Seller's Guide

Is There Any Way I Can Increase The Value Of My Property?

Generally we would advise against major home improvements as these can take time and you can rarely recover more than the cost of your investment.

In some cases, depending on the market and type of property we can add valued input as to extensions, conversions, alternative planning uses which can enhance the value and give you a better return in the long run.

However, good presentation can considerably help the prospect of achieving a sale at the best possible price. Here are some suggestions that can help enhance interest in your property:

• Make sure your front door is welcoming - paint / clean down the front door and ensure all pathways are clean and tidy
• Fill in and decorate any cracks to ceilings
• Replace or renew any dirty or discoloured grouting in the kitchen and bathroom
• Put mirrors into small bedrooms - it makes them look bigger
• Ensure that any bathroom mould is removed from walls / ceilings
• Remove weeds, trim hedges and generally ensure the garden is clear
• Clear away any clutter - a tidy property creates a greater feeling of space and suggests that storage space is not a problem
• Replace any broken kitchen / wardrobe handles

What Is A Home Information Pack?

In June 2007, the government introduced reforms that changed the way we buy and sell our homes. All homes put onto the market now have to have a Home Information Pack (HIP). The pack is intended to improve the home buying and selling process in England & Wales, a process which was previously very slow and subject to an alarming failure rate.

Prior to HIPs, key information was withheld from both buyers and sellers until a sale is agreed. This often resulted in costly issues arising later than necessary in the sale process.

The government intends that by using a HIP, information will be provided up front enabling buyers to make an informed decision early on and avoid delays, uncertainties and unnecessary expense. The aim is that this new system will be simple and more efficient. The HIP will be paid for by the seller and will contain:

• Index
• Sale statement
• Home contents form
• Home use form
• Evidence of title
• Search report
• Energy performance certificate

In addition, if you are selling a leasehold property such as a flat / apartment, the following documents will also need to be in the pack:

• A copy of the lease
• Recent service charge accounts and receipts
• Current and planned future works
• Buildings insurance policy details and payment receipts
• Regulations made by the landlord or management company
• Memorandum of articles of the landlord or management company

Seths will arrange to have the HIP prepared on behalf of you, saving you all of the administration and time involved in collecting the above information, and ensuring that your property can be put on the market in as short a time as possible.

Preparing Your Property For Viewings

First Impressions count ! Here are some simple steps that you should follow to prepare your property for viewings:

• Tidy Up!
• Vacuum and dust - the house should look spotless!
• Put some flowers in the main lounge - it creates a welcoming touch!
• If viewing at night time, ensure all bulbs and lights are working!
• If viewing in daytime, ensure all curtains and blinds are fully open to allow in maximum daylight. If the day is dull, turn on the lights
• Ensure that all rooms are unlocked and accessible
• Clear away any unnecessary toys / magazines
• Ensure the television is off
• Light background music is great. It creates a great ambience
• Let the purchasers know of nearby shops, schools and bus routes
• Ensure that all windows that let through any traffic noise are closed
• Try not to let pets and children interrupt the viewing

Working Together

The most successful sales tend to be ones where the seller and agent work closely together. Seths' objective is to achieve the maximum possible price in the shortest possible time. This creates the least possible stress for you, giving you piece of mind. Here are our recommendations for selling your property:

• Quote a realistic asking price from day one. It is better to sell near or at your asking price, rather than artificially inflating and having to reduce it weeks or months later
• Be able to conduct viewings (or let us accompany viewings) at flexible and reasonable times
• Do not show the property unless you have been notified first. We note down telephone numbers and addresses of everybody who wants to view. Showing your property to complete strangers can be dangerous, regardless of how many people are in the property
• Leave all negotiations to us. We have been successfully selling properties since 1970 and are experienced in getting the best price for you
• If you know of any problems with the property, let us know as soon as possible. Many of these problems can be handled with us guiding the sale

This document is produced as a Guide by Seths and all information contained herein is offered in good faith. Readers who chose to act upon it do so at their own risk and Seths accept no responsibility for any action taken, or loss occurring as a result of any information contained above.