Moving home can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking several months. Many buyers often use the Festive Season as a self-imposed deadline to host the festivities in their new home and start the new year in their new house.
However, if you still haven’t put your property on the market, don’t fret. You can still sell and move into a new home in time for the festive season.
5 Tips For Speeding Up the Home Buying Process
Our tips for selling fast and moving into a new home quickly.
Prep Your Property
If you want a quick sale, now is the perfect time for a clearout to showcase your property in its best light.
Declutter and tidy the house and garden, at minimum. Improving your property’s curb appeal by cutting the front lawn and planting some plants can make a more significant difference than you might think.
If any rooms look tired or outdated, a lick of paint could do just the trick. Go for neutral colours, too, because when combined with a room that’s been decluttered, it gives potential buyers a far more precise idea of how they’ll use the space if they move in.
Get Your Finances In Order
You’ll need everything in place as soon as possible, particularly regarding finances, to give yourself the best chance of moving quickly.
Speak to a mortgage broker about how much you can borrow and your options regarding porting your mortgage. It would help if you arranged your mortgage in principle in plenty of time.
Another thing you’ll need to check is that you have instant access to all of your funds. Many savers deposit large amounts of savings into an account that only provides instant access to get a better interest rate. So make sure you can access your funds when you need them.
Weigh Up All Offers
If you’re fortunate enough to get multiple offers on your property, you may have to compromise a little on price to meet your Christmas deadline.
For example, first-time and cash buyers are ideal when looking for a quick sale, but they might offer less than someone part of a lengthy chain.
Ultimately, it comes down to how important your Festive deadline is. If it’s vital to you, you may have to accept a slightly lower offer to get the ball rolling quickly.
Make Sure Your Property’s Being Marketed Properly!
Your estate agent will likely advertise your home on the major property portals, their website, and social media, but it’s worth double-checking to ensure this is accurate.
You want your property to be seen by as many people as possible, so when speaking to estate agents, find out how and where they plan to advertise your home to ensure it’s getting plenty of exposure.
Don’t Cut Corners
Just because you’re rushing to move into your new place, don’t let that rush cloud your judgment about essential matters.
For example, it’s always a good idea to get a survey carried out on the new property, even if it could mean a slight delay in completing the purchase.
Surveys can flag up some pretty big issues, so it’s better to learn about them before you commit to buying a place than after you move in.
Also, to avoid cutting corners, avoid choosing the cheapest solicitor and estate agent to handle your property transaction.
Although it might take some extra time, it’s always worth speaking to a handful of estate agents and solicitors to get an idea of their timescales and professionalism.
After all, it’s essential to deal with professionals that you can trust and who’ll look to meet your deadline, rather than those who don’t pick up the phone and leave your file on the bottom of a mountain of case files!
Talk To The Experts
Here at Properly, we will do our utmost to move you into your new home by the Festive Season – but you’ll need to get in touch quickly!
Contact us today at 0207 459 4400 or email us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Your Home and Moving by Christmas
Can I sell my home and move by the Festive Season?
Yes, selling your home and moving by the Festive Season is possible, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Following the tips in this article can significantly increase your chances of a quick sale.
What can I do to speed up the home-selling process?
To speed up the selling process:
- Prepare your home for sale by decluttering, cleaning, and making necessary repairs.
- Get your finances in order, including obtaining a mortgage in principle and gathering the required documents.
- Market your property effectively through multiple channels and be prepared to negotiate on price if needed.
Should I prioritise speed over price when selling my home?
If your goal is to move by the Festive Season, you may need to be more flexible on price and consider accepting offers slightly below your asking price. However, weighing the potential benefits of a quicker sale against the financial implications is essential.
What other factors can affect the speed of the selling process?
The overall market conditions, your property’s desirability, and your estate agent’s efficiency can all influence the speed of the selling process and the availability of suitable properties for you.
