With the current difficulties in the residential property sector, there will always be a knock-on effect in estate agency. In addition to lost revenue due to reduced sales volumes, they also face challenges within their ranks as entrepreneurial property professionals take advantage of market conditions. The time is right for introducing new business models to the arena. One such business is www.onelondonproperty.com
CHOOSING YOUR ESTATE AGENT-PART THREE
What has to be done before I sell my property? Make sure the property is in a presentable condition and in good decorative order, reasonably tidy and uncluttered, before you agree to any viewings by potential buyers. Appoint your Property Lawyer so that the HIP can be prepared and the agents terms of business approved The law presently requires that every residential property must have a “Home Information Pack” (“HIP”) commissioned, i.e. requested, on or before the “first date of marketing” by the agent or the seller. A HIP contains certain specified information and documents which is considered to be of interest to a potential buyer. The “Required” documents are:-
CHOOSING YOUR ESTATE AGENT-PART ONE
What must I look for in an Estate Agent? Do they have a website? Is it easy to navigate Are they members of a recognised professional body, i.e. National Association of Estate Agents? It should be noted that estate agents are not legally required to have any formal qualifications to be or practice as an estate agent. Are they members of the relevant Ombudsman Scheme? Do they give a professional and businesslike image? Do they have Professional Indemnity Insurance, should they make a serious error or if they are negligent? How long has the firm/company been in business? What areas or districts does the firm/company cover? Are they local or have wider or national coverage. What methods of communication do they use, i.e. telephone, e-mail, text messaging, fax, post. What are their terms of business? What do they do for
Property Good News & Property Bad News
So the bad news is that your property has come down in value over the last year. Now that is bad news. So if you try to sell your home in today’s market some of the equity you have built up over the years has gone. Very bad news.