Although the property industry may not be home to the likes of Picasso or Monet, as experienced Estate Agents, we know that there is an art to moving home. Of course, we can all do it if we wanted to, but not all of us do it well. Fortunately, unlike art, you don't need a natural flair to become a Heavenly Home Mover, you just need a little guidance from one of the Wirral's top Estate Agents!
With our years of experience dealing with every type of Home Mover and Vendor, we understand the best practices to make the process run as efficiently as possible. We've whittled it down to just five steps to become a Heavenly Home Mover...
Step 1. Get Your House Valued ASAP!
The first step to moving is getting your property valued, not only does this give you an idea of how much it is worth but getting your home on the market is a vital step to becoming a Heavenly Home Mover.
In the current Wirral property market, there are a lot of what we call "unencumbered buyers", people who don't have to sell a house before they are able to buy another. To Vendors, this type of buyer is super attractive as they are keen to buy and can generally complete quicker than others (This may be great for a Vendor, but when you’re looking for your next home, it could be a disadvantage if you’re a prospective buyer and haven’t got your house on the market yet.)
So, what's the next step?
Don't waste any time, get your house on the market with a reputable agent. Even as one of Wirral's leading Estate Agents, we'd suggest that you book a few different agents to value your property. Choosing the right Estate Agent is an important decision, after all, they will be handling what is likely to be your biggest financial asset.
Remember, it’s not always just about the highest valuation, a good Estate Agent knows what is a realistic and achievable price your home can expect to sell for. Launching to the market is a valuable time to make a good first impression, you need to make sure you’re well-positioned to maximise this opportunity.
At Bradshaw Farnham & Lea, we give honest and realistic valuations to achieve the best price for you and to sell your home as quickly as possible. We are not content in resting on our established name, we don't just rely on listing your home on the online portals of Rightmove and On the Market, we proactively sell your house. Our database of thousands of buyers is actively managed with our team ringing applicants to introduce your house and really sell it to them! Here are five more reasons to sell with Bradshaw Farnham & Lea:
1. No Sale = No Fee
You pay nothing unless we sell your home.
2. No Upfront Costs
You only pay fees on completion.
3. No Tie-In Period
There is no tie-in period for absolute transparency.
4. Largest Dedicated Sales Team
We focus purely on residential sales, giving your home the time and dedication it deserves
5. We're Open 7 days a Week
The world of property doesn't take a day off, so neither do we!
Book Your Free Valuation with Bradshaw Farnham & Lea
You can call your local branch to speak to a member of our team and book a valuation, or alternatively, you can visit our Valuation page and book from there.
Prepping Your House for Viewings and Photographs
So, you've had your valuation and have instructed your Estate Agent to sell your house. Now it's time to market the property. Whether you like it or not, we're in the prime of the social media generation, attracted to all things "Instagrammable" and that includes our homes. When searching through Rightmove, we bet that it is the most aesthetically pleasing homes that catch your attention? Well, it's the same for other home movers.
Your aim is to make your house easy for others to envision it as their own, whether they are the type that enjoys relaxing alone or entertaining guests. You don't have to spend a fortune, you just have to know how to set the scene, little touches can make a huge impact and you can take inspiration from the season in which you're selling.
For example, in the colder months, set the dining table as you would for a little catch-up or celebration with friends and in the summer months, jazz-up any outside space you may have with some floral decor. Even if the inside of your home is more attractive than the outside, don't fret, we’ll advise you on the perfect image that can be used as the leading photo on your Rightmove listing.
STOP! Before you go and get the Christmas Tree out for some seasonal spirit, this can age quickly if your property is still on the market in January. Get your photos done before you get the decs out!
When it comes to viewings, the same rules apply but now is your chance to create that lovely ambience that simply can't be shown in a photograph. From the basics of having a clean and organised home to the extra touches of maybe a scented candle, it all adds up to setting the scene of their next home.
Step 2. Meet a Mortgage Adviser, it's Time to Think Finances!
As an Estate Agent, we understand all elements of owning a home and one of the most important steps is how you are going to finance your next home. For the majority of us, Mortgage Lenders are the key to your new abode. Think of them as the gatekeepers.
You've bought before, so you know the drill, however, it's likely that your circumstances have changed since you got your first mortgage application approved. The question now is where do you go to seek mortgage advice? It's natural to want to go to your current Lender or perhaps your bank BUT let us fill you in on some super industry knowledge...
1. By shopping around for a new mortgage deal, you may be able to save money. Similarly with car insurance, you may feel it’s easier to stay with your current provider but there’s every chance you may be able to find a more suitable deal for less than you're paying now!
2. Going to your bank for a mortgage is like going to Ford for a car (stay with us!) of course, they sell cars but they're obviously only going to recommend cars based on your requirements that are...wait for it....made by Ford. Yes, it may be a name that you know but there could be another car out there from another brand that is a better fit for you and your circumstances; going to a retailer who is not tied to a certain brand will give you more options and allow you to choose the right car for you. Same applies with mortgages, if you go to a Mortgage Broker that can sell mortgages from across different lenders, then you are more than likely going to find a better fit for you.
At Bradshaw Farnham & Lea, we work closely with Right Click Finance a mortgage broker that searches over 80 Lenders to find the best mortgage to fit your circumstances, give them a call on 0151 734 6777 or call your nearest branch and a member of staff will be able to book you an appointment.
After meeting a Mortgage Adviser, you will leave with an Agreement in Principle, a document which confirms the amount that you are able to lend for your mortgage and lasts for around 90 days. This is a huge part of being a Heavenly Home Mover, when we are informing Vendors of interested clients, this really stands out as a somebody who is ready, willing and able to buy.
Step 3. Property Search:
Now you have your house on the market and have an Agreement in Principle, it's time to search for your new home. Make sure you register with your local branch so they can keep you up-to-date with all the new listings as soon as they come to market. Another great place to look is Rightmove, make sure that you register for property alerts so you don't miss any properties that match your dream home specifications!
Looking for homes for sale in Wirral is an exciting project, a peninsula that is perfectly placed to offer a style of living that most can only dream about. A stunning coastline that lends itself perfectly to an outdoors lifestyle of watersports, walking and biking. Rural gems that are perfectly detached from the rest of the world but still close enough to enjoy the hustle and bustle of nearby Liverpool, if so desired. Perhaps, as an Estate Agent in Wirral, we may be a tiny bit biased but the properties and lifestyle on offer here are why so many choose to set up home here. If you need some extra inspiration, check out our Area Guides to find the best places to live in Wirral.
When you have found a property that you love and can afford, act fast by putting an offer in. This is where our team will take over, informing the Vendor of your offer and highlighting the fact that you are on the market and have an Agreement in Principle. With the exception of being unencumbered, this is the next best position to be in.
If the Vendor accepts your offer then let the legalities begin!
Step 4. Conveyancing, the Legal Side of Moving
Conveyancing is basically the legal side of moving and exchanging ownership of houses. When it comes to anything legal, we’d always suggest that you seek professional legal help. Looking for a solicitor who specialises in Conveyancing, who do this work all day every day.
We have a panel of local quality-assessed solicitors who have been selected because they are the best in their field. As well-respected Estate Agents, we are in the enviable position of being able to secure only the best for our clients, so speak to your local Bradshaw Farnham & Lea branch if you would like one of the team to organise a quotation for you.
Once you have instructed a Solicitor, you should receive a Client Care Pack which usually includes:
• Buyer's Questionnaire
• Agreement of Terms
• Request for your Proof of Identity and Proof of Funds
• Request for Money to be Held on Account (this is to cover search fees).
Top Tip - Don't wait around, complete and return these documents as soon as possible to your chosen Solicitor and they will be able to open a file for you as soon as possible.
Your Mortgage Lender will then arrange a basic valuation of the property, this is to ensure that the property that you are intending to purchase is worth the money that they are lending you. If you would like a more in-depth survey on the property, we would suggest you arrange a private survey. We can supply you with quotations via our Survey Department, please contact us for more information.
Explore our Conveyancing Department
Step 5: Insurance
Most Mortgage Lenders have it written in the terms of your mortgage that you must have Buildings Insurance is in place and ready for the day you become the legal owner of the property. It may seem a little overwhelming but the second you own that property, you are responsible for it.
As one of the biggest, if not the biggest, financial commitments that you will ever make, protecting your home is a must. Buildings and Contents Insurance provides the most comprehensive cover and is often cheaper when bought as a package instead of separately.
Right Click Finance will be able to help find you an insurance policy that protects your home from the structure to your most important possessions.
Other Things to Consider When You've Got Your Keys!
Redirecting Post
This is something that easily slips a stressed-out mover’s mind but it's one of the first things that you should do! Royal Mail has a redirection service and they are able to redirect mail from three to twelve months at a cost which starts from £33.99.
Of course, you do have the option to rely on the owners of your previous property but chances are that they are not going to pop the post box every time they receive a letter addressed to you.
Check the Numbers
Take the meter readings!!! This should be one of the first things you do when you move in as you need to make sure that you are not going to be billed for the previous owner's usage.
Quotes from Energy and Gas Suppliers
When moving into your new, you will automatically be with the previous owner's energy and gas suppliers on what is called a 'deemed contract'. As soon as you can, get a few quotes from other suppliers and see if you are able to save money on your bills.
Voting
Look, we know that politics is not necessarily going to be the first thing on your mind when you've got the keys to your new home, however, it's important to put a reminder in your diary to register to vote. Even if you don't intend to vote, it helps to boost your credit score as it proves that you are who you say you are.
The first step to moving is getting your property valued, not only does this give you an idea of how much it is worth but getting your home on the market is a vital step to becoming a Heavenly Home Mover.
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Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.
BFL Estate Agents Ltd introduces to Home Legal Services Liverpool LLP t/a Right Click Finance for the provision of mortgage and non-investment insurance advice. Home Legal Services Liverpool LLP t/a Right Click Finance is an appointed representative of Primis Mortgage Network. Primis Mortgage Network is a trading name of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Buy to Let Mortgage.
