4
Oct
On Ice
Adrian Hardwick of Keats Haslemere looks into the options
presented by the property market this autumn.
Realistic estate agents are putting the Champagne back on ice
for little longer. For a while many people thought that a buoyant
property market had returned. In many places prices had regained
their pre-2007 levels and there was strong demand.
But it would be foolish to ignore the many signals we have. In
the market, all is not quite so rosy as it was. Demand has
slackened off; mortgage lending is at a six month low; harsh
economic measures are ahead and, despite low interest rates and
helpful noises from the IMF that the British economy is looking
better, few are deceived into thinking that the next twelve months
or so won’t be a challenge for most of us.
In property it is both nicer and easier to give and receive
messages of optimism and assurance. No one ever wants to hear from
a pessimistic estate agent. But then no one wants to hear from a
stupid one either. Pragmatism should never be confused with realism
or objectivity. It would be wrong not to prepare sellers and ensure
that they are in the best possible position to make the very most
of the market we are in. Property is sold by people with their feet
on the ground, not by those with their heads in the clouds –
or worse!
For buyers with cash, or enough deposit to take advantage of
some very good mortgage rates at the moment, this is a great market
with lots of choice and a good degree of negotiating room. If
purchasers missed the wonderful window of buying opportunity in
spring 2008 now is a second chance to make a very good property
investment.
For sellers it is time to become hard-nosed business people. The
message is clear.
1) Pitch your price to attract lots of viewers and undercut the
competition.
2) Ensure that your home is always window-dressed to impress.
3) Use a ‘For Sale’ board.
4) Keep your eye always on your objective and try not to worry too
much in the meantime.
5) Always be available for viewings.
6) Encourage all offers and do not react crossly to low ones
– it is not the first offer that counts, but the last!
7) Don’t let fixtures and fittings become an issue: if your
buyers want your old oven so much then give it to them - and the
curtains, and the carpets if it means selling your property at an
acceptable price and achieving your goal.
8) Negotiate hard on your next purchase.
9) Finally, use a realistic estate agent and not a silly one.
Then, at last, you will be able to open that Champagne –
and we shall be happy to help you!