Should you decorate before you put your house on the market?

Opening the doors to strangers to come and judge your property. Scrutinising every inch of the property and deciding if they like it is a nerve-racking experience. We can feel defensive if someone doesn’t like our house, and it is vulnerable to let people come and look at our property, which is usually such a private space.

When selling a property, viewers will look at everything with a very critical eye. And as a nation of house-loving homeowners, it is understandable that many of us want to get our homes ship-shaped before launching them to the market.

But how far should you go? Should you fully redecorate your house? Fit a new kitchen? Landscape the gardens? Or is the best thing to do nothing more than a deep clean?

It is possible to get bogged down with the preparation that it becomes a form of procrastination, and sometimes you can end up with a snagging list as long as your arm, and you never launch the property to the market. The longer this process takes, the further you are from your new dream home, and your perfect buyer might be missed.

So what should you do instead?

Make a list – rather than randomly doing all those jobs you’ve been putting off, make a list. This way, you can tackle the jobs methodically and group similar tasks together to save time and possibly money.

Decide what to do – Look objectively at the list and decide what needs to be done and what is not necessary. There are often tasks that you want to do to the property, but they will not help you sell your home or, indeed, might not make any difference to a potential buyer.

Check with your estate agent – show your list to your agent and get advice from them about tasks necessary to make your home saleable and attractive to a buyer. After all, our team knows what a buyer is looking for and what they will absolutely not care about, so you can cross off any of those tasks that won’t make any difference and get the ball rolling with your launch to the market.

There needs to be a line drawn as, unless your property is all brand new, you could invest lots of money and time refurbishing the whole house, and you won’t benefit from it because you will have moved.

It is highly likely that the huge list of jobs you have made for yourself, overwhelming yourself in the process, might end up being only a few small items. And then, without delay, you can attend to these things and get your home on the market for sale, putting the wheels in motion for your sale and moving to your new dream home.

For more advice on preparing your home for sale, speak to our team of experts with absolutely no obligation.

www.lawlerandcompany.co.uk

 

Focus on Marple; What does Marple have to offer?

Welcome to Marple

It’s been nearly 8 years since Lawler & Company opened their first office in the great location of Marple.  During that time, we have sold properties to people of all ages who have happily settled into the wonderful community Marple has and enjoying the great amenities Marple and the surround areas have to offer :-

Marple Canal- A popular choice with families and walkers alike, you can find The flight of 16 locks which is one of the steepest flights of Britain, the amazing Marple Aqueduct and choose to walk and take in so many beautiful scenic routes.

Memorial park/ Skate Park and Bowling Green- The go to place for all ages- the views looking out over the countryside make it the perfect picnic spot!

Marple Precinct

Marple precinct- Boasts a range of amenities to accommodate all your needs. From popular high street names to small local businesses. Lovely places to eat or stop and have a coffee, the café culture here is certainly popular.

Marple Golf Club– One of the oldest clubs in the area, offering excellent facilities in a traditional and relaxed environment.

The Regent Cinema– A piece of Marple history, experiencing the new blockbuster movies in a traditional setting.

The Ridge- Quite simply views you will never tire of.

Marple Train Station- Have the best of both worlds, enjoy rural life whilst having easy connections to an abundance of major cities.

Claire Seaton, Manager Marple office

In our Marple office, we have a fantastic team led by Manager Claire Seaton and we asked them to give us a few of their favourite Marple hotspots.

“Marple canal is my go to place. Whether it’s taking a walk in my lunch break or walking my dog Elliott, it really is the most beautiful place come rain or shine.”

“My favourite place in Marple has to be the golf club. Having been a member for two years, I love nothing more than playing a few rounds after a busy week at work.”

“I really enjoy all the different restaurants and cafes Marple has to offer. Some of my favourite places include- The Bulls Head public house, Woodstock pizza and Kambuja”

Thinking of making Marple your place to call home, give our dedicated team a call today 0161 914 7620 to see what fantastic properties are on the market right now or click here to register online to be first in the know of any new homes coming on.

 

Market Update from Alan Cooper MARLA Hazel Grove Branch Manager

Is the housing market slowing down?  Will demand for properties slow down with the increases in cost of living and the impending Interest Rate Rise?

These are questions that we, as Estate Agents, get asked all of the time.  Whilst we cannot predict the future, at this current time the answer to both of these questions is quite simply there are no signs that the market is going to slow down or that the interest rate rises will have an impact on buyers demands for properties.

All that we can say is that now is an excellent time to sell.  The market continues to be strong.  We have had more properties come to the market this January than we did last January.  Buyers continue to want to purchase properties and demand is such that this normally means that there are “block viewings” and “best and final offers”.   This does ensure that we are able to achieve the very best possible price, from the very best buyer for you.

However, this is also a great time to buy a property.  The mortgage interest rates are still very low; house prices are continuing to increase which means equity being immediately accrued and the cost of borrowing is still less than the cost of renting.  Being in the best possible position to purchase is really important.  Having your mortgage approved and an Agreement in Principle available is essential to secure a property.  Also being in a position to proceed is crucial.  Being a First Time Buyer or in rented accommodation is always the beginning the process, but if you have a property to sell, then making sure that is under offer (SSTC) will ensure that the moment you find a property you can jump straight in and make an offer.

As you can see from the graphs below, taken directly from Rightmove, more people are choosing Lawler & Co as their preferred agent than any other local agent.

To find out why, book your valuation here.

The above data is derived purely from Righmove.co.uk’s internal statistics and advertisers on 01/02/2022. May be subject to specific geography or search criteria and is provided ‘as is’ for general interest only. Rightmove makes no warranty as to the data’s suitability for any purpose and accepts no liability for any action or inaction taken as a consequence of its use. For a full list of all competing agents contact marketing@rightmove.co.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 – Reduce the stress of moving house

This week from May 10th – 16th May 2021 is Mental Health Awareness Week. In the UK approximately 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year. This week aims to get people talking about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can stop people from asking for help.

Moving home as well as exciting can also be an extremely stressful time, with two thirds of people citing it as one of the most stressful times.

At Lawler & Co, we like offer advice and listen to our customers and relieve the stress and troubles that come with moving and here we give some tips on how to help take some of the stress away from the big move.

Organisation

Start preparing for the move as soon as you can. Declutter and pack as you go. Organise possessions that you will be taking and items that you can give to charity or are no longer needed. This will help you see how much stuff you have to take to your new home. Clothing that is not needed for current season can be packed and stored away ready for moving day. Don’t leave it for the final week.

Administration

Contact your utility companies to advise them of the move and your forwarding address. Internet and TV provider set up and ready to install for when you are in your new home. There is nothing worse than no Wifi for a week! If you have to relocate to a new GP and dentist, get registered in advance. Contact Royal Mail with at least a week’s notice to advise of you change of address and if you need to redirect your mail. Book in the removal company if you need assistance on the day! Try to book well in advance. If you aren’t changing your child’s school be sure to inform them of the change of address.

Time off

If you can, book annual leave from work before and after moving day so it’s not all crammed into one day or a weekend. The day of moving is so busy, leave it clear for you able to concentrate and not stress. Allow a couple of days after to settle in and give yourself time to sort out any little errands. Give yourself time to relax a little and enjoy your new surroundings. If you have little ones, ask a friend or loved one if they can help with childcare or petcare.

Home Comforts

Ensure to have any medications and must haves close to hand, packed in a easy accessible and safe place. Pack a few home favourites that will allow you to feel more settled in your new home and not have to dig to the back of the boxes piled high in the lounge. Favourites such as a cushion, throw, book, blanket. Anything that makes you feel at home. Don’t forget the kettle,teabags, milk and mugs!

Ask for help

Moving is a big job! Be sure to ask friends and loved ones if you are struggling on your own. It’s time consuming and they will be more than happy to help! Helping pack, load boxes, childcare or making refreshments are all great ways they can help.

Moving Budget

Moving house is a big expense and often unexpected expenses can arise. Be prepared for purchases and costs that you may inccur. Don’t forget the take away on the first day!

Familiarise

Take time to familiarise yourself in your new surroundings. Go out and see what local attractions there are on your doorstep. Here in the North West we are lucky to have some amazing National Trust parks, beautiful walks, canals. Get involved in any local community social media groups to see of any upcoming events. See what recreational facilities are available.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness week is all about Nature and how important it is is for our mental health.

Go out and explore, experience nature and #ConnectWithNature.

#mentalhealthweek2021 #estateagentsuk #movinghouse

 

 

 

 

Local or Online Estate Agent? Who do you choose?

Reasons why you should use a local agent to sell property

Ready to put your home on the market but choosing the right estate agent is getting too overwhelming. What about an online agent? Should you pay for an upfront fee?Or do you approach a high street agent with an established physical presence in their local community, years of experience and unparalleled sales knowledge?

We’ve put together some reasons why Lawler and Co think a local high street estate agent is best, and in many cases provides better value for money than other offerings.

Getting the best Price!

Ever heard the saying you get what you pay for? Well, when it comes to estate agents, the same principle applies. In fact, plumping for the cheapest upfront option might be a false economy because it may cost you money in the long run.

Why? With the right tools and unrivalled street-by-street knowledge of an area, nothing beats an established local agent. We don’t just sit back and let the sale take care of itself because we’ve already been paid, as is sometimes the case with DIY or very low-cost agents. We use our expertise and in depth local knowledge to achieve the highest possible sales amount for your property.

We have an up-to-date database of local buyers who are looking for specifics such as proximity to the local schools, transport links and leisure facilities. When a well-matched property is on our books, we’ll proactively approach people who we think would be interested in viewing it. Having access to this sort of local data can make all the difference when it comes to selling a property for the right price. Some one popping into one of our offices and having a chat can also offer this opportunity!

Viewings are a must!

Viewings are one of the most crucial aspects of selling a property and while some people are comfortable in showing would-be buyers around their home, others have neither the time nor the inclination. True, some online estate agents do offer accompanied viewings but you’ll typically have to pay extra for the privilege. With all things currently restricted due to Covid19, we are now happy to provide 360 virtual tours of properties.

Check that your online agent is prepared to negotiate on your behalf: many don’t and will leave it up to you. You’ll have to decide if you’re absolutely comfortable in squeezing your buyer for the asking price you want or handling any last-minute paperwork problems.

Think Local

Choosing to market your property through a local estate agent opens up a network of trusted community contacts and services – from builders and tradespeople to conveyancers and independent mortgage advisers, all of whom will be happy to meet you face-to-face. It also means you won’t have to hand over one of the most important decisions of your life to someone on the other side of a computer.

Those hidden extras

Upfront fees may seem tempting at first glance but check very carefully to see if there aren’t any hidden extras, all of which can soon mount up. Some agents charging extra for photography, ‘for sale’ boards and, as mentioned previously, viewings.

An unbeatable combination

It’s said that not having a physical shop front and operating purely online is the future of estate agency. With over 20 years of experience in selling homes in Hazel Grove, Marple, Poynton and surrounding areas we know that having an accessible office that’s bright, welcoming and modern attracts footfall. We’re happy to be a focal point in our local community and having a physical location where people can drop by, chat to the team and find out what’s new on our books is incredibly important.

That doesn’t mean that we neglect our online presence, however. We advertise on many online platforms and like to also use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The difference is that, unlike a purely online estate agent, we don’t solely rely on these property portals to achieve sales. We like to think we offer the best of all worlds.

Our local knowledge together with our professional, dedicated sales team and marketing expertise means that our clients can feel confident and assured, you have chosen the correct estate agent to give you detailed accurate market advise on preparing your property for sale or rent for the best price

If you would like to speak to a member of our team and find out what your home is worth, please contact one of the offices below

Marple Office

36 Stockport Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6AB

Tel: 0161 914 7620
marple@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Hazel Grove Office

128 London Road
Hazel Grove
Stockport
SK7 4DJ

Tel: 0161 300 7144
hazelgrove@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Poynton Office

60 Park Lane
Poynton
Cheshire
SK12 1RE

Tel: 01625 448 001
poynton@lawlerandcompany.co.uk

Stamp Duty Holiday – What does it mean for you?

On the 8th July 2020, the government has today (8th July) unveiled a new stamp duty holiday that will run until 31st March next year. Read here for more details.

The impact has been striking but what does this mean for you?

Previously, stamp duty would have to be paid on homes sold for at least £125,000, or if a first-time buyer, on properties sold for more than £300,000.

Rishi Sunak has now raised this threshold to £500,000. Benefiting nine out of ten homebuyers paying no stamp duty at all, the average stamp duty bill falling by £4,500 and to help reinvigorate the post pandemic housing market.

Because the tax is paid after the sale of the home is finalised, even people who are midway through the process of buying a property will benefit from these changes. Buy-to-let investors and people in the market for a second home will also experience some relief due to the tax holiday, seeing a reduction to the stamp duty liability they would have otherwise have paid.

Not having to pay stamp duty means that all buyers will have more spare cash to help in the moving process, secure deposits and make renovations. Balancing a mortgage and decorating your dream home just got a little bit easier, making now the best time to dive into the property market.

With the team all now back at Lawler and Co, we are ready and waiting to answer all your queries, and help you find your perfect home.

 

allAgents Awards 2019 – Lawler and Co. win again!

Lawler and Co. win allAgents Awards 2019 in the Stockport area! Going above and beyond for their customers!

After the team being recognised in the allAgents Awards 2019 for their great customer service, we thought we would tell you all just how much we LOVE selling houses, and WHY!?

At Lawler & Co, we LOVE our jobs, we really do. We love to sell houses, we love to make our vendors happy and we love to find our buyers their dream homes.

We genuinely listen to our customers to understand their needs, whether they are selling or buying.

Looking after each sale and purchase personally, communication is key – you need to feel that you are in safe hands, and we want you to be happy!

Accompanying all viewings is standard, because we know sales. We know that potential buyers feel more comfortable asking questions with an agent, rather than a home owner. We know it works.

Taking absolute pride in marketing your property in the best possible way, with fantastic photographs and prominent branches throughout Stockport.

Our teams are all experienced and with a wealth of local knowledge can advise on anything from what day the bin collection is to what are the best local schools.

As a bespoke independent estate agency with prominent branches in Hazel Grove, Marple and Poynton we don’t believe in call centres to answer your calls. We want to offer the best personal experience from beginning to end.

Above all, we all thrive on doing a good job. When we see happy customers, we know we have done our job properly!

www.lawlerandcompany.co.uk

How much is your property worth? Is the price right?

How do you know what the right price is to put your house on the market for? Is the valuation correct? The ups and downs of the property market over the past decade makes assessing a suitable asking price a bit more difficult. It involves not only the state of the market, but also factors including the property’s condition, the level of demand, and – of course – location.

Some vendors want to try their luck at getting the highest price but overvaluing a property is the most common mistake to make and can cost a vendor dear, sitting on the market for longer than necessary and comparable homes looking to appear to be bargains when they are just priced correctly. Overpricing your property may not sell yours but may sell your neighbours!

There are ways to make sure your home goes on sale at just the right price. Here are some tips to help:

Sales prices in the area
Study the sales prices in your street and its immediate surroundings, concentrating on the last six months. The information is freely available on property websites and will give you a reasonably up to date idea of the state of the local market. Rather than look at the asking prices concentrate on the actual selling price.

Price differentials – Be aware
No two houses are the same so don’t assume you will get as much for your home as your neighbours got for theirs only last month. It is perfectly feasible for homes that sit side by side to be worth significantly different amounts.

Location Location Location
Homes close to excellent schools or transport links will sell at a premium, If they are also in good condition, with a high specification – eg with sash windows and/or engineered wood floors – they might also top local ceiling prices.

Square Footage rather than number of rooms
Estate agents base their valuations on the square footage of a property rather than the number of rooms. If your one-bedroom apartment is larger than average, buyers will pay more for it. On the downside, if it is a bit poky, a bit run down, or suffers from a blight such as being on a busy road or near the railway tracks, you’re going to have to trim your expectations.

Invest in your property
If you’ve invested in your property you can expect to get some of your money back, especially if you have added floor space. It goes without saying that a property that has enlarged or had several home improvements will achieve more than a basic like for like nieghbouring property. However be mindful that not all improvements equal an increase in price. Improvements that are too tailored to your likes could people off the increase in price.

Shop around for your Valuation.
Get valuations from at least three agents. Ask them to provide examples of what similar properties have sold for – they will have even more up to date information than the online portals.

Highest Valuation isn’t always best!
Don’t necessarily go with the highest valuation you receive. If a valuation seems too good to be true, it probably is. The first six to eight weeks are the optimum selling time.

If you are considering a move please call into one of our friendly offices or telephone your local branch and we can arrange for one of our valuers to visit your home and provide a free no obligation valuation. Click here for more information.

Are you waiting to go on the market?

Are you wating to find somewhere before going on the market?

This is a question we hear time and time again when we are going out on valuations, and we understand that it is a big decision to decide to move without sight of anything you would like to buy. However, our advise would always be to test the market with your property and if you do sell quickly then we are here to help you find your onward purchase.

There is a shortage of properties hitting the market across the whole of Stockport, one possible reason for this could be that home owners are waiting to see their onward purchase before putting their house up for sale, causing a stagnation in the available stock. If sellers can be encouraged to market their property before finding somewhere, then the stock of available properties will increase across the board, meaning that you have a greater chance of finding somewhere for your onward move.