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What part does a conveyancing Lawyer play in the home-buying and selling process?

Conveyancing and home buying and selling process with a LawyerMany conveyancing law firms in Scotland also double as real estate agencies. They’ll be in charge of selling your house, coordinating the first transactions, haggling with prospective purchasers, handling the legal aspects of the sale, and setting up searches.These solicitor estate agents are often Solicitors and Property Centers members and are subject to the rules of the Law Society of Scotland. Although there are more conventional estate agents in Scotland than in the rest of the UK, their market share is smaller.The Law Society of Scotland’s recommendations are made to lessen the possibility of gazumping. A conveyancer is not permitted to accept another offer on the property once they have accepted one on behalf of the seller.The seller’s lawyer must stop representing them if another offer is made and the seller decides to accept it. To complete the deal, the seller will then need to hire a different conveyancing attorney. This lengthens the process of buying or selling a home and may increase the price of the transaction.What is note of interest is what?Once you have identified a house in Scotland that you would want to buy, you must hire a solicitor who can express your interest in writing to the selling agent. This does not obligate you to make the purchase, but it will ensure that you are kept informed of any changes, such as when an offer must be made.You will also be informed of the closing date, after which the seller will no longer accept offers on the property. After that, the buyer will choose which offer to accept.What exactly is a HomeReport?The seller of the house must provide a home report if you find the property you’re looking for in Scotland. A home report must be given to any potential buyers because it is legally required for anyone marketing a home in Scotland.When getting ready to sell a home, sellers will need to factor in the price of a Home Report.This paper includes an energy assessment, a property questionnaire, and information on important characteristics of the home that buyers should be aware of. The 16 areas of the Property Questionnaire are intended to provide the buyer with extra details about the property, such as the home’s council tax band.An Energy Performance Certificate from the Energy Report serves as the energy efficiency data for the house. The buyer is informed of the energy use as well as the expected average cost of the home’s heating, lighting, and hot water.The Energy Report analyses the property’s carbon dioxide emissions’ impact on the environment and lists contacts for assistance on how to make your house more energy-efficient and cut down on your fuel expenses.Potential buyers have access to the Home Report, but if you like, you can also organise your own private survey. Remember that this will increase the price of buying a house.How Do Missives Work?Missives are a string of letters that the buyer’s and seller’s attorneys exchange in order to discuss and settle on the specifics of the deal. In England and Wales, this is the same as exchanging contracts. The parties involved agree to a number of terms and conditions in these letters, and the seller formally accepts the buyer’s offer.Until “the end of missives,” also known as a qualified acceptance, these letters will be exchanged between the parties. Be advised that you must cancel a sale in Scotland prior to the end of missives if you wish to do so. After the last missive has been sent, neither the buyer nor the seller may back out of the deal.How Long Does Conveyancing Usually Take in Scotland?Although a precise timeline for the conveyancing procedure is impossible to determine, Scotland is thought to have a shorter conveyancing process than the rest of the UK.In Scotland, purchasing a home may take between four and eight weeks, as opposed to the eight to twelve weeks it typically takes in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Be advised that depending on the situation, some transactions may take longer than others.How Much Do Scottish Conveyancing Fees Cost?The size and cost of the property under consideration will have a significant impact on the conveyancing costs in Scotland. Conveyancing costs for purchasing a home in the Scotland are typically around £1,000, and £1,000 for selling one. Using our expereince this is abased on the average value of a property in Lanarkshire of £165,000.The fee above includes conveyancing expenditures which is legally required for buying and selling a house. These are expenses that your lawyer will cover on your behalf; you will be responsible for paying those expenses back. Included in this are necessary conveyancing searches, also known as property searches, which range in price from £100 to £400. Bear in mind that every transaction is unique, and your lawyer will be able to provide you an exact price.What is Land Buildings and Transaction Tax mean?In Scotland, Land Building and Transaction Tax (LBTT) is similar to Stamp Duty. In April 2015, LBTT replaced Stamp Duty Land Tax, and it is managed by Revenue Scotland with assistance from Registers of Scotland (RoS). Your attorney will typically pay LBTT on your behalf.LBTT must be paid on all residential and commercial land and building transactions for properties valued more than a specified amount, just like Stamp Duty and the Land Transaction Tax in Wales. Within certain tax bands, tax is due at various rates on each component of the purchase price.Scottish properties costing up to £145,000 won’t be subject to LBTT. First-time buyers can also take advantage of a relief that raised the residential nil rate bracket of the LBTT to £175,000 for them. This means that if you are a first-time buyer, houses at this price or below will not be subject to LBTT.The following list of current rates and bands for residential LBTT as confirmed in The First of April 2021: There are some exemptions.Purchase price LBTT rate Up to £145,000 0% £145,001 to £250,000 2% £250,001 to £325,000 5% £325,001 to £750,000 10% Over £750,000 12%The Scottish Additional Dwelling Supplement may be applicable when purchasing a home. The LBTT Additional Residence Supplement (ADS), which is due on the entire purchase price of an additional dwelling (like a second home or buy-to-let) of £40,000 or more, went into effect on 1 April 2016. This is assessed at 4% of the total cost of the residence. i.e., a £100,000 buy-to-let purchase will result in an ADS fee of £4,000.

31 Aug 2023

Selling Your Home In a Day?

So often we read about properties selling in one day or record prices being achieved after just 48 hours of marketing. As much as this may appear to be fantastic we are in a unique market just now. In some circumstances selling in a day is the best option for the seller. We aim to ensure all our sellers achieve the best outcome. Is selling in a day really going to achieve this? Selling your property to the first person that has offered may leave you wondering "Could I have got a better price?" Property platforms and social media Has the home been appearing on all the property platforms and social media long enough to reach a full buying audience? Our clients properties are showcased on as many property and social media platforms possible. If there are 6 potential buyers after one day of viewing imagine the outcome after 3 viewing days. The number of buyers are massively outweighing the number of houses for sale. Make the most of this and ensure your property achieves the best price possible. Have all potential buyers viewed the property? Make your estate agent work for you! It is important that you are comfortable with the selling process and we appreciate that numerous days of viewing can be tiring for the seller. Whether you want to make yourself scarce and let us do all the work or get knees deep in viewings the choice is yours. Get the best price for your home by giving potential buyers the opportunity to view. With buyers outweighing sellers you are more likely to have more people looking to view your home, which most often than not results in more people offering to buy your home. If you have several parties interested you can set a closing which encourages buyers to go in with their best and final price, meaning you get the best outcome. If you would prefer to be present when the viewings are taking place that can also be arranged. We also don't charge an extra fee for accompanied viewings. Closing date This is simply the date set by the seller and their Estate Agent for any buyers interested in making an offer. You would set a closing date once a property has more than 1 buyer wishing to offer. All interested parties will be invited to bring their best and final bids to the estate agent before the closing date. As all bids are blind, the buyer generally bids high to be in the best position to secure the purchase. It is the fairest way to settle competing offers and the benefit to you, the seller.....you will achieve a far higher price. Get the best price for your home with Lanarkshire Law Estate agent Selling your home doesn't have to be stressful. We work hard to take the stress out of selling your home from the very beginning. Our passion is to do all the hard work so you don't have to! Book you free valuation now! https://lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk/property-valuation/ https://www.facebook.com/LanarkshireLawEstateAgents https://www.facebook.com/LanarkshireLaw

31 Aug 2023

What should you consider when choosing an estate agent?

Choosing the right estate agent is the most important decision you will make when selling your property. The estate agent you choose will affect how long it takes to sell your property, how much your property will sell for and how smoothly the sale goes.  Valuations Watch out for estate agents who give inflated valuations because they want you to instruct them. Overpriced properties often take longer to sell and the price nearly always has to be dropped before serious buyers will become interested.  Valuing a home is a real skill that good estate agents hone over a number of years. They need to assess the value of your property based on its location, condition, the current economic and market conditions, buyer demand and any unique features that may increase or decrease the value. Marketing Proactive agents don't just advertise on Rightmove. They maintain an up-to-date database of clients who are actively looking to purchase properties and will know the position they are in to proceed. They engage with potential clients through social media and utilise a mixture of traditional marketing (local property magazines, window displays etc.) with modern online marketing across a variety of platforms.  Handling Offers  Good estate agents will take time to ensure that they are aware of the financial position of your potential buyers. They will find out things such as have they been pre-approved for a mortgage? Do they have a property to sell and if so what stage are they at with that? If their property is under offer are they in a chain? Are they keen enough about your property to be flexible with exchange and completion dates? Great estate agents will then be able to advise you as to whether it would be wise to accept an offer or whether there may be other offers that are better due to the buyer's ability to proceed with the purchase.   Progressing the sale Once an offer has been accepted many estate agents will pass responsibility for dealing with the sale onto the solicitors. However, this can lead to delays, communication problems and frustration.  Proactive estate agents, like myself, will help to push through the sale as soon as possible by liaising with the buyers, sellers and their solicitors to ensure that you are able to move into your new home as quickly and as hassle-free as possible.  If you are considering putting your property on the market give us a call on 01698 441327 to find out why we think we are the best choice to sell your property.

31 Aug 2023

How to improve your property\'s kerb appeal

Whether you are looking to sell your property or simply wish to make your home look more inviting to visitors the very first thing you should consider is often the one most people overlook. They are so busy thinking about their interior decor and the tidiness of their homes that they often forget that the very first thing that people see is the front of their property. If your home's kerb appeal could do with being spruced up but you're not sure where to start then don't worry we have a few tips that will help you to take the front of your property from drab to fab in no time.  Front garden If you have a front garden then ensure that the grass is neatly mown. Clear your path of weeds and use a pressure washer to make it look its best. If you have borders make sure that they are weeded and plant some nice flowers to help to make your home look visually attractive.  Front Door If the paint is starting to peel off of your front door or the hardware like the handle or knocker are looking a bit old and unloved then visitors may get the impression that the rest of your home is uncared for too. Treat your door to a fresh coat of paint and a shiny new door handle/knocker and your door will go from creating a sense of foreboding to a welcoming entrance. House number Make sure that your house number is clearly visible. This will help both visitors and delivery drivers! If your house number is looking a bit old and tatty, consider replacing it with a shiny new one that reflects the care you take of your property.  Windows Clean windows not only maximise the amount of natural light that you get inside your home but they also affect the feel of your home from the outside. Clean windows make a home look cared for and a loved home will always have more kerb appeal than a neglected one.  Exterior Lights Many potential viewers will do a drive-by viewing before deciding whether to view the inside of your property. Due to working hours most of these will be done in the evening and most guests to your home will also visit in the evening so ensuring that your exterior lights are all working is essential to ensure that your home is bathed in welcoming light not shrouded in darkness.  Gates, fences and hedges Check your garden gate and fence are in good condition. Oil the hinges and check the latch is in good working order. Replace broken fence panels and neatly trim any hedges.  Garage While your visitors/viewers will not be entering your property through your garage doors they do affect the first impression that they will have of your home so make sure that they are in good condition and consider sprucing them up with a fresh coat of paint if necessary. Potential buyers will want to take a look in your garage so make sure that it is clean and tidy.  If you would like more advice on how to improve your Lanarkshire property's kerb appeal please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01698 441327 and we will be delighted to help you.

31 Aug 2023

Is the housing market about to flop?

There have been lots of mutterings in the media about how the housing market is going to be affected by the cost of living crisis and most of them paint a rather bleak picture. However, the media does not dictate the state of the housing market, homebuyers and sellers do and currently we at Lanarkshire Law are still experiencing high levels of demand for every single property that we list.  Despite the rising cost of living, demand for properties in the month of May was more than double what it was in the same period prior to the pandemic.  When the pandemic began and the country was sent into lockdown there were bleak prophecies made then too about how the housing market would be affected but instead of house prices plummeting they instead soared. Lockdowns had an effect on people's priorities and made them reassess their lifestyle with many deciding a house move was their next best step. Since then house prices have continued to rise. Indeed according to Rightmove's June Price Index in June the property market had a fifth record breaking price increase this year.  There was a 13% increase in the number of sellers in June this year compared to June 2021 which combined with the cost of living crisis may slow down the rapid increase in property prices. However, Rightmove has revised its annual growth forecast upwards from the 5% it predicted at the beginning of the year to 7% demonstrating that the market certainly isn't about to flop anytime soon.  The increase in the number of sellers will be a relief to buyers who have been struggling to find a suitable property in this fast paced market. However, they should not be lulled into thinking that this means that competition for properties will be reduced. Tim Bannister, Rightmove's Director of Property Science wrote "We're hearing from agents that though they might have had slightly fewer enquirers for each property in recent months, they're still seeing significant interest from multiple buyers and are achieving successful sales". Therefore if you are looking to buy a property it is still very important that you put yourself in as attractive a position as possible in order to increase the likelihood that a seller will select your offer. Ensuring that you have already accepted an offer on your own property and getting pre-approved for a mortgage are becoming necessities in order for your offer to be taken seriously in the current market.  The rush to move created by the pandemic has caused a large backlog for conveyancers and the period of time that it is taking to move from having your offer accepted to reaching completion day is currently 150 days. This is being blamed on the fact that there are 44% more properties that are currently sold subject to contract, with buyers awaiting completion, than there were during the same period in 2019. This means that if you would like to be in your new home in time for Christmas you need to be putting your property on the market now. Deciding when to sell your home is a very personal decision. If you have been considering moving in Lanarkshire and are not sure if now is the right time please do give us a call on 01698 441327 and we will be delighted to have an honest conversation with you to help you decide what is best for you and your family.

31 Aug 2023

Estate Agents Near Me

Looking for a Home Near Me and Estate Agents Near Me? As per ongoing figures, house costs in Scotland are up by almost 11% in the year to March 2022. In Scotland, house costs rose by 10.6% throughout the year to March 2022, contrasted and an ascent of 10.2 % in England, 11% in Wales and 6% in Northern Ireland. Following the lockdown in March 2020, and the near closing of the property market until June that year, remotely coordinating, self-educating and being bound to our homes achieved an exceptional re-appraisal of what people are looking for. Individuals were becoming confined by utilizing such searchable terms as " estate agents near me ".We saw increased searches in individuals looking for properties with gardens or outside spaces and balconies, people were putting less importance on transport links. to be close to move joins and rather proximity to green open space and common regions took need. Buyers were searching for an additional room for a work area or even a changed over shed for our restroom to oblige our 'new standard'. Add to this the subdued revenue from the people who had adequately needed to move, a stamp commitment event, and the appearance of 95% home advances and solicitation has far counterbalanced stockpile which unavoidably pushes up costs near me.These variables have helped fuel the most exorbitant cost swelling for a very long time near me - up from 9.2% in the year to April. In spite of the fact that there has been a significant degree of development in Northern England (albeit substantially less development in London) no other area in the UK has seen the levels we are encountering in Scotland. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the pandemic may have made purchasers re-examine their home needs and priorities at what's "near me". With the ordinary expense of segregates properties in the UK rising faster, people looking for more space and less need to be close to the working environment. Various people who have continued working all through the pandemic have found that they have spent essentially less on pondered purchases - events have been pausing, people have been more unwilling to refresh their vehicles and with excess from engineers, home updates have generally been put off.The speedy market and nonattendance of supply is pushing up costs with contention at its most critical level and people leaving behind properties regardless, when offering extraordinary prices over the home report regard.If you are looking for a solicitor near me use Lanarkshire Law Practice. If you are looking for a solicitor near me then use ourselves Lanarkshire Law Estate Agents. If you require a mortgage adviser then use Lanarkshire Law Mortgage Solutions.

31 Aug 2023

Uddingston Properties for Sale

Buying a House and Home in Uddingston Lanarkshire Law Estate Agents specialise in selling homes and properties in and around Lanarkshire and the surrounding areas. Our agents are local, have 10 years in the industry and have extensive knowledge within the property market that can help sell your home for its maximum potential. We appreciate how stressful selling your property can be and our intention is to provide a service second to none. We believe it is important to know local towns and what draws people in as well as factors that make properties more appealing in these locations. This can range from shopping facilities to local schools. Below we have compiled a list of some local areas we cater to and some facts that give a better understanding of the area and the housing market. Uddingston is a town in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The town is located on high ground on the south bank of the River Clyde, about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Glasgow city centre. Uddingston is within the Greater Glasgow urban area and borders both Hamilton and Bellshill. Historically part of Lanarkshire, the town was incorporated into the post-1975 Strathclyde region and then subsequently absorbed into North Lanarkshire in 1996. Uddingston is also the home to Tunnock's caramel wafers and teacakes which are made in Uddingston. The 1890-founded family business is still in town. Factory tours can be booked a year in advance. The factory is near a tea room and bakery. Viewpark Gardens features Japanese and Highland plant displays, four glasshouses, and water features. There's also a Summer Flower Festival. Bothwell Castle, Scotland's largest 13th-century castle, is in Uddingston and has a golf course. The town has several sports clubs, including golf, cricket, rugby, and hockey, and a children's play centre. Uddingston has stores, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Trains run to Glasgow Central, and buses serve the town. Sir James Black, a Nobel Prize-winning pharmacologist from Uddingston, created beta-blocker drugs. Housing in Uddingston Uddingston has a variety of housing options available, from traditional terraced houses to more modern developments. There are plenty of estate agents in the area who would be more than happy to help you find your perfect home. Prices for houses in Uddingston vary depending on location and size, but you can expect to pay anything from £150,000 to £400,000 for a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house.If you're looking for something a little bit different, Tannochside Park is a popular residential park for the over 50s which offers a selection of bespoke holiday homes set in beautifully landscaped grounds. Prices for homes in Tannochside Park start at around £120,000. Letting Agents in Uddingston There are also several letting agents based in Uddsington who can help you find the perfect rental property. Whether you're looking for a one-bedroom flat or a five-bedroom house, there's sure to be something to suit your needs and budget. Rental prices in Uddingston start at around £475 per month for a one-bedroom flat and go up to £1,500 per month for a five-bedroom house. Uddingston Properties Uddingston is a great place to live for families and individuals of all ages. Looking to find a new Uddinston property to move into then click on the link to see what homes are available. There is a wide variety of housing options available to suit all budgets, and the town is well connected with excellent transport links to Glasgow city centre and beyond. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, Uddingston has everything you need to make it your home. Uddingston offers a bustling Main Street where you can find an array of shops and a great choice of restaurants and bars. The property is located within popular school catchments and for those commuting by public transport, there are regular bus and train services from Uddingston to the surrounding towns and cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh. You could also use a web valuation tool to urge a fast estimate of what proportion the property is worth. Get to know Uddingstine and its neighbour Bothwell by reading here

31 Aug 2023

What steps are taken to sell a house in Scotland?

Selling a House and Home in Scotland What steps are taken while selling a house? Do you have any questions about the selling process or whereto start when it comes to your home? Here, the fundamental procedures forselling a house in Scotland are looked at. 1. Obtain a home valuation The first step in selling your house is to find out how muchit is worth. To find out this information and start the selling process,arrange a free property appraisal right away. In Scotland or Lanarkshire, agents can now visit your houseand provide a property appraisal by demonstrating a value for your property. Ifyou would prefer, our estate agents can conduct a virtual property appraisal inorder to provide a valuation without physically seeing your house. A propertyvalue performed in person, however, is more precise. Contact us to find out more about the valuation services thecompany could offer. 2. To sell your home, use a real estate agent. After requesting them to offer a property valuation inScotland or Lanarkshire, you must choose a selling agent to assist you throughthe following parts of the selling procedure. A great way to assess what eachestate agency has to offer and their advantages is to have your home valued bya few different agents. Because Lanarkshire Law Estate Agents also has a sisterfirm, Lanarkshire Law Practice, that offers all legal and conveyancingservices, they are able to handle the entire selling process, from marketingthe property to handling the legal transaction. They also have a duty to provide you with the best customerservice they can and to be informed about any changes to the laws andregulations governing the sale of real estate in Scotland and Lanarkshire. 3. Consider your lending options. Before deciding to sell your home, it's a good idea toevaluate your financial situation. By getting independent mortgage advice, youcan decide on your mortgage and the best options. We have a specialrelationship with AL Mortgages, a Bellshill-based company. 4. Prepare your home for sale. Before putting your house on the market, you should makesure it is in the greatest condition possible. If any modifications or repairs are required, get on itimmediately away! When viewing your house, attempt to put yourself in the shoesof a potential buyer. Your agent can also provide you with guidance in thisregard. 5. Purchase a Home Report Before putting your house on the market, you must have ahome report. Your agent will help make the necessary arrangements for thesurveyor who will carry out part of the Home Report's tasks.   A Property Questionnaire that asks general questions aboutyour property, a Single Survey that provides details about its condition, avaluation and accessibility audit, and an Energy Report that rates your home'senergy efficiency are all included in the Home Report. A surveyor will need to come to your home in order togenerate the House Report. To inform you of any additional health and safetyprecautions they are taking in light of the coronavirus epidemic, they willlikely get in touch with you beforehand. 6. Hold Viewings Potential buyers will visit your home once it is posted forsale to decide if it is a suitable fit for them. Viewings can be done in twoways: 7. Dates for Accepting Offers and Closing If a buyer wants to buy your house, they will submit anoffer or a formal statement of interest. Your agent will represent you in anynegotiations on the selling price and other topics, such as the date ofentrance, whether you want to accept their offer or counter it. If they make anoffer, you have the choice of accepting it or making a counter offer. A buyer formally expressing interest in a property andrequesting the opportunity to make an offer before it sells by submitting aletter of interest. If one or more notes of interest have been made on theproperty, a closing date may be set, at which point all offers must besubmitted. However, the legislation does not mandate that a closuredate be specified. Your lawyer can provide you with more advice in this regard. 8. What is the price of selling a house? There are many costs to be aware of when selling a home inScotland, including estate agency commission or fees, additional marketingcosts, getting a Home Report, home repairs, and subsequent relocation costs. There are two types of estate agent fees. 1.      Fixed Cost 2.      proportion of the sales price These things must be considered when making a budget,especially if you want to purchase a new house. You can use this to determinehow much you can spend. Your selling agent might be able to clarify the variousmoving costs. 9. Is a solicitor required to sell a house in Scotland? Yes, legal counsel is required for settlement and titletransfer. They promise to uphold your rights and ensure that all legalcriteria are met. A conveyancing team is headquartered in the office ofLanarkshire Law Estate Agents, which is a sister business of Lanarkshire LawPractice. 10. Property taxes in Scotland Selling a home is tax-free, but paying Land and BuildingsTransaction Tax (LBTT), Scotland's equivalent of Stamp Duty, may be necessarywhen buying one. The cost will depend on how much the property you are buyingis worth. Your attorney can provide you more information and help youdetermine how much this will probably cost you. Use our LBTT calculator to getan idea of how much you'll have to pay. Other typical queries How quickly can my house be sold? Your lawyer will be able to give you further details on thissubject. Different homes and locales have different selling times. To get anindication of when goods are likely to sell in your area, use our exploreplaces tool or contact an ESPC representative. Is it permissible to sell a house before paying off themortgage? You can sell your property prior to paying off your mortgagebecause you can utilise the funds to do so. If you're on a fixed-term contract, you might have to paypenalties to leave before the end of the term even though you might be able tomove your mortgage to another property. It is advised that you speak with a trained independentmortgage consultant or specialist who can help you decide what course of actionis appropriate for you. Do you need a home report to sell a house in Scotland? In most cases, it is legally necessary to acquire a HomeReport for a house in Scotland if it is known that it is up for sale. Theestate agent for your solicitor will be able to help you set up a Home Reportand walk you through the cost. It might be difficult to decide whether to sell your housebefore you buy or buy before you sell; each has benefits and drawbacks. Youshould speak with your solicitor estate agent on the best course of action asthey will guide you through both the buying and selling processes. Contact our Estate Agents today on 01698 441222 agent todayto get a free property evaluation and begin the process of selling your house sales@LanarkshireEstateAgents.co.uk

31 Aug 2023

Turn your clutter into cash

The first thing I always notice when I walk into a house is the amount of clutter there is. We are a nation of secret and sometimes not so secret hoarders. It's rare for me to visit a home that is completely clutter free. If the surfaces are empty I can nearly always guarantee that there will be at least a couple of overstuffed cupboards. I understand, I like stuff too, but as an estate agent I know that clutter doesn't sell. Yet even though we know that, even though we all revel in the minimalism of hotel rooms, we fail to manage to declutter when we get back home as most of us cannot bear to part with our stuff. However, there is something that may motivate you to do just that. What if I told you that the stuff that is at the back of your wardrobe, the stuff you haven't used let alone seen for years could actually help you to pay your rising energy bills or contribute towards a well-earned break in the sunshine? Plus we all know that second-hand items are good for the environment as they reduce the amount of things that go to landfill. So decluttering can be good for your home, your wallet and the environment! So where do you begin? Research Gone are the days when eBay was your only option for selling your unwanted items. Now there are a whole range of sites, some of which specialise in certain items such as Vinted or Depop where you can sell clothes and accessories. Facebook marketplace can be a great way of selling items without having to pay any commission as can local sites like Nextdoor. Be honest If there is any damage to your item it is better to be upfront about it rather than have it returned to you. Make sure the price is right Be sensible when you are setting the price. Just like when you are selling a property, if you set the price too high then there will be little interest and then your item will be further devalued when it sits unwanted on the selling site for ages. However, you also don't want to set the price so low that it simply isn't worth your time and effort to sell it. If you do think your item isn't worth selling then try putting it on a site like Freecycle. You won't benefit financially from selling it but you will be stopping it from going to landfill so there is a feel-good reward. To save yourself and the buyer time haggling if there is any damage then reflect this in the price.   Photographs Taking lots of photographs will reduce the amount of time and the number of "no thanks" that you will get when selling an item as 'collection only'. It will also increase your chances of selling your items online as people like to see clearly what they are purchasing. It will also reduce returns. To increase your chances of a swift sale, just as when selling a property, good photographs are essential. Keep the background clutter free, make sure that the lighting is good and ensure that you take photographs from several angles.  If you are decluttering in order to sell your home and would like some advice or a free no-obligation valuation then please do give us  a call on 01698 441327.

31 Aug 2023

How to Sell Your Home Fast

Tips and Tricks on How to Sell Your Home Fast Selling a home can be a long and stressful process, especially if you need to sell fast. Whether you're selling due to a job transfer, financial reasons, or you simply want to move to a new home, there are a few things you can do to help your home sell as quickly as possible. 1. Work with a good friendly estate agent  If you're looking to sell fast, one of the best things you can do is work with a good estate agent. They'll be able to help you determine a fair asking price, list your home on MLS, and market your property to potential buyers. Looking for a great estate agent contact us now  2. Make your home more appealing  You only have one chance to make a great first impression, so take some time to make sure your home is looking its best. This may mean power washing the exterior, planting some flowers in the front yard, or giving the inside of your home a fresh coat of paint.  The key here is to focus on the big impact items that have the lowest costs to remedy. Painting rooms or decluttering can have a massive impact on viewers within the property. Even something as simple as cutting the grass or weeding your path can give great first impressions.  3. Be flexible with showings  The more flexible you are with showings, the more likely it is that your home will sell quickly. If you're only available for showings on weekends or in the evenings, you may end up waiting longer to find a buyer.  At Lanarkshire Law Estate Agents we can show people around your home to take the stress out of doing this yourself. on average we find that by the estate agents showing people round your property we can achieve an offer on your property within 10 days compared to 23 days on average when the homeowner conducts their own viewings. 4. Stage your home  Staging is when you choose furniture and decor that will appeal to potential buyers and help them visualize themselves living in your home. This can be anything from rearranging your existing furniture to renting pieces from a staging company.  5. Be prepared to negotiate  Once you receive an offer on your home, be prepared to negotiate. If the offer is significantly lower than your asking price, try counteroffer with a price that's closer to what you were hoping for. However, don't be too inflexible; if you're not willing to negotiate at all, potential buyers may look elsewhere.  6. Have realistic expectations  When listing your home, it's important to have realistic expectations about how long it will take to sell and how much money you'll ultimately make from the sale. Work with your real estate agent to come up with an appropriate asking price and timeline for selling your property.  7. Get rid of smells The single largest turnoff for potential purchasers is offensive odours. Fix the source of the odour rather than just covering them up. Clean out trash cans, unclog drains, open windows, air out the kitchen of odours from previous cooking sessions, throw out cigarette smoke-stained furniture, and wash any soiled bed sheets. Place basins of vinegar about the house and leave out for three days if you smoke. Although the vinegar smells when the windows are opened, it quickly dissipates, carrying most of the stale cigarette odour with it. Conversely, good smells can make a property feel more welcoming.  Even though it could not be feasible to bake fresh loaves of bread, cakes, or brownies for every visitor to your home, you could possibly make some fresh coffee. In Summary Selling a home doesn't have to be difficult; by following these tips, you can have a better chance of selling quickly and without too much stress. If you are stressed then there is lots of websites that can offer help Selling a property can be really tough- specially if time is not on your side! but don't lose hope! There are things that YOU can do in order guide yourself through this process smoothly while also ensuring that everything happens in according timing! following these simple steps can result in smooth sale!!

31 Aug 2023

Are qualifications or experience more important when choosing an estate agent?

Studies have shown that most people have already chosen the agency they are going to use to sell their home before the agent even sets foot in the property to do a valuation. So what is it that makes them decide on that agent, what can cause that agent to lose the potential listing and what should you be checking at a valuation? Many people take years to get from the stage of considering selling their home to actually putting it on the market. In that time they will have been observing the behaviour of their local estate agencies. How many for sale boards do they have around town; how quickly do those switch to sold signs; which agency is the largest; which one is most involved in the community or most active on social media. All of these things contribute to the near foregone conclusion as to which agency they will choose to go with on valuation day.  Then finally the day comes when the decision is made to sell. The average number of valuations that a seller will request before selecting an agency to go with is three. The agents turn up one by one. Logically it would make sense that two really need to wow the seller to change their mind and the third simply needs to not do anything to put them off. However, both of those things are easier said than done. The reason is because while many people decide upon an agency to go with before a valuation they are actually just as likely to go with one of the other agents as they are to go with the one that they have chosen prior to them arriving. So is it because of their qualifications? Qualifications are always a good thing as you will know that they have taken the time to study and pass exams on the subject of selling property which you may find reassuring if you choose them to sell yours. However, good grades don't necessarily indicate that they are a good estate agent.  Is it their experience? If they have been an estate agent for a while they will certainly have lots of experience dealing with any scenarios or problems that may arise while they are selling your property. It may make you feel comfortable to know that they have the knowledge and the experience to guide you through the home selling process. However, the length of time spent in a job doesn't necessarily indicate that they are skilled at it. Is it your gut feeling? A little bit yes. After all if you don't like them then you certainly won't want to be dealing with them for several months! You also don't want potential buyers being put off by a surly estate agent! However, none of those things actually demonstrate that they are the best agent to sell your property. Instead ask them about their marketing plan. How will they be ensuring that your property is seen by the maximum number of potential buyers? How will they be helping you to ensure that your property is sold for the best price possible? Ask them about local properties that they have sold and ask how long they were on the market for. Treat your valuation appointment like an interview to make sure that you select the best agent for the job of selling your home then go with the agent whose plan you think is best.  If you would like a free no-obligation valuation of your home and the chance to ask us why we think we are the best choice to sell your property in Lanarkshire please give us a call on 01698 441327 and we will be delighted to help.

31 Aug 2023

September 2022 Property Market Report

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.The children are all settled back at school and the changing weather leaves us in no doubt that Autumn is definitely here. September is always a month of new beginnings.  With Christmas just around the corner many people start to think about whether their home still works for their family. The rising interest rates may be causing pause for thought but life continues, despite the rising cost of living and people will always need to move home; sometimes because of, and sometimes in spite of, the financial climate. Let's have a brief look at what's been happening over the last month in the local property market around Lanarkshire. There are currently 707 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior there were 681, with 573 in July, and 557 in June. The increasing numbers of available properties is perhaps indicative of the heat having left the market as properties aren't getting snapped up as fast as they were. Things are started to calm back down to normal levels and there is now more choice once again for buyers. There are also more properties coming onto the market each month. In June there were 345, July 348, in August 369 and in September 376. This could explain the higher number of available properties as there were more to choose from. In September 355 sales were agreed, in August there were 364, in July 289 sales were agreed and in June 317 sales were agreed. As more properties come to the market, more sales are happening. Although the media has been talking about the market cooling, the local facts are that there is still a lot of activity. There were 26 price reductions in June and in July we saw 30 price reductions across the Lanarkshire property market as a whole.  In August, this number jumped up to 51. There were 44 price reductions in September. This could imply that some sellers' or agents' expectations of what the market is prepared to pay are not in line with the reality. In September there were 81 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. This means a property that has been on the market for 12 weeks or more. This could be due to the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at the peak levels. In August, there were 71 slow movers. In July, there were 49 slow movers on the market and in June, there were 53. Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps - presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 5 agents in the area with the smallest numbers of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference to achieving your moving plans. In June, each property in the Lanarkshire area had average daily views on Rightmove per property of 223. In July this figure was 189. In August, this number jumped back up to 221 and in September it has settled back to 186 . This shows the high levels of activity in the local Lanarkshire property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the year. If you're looking for further information about the Lanarkshire property market, or if you're thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01698 441327 or email sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.

31 Aug 2023

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