With all the signs pointing towards a promising spring selling season, many would-be-home-movers are finally feeling poised to put their confidence in the current market, albeit potentially with some understandable trepidation as to where and how, exactly, to begin.
As a leading authority in succesful home-buying and selling in today's unique and sometimes complex property market, the experienced team at Braxton Estate Agents have compiled a list of the top six considerations to take into account to help optimise your chances of a positive and successfull selling process.
Know your budget
Before taking to the property portals, it is important to complete all the necessary budgeting legwork. Especially in competitive markets such as we are seeing so far this year, a pre-approved mortgage from a professional broker is a non-negotiable, and something that prospective buyers should never underestimate the importance of, both in terms of budget-setting (to avoid disappointment further down the line), and also in establishing all-important buyer credibility from the offset.
Secure a valuation on your own property
For many home-buyers, a major consideration for any onward move is the value of their current property – something which can only be determined with the guidance of a reputable local estate agent such as Braxton. Founded in 1875, Braxton are Maidenhead’s longest established independent estate agents whose highly trained staff are able to provide a no obligation valuation on request, to anyone considering or planning a near-future move.
Do your research
If you are moving to a new and unfamiliar area, it is advisable to invest as much time into researching a home's locality, as it does the property itself.
Factors such as school catchments, proximity to leisure facilities, career opportunities and/or distance to transport links form an important part of a 'bigger-picture' approach to shortlisting, and are often the factors that will ascertain a property's long-term suitability.
As a general rule in this respect, a Google search scarcely holds a candle to the expertise and insightful considerations a local property expert can bring to the research process, so be sure to ask the right questions, to the right people.
Featured property
This detatched property, located in Belmont Road, Maidenhead, is located within walking distance of Maidenhead town centre and railway station (Paddington/future Crossrail network.) it features three DOUBLE bedrooms, a south-facing rear garden and scope to extend the property STPP. More details.
Identify your non-negotiables
Before embarking on any property search, it is important to prioritise what it is you need from your next home, over and above what you would necessarily want, in an ideal world.
Taking this approach can not only help to narrow down the options, making the process somewhat easier on the whole, but it can also help to avoid the very inconvenient (and somewhat expensive) situation of being strong-armed into another home move prematurely, by a property that is no longer fit for purpose.
Use your imagination
When viewing properties with a future home in mind, it is often difficult to look beyond any existing structure and decor that might not be exactly to your vision or taste.
For this reason, it is worthwhile honing those powers of imagination, and also considering how a home might suit your needs beyond the near-term. This is something that can be achieved by layering the viewing process with an open mind, and the kind of professional objectivity that an agent can provide.
Be proactive
Besides registering for new property updates online, it pays to also be proactive in making your position and requirements known to your selling agent. After all, their priority is not just to secure the best price and a timely sale of your own property, but also to assist with the legwork of an onward move by introducing new and relevant buying opportunities...sometimes before they even appear on the open market.
For more details on the featured property in Belmont Crescent, Maidenhead, please contact Braxton on 01628 674234 or email property@braxtons.co.uk