Property Market Outlook - Summer 2010 13/07/2010 Property prices are highly sensitive to market fluctuations and always reflect the balance between supply and demand. Earlier this year we saw a degree of price stability and even some modest gains due to demand outstripping supply. Buyers, frustrated after two years of confusion started to re-enter the market, only to be met with a scarcity of properties from which to choose. Sellers simply didn’t want to sell at what they perceived to be the bottom of the market, especially in view of the possible abolition of Home Information Packs after the election. So prices held up well. However, the election happened and HIPs were abolished making it easier and cheaper to commence marketing. Sellers, hoping to cash in on hearing of the earlier price rises decided to come to market and as a result 43% (51% in London) more homes are currently on the market than at the start of the year, with a 6% rise in stock levels this month alone. However, the RICS has reported a drop in the number of new buyer enquiries nationally in the past month. This will inevitably have an adverse effect on prices although this is yet to be fully reflected in the summer trading figures. (You may recall in January that we advised people not to delay their sale this year!) In view of this shift in balance as well as continued economic uncertainty, our advice to sellers is to look very carefully at how your property is positioned in the market in relation to others available for sale, and let their bullish price be a springboard to help you sell yours. But, as they say on Crimewatch, don’t have nightmares. We seem to be bucking the national trend! We also find our clients are happy to heed our advice and when they do…they move! Why not call us on 01293 523366 for an initial chat about how we can help you too?

Should you house have sold by now? 09/06/2010 Should your house have sold by now? We are often asked to look at properties that really should have sold, but haven’t, and we understand the disappointment of vendors whose experience of the sales process has fallen short of their expectations. We usually find that it’s the way that the average estate agent communicates that causes frustration – not necessarily a lack of buyers. So if you find yourself with a property that appears to be sticking, you might like to determine the reason by asking yourself the following questions: ? Is your agent as enthusiastic as the day he/she listed your property? ? Do they keep you regularly updated with constructive feedback immediately following a viewing? ? Do they phone you, or do you have to chase them? ? Do they accompany viewings to make sure they are maximising buyer contact and feedback opportunities? ? Do they keep you informed of what is available and actually selling in the area – and not just their own stock? ? Have they provided you with practical marketing advice in terms of how to present your property for sale? ? Do they regularly advertise properties similar to your own in order to attract a variety of buyers? ? Do you feel like a valued customer with an important property, or one of a number of instructions on their books? ? Are they blaming a slower market or taking responsibility? If the above rings any bells, it might be worth rethinking your sales strategy with a refreshing kick start before your property goes stale on the market. Why not give us a call before it’s too late? Call us on 01293 523366 where any of our staff will be happy to help.

Working with your Estate Agent 24/03/2010 When the time comes to sell your home it is important to ensure that you entrust the sale to a reputable estate agent if the stress of selling is to be minimised. However, the most successful sales tend to be those where the seller and agent work hand in hand during the marketing process. Here are some pointers: • Be open with your agent about any problems with the property. Even if these cannot be solved, awareness of an issue could save a sale. • Ensure your agent is properly informed about which fixtures and fittings will be staying/going. • Tell the agent if you have any direct buyer enquiries – it can avoid confusion over commission. • Ideally your agent should accompany all viewings, but if you show the buyers round yourself, immediately let your agent know how the viewing went, so he/she can follow-up appropriately. • Keep the house and garden clean and tidy at all times – you never know when you might get a short-notice viewing. • Aim to be as flexible as possible over viewing times and completion dates. • Agree to listen constructively to your agent’s feedback and recommendations. As your selling agent, we share your objectives - to achieve the fastest sale at the highest possible price with minimum disruption to your lifestyle. So help us to help you. After all - we’re on your side!