Last month we blogged about budgeting realistically for the many different costs of buying a house, from stamp duty to mortgage fees. Moving house can be a costly business, even when you account for every step, but there are a few tricks to help you get the best deals and minimise the cost and time of your move. Here are some of the ways you can save when buying or selling a house:
- Get your solicitor involved as early as possible so that you can get everything in order and streamline the whole process. You can even ask for a free conveyancing quote online before you start.
- Before applying for a mortgage, get your credit score and finances sorted. A good credit score and well-organised savings can make a real difference to the deals a lender will offer you.
- Choose fixed fees for legal services so that you can budget accurately every step of the way and won’t get stung by unexpected bills.
- Be flexible in your house search – if you stay open to all the options, you might discover an area or property you would not have previously considered. Fixating on one location or style of home will seriously limit your choices.
- Make sure you carry out a thorough survey and visit a potential property at different times of day and all weathers. Viewing a house on a quiet sunny morning might not reveal a gloomy kitchen or the noisy school run traffic. Check over any structural and cosmetic issues in detail (preferably with professional advice) so that you can calculate any potential renovation costs.
- Shop around during winter and new year – prices generally drop over the Christmas period as people focus on the festivities. If you’re prepared to make your move during the holidays, you might just bag yourself a quick sale at a reduced price, especially if a property has been on the market for a while!
- Keep your eyes and ears open for private deal opportunities. Ask family, friends and colleagues if they know anyone thinking of selling up – if you can organise a private transaction with the help of a solicitor, it’s possible cut out estate agent fees completely.
If you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing in property in or around the Maidenhead, Marlow and Windsor areas, or anywhere in the Thames Valley this year, get a free online conveyancing quote from Frances Lindsay & Co. Contact our friendly, expert property team for professional advice and fixed legal fees on property and conveyancing.
Tags: property and conveyancing Beaconsfield, property and conveyancing Berkshire, property and conveyancing Buckinghamshire, property and conveyancing Maidenhead, property and conveyancing Marlow, property and conveyancing Windsor