Wealden Times | WT173 | July 2016 | Interiors supplement inside

Credit: FreeImages.com/James White
House-hunting
helpers...
WT talks to three local property search agents, to find out how they can help
you, what advice they give house-hunters ... and what skills they possess
Why use a property search agent?
Fiona Penny, Bespoke Home Finders...
At the very beginning we advise clients
to ask themselves two questions. Do you
need a search agent, and on what basis
should you choose a search agent?
The primary reason for employing
a search agent is to gain access to offmarket
properties. Looking on property
portals like Rightmove is a good way
to see what is on the open market but
if you’ve heard yourself say “there’s just
nothing on the market” it could be time
to speak to a professional.
Search agents undoubtedly save you
time as they do all the leg work and
can view any prospective properties in
advance so clients only view those that
are genuinely suitable. Depending
on market conditions, search agents can
also save you money. We always aim to
secure a property at the lowest possible
price and we try and save at least our
fee when negotiating on behalf of our
clients.
When it comes to deciding on a
search agent, experience matters. Over
the past ten years we have built up
contacts with local estate agents and the
wider community that are critical to the
success of all our searches. Tip offs come
from many sources and it’s important to
be able to tap into all of them.
Personality and finding the right fit is
key to appointing a search agent. Look
for qualities like being open and honest
and find someone you think will really
listen to your needs and go the extra
mile for you. We get to know our clients
really well and often help with anything
from finding schools for children to
booking a skip for moving day. We also
offer to put prospective clients in touch
with past clients and the testimonials on
websites are really
worth reading.
If you would like to
have a chat about your
property search do
contact Fiona Penny
Bespoke Home Finders
01580 713825 fiona@
fionapenny.com
www.fionapenny.com
Top 10 House
Hunting Tips
Helen Turner, Property Turner...
1. Get your finances in order
Ideally have a mortgage pre-agreed. Be
realistic – factor in stamp duty, legal
fees, agent’s fees and removal costs.
2. Under offer
If you have something to sell, have
your house under offer before you start
making offers on any house.
3. Research the area
Be realistic about commuting times
and proximity to a station. Research
proposed developments in the area and
think about what facilities are important
to how you live your life.
4. Find your school first
If you want to go the state route,
find out what are the key dates for
applications.
5. Pinpoint the type of house
Consider maintenance costs and how
much time you want to spend gardening
and DIYing. Factor these costs into
your budget. Do you want characterful
or more contemporary? Do you plan on
having pets?
6. Does the house need work?
An extension, or re-configuring a house
can end up being expensive and take
much longer. If you undertake a major
project, you may have to move into
rented accommodation and this needs to
be factored into any costs.
7 . Know your market
Know what price other houses have
achieved, don’t only look at the asking
prices.
8. Be prepared to come and look
at a house at the drop of a hat
Good properties go very quickly.
9. Keep an open mind
10. If it’s all too much…
Employ a good search agent!
For more information contact
Helen Turner on 01580 714214 or visit
www.propertyturner.co.uk
Credit: FreeImages.com/Micah Burke
25 www.wealdentimes.co.uk