The saying ‘good things come to those who wait’ is partly true for those selling a property. While many aspects of a successful sale are in the hands of third parties, the waiting part is something sellers have some control over.
According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, 53% of UK adults own a pet, therefore a large proportion of sellers will have a cat, dog or other domestic animal. While we are a nation of animal lovers, not everyone wants a furry encounter when they’re searching for a new home.
When filling in the Property Information Form (TA6), sellers need to be open and honest about a number of aspects. One of those is neighbourly disputes and things that may prove to be contentious in the future. This can be a grey area, so we’ve provided the answers to the most commonly asked neighbourly dispute questions.
While decluttering and lick of paint may add some value to your home before you sell (they’ll definitely add appeal), the best returns are on more practical improvements – ones that need careful planning, time and money.
What kind of outdoor person are you? Lush lawns and well-tended flower beds? Do you prefer to focus on fun, with a trampoline and hot tub? Or are you all about the atmosphere, with festoon lights and firepits?
Bedrooms that never get used? Too much time spent cleaning and fixing? Yearning to be mortgage free? It may be time to weigh up the pros and cons of downsizing to a smaller property.
Sellers? Commission a survey? It’s not as silly as it sounds. Issues identified in a buyer’s survey are some of the most common reasons why a sale collapses, asking prices are negotiated downwards and delays occur. Sometimes it pays to be forewarned and sellers can do this by ordering their own surveys. Here are some helpful Q&As for those concerned about the condition of their property or who want to avoid the unexpected.
Problems with Japanese knotweed are well documented, with this invasive species sometimes preventing buyers from getting a mortgage on an affected property. While home movers are busy keeping an eye out for Japanese knotweed, they may be overlooking a different horticultural threat.
Fed up of conventional flower beds? Looking for something more than a lawn? Why not try a revived garden trend – the stumpery?
