Tips & Obligations: Sales
TIPS FOR SELLERS
- Advise your solicitor that you intend to sell your property, so as he or she may requisition the title documents and land registry, compliant maps etc., therefore providing good marketable title.
- You will need to obtain a BER certificate prior to marketing your property.
- Prepare a full inventory of contents, furniture, fixtures and fittings, which are to be included in the sale price.
- Make sure the exterior is devoid of rubbish, the lawn is cut, remove all dead plants, power wash the driveway, clean the windows and consider touching up the external paintwork.
- Neutral colours will enable potential purchasers to visualise their furniture in your property.A new coat of paint to the walls and ceilings goes a long way!
- LESS IS MORE; it is a good idea to consider removing some furniture in rooms to open up more space. Above all de-clutter and remove as many personal items as possible.
- Without a complete overhaul of the kitchen, at least make sure what you have now looks good and works. Fix leaky taps. Polish the fixtures, or buy new ones.
- Carpets should be steam-cleaned, to remove dirt, stains and odours. If they are badly stained, worn or just old, you should consider having them pulled up and replaced.
- Leave a window open for ventilation. Attractive smells are very appealing, make sure there are no unpleasant smells in any of the rooms from dogs, bins, tobacco or otherwise.
- Remove as many personal items from display, such as personal trinkets etc., this gives viewers a feeling that they could own this property themselves.
- Make sure your bathrooms and kitchen are gleaming (these are probably the most important rooms in the house).
- Make sure the heating is on or at least has been on to allow for room temperature of 18- 22c, obviously depending on the time of year you intend the property will be viewed.
- Good lighting is important in living rooms. Secondary lighting, such as standard or table lamps can have a flattering effect.
- Do not run appliances in the kitchen during a viewing of your property. You want to create an impression of calm and style.
- Buy some new towels for the bathroom and consider keeping them only for days of viewings.
- At all times have the beds dressed and curtains drawn in the bedrooms.
- If you have a separate dining room, show it with table and chairs, perhaps dress the table. For coffee tables, one or two books and a quality magazine add a finishing and welcoming touch.
TIPS FOR BUYERS
- Assess your budget, taking into account how much the total acquisition costs will be (Solicitors fees, stamp duty, survey & valuation).
- Speak to your bank or mortgage broker and find out what your maximum loan amount is; making sure to check if you are comfortable with the proposed monthly payments.
- Have a clear idea what you are looking for; take into consideration accommodation needs, access to local amenities and location.
- View as many properties as possible and cross reference against your criteria to define which are most suitable.
- If you are concerned about aspects of the structure itself, request that a structural surveyor inspect the property.
- Once you are satisfied you have found the right property for you, then make an offer. It is best practice to do this in writing, (email will usually suffice).
- The agent may look for proof of funds. This can take the form of a facility letter from a bank and/or current bank statement.
- You may have other parties bidding against you or you may simply have to negotiate directly with the vendor.
- When you have agreed on a price, you will be expected to provide your solicitor’s details and pay a deposit, which can be up to 5% of the purchase price and is refundable prior to actually signing contracts.
- The conveyancing process will take approximately 6 weeks to complete.
HOME LOCATORS
Estate Agents & Valuers
35 Dawson Street,
Dublin 2, Ireland