Posted: Friday 4 May 2012
Would you let your Estate Agent cut your hair?
Who cuts your hair? It’s a good question. We nearly all have a favourite barber or hairdresser. We understand that they are trained, experienced and they know and understand our unique needs. Hairdressing isn’t a one size fits all. Different hair types, styles, colours, colourings and lengths feature in the many considerations to be made before cutting begins. We need someone who really knows what they are talking about. So would you let your Estate Agent cut your hair?
Possibly not. You would however assume that you would consult with your Estate Agent when selling your home. It’s surprising how often people rely on comments from non-professionals on Residential Property matters. This point came up recently in conversation when a home valuation placed made by a property professional was brought into question. The query was founded purely on comments from the individual’s hairdresser no less.
Does the investment in a hair cut that lasts a few months compare with probably your biggest investment to date which may impact on the rest of your life?
The decision to move house often comes with considerable stress and the ‘to do’ list appears never ending. The reasons for the move can vary: whether it be moving away from the family home as a first time buyer, moving to a larger property as your family increases, downsizing after the family have left the nest, or for more distressing reasons, including divorce or financial issues, it can create a stressful environment.
Many questions arise during the moving process: If you have a property to sell, ‘who should I use to sell the property?’, ‘how long will it take to sell?’, ‘what price might I achieve?’, ‘what will it cost?’, and ‘what is a Home Report?’ Then, when you consider the actual move, the questions expand into the ever-increasing spiral: ‘where should I move to?’, ‘what sort of property should I buy?’, ‘how much can I afford?’, ‘how do I finance the move and subsequent purchase?’.
So where does your quest begin? At this point you will quite possibly be suffering from information overload.
I would recommend that if you are considering a move that you commission the services of a professional firm of Solicitors as early in the process as possible. A firm, who offers a complete service including, Estate Agency and Conveyancing and Independent Financial Advice. A firm who will assess your circumstances and establish all your specific requirements. If there are maintenance repairs that you are considering having done prior to putting the property on the market then you might appreciate a firm who can also advise on trusted local suppliers. This all makes the process far more efficient and cost effective for you.
When it comes to valuation your property advisors will know the current market well and have the skill and experience to know how best to market and pitch your property to prospective buyers.
Remember property professionals don’t cut hair; our job is helping you move house!
For further information or to discuss any issues raised in this blog please contact myself, Ian Gray, on 0131 247 1012 or email ian.gray@morton-fraser.com
