Category Moving

As spring gets closer, there is a surge of enthusiasm and new buyers in the real estate market. There’s no time like the present to start preparing for a home sale in 2023.

These days, house hunting is a lot like online dating. Potential purchasers may dismiss your listing with a quick browse or swipe if it doesn’t look appealing enough. In a competitive housing market, we hope these helpful hints will help you make your property stand out so you can sell it faster and for more money.

Look At It Objectively

There are three primary considerations when looking for a home: cost, proximity to amenities, and square footage. Even though you’re stuck with the space’s physical location and the price is set by market forces, you can influence how potential buyers perceive it.

Those errands around the house that you’ve been putting off should be done immediately. You should expect that potential buyers will judge your home harshly based on imperfections such as a broken kitchen door or peeling paint in the bathroom.

In order to attract buyers, you must take an unbiased look at your home and envision yourself in their shoes when house hunting. After all, you are likely a buyer yourself.

Examining comparable properties within a 10% price range will provide you insight into how other sellers have marketed their own homes. Potential buyers may pass over your home in favour of one that appears more presentable in online photos or during in-person showings if you haven’t made the necessary improvements, so you need to make your property stand out.

Tidy Up And Declutter

Some of us may be shocked by how much clutter may build up in our homes, so it’s best to get started on decluttering as soon as possible. After living in a home for a long time, you may become blind to flaws that potential purchasers may see immediately.

Keep in mind that you are not selling your belongings but rather the actual property itself, so make sure that everything has a designated spot. Ironing boards left out in the open, laundry hampers overflowing, shampoo bottles in the shower, and piles of mail on the kitchen counter all contribute to an untidy and unappealing appearance. This will make your property stand out, but not in the right way.

The same goes for family photos; it’s fine to show a few, but too many will make the room feel awkwardly intimate. Potential buyers may have trouble visualising themselves in the home as a result.

It’s a good idea to declutter and create a blank canvas in the primary areas, such as the living room and the kitchen, so that potential buyers can more readily visualise their own belongings there.

Be Flexible With Viewings

The key to successfully selling your home is often being as accommodating as possible during viewings. The sale of a home can be put in jeopardy if the seller insists on scheduling showings only when it is convenient for them.

If realtors are only allowed to schedule viewings within certain hours, you may have to wait longer to find a buyer. It’s also helpful if your estate agent has access to the property at all times, so they can show it to potential buyers whenever they want. Even though it may not be convenient for you, the majority of prospective buyers will want to visit properties after work or on the weekend. This will make your property stand out.

Plus, try not to be there when viewings take place. It can be awkward for the viewer and could put them off. 

As much as the expense of living and high energy bills might seem like all everyone talks about these days, it’s impossible to deny its recent and dramatic effect on everyone’s life, including homeowners and people in the market to move. Many families have felt the strain of the country’s record-high energy prices.

However, the house you pick could have a major factor in your monthly energy bills. Home Builders Federation (HBF) produced a survey showing that new homeowners can expect to save an amazing £2,600 per year on their energy bills.

In addition, the survey highlighted that new-build buyers saved over £500 million on annual energy bills last year. This is because, compared to older homes, these newer ones only release around a third as much carbon, resulting in a reduction of about 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Here are a few considerations that suggest a newly constructed home could be the best option for you.

Everything Is New

Everything from the oven to the dishwasher in a brand-new home is brand-new and has been installed specifically for your arrival. It’s safe to assume that everything will function as it should when you move in. In addition, the fixtures and appliances included in your new home are covered for two years by the new house warranty. And they’ll be more energy efficient, so your energy bills will be lower.

A Blank Canvas

You can put your personal stamp on a brand-new house by decorating it any way you like. There is no need to remove stubborn wallpaper or paint over a bold statement because there have been no previous tenants. Put your unique imprint on your new home since you get to decide how it looks. It might not sound like much, but even this can be a saving on your energy bills.

Modern Living

All new homes are made with the way people live today in mind. They were built on purpose to have a lot of space and natural light. Also, new buildings are made with modern family life in mind and give people more options when it comes to home or hybrid working.

Plus, you’ll usually have much easier access to the outdoors, thanks to things like large patio doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and communities with open green spaces for everyone to enjoy. You can also rest easy knowing that it was all built to the highest standards, since all new buildings must meet certain rules and regulations.

Money Saving On Your Energy Bills

As was said above, HBF recently reported how much money new homeowners can save each year. To explain what this means in more detail, the report goes on to say that newer homes use a lot less energy than older ones. The average new home uses about 100kWh per m2 per year, while older homes use an average of 259kWh per m2.

This means that if you live in a new house or apartment, you can save an average of £2,000. This is because the average annual costs to run these kinds of homes are around £1,500, while the average annual costs to run older homes are around £3,570. When only houses, not flats and bungalows, are compared, these savings go up to £2,600 a year.

Things change, and when we talk about mortgage terms, most of us are looking at at least a 15- to 30-year commitment. You can’t say for sure that you won’t have to move within that time frame. So, the answer to whether or not you can sell a house with a mortgage probably won’t come as much of a surprise.

Can I Sell A House With A Mortgage Before The Term Ends?

Yes, you definitely can sell a house with a mortgage before the term ends, as long as you can pay for it. This means that the amount you still owe on the loan must be less than what your home is worth. On top of that, you’ll also need to think about any charges for paying off the loan early and any fees you may have to pay to brokers or financial advisors you hire.

As always, it’s very important to do the maths before getting involved. Find your mortgage terms and see if you are still in a period where there are fees for paying off the loan early. Also, find out how much it will cost to pay off your mortgage in full. Keep in mind that this is different from the annual early repayment allowance that lenders give customers who want to overpay their mortgage. This is usually around 10% of the remaining balance each year.

If you are still within the terms of a deal, you may have to pay a fee of 3 to 5% of the amount you still owe to settle up in full.

Do I Need To Let My Lender Know?

Yes, without a doubt. Obviously, you won’t need to do this until you’re sure you want to sell your house with a mortgage, but this is still a call you need to make. Not only will they need to know that a sale may be coming up, but it will also give you a chance to talk about your options, like moving your mortgage (more on this in a bit).

What Happens To My Mortgage?

Most of the time, the money from your sale will be used to pay off (redeem) the loan and any fees you may have owed for paying it off early.

Your conveyancer will ask your mortgage company for a redemption statement and handle the settlement for you. This will end the mortgage deal, giving you the freedom to live without a mortgage or get a new one with the same lender or a different one.

But this isn’t the only way to do it. For some, it makes more sense to keep the mortgage they already have.

Can I Move My Existing Mortgage?

Yes, you can. This is called “porting.” Even though it doesn’t happen as often as redemption, it’s not that rare. Most mortgages can be moved from one house to another when selling a house with a mortgage, and if the conditions are right, you could save a lot of money by doing this.

Porting a mortgage isn’t as easy as just giving your lender a quick call and asking them to change your address. In reality, the process for porting a mortgage is very similar to the process for getting a new mortgage or switching lenders. You will have to reapply and have your finances reevaluated before being accepted. Your new home will also be given an appraisal (which you may have to pay for).

If you are accepted, however, you will keep the same terms as your current deal, including the interest rate you pay now. This can be a good idea, especially when times are uncertain or when interest rates are going up.

When you buy a new house, it’s a major milestone that will improve the quality of your adult life significantly. It is crucial to investigate the property thoroughly before making an offer on it since this will allow you to think through a variety of factors before committing to a purchase.

House hunting is a thrilling experience, but it can turn stressful if you don’t take your time. Carefully consider your needs as a family and your budget before settling on a home. This post will discuss some of the more important considerations you should make when buying a home.

House Size

Depending on the perspective of the camera, a house can look either bigger or smaller in a picture. It’s risky to buy a new house online without first visiting it in person.

The home’s square footage should be proportional to your family’s needs. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space must be appropriate for your needs.

When looking for a house, be sure to tell the estate agent what you want from a home so they will be able to narrow down your options better.

Garden Size

At first, the garden might not be your top priority, but if you have kids or pets, you will want to buy a new house that meets their needs. Even though you can have children and pets in an apartment, it won’t be the best place for you to live.

Ask to look at houses with medium-sized to large gardens that are easy to take care of. Every garden needs to have the grass cut, weeds pulled out, and the edges trimmed from time to time.

When you look at the garden be sure to check the property fence for any problems. That will affect your safety and security, as well as whether or not you can keep your pets inside.

Location

Your new home’s location is pivotal. Especially if you have teenagers, it will be a huge relief to live in close proximity to places like schools, shopping centres, and eateries. Consider the safety of your children as they walk to school and spend time in the garden.

Before meeting with an estate agent, it is a good idea to do some preliminary research on the areas you’re interested in and provide a shortlist of your top ten alternatives. A home’s final price tag will be affected significantly by its location.

Hidden Costs

The process to buy a new house is more complicated than it initially appears, especially if you need financial backing from a financial institution. Closing costs and legal fees are just two of the many unseen expenses that might arise when purchasing a home.

This is important to remember while you look at different houses, as you shouldn’t base your decision just on the asking price.

People say that a picture is worth a thousand words, which is definitely true when you’re trying to sell your home. What can you do to help your home look its best?

Here are some things you can do to get your house ready for photographs.

Your Kitchen

Clear everything off the kitchen counters and put everything back where it belongs.
Don’t show off your tea towels.
Clean your trash can or hide it.
Put some flowers or a bowl of fruit on a table in your kitchen so it’s ready for photographs.

Your Bathroom

Hide the laundry basket and extra toilet paper.
Show off your best toiletries, or don’t show any at all.
Put the toilet seat down.

Make sure your towels are clean and put away in a neat way ready for photographs.

Your Bedrooms

Make sure your bed is clean and, if possible, use white or plain sheets.
Clean off your nightstands and any other furniture in your bedroom.
Put your clothes and shoes away.
Make sure that you can’t see anything under beds or on top of closets.
Put away the kids’ toys.

Ready For Photographs Through The House

Open the blinds and curtains.
Get your windows clean.
Clean/polish every surface.
Hoover/mop floors.

Outside

If you can, move wheeled trash cans.
Put your car somewhere else.
Clean up the garden. Sweep up any fallen leaves and pull out any weeds.
Cut the grass.
Clean the front door.
Add a splash of colour to either side of your front door with hanging baskets or planters.

Have you ever considered staging your living room? Whether you’re a seller or a landlord, staging your living room can mean the difference between a sale/finding a new tenant, or having to wait. When you stage your living room in the right way, it can show the people looking around how they might live, and what can be done with the room. With that in mind, read on for some useful tips.

A New Suite For Staging Your Living Room

If you have an old, sagging sofa in your living room, it’s going to make it look less desirable than if you have a brand new suite. This is why it’s a good idea not to put off buying your new furniture if that’s something you were intending to do anyway. For one thing, you’ll have more money before your move than after (moving is very expensive), and for another, when you’re staging your living room you want to offer up a good impression.

It’s true that the new owners or tenants aren’t going to be using your furniture (although, when it comes to tenants, the option might be there – even more reason to get a new sofa), and you might think it’s no one’s business what your stuff looks like. That’s true, but it’s also true that you’ll create a more positive subconscious impression when there are nice things around you.

Your Carpeting

How does your carpet look? Is it dark, has a lot of patterns, or both? Would having it cleaned by a pro make it look better, or does it really need to be replaced? If the carpet is dirty, worn, and old, it will look like the house hasn’t been taken care of. If you want to show that the house is well-kept, you might want to spend a few hundred pounds on a new, neutral carpet to make staging your living room easier.

Your Lighting

This can really change how your living room looks. Downlighters and table lamps can make a room feel warm and inviting, while uplighting can add a bit of drama. If you have overhead lighting, it’s usually best to turn it off and use your other lighting options to make the room feel more like home.

Searching for a new home can be a difficult task. You might see a number that you like and maybe you can’t make up your mind which one is best. Or perhaps you have been searching for a long time and still not found anything that suits you. One of the problems with searching for houses is that there isn’t always a lot of time to view a house or apartment before you need to make a decision. A viewing might last for 20 minutes, and if lots of people want to see the same property you might not even have that long. Plus, if you do like a property, it is wise to have a second viewing, which will delay your decision even further.

When viewing a property, that second viewing can be crucial though. Making a decision about where you are going to live for perhaps many years shouldn’t be done in a rush. It is important that you have a set of questions to ask about the house or apartment when you go back for a second time. Here are some that you might want to ask.

Is There Damp?

Damp can be a big problem in a property, especially one that has been empty for a little while. It’s important to look out for signs of it, including a musty smell, flaking plaster on the ceilings and walls, watermarks on the walls, and wallpaper peeling away. The skirting areas of a room should be checked particularly, and if a room has just been repainted, it might have been to cover up the damp. Place your hand against the wall when viewing a property and if it feels cold and wet, then the damp is hiding behind the new paint.

Is The Roof In Good Repair?

The roof of a property needs to be in good repair otherwise you could find that water is let in, the property is unsecure, and, in the future, it will cost you to repair it. Of course, it can be difficult for a layman to inspect the roof of a property they don’t even own, but if you are concerned then you can invite a roofer over to check it out for you. Make sure you choose a reputable roofing company to help you and give you an accurate report so that you can go back to the realtor or owner and explain your misgivings.

What Do The Cracks Mean?

Great realtor photos can persuade people to come and view a house, but don’t be swayed by them – you do need to inspect everything closely. That includes checking out the structure of a building too. You might spot cracks in the walls; they could be large and noticeable, but you also need to look out for hairline cracks that could easily be missed. These cracks might say something about how structurally sound the property is, especially if the cracks are large ones. Big, deep cracks in walls and ceilings might speak to a problem with subsidence, or perhaps to a problem with a later extension or added room, or other building work. Pay special attention to areas around conservatories, outside walls, bay windows, and those extensions we mentioned earlier.

Is There Enough Storage?

When we get right down to it, storage is always going to be needed, even if we try to live fairly minimal lives. When walking around the house, you may well have spotted closets and cupboards, but are they really suitable for your needs? Since you are viewing the property because you might want to live there, it is perfectly appropriate for you to open these closets up and take a peek inside. Are they actually as large as they seem? Are there enough storage points in the property or are you going to need to add some more (and if so, where will you put them?)? The last thing you want is to move in somewhere and then discover that there is nowhere to put any of your possessions – you will end up living in a mess and be unhappy with your choice.

Which Direction?

You can ask the owner or realtor which way the house faces, or you can take a compass with you and work it out for yourself. In most cases, this won’t really matter, but if you want to know where your yard is facing, or where the sun is going to come up (and therefore which rooms might have the sun in the morning – you may need thicker blinds or curtains in those rooms so that the sunrise doesn’t wake you), then it is worth asking about. Although this probably won’t be the reason that you do or don’t buy a property, knowing in advance will mean you can make plans should you need to.

Why Is It For Sale?

There might be a perfectly rational reason why the property is for sale; the owner might be downsizing, or upsizing. They might want to move closer to work or family. There could have been a relationship breakdown. They might just like the idea of a change of scenery. However, there are other reasons that people choose to sell their homes, and if you can possibly discover what they are, then you will have a better idea of whether or not to make an offer.

One reason that someone will want to move is that the house is too expensive to upkeep. If that is the case, will it be the same for you? Check out what the energy bills and taxes are going to be before you start to get serious about the place, because they can make a big difference to your monthly budget. Another reason could be bad neighbors, so make sure that you drive by the property at various times of the day during the week and weekend to see what kind of noises you can hear or behavior you witness. Finally, is the neighbourhood a good one? The house might be wonderful, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good place to live.

It’s usually a good idea to hire a professional moving company to assist you with your move, unless you live in a tiny home or apartment and can do everything yourself quickly and easily. Even while packing and moving your belongings may not seem to be too much of a challenge, there is a science to properly protecting delicate goods so that they don’t shatter during transport.

It is also important to know how much weight the moving company employees can handle and how they will do it in a safe manner. If you don’t know how to lift and carry heavy or awkwardly shaped things, could you do it safely? It’s always a good idea to choose a moving company, but how can you know you’re making the right choice? Read on to find out.

The Inventory

If you choose a professional moving company, they will do a thorough inventory of your items and estimate the weight and volume of your move. All of your storage areas, including cabinets, drawers, garages, and bookshelves should be examined by the estimator. Weight and space used up by your belongings are two major factors that determine a mover’s fee. Make certain that you understand fully and confirm the accuracy of this estimate.

The Walkthrough

In order for an estimation to be accurate, they must know what you want to move before doing a walk-through. A reputable estimator would inquire as to what you intend to bring with you from your existing residence to your new one. The estimator will ask what you want to leave behind or give away, so be ready to provide that information with him or her so that you can avoid having stuff on the truck that you don’t want.

The Moving Company Deposit

Before moving, reputable movers will not ask for cash or a big deposit. You should only make a payment after the product has been delivered. Your valuables are at risk if you pay for them ahead of time. Use a credit card to make purchases so that you are not a victim of any fraudulent activities.

Get References

If you don’t have any recommendations from friends or relatives, look for a list of reputable movers from professional organisations. Request recommendations from any moving company you talk with. Inform them that you want a list of three clients in your region who have moved in the last three months. Call those people and inquire directly about their experiences.

It’s crucial to emotionally prepare for moving. To move is to make a plan. It is to make a list, make a decision, coordinate, sort, and manage. But more than this, no matter how excited you might be to do it, it’s also to uproot, to search through forgotten items, to relive memories, and finally to pack or give them away.

Moving is both physically and emotionally demanding. You’re employing muscles you’ve forgotten about and organising massive quantities of data. But, in the middle of it all, you’re also swapping a location where you have a plethora of memories for a place where you’re likely to have none. You’re giving up a known history in exchange for an uncertain future. You’re exchanging walls that have seen birthdays, anniversaries, first steps, new friendships, amazing dinners, fresh flowers, tiny moments, and final encounters for walls that have no value. This is not easy, at least not for most people. This is why it’s so important to emotionally prepare for moving.

So here’s a list of the best methods for dealing with emotions when moving.

Say Goodbye

Spending time with family and friends before going away is the ideal way to say your heartfelt goodbyes and emotionally prepare for moving. Organise a goodbye party, invite your friends over to watch a sports event on TV, or play a card game. Or why not take them out to a good restaurant for dinner, to see the newest blockbuster, or just to have a long walk in the park? These golden hours with your loved ones are the ideal time to warn them of the impending shift, exchange contact information, and plan when, where, and how often you will meet again.

It’s also necessary to say farewell to your favourite spots since you may not be able to see them again for years. Take one final trip around your neighbourhood or to your favourite sites – simply try to recapture the positive memories associated with each location. Hopefully, these condensed unforgettable mental pictures can come in handy later on while you’re attempting to acclimatise to your new surroundings.

Get Plenty Of Rest

Being well rested is essential for coping with emotional stress and will make you feel a lot more emotionally prepared for moving. Make every effort to plan ahead of time and obtain at least eight hours of sleep. This is an important aspect of being emotionally prepared. There’s no need to add to the burden by being fatigued. Make sure you know when the moving staff will arrive so you can set an alarm and be prepared.

Take Care Of The Little Things

It is often the small things that wear us down and make us more vulnerable to high levels of emotional stress. So, the day before, fill up all of your vehicles with fuel. Make sure all of the documentation you need is in a secure location where you can easily access it and where it won’t be mistaken for rubbish or placed in an inconspicuous box. Keep your home and car keys in the same area to make it easier to find them. Do as much cleaning as you can ahead of time so that you have one less thing to worry about at the end of the move. Having those items taken care of will help to lessen stress on moving day.

Moving is not always easy on the emotions, but with little mental preparation and these ideas, you can start to reduce the stress and emotionally prepare for moving.

You will eventually feel the need to leave your rental property. It may be because you find a better job elsewhere, or because your family is expanding or contracting and you need more or less room. It may be because you are purchasing a home and no longer wish to rent. It could be for any number of reasons, but relocating often means stress, regardless of the reason.

For many individuals, moving out of a rental property is just as traumatic as moving out of one they own, but this does not have to be the case. There are a few things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Paperwork

You will need to file a lot of paperwork when you move out of your rental property, whether you are moving into another rented home or purchasing a property. There will be a plethora of paperwork and essential papers to read, sign, date, and initial. Leaving this to the last minute can add stress to the process and could possibly cause your relocation to be postponed.

The greatest thing you can do with this paperwork is to do it as quickly as possible. Take a copy for your personal records after it’s finished. This will be helpful for remembering everything you have and haven’t done about the move, as well as in case anything goes lost – a copy is better than nothing in many circumstances.

Maintain a cool demeanour and go methodically through the papers. Rushing will not help you, and you could make errors that will slow things up even more.

Organise Your Property

There are a few things you need to do if you want to make sure you have your deposit returned to you. One of them will almost certainly be an end-of-tenancy clean. This is much more than a fast run around with the vacuum cleaner and a quick wipe down of dusty surfaces; this is a thorough clean that will take many, many hours to accomplish.

Most individuals lack the patience, time, and expertise needed to do this job on their own. The good news is that you may engage cleaning firms who specialise in end-of-lease cleaning to perform the work for you. This is not essential, however.

Make Use of Proper Timing

When it comes to moving out of a rental property, timing is everything. If you pay your rent in advance, you’ll want to make sure you don’t overpay or underpay based on the date or location of your move. The best thing you can do is move out on a date that is the day before your next rent payment is due. You won’t have to pay any extra rent on your existing home as a result.

This also means that your first rent payment for your new home (or your first mortgage payment) will be due on the same day as your previous payment, allowing you to stick to your budget and avoid being out of money.