Take a look at tips from our experts on how to sell your current property and move into your favorite Anwyl home... There’s been good news lately for people keen to move home. Housebuilders including ourselves are starting to reopen construction sites, while new Government advice says estate agents can reopen and valuations and viewings can be carried out as long as strict social distancing measures are adhered to. So if you’ve got your heart set on a brand new Anwyl home there’s no time like the present to get ready to sell your existing property and put yourself at the front of the queue. We asked some of the experts we work with for their advice on the paperwork you’ll need to have in place and also some simple tips to get your property ready for sale. When it comes to making your property stand out, remember that first impressions count, so pay attention to the garden, fix that broken gate and ensure that windows are clean! Once inside make sure your house is clean, tidy, work surfaces are clear and children’s toys, dog beds and cat litter trays are out of sight. A lick of fresh paint can work wonders, but keep walls neutral and then use a few carefully chosen accessories to add a splash of colour. However, don’t go too far. “Something a lot of people tend to forget is that although the house you are selling needs to appear light and bright, it is key that it also feels homely. Sellers sometimes make the mistake of stripping the heart out of a house and that doesn’t allow people to fall in love with the space,” says Brad Carman, managing director of Haus Interiors. Having designed many of our show homes, Brad certainly knows about styling a home to sell: “Make sure you plan your space to show rooms at their optimal size, whilst leaving enough furniture to make any potential purchaser feel they could fit their existing items in too. “Also try to complete any little jobs that you have been putting off (eg. doors that catch, etc). This mean the buyer is not walking around making a list in their head of things they would need to fix straight away. “And, of course, fresh paint, the smell of fresh coffee brewing and fresh flowers on the table are recommendations that definitely work. Fresh smells and colours make people happy - and happy people buy houses!” Lucy Parker is the managing director of House to Home, who help us with our assisted move scheme, Move Simple, and to sell any properties we agree to part exchange. We asked her about the paperwork you need to have in place to sell your current home: “Once you are ready to market the property you will need to organise an energy performance certificate; if you don’t have one in place already you can find out more about it via the Gov.Uk website. You will also need to provide your selling agent with photo identification and proof of address for money laundering purposes to enable them to market your property legally,” says Lucy. “Soon after accepting an offer your legal representative will ask for any documents that a buyer would require, so it is worth finding certificates and warranties for any appliances that will be part of the sale, for example - the boiler (if you have an annual service contract, this paperwork will need to be shared with your buyer). You may hold the deeds of ownership as well as guarantees for any upgrades you have made whilst in residence and any planning/building certificates for extensions. If so, get them all together in one place now.” While estate agents are reopening for business, Lucy also reports that existing properties can also potentially be valued and viewed remotely utilising customers’ own photographs and/or video tours. And remember, whilst Anwyl’s sales offices are not open yet, we’ve got lots of online resources – photos, videos, floorplans, location guides, etc - to help you to find your perfect home. Our sales team can be contacted by phone, email or by arranging a virtual-video appointment; and for those keen to proceed we can even take online reservations. See www.anwylhomes.co.uk for more information.
