How to sell Faster & Higher - Part 2 - Give them a reason - not an excuse

How to sell Faster & Higher - Part 2

Give them a reason - not an excuse.

So I have enlightened you with some statistics and some basic information to help expand your market in part 1.

Now you have to keep those buyers interested.

How?

Your viewers will put you on a mental shortlist.  The will constantly be rating your home against others they have seen, not only in the flesh but also online.  So now is the time to ensure that there is no reason for them to head for the door.

DIY – the first two letters stand for exactly what you should do prior to putting your house on the market.  Anything left undone, can A -  look unsightly and B –can send warning signals to a buyer.  What else have they not looked after? The Y (yourself) is a personal choice. If you can have a go please do. However, sometimes a professional can do it faster, neater and save you money in the long run.  Leaving you lots more free time to tackle other things.   

CLEANING – This is so very important.  I’m not talking a quick run round with the hoover.  Although this does help.  I’m talking deep clean. 

                        Windows – you will be surprised what a clean can do.  The quality of light getting into your home through a clean window is brighter.  Grab your bucket and see the difference for yourself.

                        Carpets – clean carpets give a buyer a very good impression of your home.  A dirty carpet, can frighten a potential buyer – it can leave them feeling that the house requires too much upkeep.  If your front door opens directly off a street into a living room this is even more important.  Keeping it clean doesn’t have to require a lot of work.  Clean it once, well!  Get in a professional, a small price to pay.  Then, for the duration your house is on the market use a runner/rug for those high traffic areas.  Before a viewing juts pop the runner into your car. Voila. Still clean.  I have even used a neighbours house before to store a door mat and a footstool that took up too much room just before a viewing.  They really won’t mind, if it helps you out.

SMELLS – pets – food – shoes - teenagers.  All these things give off odours.  How many times have you screwed your face up in a supermarket as you made it passed the cheese/fish counter or worse still a personal hygiene issue when you’re in a queue?  Smells can leave a buyer with an immediate flight response.  Tackle these.  Remove offending products.  Try not to cook food with strong odours before a viewing. They can linger for hours.   Strong artificial odours can also have the same effect, not everyone likes the smell of bleach, or air fresheners.  Try mild alternatives, a mild carpet freshener, that can be hovered up, and open those windows.  A fresh air smell can be a much cheaper alternative and much more effective.

KNOW YOUR COMPETITION – This one is equally important as all the above. 

Do your own search online.  Search for houses in your area and surrounding areas.  Check in your price bracket.  Be honest.  How does yours compare?  Size, style, décor, location. Write them down.

These are your direct competition – Offer people the same or more at a similar price and you will increase your interest.

Now check in the price bracket above yours?  What can you learn from these houses?  What do they offer? What do they do well? Write them down

Do you offer the same? Or more?  Can give the viewers of these houses everything they have but cheaper?  So make yours stand out.  Make the most of all your key areas: Storage, Garden, Space.  Offer your buyers the same product at YOUR sale price.  

Now write down 3 reasons why you bought your house. 

Was it a view? A large kitchen diner? A well laid out interior?

Now ask a friend for 3 things that they think are the best assets your house has to offer. 

Do any of these things align? 

These are your homes most attractive features:  Make the most of these. 

Make sure your agent makes the most of these too.    

n       Better photographs or larger photographs of these areas.

n       More attention to detail in the write up about these features. 

n       Make sure these appear on your bullet points on the portals – these are your home’s BEST FEATURES

Take control of your sale. 

Check out Part 3 -  really push the viewers ‘buy’ button in the first crucial moments

I'm Victoria Green.  I give tailored advice just like this free during your Market appraisal and we cover Morecambe, Lancaster, kendal and all surrounding areas.  

See our website at www.v-move.co.uk

or join us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VMOVElimited

How to sell Faster & Higher - Part 1 - Expanding your Market

How do sell Faster & Higher - Part 1

Expanding your market – Attract more buyers

There are many ways in which to increase your chances of a sale. 

From simple techniques to full blown Home Staging.

Home staging is quite simply this is a method of preparing your house for sale so that it appeals to the broadest market possible.  The more people that it appeals to, the more will want to view, the more viewers, the more offers and the higher standard of offers that you will receive.

The US use home styling extremely effectively.  A styled home in America can reduce the time on the market by up to half and also help it sell for between 6% and 20% more than its unstaged, empty counterparts.

So the evidenced is clear, I mean you wouldn’t wear your pyjamas to an interview.  You dress appropriately for the occasion. The same is true for your home when you are selling.

Here’s a quick test: Grab your pen and paper:

1 - What type of house do you live in?  Write it down. Ie: semi detached, near town centre.

2 - In your area what type of people live in houses just like yours, think about your neighbours, your neighbouring streets.  

Write each different type of homeowner with houses like yours down.

I bet there are more in category two than you imagine.  For instance: You often associate a bungalow with a mature retiree, but, in actual fact if you look at it closely there are more demographics associated with bungalows in your area. Families, professionals, couples, singles, young and old.

This means that your appeal can no longer just be about the retired section of the market.  You need to cast your net further and wider.

Here are some quick tips to ensure you appeal to the broadest market possible.

1 – Declutter everywhere.  Buyers are always searching for a house that they will fit into.  That all of their stuff will fit into.  They take an indication by looking at the current homeowners use of all the space available. Always give them an indication of what storage can be used for, but never over fill.  In order for your house to appeal it should show that you & your belongings fit into it comfortably.  Make people see the true potential of your home.  This includes, built in cupboards, storage areas, television cabinets. Everything. Remove stacks of magazines, piles of shoes and overflowing coat racks.

2 – Depersonalise.  Take away all your family photos.  The children pictures, the 4 generation pictures and your wedding day.  People don’t like to see other people in a house they are considering purchasing.  When they are viewing they want to imagine themselves living there.  They want to imagine their family pictures on the sideboard.  Help them to do this by removing yours.  Make it easy for them.

3 – Add Identity – give each room an identity.  Make sure you can tell what it is.  Dining rooms should have a dining room table.  Bedrooms should have a bed. This means that a viewer can spend time imagining their belongings there and not what the room could be used for.

As you can see, it is all about making life easier for a viewer.  If they have to waste valuable viewing time seeing through the clutter and family things we all have, it means they are less focused on mentally moving their stuff in.

Find out in Part 2 what other tricks you can try to increase your chance of a sale.

I'm Victoria Green.  I give tailored advice just like this free during your Market appraisal and we cover Morecambe, Lancaster, kendal and all surrounding areas.  

See our website at www.v-move.co.uk

or join us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VMOVElimited

How much will it actually cost me to move? Part 1

How much will it actually cost me to move?


So here we are, another Autumnal race to move into a new property by Christmas.  So, once you have decided that a sale is the way forward have you actually considered the full cost?

I'm not talking about your Estate Agents fees.  That is a whole new problem, what I'm referring to are the hidden costs.  The ones that throw up all over you when your money is drying up faster than you have ever seen, while teetering on the edge of a cliff, praying that your house sale/purchase actually runs the course and no one in the chain backs out.

Selling and buying is a financial minefield.  One that has to be approached with caution, and scrutinized to ensure that the next step is in fact the right step for you.  I have helped you here, I like to help people, I have a list of what to expect,  a small taster of what you should expect. Approach with caution.  Make sure you have all the information to make an informed decision.

ESTATE AGENT FEES

Its not the commission rates that is the issue here.  (Although VMOVE do offer fixed fees) It is the little added extra overlooked by homeowners who concentrate on the percentage.  Three little letters can cost a whole lot of money...VAT.  Remember it may be a 1% fee or even a 1.5% fee, but have they disclosed the full cost including the VAT.  A 20% rise on top isn't insignificant.  £200,000 home at 1.5% = £3000 plus VAT of £600 - TOTAL COST £3600. 

MORTGAGES - EXITING

Forget your introductory discounted rate or initial FIXED rate these are great value at the moment.  Are you selling and leaving your mortgage company?  look out for Mortgage Exit fees, Administration fees, and the fees to repay the loan in full if you are still in your Fixed/Discounted initial term.  Just the repayment of the mortgage can be as much as 5%.  That's a whole £5000 for a £100,000 mortgage.  Timing is crucial here.  

Can you wait until your fixed period expires?  

Try porting your mortgage, be aware that this may mean an additional mortgage amount - this may mean unfavourable fees as you are already a customer and locking your mortgage with a company with stepped end dates = recipe for disaster!  I have done this myself.  ASK me about it.  5 house moves = 6 rate end dates for me.  This was a mistake I made, from renovating and moving on in quick succession.  Don't shy away from this though, if moving is right just make sure you budget properly. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!  

MORTGAGES - ARRANGING

Are you a first time buyer or even just moving your mortgage?  It is important to shop around.  You can reserve a great mortgage rate even if it may be 3 months away until you need it. LOOK carefully before you make your choice.  A cheaper fee, can mean a higher arrangement fee?  DO YOUR SUMS!  If you take out a 3 year fixed at 3% but an arrangement fee is £1200 is it cheaper over the 3 years to just go for 3.25% and forgo the fee.  FIND OUT!!  Your mortgage adviser should be able to tell you this.

PRICE

Everyone wants the most money for their house, the price you actually sell at is crucial.  Be realistic.  If money really is the most important factor you have a decision to make.  Is it best to accept an offer at £5000 below your asking price or hold out for the full amount?  WORK IT OUT.  If you hold out for the asking price you may still be on the market in 8-9 months.  How much money will this cost you in Mortgage payments, bills for 8-9 more months?  I bet its more than £5000.  (if you are on the market for that long - please talk to your agent.)

Budgeting is very important.  Outline your costs.  Do a spreadsheet. Get quotes.  Only then, can you really know what you can accept as a realistic offer on your property.  Only then can you truly understand what you NEED.

These are not the only hidden costs. Ask us.  There are many more lurking, ready to rear their ugly heads when you are most financially vulnerable.  

We understand how easy it is to get carried away with your future plans you overlook this very important aspect to buying and selling.  We understand this so much that we are sponsoring a WEEKEND dedicated to just this:

Join us to ensure that you can make an informed decision & for lots more:

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS on the day along with help with Help to Buy, Help with getting your house sold - Home Staging.  Speak to a Mortgage Advisor without having to book an appointment to ask questions.  Learn about Timeframes for selling, Current Market Trends, Key Mortgage Facts, Insurance issues whilst moving on all your belongings, Santander will be there too to help with Direct Debits changing and mortgage enquiries.  PLUS:  Atlas removals and local solicitors and conveyancing firm - Baines, Bagley Penhale with Marsh and Co.  - Bring your questions, lets educate the masses.  

We even have a FREE PRIZE DRAW.  One lucky winner will get a personalised illustration by local artist Jack Knight.  He can draw you or a person of your choice and you can use it on your social media sites.  Don't want one, would make a great Christmas Present for someone, or even a pic of your cat!  (He's great at cats)

NOVEMBER 2nd & 3rd 10am - 2pm, Rays Court, Lancaster, LA1 4NT

We want to make sure that you feel in control of your sale/purchase.  This weekend is for you.  Bring along a photo of your house, and get free home staging advice.  Been on the market a while, let us help you get that sale.  

Come and see what all the experts in your area do.  We are all dedicated and would love to meet you.  Want to know more? Visit: http://www.v-move.co.uk/about-us/ 

Online Vs High Street Agent

I run the best of both worlds.  I don’t have a shop front, but I do work locally only. Say hello to the future. The future is smiling back at you.

I truly believe that you can get the best value for money from an online agent, but you must choose carefully, when you dive in the deep waters of using an Estate Agent you have to sink or swim, the right agent should throw you a lifeline and guide you to shore. 

High street agents have an advantage over me.  They are long standing, the big boys, suits and briefcases, great foundations, a thoroughbred.  There brand: ready assembled, there shops are sturdy, 4 walls, roof, they do what they have always done, sell houses.  The local people know who they are, often recognised, you walk past them every day.   If the high street was sold like a house, they would go down as a fixture and fitting.  They are not easily moved, altered, updated. But footfall is falling, so what about your local online agent?

No immediate high street presence, but we still have an office, we still visit you in your home, we still do your accompanied viewings, we do everything your high street agent does.  But we are malleable, we change, we alter, we renew, we discover.  Our overheads are so low that the savings are passed directly on to you. Times are changing. The way we look for houses is changing.  Welcome to the digital age.  The internet has opened the door of possibilities and opportunities or is it Pandora’s box? 

Some online agents are sending all the wrong signals, that don’t do any of the aforementioned things. 

They have neon flashing signs, that should warn many, yet they are like a moth to a flame for those who have only a very limited budget.  I fear that these agents are giving us all a bad name. Their write ups are the same, their service, not personal, their advice, not bespoke.  These are the sharks. The ones that chew you up and spit you out, the ones who don’t guide, nor lead, they push, you are a number, not a name, a profit not a person. 

You have to weigh up what is right for you.  Be warned about the sharks and swim at your own peril. 

The only way you will know which agent is right for you is to talk to them.  Get to know them, follow them on Twitter, or Facebook. Go and see them, ask them round for a cup of tea.  Pick one that is right for you.  Pick one that solves your problems, pick one that values your custom, that can guide, educate, help, assist, advise, and most importantly, LISTEN.

A good agent, online or not, will value you your custom, will attend to your needs and support you through one of the most stressful life events. 

At the end, we will share your achievement; pat you on the back and pass you the keys to sail into the future.

Take the plunge with VMOVE.  Visit www.v-move.co.uk or call 01524 230722

An EASY way to shed the pounds

An EASY way to shed the POUNDS

Well, it came to me from a post on an email just this morning.  The email read ‘so fresh, like a green salad’ and there it was. The answer.  The reason we set up. The answer to your problem is a green salad. Have I gone mad? No, don’t worry.

We all do it.  We overindulge, we pick the calorie laden snacks.  As winter approaches it is natural for us to feel that hibernation is the best approach, to fill ourselves with calorific products and what happens? 

We get lazy & sluggish. We don’t move as fast. 

But these high fat, high sugar foods are tempting, they come with bells and whistles, the come topped with cream, sprinkles and sugar.  They ought to come with a warning sign.

Then they go stale.  They don’t last.  They aren’t good for us.  We all know this.  But yet we still go out for more. We still continue to consume them.

What is your alternative?  

A light green salad.  It is RAW.  SIMPLE. WHOLESOME.   Good for you.  It will help you shed the pounds.  It is what we all do in January.  We want to get rid of the dead weight.  If it can save you pounds then why not.  A salad is a lighter choice. Filled with green it has many benefits, it looks better on the menu, we all decide what we want from a menu, much the same as choosing a house.  The better it looks the more we will choose it.  Selecting the right option gives us the power to ensure that our pounds are going in the right direction.

But when faced with this decision what do you choose?  Would you prefer the expensive calorie laden option?  The one that costs more from your pocket, one that contains enough toppings and additives to tempt you in, when in actual fact there is no substance, no real benefits to consuming these.  Only to require many more green salads in the future.  Or do you save? Save your pounds and opt for something lighter with benefits?  Something different to everyone else?  I know which one I would choose. 

Has your sale gone stale.  I think its time you chose the lighter option.  

Call 01524 230722 speak to Victoria and find out exactly what fresh benefits you can expect fromVMOVE Estate Agents.  Covering Morecambe, Lancaster, Carnforth, Kendal and surrounding.

WWW.V-MOVE.CO.UK