Ask the Estate Agent

Here are some top tips to help you sell through the competitive festive season.Get your decorating in orderThe interior of the house sells it more than anything, so it is important to get the basic decorating inside the house right.If you have any garish colours in any rooms, get rid of them and replace with creams and beiges. Bright and striking rooms will attract attention, but they will be far more likely to turn buyers away.Similarly, get rid of any large pieces of furniture that make the rooms look cluttered. Space sells, and the fewer items you have in the house, the more spacious it will look.Top quality marketingAs much as the interior of your house will sell it, getting the marketing right will attract the buyers in the first place – you can’t sell a home if no one comes to see it.Make sure you get the property online and ensure that it is well described and photographed in order that people can get a good idea of what they are coming to see. The more they know, the more likely they’ll book a viewing.Dimensions and Floor Plan is a must!Check your Kerb appealWe all know the importance of first impressions when meeting new people, and it is no different when you are selling your house. The first impression people get will be all important to them.Make sure your garden is clean and tidy and well pruned. Fences should always be painted and in a good state of repair. Anything out of place is a negative in the eyes of buyers, and it is important to minimise these to increase the chances of selling.As a listener we want your questions to answer. Whatever your worries, concerns or needs are, contact us via our social media channels or our website below and we’ll answer your questions in our future episodes.Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukWe hope you find this resource useful and that helps to educate as well as dispel any myths or uncertainty around getting on the property ladder or making that next move.So don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dreaming about moving into your new home only to discover you have noisy neighbours, non-stop traffic whizzing past, or next-to-no wi-fi signal? Here's how to do your research…Whether you are looking for a new home to buy or rent, you’ll want to be sure that it’s a relaxing and enjoyable place to live.But what if you move in only to discover that you’re living next to the neighbours from hell? Or the incessant noise from the road drives you crazy? Or that there’s planning permission for an industrial project right on your doorstep?Here we look at the information that a seller or landlord is legally required to give you – as well as the stuff that it is ‘good manners’ for them to pass on to you.So firstly lets look atSellers are legally required to declare certain informationIf you are buying your new home, the seller is required to disclose certain pieces of information to you – and if they fail to do so, they could end up in court.For example, a seller must tell you about a ‘defective title’ if there is no way you could reasonably find out before exchanging contracts. This might, for example, include a right of way across the property that isn’t on the title deeds.What about the Seller’s Property Information Form?Sellers are also required to fill in a Property Information Form (or TA6) which gives the buyer lots of information that they would otherwise be unable to find out through surveys or the standard searches.This includes:      Information on boundaries – including those between you and your neighbours      Details of any disputes or complaints with neighbours      Notices of development or planning permission of properties nearby      Alterations and building work ever done on the property (including details of planning permissions and building regulations approvals – or the absence of)      Information about guarantees and warranties      Buildings insurance details      Information about environmental matters, such as flooding, energy efficiency and Japanese Knotweed.      Details of rights and informal arrangements, such as access or shared use.      Information about parking – including whether the property is in a controlled parking zone or local authority parking scheme.This form is part of the pre-contract documents, so it’s legally binding. This means that you, as the buyer, can make a claim for compensation if the seller deliberately tries to conceal something – even after the sale has gone through.Other information may be provided by the sellerAs part of the conveyancing process, the seller’s solicitor should provide certain additional information to your solicitor.This includes details such as where the gas and electricity meters and stopcock are located, and what fixtures and fittings will be left as part of the sale.However, there is certain information the seller’s solicitor is unlikely to provide, such as the strength of the phone signal and what day the bins are emptied. On these matters, the key is to collect the information yourself and don’t be afraid to ask those questions while you can.Landlords also have some legal obligationsIf you are renting, there are certain legal obligations on the landlord that can’t be ignored.This includes the safety of the electricity and gas supplies, fire safety throughout the property, protection of deposit funds, and the landlord’s responsibilities for maintenance and repair.In addition, there are certain issues which fall under the ‘Consumer Protection Regulations’. These include:      Planning activity      Off-road parking      What furniture and other items are being left and      Public rights of way – if a right of way goes through the grounds of the propertyThese regulations are all-encompassing and require both landlords and agents to tell tenants all ‘material’ information necessary, in order for the tenant to make an informed decision. The law is about what tenants need to know – not what they want to know.So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. I hope you found this topic useful and highlights a few key areas you should pay particular attention too when searching for your next property.As ever please do get in touch with your feedback and comments and also let us know about your experiences in negotiating the property market. We would love to hear from you.You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making sure to ask estate agents the right questions before signing up to their services is vital when you’re selling your home.It will mean you’ll avoid any nasty surprises, such as unexpected fees or lengthy tie-in periods, and give you confidence that you’ll be able to sell as quickly as possible and for the best possible price.So here are the questions that every home seller should ask the estate agent: What are your fees?Typically, you’ll find estate agents charge a percentage of the sale price and they should state these inclusive of VAT and provide an example breakdown of the fee.For example, if you sell a property for £300,000, the fee may be 1% plus VAT, amounting to £3,600 (1.2%), including VAT.But you may find that percentage fees are far greater than this, depending on the agent, and can be as much or more than 2.5%.Check this is the only fee payable to the agent and that you won’t face paying this unless they successfully sell the property for you. What about other costs? Will you pay for a ‘For Sale’ board, for example, or professional photographs and floorplans? Find out any extras and any costs associated.Remember that you’ll need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before putting your house on the market and these are normally charged at around £60 – £120 pounds but check for your area and property size with your agent or local EPC surveyor as you can easily have these done yourself by a local EPC registered surveyor. What kind of contract do you use?Estate agents offer several different types of contract and it’s important to be aware of which you’re signing up to.Sole selling rights This is a fairly rigid form of contract, meaning that the particular estate agent you’re signing up to is the only one allowed to sell your home during the contract period. Even if you find your own buyer, you’ll have to pay the agency fees.Sole agency If you find your own buyer, you don’t fork out anything to the agent. But if you decide this agent is not working out and turn to another who then sells the property in the contract period, you are still tied into paying the first agent.Multiple agency These contracts allow you to market the property with several agents, but typically demand a higher fee. This was traditionally as a result of you having more exposure to potential buyers.Now with most buyers using a website such as Zoopla, the higher fee reflects the risk that Agent B might sell the property, so Agent A’s marketing goes unrewarded. What’s your tie-in period?An agent’s contract will often include a tie-in period, depending on the type of agreement you’re entering into.Typically, this spans around 12 weeks, with a 14-day notice period. If another agent sells the house during this time, you’ll have to stump up fees to two sets of agents.Tie-in periods can vary dramatically between agents, from zero weeks to 20, in some cases.  How will you market my property?The most important thing is that the Estate Agent takes the time to listen to what you are looking to achieve and then discuss a marketing strategy that will achieve that goal.You also want to make sure the estate agent’s descriptions are honest and help point out the great features of the properties they are selling.The photographs are even more important. Prospective buyers are drawn in visually, so having high quality pictures is a must. Ask to see specific examples, or search online yourself for a better idea.For those reducing numbers not searching online, check how the agent will market the property in its local branches and local press.Again, ask for specific examples and think whether these would appeal to you if you were a buyer.  How long do you take to sell properties like mine?There are a number of factors that can affect the time it takes to sell a property, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have any insight.Ask for past examples of sales of similar properties, and predictions of how long the agent think it will take to sell your property. After all, a good agent will understand the trends in the local market.Also, seek out friends who have used their services and can provide some insight into the level of service. What redress scheme are you a member of?If things go wrong, you should be able to pursue a complaint with a particular professional body.Agents must be a member of either The Property Ombudsman, or the Property Redress Scheme.So there are a few essential questions to be asking to ensure you pick the best estate agent for your sale. Hope they help you and don’t forget to let us know how you get and send us your feedback.So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No matter what we buy, we all want to find the best price and clearly when buying a property this is one of the most important factors. Buying a home is the most expensive purchase you will ever make in your life, not to mention the most important, so it is essential that you find the best value for money deal.Given that there are two (at least) parties involved in a property deal, the buyer and seller, there is an opportunity to negotiate and arrange for a better deal.The seller is also likely to want to negotiate and obtain the best deal for themselves, but there are ways in which you can strengthen your negotiation position as a buyer. Research the marketOne of the strongest tools you have at your disposal when it comes to negotiating the best price is market knowledge and data. You need to make an informed offer, and this means you need to review the market and ensure that you are offering a suitable bid for the property.If you bid below the expected value, your offer will be dismissed quicklyIf you bid more than the expected value, your offer may be accepted quickly but you will pay over the oddsIf you bid at the expected level, you will remain in the running, but the seller may not be in any great rush to accept your offer.The more you know about the market, the better placed you will be to make an attractive offer, and this can stand you out from any other interested parties. Know what the average is – not just price but conditionWhen it comes to researching the market, don’t just find out average property prices and values and stop there. You need to know what the average type of property is like in a local area. i.e specification, age, general condition. Once you know what the average property is like and why the average price has been comprised, you can make an informed judgement on how the property you are interested in compares to the average property. Does it deserve a premium for instance because its been renovated or extended. Ensure that you are in a stable financial placeBefore you make an offer for a home, make sure that you are in a position to do so. Some interested parties will make an offer more out of hope than expectation. Therefore, arrange for pre-approval on a mortgage and make sure that your finances are robust enough to allow you to make the best possible offer.When you are confident that your finances are stable, you enter negotiations with greater confidence and more leverage. A position of confidence will appeal to property owners, which can only be of benefit to you, if you’re looking to negotiate the best price. Make sure that you are ready to moveIf you can show that you are ready to move quickly, you will strengthen your negotiating position. Many prospective buyers have caveats attached to their offer or there may be potential delays attached to the deal. If you have sold your home, you don’t own a home, or you are in a position where you can move home without too much notice, a seller is more likely to take your bid seriously. Appoint a solicitorBeing able to move quickly is a very appealing trait to have when buying property. You can show that you are serious about the deal and that you are keen to process the offer by having professional assistance lined up. When you appoint a solicitor, you indicate you are ready to progress the deal and for a vendor looking to sell, this is a highly attractive feature that will stand you out from other interested parties. Are there aspects of your offer that you can use to leverage a better deal?It may be that aspects other than the price you bid for a property is the strongest aspect you can bring to the negotiating table. Many vendors are concerned about deals collapsing due to a break in the property chain, so if you are not part of a chain, this could be appealing to the vendor.If all other things are equal, a bid from an interested buyer that carries a much smaller likelihood of the deal collapsing will be much more attractive than an offer from an interested buyer who is part of a lengthy chain. Perhaps consider a financial agreement until exchange to secure the deal. Find out about what the seller is looking to do nextSometimes the most important aspect of your negotiating position doesn’t come from your strengths but from your opponents’ weaknesses. When buying a home, try to find out about the seller, their motives for selling the home and what outcome they want to achieve when selling the home.The seller may have to sell quickly, or they could be under pressure to obtain a certain level of income for the sale. If there are issues which impact on a sellers’ flexibility, you can utilise these matters to negotiate to an outcome that is better for you. If a seller must sell quickly, you can offer a lower price if you are able to conclude the deal at short notice. If a seller is looking to move abroad or is downsizing and has furniture, fixtures and fittings that you want, you can negotiate for these aspects to be concluded as part of the deal, knowing that the seller is unlikely to retain these items or need much persuading to sell them.Similarly, if you can make a cash offer as opposed to arranging a mortgage, make sure the vendor is aware of this aspect of your offer. It is not uncommon for property owners to accept a lower cash offer, rather than a higher mortgage offer, due to the benefits and certainty associated with this deal.So I hope these tips help in any negotiations you may have ongoing or perhaps coming up. Make sure you are aware of all the factors you can negotiate with to ensure you fully leverage your position and agree the best possible price when buying your next property.Please let me know how you get on, get in touch, give us your feedback and most of all best of luck with your property search and purchase.So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An accepted offer on a home is cause for celebration. But, in many cases, the journey to completion can be longer than you bargained for. Watch out for these 5 most common delays.1. Management companies being slow in returning information on leasehold propertiesIf you’re buying a leasehold property (many flats and apartments and even some houses are leasehold), the transaction may be more complicated than buying a freehold property. This is because you are effectively leasing the property from the freeholder for a specific period, rather than owning it.With this type of purchase, your solicitor will need to obtain information from the freeholder/ and or management company. This includes costs (such as ground rent and monthly service charges), proof of buildings insurance and previous years’ accounts.There could also be additional checks that need to be carried out.What can you do?: Make it clear to your solicitor from the outset that you are buying a leasehold home. Give the freeholder or management company prior warning it will need to provide this information.2. Buyers failing to disclose their mortgage deposit has been giftedWhether it’s 5%, 50% or any other amount, a mortgage lender will want to know where your deposit is coming from. If all, or even part of it, is a gift – from your parents, say – your solicitor must declare this to the bank or building society. And this means you need to declare it to your solicitor.Most lenders will require a signature from the source of the deposit, confirming the money does not need to be repaid.What can you do? Make sure you give your solicitor clear and accurate information about your deposit at the very start of the conveyancing process. Warn the gifting party they’ll need to sign a letter and potentially provide ID. 3. Delays from third parties in providing answers to outstanding enquiriesYour solicitor will go through all the paperwork from the sellers, and raise a number of queries with their solicitor. These could be anything from how to resolve a problem exposed by the survey to a discrepancy on the property deeds.Hold-ups can occur if the third parties required to provide this information are operating on different time-scales. And, even if they are moving fast, particularly complex issues can take weeks to resolve.What can you do?: Keep in regular contact with your solicitor and be patient – they are required to follow a code of conduct and getting these checks done thoroughly is crucial.4. Local authorities dragging their feet in returning searchesLocal authority searches are carried out to uncover potential issues that could affect the home you are purchasing, such as nearby planned development or tree preservation orders. Separate Environmental and Water searches, which flag problems like risk of flooding, will also be carried out.Some local authorities will return these searches within a few days, but others could take several weeks.What can you do?: Lodge funds for the searches with your solicitor straight away and request they are carried out as early as possible to reduce risk of delays.5. Slow or under-resourced solicitors Even if you have an efficient and dedicated solicitor working on your property purchase, this is unlikely to be the case for every other party in the chain. They can often be busy with other transactions or, especially during the summer or Christmas holidays, could simply be under-staffed.This can cause hold-ups which can significantly slow down the time it takes to completion.The fact is, you can only ever move as quickly as the slowest party in the chain.What can you do?: Reply promptly to queries or requests for documentation yourself and, if you have to chase other parties in the chain, make a note of what was said. Get an estimated timeline from your solicitor upfront and, if possible, avoid holiday season.So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you are named as an executor in someone’s will, you have a lot of duties and responsibilities placed upon you.It will fall to you to gather in and value the assets of the estate, pay off any debts and liabilities, calculate and pay any inheritance tax (IHT) that is due – and distribute the estate in accordance with the will.In addition, unless the beneficiaries named in the will wish to have the deceased’s property transferred into their names, you as the executor will need to sell it.Selling property as an executor is slightly different from the usual process, so how should you go about it to ensure things run as smoothly as possible?1. Obtain a Grant of ProbateIf the deceased owned property in the sole name, when selling property as an executor, you will need to get what is known as a ‘Grant of Probate’.This is a legal document issued by the court which confirms the validity of the will and names the executor who has the legal authority to deal with the deceased’s assets.This includes the legal authority to enter into and sign contracts on behalf of the estate, such as the contract to sell a house.As an executor, you need to be aware that obtaining a Grant of Probate can take potentially 12 weeks or more, so bear this in mind when looking to sell a property.2. Get the property valued As part of the process of applying for the Grant of Probate, you will need to get a valuation for the deceased’s property – or properties.This should reflect the value of the property at the date the owner died, rather than the actual selling price.You can do this via a surveyor, or via an estate agent.3. Check the title and deedsAt this stage, you should also check the property’s title. You should be able to do this with the Land Registry.You should then get a solicitor to check the title entries to see if there are any restrictions affecting the property – or defects in the title – which may need addressing before the property can be sold.For example, there could be an outstanding mortgage you were not initially aware of even someone else owning a share in the property. 4. Can the executor sell property without all beneficiaries approving?Unless the will states something to the contrary, there are no special provisions made for the beneficiaries to sign-off on a property sale.However, it is always advisable to have open and clear communication from the outset, and a written agreement if necessary.If the home is sold for less than a reasonable market value then disgruntled beneficiaries do have the option to sue to executor, adding additional stress to an already tricky situation.5. What are your options for selling property as an executor?Put it on the market with a traditional estate agentWhen you get the property valued as part of the applying for Grant of Probate, you can talk to the estate agent about putting the property on the market.ProsYou should be able to get a fair price for the property, and especially if you’re not in a hurry to sell.ConsYou will have to deal with the property-selling process, including the to-ing and fro-ing between solicitors and estate agents, yourself. This can be stressful and time-consuming.Use a quick house sale companyIn recent years, there’s been an influx of so-called ‘quick house sale’ companies which claim to sell your home fast. They do this by buying the property directly or finding a third party buyer very quickly.Pros– The property being sold fast can be an appealing option when you’re trying to dispose of a deceased’s home.– Firms may pay solicitor and search fees, meaning you don’t have to worry about these costs.– You get paid in cash. Cons– These firms usually buy at a discounted rate, which could be as much as 25%.– There is the risk of the price being reduced at the last minute.– Fee structures are not always transparent.– The quick house sale market isn’t regulated, so you aren’t protected when selling a property to one of these companies.Tips when using a quick house sale companyMake sure you obtain a valuation from two or three estate agents, so you can work out whether you are getting a fair price form the quick house sale company.Look for quick house sale company which is a member of the National Association of Property Buyers.Get everything in writing.Don’t be rushed into a decision.Read your agreement carefully so you know exactly what you’re getting into.Don’t feel pressured into using a legal representative the firm recommends. Find you own solicitor.6. Obligation to sell for the open market valueIrrespective of which route you choose to sell the property, as an executor, you are under an obligation to sell for the open market value.If you sell for less than this, a beneficiary can look to you for the difference in value. Bear this in mind before accepting a low offer in a bid to shift the property quickly.7. Be realistic about timescalesWhile there is nothing to stop you putting the property on the market and accepting an offer before the Grant of Probate is issued, the Grant must be in place in order to exchange contracts.It’s important to give estate agents and potential buyers a realistic timescale from the outset. 8. How easy is it to sell a probate property?While you might be worried about trying to sell a probate property, the good news is, given the quantity on the market, buyers are familiar with the concept and won’t be put off.In fact, you may find a probate property is relatively easy to sell, as buyers may be attracted by slightly more affordable prices, being chain-free and the fact the property may offer a renovation opportunity. 9. Check the property is insuredAnother task you need to undertake as the executor is ensuring the property is properly insured.Insurers can decide not to pay out on claims if the policy is still in the name of the person who has died, so call the insurer and ask them to amend the name.You should also inform the insurer if the house is now vacant, as most home insurance policies will not cover a property unoccupied for more than 30 days. You may need to pay an extra premium for additional cover.Equally, the insurer may not insure the contents once the homeowner has died because there’s a higher burglary risk. You may have to remove any valuables from the house. To avoid arguments and upset, talk to family members and beneficiaries before doing this.10. Clear the property As an executor, you need to remember that you must clear the deceased’s property of all their belongings before it is sold.This can be quite a long process, especially if it’s a childhood home which contains a lot of memories, so be sure to leave enough time for this.11. What will it cost?When selling a probate property, you should not find yourself faced with any major legal costs than for the sale of a ‘normal’ property.While you may face some modest additional costs, such as clearance of the house prior to selling, or additional insurance cost for a property left unoccupied for more than 30 days, these should not be excessive.That said, you might also incur costs if, say, the house needs to be kept heated during the winter to avoid it getting damp, or if you decide to employ a gardener in the summer to keep the lawns mown and the garden tidy.Equally, if you are struggling to sell in a slow property market, you may want to spend money on improving a property before selling.As an executor, you are entitled to get these improvements carried out within reason, but it is advisable to inform the beneficiaries before spending any of the estate’s moneySo that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once you’ve decided to sell your home, choosing the right estate agent to help you is a top priority.But one of the big choices you need to make is whether to opt for sole agency, where one firm has the exclusive right to market your home for a fixed period, or multi agency, where you get more than one firm to help you sell.The choice you make will affect the amount you pay in fees and could also potentially have an impact on the amount you receive for your home.Sole agency is the most common type of estate agent contract, and most people start with this arrangement, but here we take a look at the pros and cons of both…Sole agencyWhat does it mean?Just one agent acts for you for a certain period. They receive all the commission on a sale, but if the property hasn’t sold at the end of this period, you’re free to use other estate agents.ProsThe charge is usually between 1.5% and 2%, which is cheaper than multi agency. Agents will agree to lower commission with sole agency, as there is a higher chance they will make the sale.If you find a buyer yourself privately, there is no commission to pay unless you have agreed sole selling rights with the agent. It's an increasingly rare arrangement, but if this is the case, you must pay commission regardless of who finds the buyer.ConsHistorically you’d receive less exposure than you would with more than one agency. However, with most buyers using sites like Zoopla, this is now less of an issue.You may end up with lower offers than you would with multiple agents.You will sign up to a ‘lock-in’ period, usually 12 weeks, meaning it will be hard to switch agents if you’re unhappy.If you do sell through another agent while still under contract, you could find yourself having to pay commission not only to the agent who sold the property, but also to the original sole agent.Multi agencyWhat does it mean?You can instruct as many agents as you like. They will all act for you at the same time and the one who finds the buyer earns the commission.ProsMore agents pushing your property historically used to mean more exposure, but thanks to buyers predominantly using sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla, this is less pronounced.You may receive higher offers.As agents will be competing against each other, this can speed up a sale. ConsThe fee may be closer to 3%.All agents will be competing against each other, potentially making the process quite chaotic.An inherent risk agents may try and get you to accept a lower offer so they secure the commission.As several agents will have keys to your home, the viewing process could be more disruptive.If buyers see multiple listings for your home with different agents they may be put off.Top tipsMost people start with sole agency and only move to multiple agents if their property doesn’t sell quickly.While the normal lock-in period with a sole agent is 12 weeks, shorter periods of six to eight weeks can often be negotiated.Multi agency may be the better option if the importance of a fast sale outweighs increased commission.Joint agency is another option. This is where you instruct two agents, who will come to an agreement over commission. ie. It may be shared irrespective of who finds the buyer. It’s a more common option for selling overseas property when you want to appoint a specialist national agent as well as a generalist local agent. The fee for joint agency tends to be around 2%.So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While investing to go green can work, it may not be possible for everyone immediately. However, there are some habits you can change that will add up to saving both time and energy. Here are the top 11.1. Switch off the lightsOne of the most obvious ways to cut your electricity bill is to switch off the lights as you leave a room. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates you can save £15 a year with this one small action, so why not make it a habit?Estimated saving: £152. Cover floors and plug gapsLack of insulation will only maintain cold temperatures, leading to a corresponding surge in heating bills. If you don’t have fitted carpets, use thick rugs on wooden floors to lock in warmth.While you’re at it, draught-proof your home with old towels under the doors and some sealant or tape on windows and skirting boards. The result will be a discount of around £85 on your energy bills.Estimated saving: £853. Nudge down your thermostatTurning down your thermostat by just a single degree can save up to £90 on your annual energy bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust. You’ll hardly notice the difference and it’s all money back in your wallet.Estimated saving: £904. Avoid using standby mode  When your household appliances aren’t in use, most automatically revert to standby, but this quietly drains energy.You can turn most electrical appliances off directly at the mains, saving yourself around £30 a year in the process. (Note however that digital TV or satellite recorders may need to be kept in standby to properly function.)Estimated saving: £305. Time your showerThere’s nothing like a long, hot shower in winter. But, do you know how long you actually spend in there? Many of us even let the shower run for a minute or two before we hop under it.Cutting down your shower running time by just one minute will shave an easy £10 off your annual energy bill. And you can save a further £20 just by swapping one bath a week with a shower.Estimated saving: £306. Don’t leave the tap running when washing upWashing the dishes can be costly if you leave hot water running. So get into the habit of filling up the sink with hot suds instead. And if you have a dishwasher, don’t press go until it’s full.Estimated saving £157. Fill the kettle with what you needHow many times a day do you fill up your kettle for tea? And do you fill it all the way every time? It’s estimated that three-quarters of all British households are in the habit of overfilling the kettle. By heating up just the right amount of water you need, you could knock another £7 off your annual energy bill.Estimated saving: £78. Switch to a cheaper energy supplierYour current energy provider may not be the cheapest, which means it could pay to switch. It’s important to do your research first, though. Read the fine print on your existing contract to find out if there’s a cancellation penalty. When you are free to leave, use a comparison service to find the best deal for your circumstances.Estimated saving: £4039. Slide silver foil behind your radiatorPutting silver foil down the back of radiators reflects heat back into the room and prevents its escape through the walls. Get the best fit by wrapping foil around pieces of cardboard and simply sliding it behind the radiator. (Note you won’t need to turn this trick if you already have cavity wall insulation.)Estimated saving: £1510. Leave your oven door open after cookingThere’s nothing like a bit of cooking to warm up a kitchen. But when you’ve finished using the oven transfer that heat to the rest of the home by leaving the oven door open until it cools down.Estimated saving: £1511. Apply for energy-saving grantsFive of the Big Six energy suppliers (British Gas, EDF, E.On. Npower and SSE) offer grants for energy-saving improvements to British households, such as loft or cavity wall insulation or even a new boiler, although most of them only under certain criteria, such as being on Pension Credit or receiving certain benefits.You can find out if you (and your home) qualifies by calling providers direct. Or telephone the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 for help and guidance.Estimated saving: £300So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying a home can be a stressful experience – but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few handy tips to make it as smooth-sailing as possible.You need to jump through a few hoops when buying a home and even if both you and the seller are keen to exchange contracts promptly, there can be delays.So here are eight top tips for a smooth property transaction.1. Understand the jargonFirst of all, get to know the lingo. Arrangement fee? Standard Variable Rate? Mortgage Indemnity Guarantee? There's a fair share of industry terminology involved when it comes to buying a home, so make sure you understand the key terms before you kickstart your property search. Utilise google and search any terms you come across and aren’t sure about.2. Consider selling before buyingIf you're already a homeowner, think about selling your property before you start looking for a new one. It is easier to buy a home chain-free, but you need to consider where you will live – and storage costs – in the interim.If you're eyeing a new-build home, then a part exchange scheme may be the answer. It allows you to effectively trade in your existing home as part-payment for a new one purchased from a developer or house builder. This can make the whole process a lot easier and simplier dealing with the developer directly for both your purchase and sale providing the part exchange deal they offer works for you.3. Get organisedGet your ducks in a row. Speak to a mortgage advisor to confirm your budget and get an agreement in principle. Then work out what you can and can’t afford before you arrange any property viewings.Also, have all the relevant paperwork ready before you formally apply for a mortgage. Requirements will vary between lenders but they typically include proof of your income and outgoings as well as proof of your identity and address.Remember that a formal mortgage offer has a shelf life and if you fail to complete the purchase before it expires, you’ll have to start the process again. This is typically between 3-6 months so check this with your chosen lender.4. Ask the seller to take the property off the marketFound your dream home? Make sure one of the conditions of your offer is that the property is taken off the market. It will help prevent another buyer from making an offer the seller can't refuse.5. Pick professionalsWork with people you trust. You will rely on a raft of different firms, or individuals, during the home buying process. They will typically include a surveyor, solicitor, and removals company. Ask friends and family for recommendations and hire carefully. Listen back to Podcast episode 13 where we discuss in more detail who you should have in what we call your property power team and how to select these professionals.6. Respond promptlyBe ready to review, fill out, sign and return all documents quickly and efficiently. Your solicitor will no doubt send through a lot of information about your property, including local authority searches. There’s no need to rush things. But sitting on the paperwork will only hold up the process.7. Communication is kingStay in regular contact with both your solicitor and the estate agent to ensure that you are up to speed with the purchase and that it’s on track. It’s a good idea to agree a weekly update between all parties to cut the chances of miscommunication.8. Be realisticFinally, set a realistic target for exchanging contracts so that everyone in the process has the same deadline to work towards. You can always amend the timescale between exchange and completion if you and/or the seller need to delay moving.So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think you’ve found the solicitor to get you through the trials of the homebuying process? Here are some simple and quick checks you can make before committing.1. Who exactly will be handling your case?Clarify who’ll be put in charge of your case. And ask whether you will be dealing with just that ‘case-handler’ – or a team of people. If you are assigned just one solicitor, find out what happens if they are sick or on holiday.2. Does the solicitor pick up the phone?There’s nothing more frustrating than every phone call you make going straight to voicemail, so consider doing a ‘mystery shop’ to ensure your solicitor is on the end of the phone – or at least returns your call within a reasonable timeframe.3. Do they reply to emails?Ask your conveyancer to provide a rough – but realistic – idea of how quickly they’re able to respond to emails on a typical day.4. Where are they based?While many aspects of the conveyancing process can now be carried out remotely, it can still be useful for your solicitor’s offices to be local – for example if you need to hand-deliver photo ID or crucial last-minute documents.5. Can you get hold of them outside of office hours?Find out if your solicitor can be contacted in the evening or at weekends. It might not be necessary but it’s good to manage expectations.6. What is it likely to cost?Conveyancing is no different to any other service. And, as a paying customer, you have a right to see a full breakdown of the cost – including any VAT. It will only be an estimate but a line in the sand is infinitely better than nothing.7. What exactly will they will do?You may be totally new to the conveyancing process, or have simply just forgotten from last time, so don’t be afraid of asking questions. It’s imperative you understand exactly what your solicitor will – and won’t – do for their quoted fee.8. Can they meet your timeline?Ask upfront the estimated length of conveyancing time for the purchase (on the proviso it runs smoothly) – especially if you have a deadline goal in mind, such as Christmas.9. Do they have the right expertise?Especially if you have an unusual or more complicated house purchase, check the solicitor has the relevant experience to manage your case.So that concludes this episode of Ask the Estate Agent Podcast. You can contact us anytime using the links below:Facebook: www.facebook.com/asktheestateagentInstagram: www.instagram.com/asktheestateagentTwitter: www.twitter.com/asktheEAWebsite: www.asktheestateagent.co.ukSo don’t forget to contact us with any subjects you would like us to cover or questions you would like answering in the coming episodes and until next time I would like to thank you for listening and goodbye for now.This podcast is brought to you by Liberty Gate www.libertygate.co.ukNottingham's multi award winning Estate AgencySource: Zoopla Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.