One of the most frustrating issues that can catch people’s footing as they attempt to climb further up the property ladder is the delay in selling their current home.
Award-winning housebuilder Linden Homes has been assisting buyers for years and its experience has shown that once a new home has been found, the longer the old one languishes on the market then the more likely it is for problems to emerge.
A quick sale can be particularly important when buying at a popular development, such as Riverside in Godalming, Surrey: a sought-after collection of two, three and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments close to the charming market town’s historic centre.
With this in mind, Linden Homes Guildford sales and marketing director, Natalie Flint, offers her five top tips to help accelerate the process and get buyers queuing up for your property fast – freeing you to secure your dream home.
1. Spring clean
“Potential buyers aren’t just looking for a roof over their heads; they’re looking for a home – and even a fresh lifestyle. No one wants to move into a dirty or untidy house so roll your sleeves up for a full spring clean so people actually want to imagine living there.
“A lick of paint, mowing the lawn and stowing away clutter is important, but don’t forget little things too, like cleaning the windows – it will make your home feel more bright and airy. You might even consider washing the car! It all helps to give the right first impression.”
2. Part Exchange
“There’s no harm in getting some help. At Linden Homes we offer our hassle-free Part Exchange service where, on eligible homes, we can quickly act as your guaranteed buyer and free you to get packing without the worry of the sale falling through.
“It works like this: we instruct local estate agents to agree a value and within seven days we’ll make you an offer. Once accepted and a reservation fee paid, all that’s left for you to do is set a moving date. It’s that simple.”
3. Dress to impress
“To really highlight how your home could work for buyers, take a tip from the experts. At Linden Homes our designers might prepare a show property with a table laid for dinner, for instance, add fresh flowers and make the beds with stylish linen.
“There’s no clutter but it helps give the right feel and follows up the exterior’s ‘pavement appeal’ with interior highlights to keep visitors interested. Show you’ve cared for the property too by replacing old fashioned fixtures, like light switches, and finishing old DIY jobs.”
4. Estate agents’ secrets
“If you tell a potential buyer that a viewing doesn’t suit you, there’s no guarantee they’ll be back – you might have lost your sale and the wait will go on. So be as flexible as you can about appointments.
“You might even want to talk to your estate agent about holding an ‘open house’ event where you invite househunters to pop by during a two-hour window. It might seem unusual, but it can create a buzz and from that you might get early offers higher than you expected.”
5. Assisted Move
“If Part Exchange isn’t your thing, Linden Homes can still lend a hand through our Assisted Move scheme. Once you’ve reserved your home with us, instead of being a guaranteed buyer we’ll try to secure a sale of your home at an agreed price within a set period.
“Based on independent valuations, we will instruct estate agents to get busy, ensuring your home is frequently advertised, all viewings followed up and keep you regularly updated. If your property remains unsold, we refund your deposit or extend the selling period.”
For more information call 0844 488 1984.
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For further information, contact Claire McCowan or Claire Bradley at Remarkable PR on 01962 893 893.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
