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TIPS ON BUYING IN BARROW-IN-FURNESS

Estate Agents

Let a good number of estate agents in Barrow-in-Furness know your needs - our e-mail facilities for Barrow-in-Furness Estate Agents' button's at the top of the homepage are ideal for this.

Provide estate agents with all your contact details and e-mail addresses - if what you are looking for comes on the market in Barrow-in-Furness you want to be the first to know!

Work closely with the estate agents, they have local knowledge of the property market and house prices in Barrow-in-Furness. Make them want to help you.

The Property

Work out your budget:

  * Standard lending ratios are usually three times the principal earner's gross income plus one times the second, or two and a half times joint gross income.

  * Consider your existing equity, savings, moving costs and your likely general credit rating.

Decide what you want to buy. Make a wish list of essential criteria:

  * Style, size, age, numbers of rooms, garaging, parking, garden etc.

  * Still remain open-minded - lots of people surprise themselves with what they end up buying.

Consider the wider picture:

  * Location, communications, local facilities, schools, clubs

  * Is this a long term move? How will your property needs vary in future?

Viewing

Arrive in the area early to get a good feel of the neighbourhood, and prepare any local questions you may wish to ask.

Do not make an instant judgement. Do not be influenced by the sociability of the vendors, their taste in furnishings or the (un)tidiness.

Assess the accommodation that the property provides.

Assess the general state of repair: Roof, walls, windows and doors, plasterwork, wiring, plumbing and heating, kitchen fittings and bathroom sanitary ware.

Have improvements been carried out / will they be required (e.g. double glazing, insulation, D.P.C., kitchen)?

Assess the neighbours, the street and the general condition of other properties around - is this street reliably steady, on the up, or going downhill?

Consider where the morning and evening sun will be.

If you are interested try to revisit at a different time on a different day when the area may be busier.

Action for buying a house in Barrow-in-Furness

Buying a house can get stressful; get off to a good start:

  * Print this checklist, take it with you and make notes.

  * Send one e-mail to all Barrow-in-Furness Estate Agents now and get the best local agents sending you details through - Do it now!

TIPS ON SELLING IN BARROW-IN-FURNESS

The Estate Agent

Ask a few Barrow-in-Furness estate agents to value your property. Be objective about what they say and do not be unduly critical if is not what you wanted to hear!

Do not necessarily choose the agent with the cheapest fee; you want your property advertised and 'sold properly' in all respects.

Choose an agent that belongs to a professional body such as:

  * The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)

  * The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

  * Ombudsman Estate Agency

Read ALL the small print if you decide to use a sole agent. Multiple agents could cost you more, but may increase your chances of selling your property.

State any fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale.

Make it clear to the agent the minimum value you are presently willing to accept from a buyer.

Your Property

Take a critical look at the outside and inside of your home and decide what small items are realistic to quickly improve.

The exterior of your home will be the buyer's first impression. Ensure the garden is neat and tidy, outside lights are clean and working, all fixtures such as door handles are secure.

Prepare your home by cleaning, repainting (if necessary) and completing any unfinished DIY job! Create more space. Pack away, throw away or take to the charity shop any unnecessary items and be ruthless. The more you do now, the less cluttered your house will look, and the less packing you will have to do when you move.

Viewing

Arrange viewing at times that you can realistically have the property looking good, kitchen cleared, grass cut etc. The property needs to be tidy.

Create a nice atmosphere, pleasant fragrances, and flowers and turn the television off. In winter light any fires and have the heating at a comfortable level. In summer open windows.

Be ready for questions about the property, neighbours and the locality.

Be clear about your own reasons for moving-on, time scales and flexibility.

Leave it to your agent do any serious negotiating.

Action for selling property in Barrow-in-Furness

We have listed your main local agents. E-mail them a request to contact you for initial discussions about the possibility of them being chosen to sell you property.

TIPS ON RENTING IN BARROW-IN-FURNESS

  * Let lots of agents know what you are looking for so you get a really good selection to choose from.

  * Inform the agent of your criteria (location, budget, furnished/unfurnished, occupation date requirement, tenancy period and any other aspects that are important to you).

  * Expect to pay a deposit of at least one months rent, possibly more. Possibly some administration charges.

  * You may be required to provide references.

  * Ensure you read and understand the tenancy agreement. The Citizens Advice Bureau may check this for you. Clarify what is NOT included in the rental fee, such as council tax, utility bills, ground maintenance etc.

  * Examine the inventory prepared by the agent and keep a copy.

  * Check restrictions: sub-letting, pets etc. Can you redecorate?

  * Notify defects in writing as soon as they become apparent (even if you do not want them remedied).

  * Establish what is covered under maintenance (boilers, refrigerators, radiators etc.).

  * Usually, you will not have to deal with the landlord directly. Should you have any problems or queries, direct them to your agent first.

  * Other issues to consider are, parking, neighbours, noise levels, public transport availability etc.

Action to rent a house or flat in Barrow-in-Furness

Notify all the main local agents by sending 'one e-mail to all Letting Agents' with your requirements. Do it now!

TIPS ON LETTING OUT YOUR PROPERTY IN BARROW-IN-FURNESS

Choose a letting agent that is registered with one of the following:

  * The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)

  * The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS)

  * The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)

  * The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

  * The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA)

Get a good contract which will be the Tenancy Agreement. Think about any restrictions you wish to place on the tenant and the use of your property.

Try not to be too tough - if you exclude smokers, pets, students, small children and short term lets, you will narrow the market for your property considerably.

Ask for a rent that is realistic and affordable to your potential tenants. The big difference in profit at the end of the year will be dependent upon how long the property stood empty - reduce the voids!

Examine our 'buyers tips' for guidelines on presenting the property in an attractive manner.

Action to let property in Barrow-in-Furness

Notify the local Letting Agents your property is available and find out the likely rent that could be attracted for your property.

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