will carry out all of the legal work involved in buying the property, including checking that there are no outstanding planning permissions or building regulations that need to be met.

They will also deal with the transfer of money and documents, and arrange for a date of completion.

The conveyancing process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months, so it’s important to be patient. Once everything is finalised, you’ll be able to move into your new home and start enjoying life in your new property.

OIRO Vs OIEO – What’s The Difference (And Why So Many Acronyms?!)

If you’re confused about the difference between OIRO and OIEO, you’re not alone. Both terms are commonly used by estate agents, but they actually mean different things.

OIRO stands for ‘offers in the region of’, whereas OIEO stands for ‘offers in excess of’.

The main difference is that the sellers of properties listed as OIEO are expecting offers to be made at or above the listed price, whereas sellers of OIRO properties are open to negotiating on the price.

However, this does not mean that you can’t offer less than an OIEO property. You will just need to be prepared for the seller to propose a higher counter-offer, or to reject your offer.

In Summary

Estate agents use a lot of terminology that can feel confusing at times. This includes OIRO – or ‘offers in the region of’. Whilst this may seem complicated, it simply means that the seller is open to negotiation on the price.

If you have any more questions, or if you’re thinking about selling your house in Sheffield, Rotherham or Worksop, I’m here to help. Give me a call on 07920 097 175 or fill out the contact form below.

Before choosing an estate agent, it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up to. Moving house is a daunting experience and you want to be certain you’re in the right hands to keep your stress levels to a minimum and ensure that you get the best possible value for your property.

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions before choosing your estate agent. A good estate agent will be happy to answer your questions and take the time to make sure you fully understand and are happy with happy with the process.

How much is my house worth?

A great estate agent should have heaps of knowledge about your local area and the average prices similar houses sell for in your neighbourhood. This should be one of the first questions you ask when starting the process of selecting an estate agent, to allow you to have a better insight into the properties you’re likely to be able to afford to purchase.

The value you decide on should reflect the property itself, the area, the current market along with any personal reasons you might want to go slightly lower or higher than the local average. You might be in a hurry to sell and wish to price your property slightly lower or contrastingly have a tight budget and need to push the value slightly up. Either way, a decent estate agent should be prepared to work with you on an individual basis to ensure your experience is personalised to your circumstances.

What are your fees and are there any hidden costs?

The majority of estate agents base their prices on a percentage of the sale price of your house. This percentage can range from between 0.75% and 3.5% depending on the estate agent you choose.

It’s also a good idea to check whether the fees include VAT, or whether this is added onto the fee. This will help you to avoid any surprises later down the line.

Whilst many estate agents quote their fees as an all-inclusive cost, others may add on extra charges for things like photography, marketing or even a ‘for sale’ sign. It’s important that you check with your chosen estate agent about any hidden costs and read your contract carefully before signing to avoid any unexpected costs adding up along the way.

Is there a tie-in period within the contract?

Should you not get along with your estate agent, you might want to cancel the contract. But it’s important to understand that some estate agents have a minimum tie in period, which means that you can’t market your property with any other estate agent for the minimum term set out in the contract.

To allow you complete freedom when selling your property you may want to seek a contract with no minimum term, allowing you to take your house off the market or list it with another estate agency if you find that the agent you’ve chosen isn’t right for you. If your estate agent has a strong track record with sales, they should have confidence in their ability to please their customers, meaning that they don’t need to tie their customers into a contract. After all, happy customers should have no reason to want to find a new estate agent!

How long does it usually take to sell a property similar to mine?

There are two main questions to consider when trying to gauge how successful an estate agent is: how long does it take them on average to sell a property and how often do they achieve the asking price.

Make sure you ask your potential estate agent these questions so you can compare their track record to other local agents. After all, it’s vital you get the best price for your property in as little time as possible!

Is there anything I should do to my property to increase its selling potential?

Sometimes small tweaks can make all the difference when it comes to selling your property quickly and achieving the best possible sale price. A good estate agent will be happy to make suggestions on how you could make your house more sell-able. These could include:

• Reducing clutter by putting some of your belongings into storage (or even hiding them in your car during viewings!)
• Touching up paintwork
• Tidying up your garden
• Turning lights on before a viewing

In summary

It’s important that you are informed when it comes to choosing an estate agent. After all, this is the person that you are trusting to sell your property, so you need to be sure that you’re making the right decision.

When you meet a potential estate agent, don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. Not only will this ensure that you’ve got all the information you need to make an informed choice, but it will also help you to get to know the estate agent and get a feel for whether they’re the right estate agent for you.

If you’re thinking about selling your house in Sheffield, I’m here to help. There’s no such thing as a daft question, so give me a call and ask away!

Linda Stringer, an estate agent at Linda Stringer Individual Estate Agency Ltd in Sheffield & Rotherham, has achieved the Propertymark Qualifications Level 3 Award in The Sale of Residential Property.

The Award, which is a nationally recognised industry qualification, meets the National Association of Estate Agents’ (NAEA) Propertymark membership requirements for those looking to join the Association as a member agent.  NAEA Propertymark is the UK’s foremost professional body for estate agents. It aims to promote better regulation and higher practice standards in the UK private rented sector.

Linda Stringer has been working as an estate agent for 12 years.

Linda Stringer comments: “It was important for me to secure this recognised qualification as an estate agent. It is not only a personal achievement but also a mark of professionalism and trust; it provides reassurance to consumers that Linda Stringer Individual Estate Agency Ltd adheres to the highest professional standards, and that employees are qualified and knowledgeable estate agents.”

Linda Stringer is among a growing number of agents across the UK working with NAEA Propertymark and Propertymark Qualifications to become qualified and raise standards within the industry.

Tim Green, Chair of the Governing Body, adds: “The Propertymark Qualifications Level 3 Award is a regulated qualification ideal for candidates wanting to improve existing knowledge in the key areas related to residential property sales.  Propertymark Qualifications is committed to raising standards within the residential property sales sector through the provision of accredited, nationally recognised qualifications, such as the Award Linda Stringer has achieved.”

Nathan Emerson, Propertymark Interim Chief Executive Officer, concludes: “I congratulate Linda Stringer on her achievement of the Level 3 qualification and am pleased to welcome her to NAEA Propertymark membership.

“NAEA Propertymark strives for better regulation in the private rented sector; with the support of estate agents across the UK recognising the need for higher standards and integrity in the sector, gaining a qualification with Propertymark Qualifications counts as a real stamp of professionalism and supports the drive for better practice within the industry.”

Over the last year, house sales have reached record highs in both number of sales and property prices, which has certainly kept both vendors and buyers on their toes! With offers flying left, right and centre, it has never been more crucial to be able to decipher between offers and select a buyer fairly, when there are multiple to choose from. This is where you might be asked to put forward your ‘best and final offer’.

With the property market currently sellers paradise, we’re finding that many sales are resorting to this tactic to ensure the sellers receive the best price for their property and to speed along sales. However, contrary to many people’s beliefs, ‘best and final offer’ doesn’t purely benefit the seller. In fact, it can work in everyone’s best interest and I’m here to help explain why.

Does It Work Like An Auction?

Although some like to compare ‘best and final offers’ to an auction, there are a few ways in which it differs, which are quite significant logistically and make a huge difference.

Firstly, when asked to put forward your offer, there is only one round of bids, so you really need to put forward your best offer at the first instance. This means that you won’t get a second chance if someone else offers more than you.

Also, each of the bids put forward is done in secret. So, unlike in an auction where you can alter your offer depending on the budgets of others interested, in a best and final offers situation, you’ll find you don’t have this opportunity. It can be quite a daunting experience where you feel you’re making a blind decision, which is why many people dislike best and final offers.

How Does Best And Finals Work?

Best and final offers really is what it says on the tin and can help to ensure all parties have an equal chance to secure their dream home, whilst allowing the seller to achieve the best possible price for their property.

With complete transparency, the agent will disclose the highest current offer to everyone interested, helping them to gain a better idea of where their budget stands amongst the other buyers. This gives everyone a chance to reevaluate the purchase and decide how much they’d be willing to put forward to win the sale.

Don’t forget the importance of the word final, meaning once you’ve put forwards your offer, there is no going back! It is therefore essential you put forward your very best offer, so you don’t later regret losing the sale to another buyer that just pipped you to the post. Best and final offers is a process which is usually brought into play for properties with a particularly high level of interest, so keep your mind open and don’t let yourself become too invested in the house in question.

Each buyer is asked to put forwards their highest offer which can no longer be changed. You may also choose to put forward a statement regarding their circumstances for the purchase, helping the seller gain a clearer understanding of the buyer’s position.

The agent will then feedback the offers and statements to the buyer who will ultimately make the decision of who to accept the offer from, based on the information they have received.

Will The Best Offer Always Win?

Don’t be fooled into assuming that the best offer always wins as this very often isn’t the case at all. As sellers are usually very keen to grasp a smooth sale when given the chance, I often find that a lower offer will be accepted for convenience and security over a higher offer.

Their decision which will be guided partially by their agent, and will be balanced based on the offers they have received, along with the positions each buying party is in. First time or cash buyers often have the edge here as they can propose an easy sale which can speed up the entire situation, making their offers extremely tempting. Sellers are eager to avoid a long chain and want to avoid any sales which look like they could easily fall through and land them back on the market, so beware of this when you’re viewing properties and making your statement. Whilst it’s important to be truthful and honest, you don’t want to plant any unnecessary doubt in the sellers mind regarding your situation.

Is It As Stressful As It Sounds?

Best and final offers can be extremely stressful. After all, you don’t know what offer other interested parties may have put forward, so you’re forced to put forward your very best offer or risk losing the property of your dreams. This means that you may end up paying far more than you otherwise would have in order to secure your next home.

How Much To Offer For Best And Finals

I’m often asked how much you should offer for your best and final offer. This completely depends on your individual situation and how much you want the property in question. The most important thing to consider is how much the property is worth to you.

If you offer too little, you may be left feeling disappointed when another buyer offers more and secures the property. However, it’s also important not to let yourself get carried away in the moment and offer more than you think the property is worth.

Ultimately, you need to carefully consider the maximum price that you are willing to pay for the property and make this your offer. This way, you won’t be left feeling disappointed if another buyer pips you to the post.

In Summary

You might be left thinking the process of best and final offers seems brutal, and in honesty, I agree with you! But whilst it can seem like a stressful and harsh situation to be in, it is the fairest, fastest and easiest way for a seller to seal a deal, meaning you can continue your journey of purchasing a home. Whether that means you win the bid or you’re back to browsing the market in search of your dream home, you have to keep your mind positive and remember that everything happens for a reason! If it’s meant to be, it will be and if not, your perfect property is still out there waiting to be found.

By choosing the right estate agent, you can ease the stress of this situation when it comes round by knowing a professional is there to guide you every step of the way. Resting assured that an experienced agent has your best interest at the forefront of their mind, you can sit back and relax whilst the pressure is taken out of your hands and handled by someone who has observed this process a million times over. If you’re still unsure of how best and final offers works or for more queries about your house move, give me a call on 07920 097175 or fill out the contact form below and I’ll be happy to help. 

If you’re considering moving house, you might be wondering how long does it take to sell a house. Unfortunately the answer isn’t as simple as it might seem, as it depends on factors such as the type of house you’re selling, its location, the length of the property chain and the estate agent you choose to market your property. However, most property sales complete in between six weeks and six months.

From the moment you actually put your house on the market, we understand that you’re looking for a smooth and streamlined journey to your property being sold and independent estate agent Linda Stringer can help make this a reality. Whether you’re in a rush so you can purchase another property, you’re expecting a baby or you’re looking to relocate due to work or school, there are a whole host of reasons you might be feeling pushed for time.

A Two Part Process

Although it’s difficult to give an exact estimate on how long it would take to sell your property, we can give you a few averages and indications which will give you more of a clear idea of the timeline you could be faced with.

There are two parts to consider when it comes to selling a house. Firstly, you’ve got the time it takes to find a buyer. This is where you begin the process of selling your house and there are many stages that make up this part of the process. From initially getting your house valued, deciding on an asking price, putting your house on the market, arranging viewings and receiving offers, there are many areas which must be covered.

This is where choosing a knowledgeable estate agent really comes in. A good estate agent will ensure that your asking price is realistic, finding the perfect balance between getting you the best possible price for your house and ensuring that your property sells quickly. They’ll also know exactly how to market your house to attract a high number of viewings, so that buyers are bidding against each other for your property.

Once you’ve accepted an offer, you then begin the conveyancing process. Unfortunately, this is often the lengthiest part of the process, where you might feel like you’re waiting around a lot. How long the conveyancing process takes will depend on how many properties are in the chain, the complexity of the sales and the solicitors that you choose. This can be a particularly stressful time for many sellers, but with the right estate agent, the stress can be taken out of your hands, leaving you with the knowledge everything is being dealt with as efficiently as possible.

Average Time To Move House

So, how long should you expect to wait from putting your house on the market to moving day? Whilst there is a lot of variation depending on your unique circumstances, there are average timeframes for each stage of the process. In the table below, I’ve listed the average duration of each stage, giving you an idea of how long you should expect your house sale to take. However, it’s important to note that these are averages, and every case is different.

Stage	Average Time
From listing your property to an offer being accepted	2 – 12 weeks
Conveyancing	6 – 12 weeks
From exchange to completion	1 day – 4 weeks

So, it’s easy to see that there is a lot of variation when it comes to how long it takes to move house. Whilst some property sales may go through in as little as 6 weeks, others can take 6 months or even longer to complete.

What Time Of Year Do Houses Sell Fastest?

Typically, a higher number of properties are added to the market during spring and early summer. This means that the property market is at its most active between March and June. In contrast, the market tends to be quieter during August, when people are on holiday, and over the Christmas period.

However, it’s all about finding the right buyer for your property, and they can come along at any time. So whether you choose to put your property on the market in March, August or December, it only takes one serious buyer to get your house sale moving.

What Can Delay A House Sale?

There are many situations which could unfortunately delay the sale of your house but by being aware of these, you can make sure you avoid them where possible. Right from the get go, an overpriced property is likely to linger on the market and be slow to receive viewings/offers. Buyers are keen to compare similar properties on the market to ensure they get the best property for the price they’re willing to pay, making it essential your guide price is fair if you’re hoping for a quick sale.

Selecting a committed estate agent and solicitor is also vital to help keep the sale moving as quickly as possible. Estate agents and solicitors who are over worked may not be as on the ball as you would hope, causing unwanted delays when you’re eager to push through a sale. To get the best results, be sure to keep in close contact with those involved in your house sale, allowing you to keep track of the progress.

Another factor which could impact the duration of your house sale is buyers pulling out which can be particularly disappointing. Although this situation is ultimately out of your hands, it’s useful to get to know your buyers as well as possible so you have a better indication of the situation. By being aware of a buyer’s individual circumstances, it may be possible to accept a similar offer from a buyer who is in a less complicated situation than another buyer, which can drastically alter a selling timeframe. Remember, the shorter the chain of the sale, the quicker you could be selling your property.

In terms of what you can do to help speed along the process, be prepared with all legal paperwork, guarantees and certificates and be sure to sign everything you receive immediately. As selling a house has so many components, each part must be completed without delay to allow the overall process to run like clockwork.

Selling A House With No Chain

If you’re fortunate enough to be in the position where your buyer isn’t selling a property and you’re not purchasing a property, it’s likely your sale will move much faster. For example, many vendors find that their chain-free house sale completes in as little as 6 – 8 weeks.

To Sum Up

Selling a house is a complex process that depends on many different factors. For this reason, it’s difficult to put an exact time on how long it takes to sell a house. If the sale is chain free, you could expect the sale to complete in as little as 6 – 8 weeks. However, for more complex cases, or for longer chains, the process of selling a house could take several months.

If you’re looking for a quick sale, the best thing you can do is choose an estate agent that is committed to driving your property sale forward to avoid any unnecessary delays. When you choose me to sell your property, I work closely with all estate agents and solicitors in the chain to push the sale forwards. I speak to solicitors on a weekly basis so that I can give you continuous updates on the progress of your sale and ensure that the ball is kept rolling. This can help to minimise the time that you’re left waiting.

If you’d like a no-obligation valuation on your property, or if you want to discuss ‘how long does it take to sell a house’ in more detail, give me a call on 07920 097175. I’m always happy to help!