Presentation is one aspect in ensuring that your property is sold or rented quickly so we have put together the following points which we hope you will find useful.
LETTINGS
Below is a list of ideas on how to market your home:
§ DE-CLUTTER - De-clutter (the cheapest option).
§ TIDY-UP - Make sure rooms and communal areas are clean and tidy.
§ DECORATE - Redecorate tired rooms with neutral colours.
§ REPAIRS - Spend money on basic repairs.
§ UPDATE - Update any old furniture/white goods.
§ GAS CERTIFICATE - Ensure your gas safety certificate is up to date.
§ DIY - Finish any DIY projects as any unfinished work may give prospective tenants the impression that you do not care for your property.
SALES
In order to attract potential buyers and sell your property quickly we cannot overstate the importance of showing it off in good condition, below is a list of ideas on marketing your property:
§ DE-CLUTTER - De-clutter (the cheapest option).
§ STORAGE - Consider the possibility of using storage to make rooms look bigger.
§ DECORATE - Redecorate tired rooms with neutral colours.
§ REPAIRS - Spend money on basic repairs.
§ KERB APPEAL - Tidy up the front of the house for good ‘kerb appeal.’
§ GARDEN - If you have a garden, tidy it up (front and rear).
§ SMOKING - Try not to smoke indoors as this can stain walls and ceilings furthermore it can put off potential buyers as not everyone smokes.
§ DIY - Finish any DIY projects as any unfinished work may give prospective buyers the impression that you do not care for your home.
§ ODOURS - Try to eradicate animal odours with maybe scented candles and/or air freshener.
§ PETS - Try to leave pets with family/friends when viewings take place.
§ UPDATE - Update old or tired front kitchen cupboards/drawers.
AWARENESS & SCAMS
We understand that there are good landlords and agents out there, equally there are bad/unscrupulous landlords/agents operating bad practices and for this reason we have put together below some useful points you should be aware of, hopefully you will be better informed before signing a contract or departing with your hard earned money.
PERSONAL SAFETY - In the interest of personal safety we do recommend that prior to viewings that you inform a friend, family or relative of your whereabouts. If possible when you attend a viewing go along with a family member or a friend for safety and moral support.
UNCERTAINTY - If you feel unsure about the property, landlord or agent you are visiting then walk away, do not feel pressurised into taking the property or signing anything.
THE PROPERTY - Ensure that you visit the property and you are fully satisfied before departing with any money.
CONTRACT - If possible try to have a written contract drawn up that is signed, dated by yourself and the landlord or agent remembering to keep a copy.
DEPOSIT - Do not leave a deposit without viewing the property first as in some cases the property may not exist even though it is advertised so be on your guard.
INVENTORY – When moving into your chosen place it is advisable to double check the inventory and confirm any queries with the landlord or agent before moving in. It may be a good idea to take photos at the beginning of your contract so you can use it as evidence should a dispute arise at the end of your contract.
070 NUMBERS – Avoid using some UK phone numbers beginning with 070 which may be re-directed to anywhere in the world as it could leave you with an expensive telephone bill.
REFERENCES – There have been cases of landlords/agents taking deposits from prospective tenants and in the process charging tenants an additional fee for having their references checked. Before agreeing to sign anything or hand over any money ask the landlord or agent if they are going to be charging you for conducting a reference check. It may be advisable to take references from your current employer or previous landlord to present to your new landlord or agent.
SMALL PRINT – Always read the small print of the contract carefully and ask for clarification on anything you are not sure about before signing.
WESTERN UNION or MONEY GRAM - Do not fall for landlords who claim to live far away or abroad and request you make either rent and/or deposit payments via international money transfer before viewing a property.
If you choose to send money to the landlord via international money order the landlord may request a copy of the receipt as proof that you have enough money for the rent and deposit, with this receipt the landlord or a representative acting on behalf of the landlord can turn up at an international money order station and collect your transferred money as little identification is required in collecting amounts below £2,000 and when you go to the international money order station to collect your money it has been withdrawn leaving you out of pocket. This is a timely reminder that you should never give or share the receipt number of your international money order.