Get to know your buyer before they visit.
Find out what there position regarding a sale of their own property, do they have mortgage finance arranged? are they serious and motivated to buy or are they dreamers? What sort of properties have they seen before how long have they been looking. Why are they moving? Its all part of the discussion that you may have before a viewing.
Sensible precautions
Always get a buyers home address and land line number and it’s a good idea to ring them on this to confirm that you have it all correct. If they are selling a property try and find it yourself on the or track down the agent they are with. Inviting people into your home should be done with common sense removing cash etc . Remember agents do not vet buyers. Top Tip: avoid wasted viewings by sending a buyer lots of photos or a video of your home.
You know your home better than anyone else
Prepare for your viewing with all useful information at hand including costs of running your home. The home information pack should be on hand to help buyers make their decision. Get all the information you need from a buyer so you are in a position to make a decision about accepting an offer if they decide to put one in.
Conversations during a viewing are important
These can be crucial be positive and remember what will you miss about the property, what made you buy the property what feature will miss. If you love the local Indian restaurant or the fact you’re a few minutes from a station or schools mention this. You know your house better than any agent and are the best to inform a buyer about its features.
Who is the best type of buyer for your home
If several prospective buyers are interested in your home, pick the one who’s most likely to see the process through, not necessarily the one who makes the highest offer.
The best buyers who are more likely to make it all way through to completion in order are:
- Buyers who’ve already sold their house, moved out and been paid
- First-time buyers
- Buyers who have sold their home subject to contract
- Buyers who have not sold their homes
Accepting an offer
If the buyer makes you an offer during a viewing, best practice is to leave your response until later and explain that you will contact them after you have considered it. This is a big decision and its best to avoid personal face to face pressure and snap decisions. Know your bottom line, consider items in your home that may make them increase their price. i.e. we will include the garden shed.
Get it in writing
Although not legally binding, it’s a good idea to draw up an agreed note of the arrangement with the buyer. This can then be forwarded to your solicitor or conveyancing company
Conveyancing is the legal paperwork to transfer the home to or from your name. Use a recommended solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
Keeping the sale on every bodies mind
Keep communications going with all concerned this will ensure that no one changes their mind and that professionals are keeping you up to date. Get a sale to move quickly by returning all requests that are made by your conveyancer, often the sale will not be able to move forward without these. Don’t ignore aspects in letters about the purchase that you don’t understand. Raise any queries you have immediately.
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