9 things you need to do BEFORE you even consider moving house! (#9 will save you a future headache).
We know that when it comes to thinking about moving house, it can be an all-consuming process and before you know it, you find yourself scrolling Rightmove two or three times a day (we know we do)! Looking for your next home is an exciting time, but before you consider moving house, we have a few tips for you to consider.
- Define your needs and wants: Specifically, in this order. First you must decide what your non-negotiables are in your next home, this may be things like the number of bedrooms, location or local amenities. Then you can make a list of ‘nice to haves’ such as an extra bathroom, a utility room or a spacious garden. If you are buying with someone else, it’s important that you are both on the same page about the ‘non-negotiables’, so you have a general idea of the type of property that you are looking for.
- Assess your financial situation: Next up, you need to assess your current financial situation. Do you need to set yourself a monthly budget to be able to save up for a deposit? If you are a cash buyer, are your funds easily accessible? If you require a mortgage, do you know how much you can borrow and have you recently checked your credit score? Understanding where you are right now and how close (or far) you are from being in a position to purchase your new home, gives you an idea of how long it may take you to get from A to B.
- Research the housing market: Are you clued up on the local property market? If you’re already stuck scrolling relentlessly on Rightmove, it’s likely that you’re familiar with current property prices, trends and the availability of homes that meet your criteria. If not, we would always recommend taking some time to research the local market to get a feel for the availability of properties in your area at that time.
- Evaluate your current home: Take a look at the condition of your property and get advice on whether renovations or repairs would be recommended, prior to selling the property. Sometimes, small improvements can be worthwhile doing before selling your home in order to paint it in the best light possible and encourage higher offers.
- Consider the timing: It’s important to consider when the right time is to move for you, your family and your current situation. This may include factors such as personal circumstances, the school year for families, or even market conditions that may influence selling or buying. Often, there is no right or wrong time to move, it can simply be a case of when your dream home comes on the market!
- Plan for selling your current home: Take a look through our advice for preparing your current home for sale. Our top tip for anyone considering selling would be to start decluttering early. The earlier the better! As it can often take far longer that you think. You may want to consider ‘staging’ your property ahead of professional photographs to maximise your property’s appeal to potential buyers.
- Find a reliable real estate agent: Working with a trusted estate agent who can help you in your buying and selling process shouldn’t be overlooked. A good estate agent will help to market your property in the best light, field enquiries, handle viewings, keep you informed with all feedback, negotiate offers and manage the sales progression process for you. Top tip: Take a look at recent reviews for local estate agencies to help decide who to invite out to appraise your home.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage: With current market conditions, it is strongly advised to gain a mortgage in principle prior to viewing any properties. This way, you are in a position to make an offer if you find a property that you love! Gaining a mortgage in principle also helps you to get a clearer understanding of your budget and be able to make competitive offers.
- Create a moving checklist: Now’s the time to get organised. Write yourself a moving checklist so you don’t have to store the hundreds of tasks you need to remember in your brain! Free up some brain space and have them written down. Things you won’t want to forget are transferring utilities, updating your address, organising packing far in advance for less frequently used items and setting money aside for additional costs such as the hire of a moving van/professional movers if necessary.
If you are considering selling your home and would like more advice on the process, feel free to give us a call! We are more than happy to have a free, no-obligation conversation with you no matter what stage of the home-selling process you are at. Contact us today by phone, email or pop into one of our high street offices.
