R A Bennett offers top tips for moving home this summer

RA Bennett and Partners, with local offices in Warwick and Leamington, explains why the summer is a good time to put your house on the market and find your perfect new home.

Warwick branch manager Ian Whitfield said: “We are currently finding that buyers and sellers are more optimistic about the housing market and we expect these next few weeks to be a busier period for us helping more people to move home this summer.”

There are several reasons that could indicate why individuals, couples or families have decided to buy or sell their home during the summer months as opposed to earlier or later in the year, including a 50 per cent increase in mortgage lending to first time buyers, improving sentiment in the housing market and the introduction of the Help to Buy scheme.

The Help to Buy Equity Loan offers loans of up to 20 per cent to all homebuyers who are purchasing a new-build property up to the value of £600,000. The Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee scheme allows buyers to purchase a new build or resale home worth £600,000 or less with just a 5 per cent deposit.

RA Bennett & Partners offers some top tips to help you sell your home this summer and ensure your property stands out from the crowd:

1. Garden refresh – Make sure your garden is looking bright and colourful and above all welcoming. Take advantage of the beautiful British summer by displaying your garden furniture and showing off your lovely hanging baskets and freshly cut grass.

2. DIY - Consider making minor improvements. Things like wonky shelves, loose door handles and missing tiles are often overlooked by sellers but can be off-putting. There are often cheap, quick and easy to fix and can improve the overall ‘look and feel’ of the house.

3. Always de-clutter and make a home neutral - De-clutter your home and minimalise personal possessions, as a ‘blank canvas’ can help buyers to visualise how their furniture, belongings and personal style can be added to the property.

4. Choose the right estate agent - An agent with a strong local network of branches and an extensive internet presence will inevitably have access to more buyers. The estate agent should be keen to get the best price for your property and sell your home in the timescale you require.

5. Correct asking price - Make sure you do your homework and find out what prices similar properties in the area are selling for. Try to get a valuation of your property from two or three different estate agents and don’t always choose the highest or lowest valuation.Choose the one who gives you the most confidence that their coverage will maximise the number of buyers that will hear about your property.

6. Know your local amenities – Find out what amenities are available in your local area, such as sports facilities, schools, shops, transport links, doctors surgery. It’s also good to learn what community groups offer both children and adults during the school holidays.

Rachel Hatton, branch manager in Leamington said: “It is sensible to ensure a property is presented to attract potential buyers. The general appearance of a property, including the internal decoration, could be the deciding factor for buyers choosing between a number of properties.

“Prospective buyers will often commission their own property survey and review the findings before finally committing to purchase so the seller should also consider the repair of any major defects known to the seller even if these fall outside DIY and require the use of specialist contractors.”

If you are thinking of selling or buying a property and require further information about the housing market or arrange a free market appraisal, contact the Warwick office on 01926 427988 or the Leamington office on 01926 427988.