Businesses, especially small business and startups have been suffering from uncertainty and indecision due to the Brexit vote in 2016 says Forbes. If it never happened the UK economy would up as much as 2.5 percent (Financial Times).

Real Estate Sales Volume Down

Confidence is at an all time low and while the Real Estate sales sector is used to the steep highs and lows, associated with booms and busts of the property cycle, it’s an industry that is at its gloomiest in 10 years says The Guardian.

The property sales figures are at their slowest rate since July 2013 according to government data, the article says. This is a time, where there is no precedent, as there has never been a Brexit, and therefore there is no way to predict what is going to happen next.

Feast or Famine?

Real estate agents are uncharacteristically pessimistic at this time. It’s a famine so to speak of huge proportions and the lack of uncertainty and property buyer affordability is chocking the UK Housing sector.

Strong growth in sales prices for six or more years particularly in London and the south east and also East Anglia and the south west has pushed up sales prices and now many home owners are frankly stretched. This is a warning that new home buyers are taking heed of.

Prospective buyers don’t want to get into risky debt level territory. This is a time where there is a higher risk to their job security so they are shying away from taking a leap of faith in the property market until they know the Brexit outcome.

Britain’s divorce from the E.U. has been delayed and so too any news of what’s coming next for the U.K.

Real Estate Agents Can Be Optimistic

While many owner-occupier home buyers are sitting on the fence, desperate vendors lowering the price to get a sale will attract another type of buyer – property investors.

Cashed Up Property Investors

Landlords are always looking for a bargain, i.e. a rental property to add to their portfolio. It’s a time cashed up property investors will buy properties, often more than one, when they can get them, less than their expected market value.

So there is opportunity for real state sales agents even in the tough times.

Experienced landlords have higher appetite for risk or put another way; indebtedness, than your average home buyer, so they will be less concerned with Brexit.

Lenders too, understand the investor’s mindset and they have a lending formula for landlords. When numbers work, i.e. debt servicing and LVR loan to value ratio), the funds are made available to investors and they go house shopping.

This is a time landlords aka investors also look for do-ups, i.e. homes that need renovating. Therefore real estate agents can if not do well, survive in the current market. They will need to work harder and smarter but the rewards are there for the savvy agents who change tact and create a niche in the investor end of the market.

Dealing with a listing agent, either as a vendor selling a property, or as a prospective buyer, keen to purchase, can be challenging and stressful.

So how do you find out who the real estate agent is working for, and how can you protect your interests in the property?

In this article, we will look at your options as a vendor selling your home and also what you can do as a prospective purchaser.

What you may not know is not all real estate agents are honest some go rogue, and work outside the rules at their client’s expense.

Over the years, agents have been reported to authorities, for all sorts of dodgy activity. The most common include: encouraging vendors to sell their property for less than market value and persuading motivated buyers to pay more for a property than it’s worth.

Vendor Relationship

When you’re the vendor who has engaged the Agent, most likely you believe you’ve chosen well and your agent is working for you not a prospective purchaser so it would be a shock to learn otherwise.

In most situations this is the way it works, however not always and too often the agent’s own personal agenda gets in the way of doing the right thing and playing the rules.

Property market conditions can and do change the motivations of all parties involved in property sales.

Therefore as the Vendor you need to make sure you have gone the extra mile in your agent selection process. Where the market is in the property cycle does impact on the well-being of the agents and their actions accordingly.

Boom

In a buoyant property market, sales prices are rising, and there are lots of listings, therefore even the less successful agents can make a living during this phase. This usually means they’re not desperate for the sales commission, so arguably you can probably escape a bad deal being done during the boom.

Slump

In a slump there are generally less property listings as property owners hold until the market turns and they can get a better price. Agents that are less successful can go weeks if not months with a sale and it’s during the tough times that desperation can make some people take extraordinary risks. Vendors need to know markets can change quickly, so it’s your job to choose your agent and their agency wisely.

Research

Do your research on the agent and their agency every time you sell a property. Ask better questions when you’re interviewing them. Seek to learn what they are good at, how they plan to market and sell your property. What you’re looking for is non standard sales speak. They should also have come prepared so they can show you their success with selling properties similar to yours.

Market Knowledge

Most important is sounding out their knowledge of the market’s phase in the property cycle and their specific local knowledge of listings and sales. Here are a few questions:

• How well do they know their area and what’s happening in it?
• When did they last sell a property similar to yours?
• How long did it take?
• What could be done to shorten the time your property is on the market?

Strategy and Plan

Finally as a vendor, make sure the agent’s goals for your house sale align with your own. An agreement needs to be reached between you and the agent on the condition of your property, and the expected sales price. Agents may suggest some cosmetic work, to modernise or refresh the property. Painting walls, home staging and maybe landscaping to create a welcoming entrance.

Condition of the property

At the same time the agent should be able to give you a guesstimate on how much you need to spend and how much more profit is likely to achieve due to the investment. Of course you’re not going to hold them to it and you’d get quotes from the service providers doing the work, but this extra input does separate the good from the average or extraordinary from the ordinary.

Marketing

Understand how your home will be marketed, both offline and online. Review the marketing copy and photos, and make sure it’s what you expect from it. Remember the plan is to get your home sold, in good time for the right price.

Prospective Purchaser Relationship

From a purchaser’s prospective it’s best to assume the listing Agent is working for the vendor not you. Their commission comes from the property sale and it is the vendor that has chosen the agent over his or her peers. This doesn’t mean you’ll have no influence, remember the property cycle does change how an Agent may interact with purchasers. Quieter times call for a different approach therefore know where the market is in the property cycle.

Market Conditions

What happening in the area you are looking to buy a property? Not all cities or regions are in the same phase of the property cycle.

Property sales prices can be going upwards in one city (boom phase) and dropping in another area (slump phase). So it’s important to know what’s happening where you’re looking to buy as well as have a broader view of the national and global environment. Consider everything that may change the stability of the house price so you can purchase well.

Property Sales Analysis

‘Knowledge is power’ and you can use it before you deal with listing agents.

Do your research before you find the home you want to buy.

The more you understand the local area and recent sales activity as well as what’s on the market for sale; the easier it is, to make sure you pay the right price irrespective of whom you deal with as part of the sales process.

Buying a home is a big ticket item so it’s not the time to be seen as a novice. Yes, it may be your first home purchase but you can be confident when you know what’s happening.

Finally, always seek professional legal advice and it’s always a good idea to communicate with your accountant too before you sign an agreement to buy a property.

Summary

Being a vendor or a buyer is no guarantee you’ll be on the right side of a property deal.

The more you know about the property market, and your own circumstances, the more confidence you will have in making the right decision. The aim is to avoid asking the question: Did my agent just rip me off?

According to the National Association of Realtors, homebuyers purchased about 5.51 million existing homes in 2017. Data by the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that 612,000 newly constructed homes were also sold.

The 2018 National Association of Realtors Profile further reports that For Sale By Owner (FSBO) accounted for seven percent of the total sales. What does that mean for FSBO homes?

Whether the statistics are accurate or exaggerated, FSBO has a stake to control in real estate. One reason why FSBO sales are usually low is that many homeowners shy away from the convolutions of selling a property. However, it is not impossible to sell without involving a Realtor.

Do you have a home that you are looking to sell? We will advise you on how to do it yourself.

Let’s first look at the perks of FSBO.

Benefits of FSBO

Here are some of the advantages of FSBO you need to know.

1. No Commissions

The hope for every property seller is to generate the highest revenue possible from the sale. You can achieve this by bypassing real estate agents. Involving them means parting with about 5 to 7 percent of the proceeds in commission.

2. You Gain Full Control over the Sale

FSBO allows you to make all the decisions. You don’t have to go by anyone’s opinions regarding pricing, marketing, negotiation, and so on. However, you must be knowledgeable to avoid making costly mistakes.

3. You Can Make Maximum Commitment

Real estate agents deal with multiple sales at a go. They sometimes focus on properties that are likely to sell quickly or give them a handsome commission. When selling by yourself, you can devote maximum energy and time to making the sale.

4. In-Depth Knowledge about the Home

No one knows your house better than yourself. You can champion for it from an owners perspective, unlike an agent who has never lived in it.

How to Do an Ideal FSBO

The following guideline will help you to sell your FSBO homes without the aid of a real estate broker.

1. Price Your Home Reasonably

First off, understand the value of your home. You can utilize the internet to have an idea of the average price of similar properties in your neighborhood.

Consider any noteworthy improvements you have done that can raise the price. Water damage can degrade your house significantly, but you can learn some valuable selling points from this website.

Let your asking price be realistic to avoid chasing away potential home buyers.

2. Pursue MLS Listing

A multiple listings database (MLS) is a system that shows properties for sale in the real estate industry. It’s open to realtors, but prospective buyers in some areas can also access it.

You can pay a real estate agent a flat fee to list your property instead of paying a percentage of the eventual sale. Search the internet for ‘flat fee MLS’ to find a Realtor who offers the service in your region.

3. Advertise Your Property

Market using posters, brochures, social media, Craigslist, FSBO.com, and so on. There is no limit to the advertisement methods you can use. You may incur some costs, but they will be an insignificant percentage of a real estate agent’s commission.

4. Include Essential Information in Your Ads

An ad that lacks the selling points of a product does not sell. The same happens when selling your home.

Include the location, price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, and what makes the house special. Borrow ideas from Craigslist and Realtors’ websites for an overview of the essential details in a real estate ad.

Specifics like the finishing or size of windows may look trivial, but they entice some of the potential buyers.

5. Clean the House Thoroughly

Whether you are holding an open house or you are showing the house to interested buyers, create a good first impression. Let them get the best image of your home.

Clean the rooms thoroughly including scrubbing the linoleum, bathroom floors, and kitchen counters. Shampoo the carpets and wipe the available appliances.

Also, keep most of your personal effects out of sight. The aim here is to leave the house sparkling clean and uncluttered.

6. Schedule an Open house

An open house in real estate refers to a period during which a house stays open for prospective buyers to view it. Create awareness about the open house through advertising and networking with friends.

Be sure to have refreshments for the attendants and prepare some brochures for them to take home.

When the house is full of visitors, run a Facebook live stream as you sell your home to the audience. The video might spread spontaneously, and you start receiving calls within no time.

If you stay at home during the day, potential buyers can find you there. Otherwise, keep a key in a lock box and identify the individuals who visit before disclosing the code.

Be sure to answer phone calls and call back in case you are unavailable.

7. Perform Negotiations Diligently

Negotiations come in the form of a contract. If you disagree, you can review it and resubmit it to the buyer. Consider involving an attorney if you aren’t conversant. Don’t express your financial woes lest the buyer takes advantage of your circumstance.

8. Comply with the Law

Some laws apply across the country while others control property sales at the state level. For instance, it is an offense to discriminate against a buyer for reasons like religion or race. Familiarize yourself with every regulation and policy.

You may be lucky to find some sample agreements online. You can borrow from them. However, seek the approval of a real estate attorney to be on the safe side.

FSBO Homes – Final Thoughts

The perks of selling your home through FSBO are evident. You save a tremendous amount of money by keeping brokers at bay. However, the effort is not worth if the listing price is absurdly low.

For people with some background in real estate, FSBO is an excellent way of selling property. You can close the sale like any other Realtor with a little help from a real estate attorney.

What’s your opinion on FSBO homes? Feel free to leave your comment below.

When it’s time to sell your home, there are a few factors that will determine what you’ll get. Property value, market value, and much more.

But what determines your property’s value?

There are many things that can help, or hinder, the value of your home. Some things you can control, other’s you cannot. To find out what makes property value decrease, keep reading.

What Makes Property Value Decrease?

Whether selling or thinking about investing, you should know what decreases home value. Here is a list of things for which to look.

1. Your Neighborhood

The state of your neighborhood isn’t yours to control, and that makes things difficult. It doesn’t seem fair that your home value could hinge on what others do with theirs. But, it’s an unfortunate truth.

If your neighbors have trashy yards, or if the HOA doesn’t enforce standards, it can look bad for everyone. Before buying a new home, take a drive around to look at the homes. You should also talk with the HOA and find out how strict they are.

2. Your Curb Appeal

What hurts property value most? Your curb appeal plays a large part, and it’s something you can control.

Curb appeal can hinder value through a few different ways:

• Your yard– weeds, yellow grass, and dirt patches
• Your paint– peeling paint or a bad color
• House siding– mold growing on siding
• Your Roof– missing shingles, wrong shingle type or color
• Your vehicle– chipped paint, non-working car, car parts

These things might cost money to fix, but they’ll be worth it. Fix up your yard, paint your house, and protect your paint job on the car. It might not seem like it, but these are factors in how people perceive how you’ve treated the property.

3. The Interior

When you get an appraisal, they’ll look at every nook to value your home. Any water damage, cracks, or foundation issues are recorded. But the interior paint jobs and installations will be too.

Before getting an appraisal, make sure you remove all mold and water damage. Also, check the faucets, the hoses, and appliances to make sure everything is in working order. Remember that everything counts when it comes to valuing your home.

4. The Surrounding Market

When it comes to the value of your home, the value of other people’s homes factors in. The market value around you is a direct reflection of how much you can expect to get.

If you’re able to put in an extreme amount of work, it can raise the percentage. But, in most cases, your home won’t exceed the area in which it’s selling. That’s something you should often keep in mind before buying.

More About Selling Property

Knowing what makes property value decrease gives you an edge. You’ll know what to look for, and it can put you ahead of other homeowners looking to sell. It’s all about being wise to what contributes to property value.

Want more advice on selling your property? Here are some remodeling ideas to help your home’s value.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, 2019 is the best time to do it. This year is predicted to be a better time to sell your home than 2020 or 2021.

But your home probably needs some upgrades before you put it on the market.

The first part of your home to start with should be the kitchen.

Why?

We’ve come up with a complete guide about the benefits of renovating your kitchen and the top 10 kitchen remodel ideas that’ll help you sell.

So keep reading below!

Why You Should Always Renovate Your Kitchen Before Selling

If you’re trying to get the most out of your home when you sell it, you should always focus on kitchen renovations first.

Why?

Because 80 percent of buyers say the kitchen is the most important space they look for in a new home. And 69 percent of buyers are willing to pay more money for an updated kitchen.

Before remodeling the living room or even the bathroom, spend some time on your kitchen first. Depending on the type of renovations you make, you can get a return on investment from your kitchen remodel that’s as high as 81 percent.

But that’s only if you make the right changes.

That’s why it’s important to follow the kitchen renovation rule.

Let’s Talk Money: The Kitchen Renovation Rule

It’s easy to lose money in a kitchen remodel, especially if you’re about to sell your home.

So don’t let yourself get carried away during your kitchen renovation.

Instead, focus on minor upgrades that will make a big difference and pay for themselves when you sell. Don’t start major renovations if you know you won’t have a high return on investment. Otherwise, you’ll be dumping thousands of dollars down the drain.

Plan the renovations you want before you start, set a budget, and stick to it. This will ensure you get the most for your money.

10 Kitchen Remodel Ideas to Help Sell Your Home

With all this information in mind, how do you pick the best kitchen remodel ideas when it comes time to sell your home? The right renovations depend on the location and condition of your home.

For example, did you just upgrade your appliances last year? If so, it might be a good idea to focus your money on the countertops or cabinets instead.

We’ve put together a quick list of 10 kitchen renovations to get you started.

So let’s take a closer look.

1. Expand Your Space

The kitchen is the most important room in a home. It’s not just a place to cook dinner anymore, it’s a place for friends and family to gather.

Because of this, people are looking for large kitchens with plenty of space when they move. One of your main kitchen renovation priorities should be making your kitchen look as big as possible.

There are a few different ways to do this.

Play with the layout of your kitchen. Sometimes just moving the refrigerator or dishwasher can free up a bunch of space. Natural light and white paint can also give the illusion of space, even in a small kitchen.

Open shelving can also give the appearance of space in a tight kitchen. On top of that, open shelving is a modern look that is on trend right now.

2. Update Your Counters

Your countertops are one of the most visual parts of your kitchen, so they have to look nice. Many buyers will pay more for a kitchen with granite countertops, but that’s not your only option.

Pick something that ties into the rest of your kitchen. This could include quartz, marble, stainless steel, butcher block, glass, concrete, etc.

You can also think of the different features that come with each countertop material when you’re making your decision. Marble is a great choice for bakers. Stainless steel fits well in a more industrial type kitchen.

Spend some time thinking about what buyers are looking for.

3. Add an Island

An island is two things in one: it gives your kitchen more sitting/dining space and it provides an extra work surface.

And they do this without taking up a lot of space.

Depending on the type of island you choose, you can even include extra storage space underneath. Lack of storage space is a common problem in many kitchens, so adding an island can be your solution.

4. Play with Color

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be stark white. In fact, color in the kitchen is making a comeback.

Let yourself experiment with different colors. Green is a popular choice for 2019.

But don’t limit your colors to the walls. You can add color to your kitchen cabinets, your countertops, and even your appliances. That’s right, colored appliances are cool again.

Just be careful with the colors you choose. No one wants a repeat of the 70s kitchens.

5. Freshen up Your Cabinets

Like your kitchen countertops, kitchen cabinets are one of the most visual parts of your kitchen. They also happen to be at eye level, so if they’re old or worn out, buyers will be able to tell.

If your cabinets have seen better days, you might want to buy and install new ones. Cabinets that are still in relatively good condition may just need a fresh coat of paint to spruce up.

Want to try something different?

Two-toned cabinets are in style and give your kitchen a sophisticated range of colors.

6. Install New Flooring

Don’t forget about what’s underneath your feet. The floor you choose can make or break a kitchen.

The floor should be durable and easy to maintain. Hardwood or tile floor is always a popular choice for buyers.

But don’t just focus on the material. Think about the color. Does the shade of wood tie into the rest of your kitchen? Does it provide a nice contrast from the dark cabinets?

Your floor can be its own statement piece that can transform the overall look of your kitchen.

7. Upgrade Your Appliances

Remember, buyers are willing to pay extra money for updated appliances. Because of this, new appliances should be at the top of your renovation list.

Energy-saving appliances are a good option to consider.

You can choose a water-saving dishwasher, an energy efficient microwave, a STAR-certified refrigerator, etc. These appliances will make your kitchen look sleek and modern, but they’ll also save buyers money in the long run.

New appliances are definitely an attention-grabbing renovation.

8. Lighten the Space Up

You should let as much natural light into your kitchen as possible. While this makes the room feel larger, it also brightens up the space.

This makes it easier for people to see when they’re cooking, cutting, or baking. Add plenty of windows if you have enough wall space, and think about including a skylight if you don’t.

But don’t forget about the light fixtures.

When the sun goes down, people still have to be able to see what they’re doing. Take the time to learn more about different lighting options. You might want to consider installing extra lights over the island, under the cabinets, over the table, etc.

9. Add a Backsplash

A backsplash allows you to add some color and style into your kitchen. It also protects the walls from food splashes and stains.

Is your kitchen lacking in the outlet department?

Adding a backsplash gives you the perfect opportunity to add a few more outlets. Since many kitchen appliances require electricity, accessible outlets are a must.

10. Get Creative with Storage Space

Finding enough storage space for your pots and pans, cooking utensils, food, and other necessary kitchen items can be a constant battle. Look for places in your kitchen that aren’t being used and turn them into storage space.

These spots don’t have to be big.

Do you have a small space between the fridge and the wall? Add a pull-out shelving unit. Turn the space between the bottom of your cabinets and the floor into narrow drawers.

These additions can attract buyers who’ve previously lived with a small kitchen space.

How to Update Your Kitchen and Sell Your Home in Style

If you want to get the most out of your home when selling, you need to focus your attention on your kitchen. This is the most-used room in the home, and it’s a place buyers are looking for both convenience and style.

But that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your money on a total remodel. Instead, put your attention on some of these minor kitchen remodel ideas instead.

They will give you a higher return on investment and add value to your home.

Are you looking for some other ways to add value to your home before selling? Click here to learn about other important home improvements.

Moving home is just something you’re going to have to do at some point in your life. Whether you’re moving home to get out of your parents home, or whether you’re moving home because you just need a new place, it’s a step in life we all have to take at some point or another.

But talking about moving home is a very different story, because we all know how stressful it can actually get. That’s why just talking about it can be enough to put a person off because they just knows what’s coming. It’s enough to put fear into even the strongest of person, especially when or if you have a family follow close behind you.

All of the sudden you’re not just moving for yourself or for your partner, you’re moving to give your children a better life, and they should always be kept in mind. But, children or not children, we want to touch on the sore and stressful subject that is moving, and we want to give you a few tips on how you can make everything that little bit easier.

Think Of Your Reasons

Before you think about your move and put yourself through what you know is still going to be a stressful time whether you follow our tips or not, you have to think about your reasons. It’s no secret that it’s going to be expensive, and there might be ways of making it cheaper if your reason for moving is because you’re struggling to afford the mortgage that you’re paying at the minute, then you really need to think about the home you’re going to move into.

Because even if it’s smaller and you know that your home is worth more a month at the minute, there could be other factors that make it more expensive. It could be a further commute to school, the tax could be more expensive, and it could even be more expensive to run if it’s a more modern home. So think about your reasons, and think about what you’re going to go for. All of the time you should be doing calculations to ensure you’re making the right move for you! You also need to think about your current home at the minute, and if there’s anything you can do to increase the value of it slightly before you move.

We don’t mean spending a ton of money on renovations, but you could spruce the place up a bit. Simply making it look more modern by changing the decor and adding in some cute accessories could increase the value. A home that looks as though it hasn’t been cared for before is a home that’s definitely going to be valued less. Even to the point of making sure the front lawn is nice and tidy, and the front of your home is painted so it looks nice and fresh.

When You’re In A Total Rush

Sometimes you’re just going to be in a complete rush to sell your home and move out due to whatever circumstances you might have. It could be that you’ve been told you’re expecting, and you need a new home asap to get settled in before your newborn comes. It could be that you’ve found out you’ve got a new job and you need to move closer, or it could be that the home you’re in is just horrible, you can’t stand anything about it, and you need to get out as quick as you possibly can.

When you need to sell your house this quickly, it might be worth contacting companies who can buy your house outright for you, giving you a quick sale without any of the hassle that you’d go through if you were to do it through an estate agent. You would then be able to look for a home that’s also looking for a quick sale without any chain, meaning they’re looking to move straight away as well.

Does this not just sound like the easy life? Yes, you might not get as much as you would if you were to wait for it to be valued by an estate agent, and then take offers from whoever comes, but the difference shouldn’t be so much that you lose out on a lot of money! Just make sure you’re getting a fair price, and that you get things in order that you will need for your next home before you even think about contacting a quick sale story!

Managing Those Inevitable Stresses

We have to say that when the stress of a move does come, it can feel like the whole weight of the world is resting on your shoulders. Unluckily for you, the whole world around you doesn’t stop, and you still have to go to work, look after your family, or have a social life… it all just gets a little too much! But, half of the time it is you that will be causing the problem, and a lack of organisation plays a big part with this.

You need to make sure you’ve got everything in order moneywise, and a big plan in place before you even put your home on the market. If you put backup plans in place to ensure you’re covered through everything, it should take a little bit of the stress away. We also think it’s important to rely on others if you do have children. Make sure your parents or your partner’s parents can care for them to give you the space you need to sort the move. There’s nothing worse than trying to juggle it as well as kids who don’t understand the stress of moving!

Once The Formalities Are Over

Once all of the formatilities of the move are over, we think it’s just super important that you focus on settling in. Take some time off work so that you can relax and enjoy your new home, and actually get settled into it. We feel so many people don’t even bother to take some time to actually enjoy their home, they just spend the first few weeks rushing around trying to juggle everything, and then finding the home a big ball of stress again.