Today's Secret's - 3/03/14 - House buying and selling - hints and tips to get the best bargain possible

Firstly Selling - Clean, clean, clean. Repaint areas that are very grubby, tidy away everything non essential and wash down anything like sofa's etc. They may not be buying those things but you need to show your house at it's best. NO clutter!

Ask a friend round to have a look and give you a brutally honest review. Take on board what they say and try to change the things they didn't like. It is all about pleasing the public not yourself. Fix any little annoying jobs like a dripping tap or a squeaky door.
Clean your windows and remove nets to let in light.
Don't use strong air fresheners or brew coffee as it makes buyers suspicious.
Keep pets out of the way and do not have too many people in the house as it can be intimidating.

Research estate agents - register as a buyer and see what sort of service you get. If you go with an estate agent get a friend to register as a buyer and see if they get told about your property. Make sure any pictures taken are in colour.
Never say you want a quick sale.

To see what sort of price you will get look at four properties near by for sale and work out their average price, remove 5% to get a realistic selling price. (Aim to put yours on the market for about 10% more than you actually want at least)

If the house you are selling is empty get the mail cleared regularly and air the property.

When a potential buyer turns up make them welcome and offer a drink, turn off the telly and be nice.
Give them an information pack about building plans, utility costs, local transport and a map showing the area.

Solicitors? Don't go with the agents recommendation look for yourself and ask friends. Get a solicitor in place as soon as you put your house up for sale to save time. Keep a record of everything your solicitor does and all contact just to cover yourself.

Buying - If you find an area you like check local papers for any information like flooding, crime or plans for new runways!
Go to the area as much as you can to look around and get to know the streets and people also look for new for sale signs then get in first for a viewing.

Look at the rooms and not the furniture. Would your large sofa fit? Would there be room for your huge TV or would the room be dwarfed?

Check cupboards and under stairs for signs of damp and be suspicious of strong fragrances as these could be being used to cover a damp smell.

Look for a new home over C
hristmas or the holidays as this is a quiet time and you can get a good deal.

View the house at different times and different days and if you don't feel too silly doing it go at night and sit nearby in your car. You can see if the neighbours party all weekend or have a large dog that barks into the night.

Willow trees near by could mean an underground water supply but this could mean damp. Check the property well before making a decision. Bulging walls can mean the roots of the tree's are interfering with the property structure so get this checked out. Think about the leaves you will have to tidy up and how the house will look at different times of year. With no leaves on the trees will the house be overlooked?

Try out a tap upstairs to make sure the water pressure is good.

Always change the locks in a house when you move in to be sure no one else has access.