When to put house on market

redruby

Afternoon all,

I am looking for a bit of advice, I think the time may have come to put my house on the market, I have been in this house for 14 years, and have built up quite a bit of equity.

I want to move nearer to my dd's school, but the problem is that I would like to buy in one or two particular roads only, and houses do not come up that often, I just missed one before xmas :rolleyes: .
I am confused as to how I go about this, do I put mine on the market and hope that one comes up soon, or wait until one comes up for sale and then try and get mine on the market quickly ? .

My house is ready to go decoration wise, its all been recently done up, new kitchen bathroom etc, so I could start the ball rolling quickly if needed.

What do you think is the best way to proceed ?

many thanks in advance.

Doozergirl

Hard one. I'd say it was better to have sold before being disappointed as no-one will accept offers from someone that is not proceedable.

It's hard to call the timing if you only want to move to a very particular area though. The market isn't exactly flooded with property right now.

sarah_elton

Have you tried leaflet dropping the houses in the road to see if anyone is interested in selling? A lot of people are sitting tight right now thinking there's no buyers out there, so try writing a letter explaining that you'd love to in the road, and put it through each door.

My parents neighbours sold their house to someone who did this.

It is tricky - is it possible to sell up and rent while you wait? Then you're ready to go as soon as one becomes available.

botchjob

Definitely try leafleting. Some friends did it when they wanted to move (good school, small catchment area) and found someone who had begun thinking of moving but hadn't done anything about it. It worked out very well.

redruby

Thanks for the replies, I had not thought of leaflets, but it is a good idea, think I will try it.

If I do put mine on the market and it sells, would I be able to ask the buyer to wait while I look for one to buy, or would this be bad etiquette ??

Renting short term is another option, but somehow I see it as wasted money, I would rather be paying towards a mortgage, but its something to think about.

Thanks again

Doozergirl

If you find a buyer it would be much better etiquette to ask them to wait than it would be to pretend that you're moving on asap. If you are always open and honest, you'll find that people are more receptive than you'd think. The problems always occur when people aren't straight with each other.

If you are not keen on renting (6 month contracts minimum usually as well) then don't even mention this to potential buyers because it will come back and bite you on the bum. People hang on that sort of thing when things start dragging.

Robert_Sterling_3

Monumentum aere Perrenius

I have created a monument more lasting than bronze

This refers to a good education.

Go for it. :T :j :T :j :T

redruby

Robert_Sterling wrote: »

Monumentum aere Perrenius

I have created a monument more lasting than bronze

This refers to a good education.

Go for it. :T :j :T :j :T

Not sure what you mean , but thanks anyway

Home_Swap_Advice

I would follow the advice of Sarah. Leaflets would probably be the best idea to begin with.

If you do choose this route, I would add a bit of information about the property that you are selling. You may find that one of the residents may want to swap with your property.

The chances seem very slim but you never know what circumstances people are currently facing and it is certainly worth a try.