Moving house in Scotland - help please!

zuzuspetals

I've been living in a one bedroom flat for the past 8 years and now that I've paid off my debts (aside from my mortgage) I'd like to buy somewhere bigger. When I bought this flat I had been living in rental accommodation. To be honest the thought of having to sell my flat and then buy somewhere else really scares me!


I know I have to sell my flat first and first of all I am a bit worried about the viewings. I have two indoor cats and I know that neither they nor myself could be at home while people come to see the flat. If any of you have a cat you'll know just how difficult it is to get some cats into a carrier. Whenever I put mine into the cattery it is like a military operation. I thought that perhaps I could move out for a couple of days to let the estate agent do viewings and put the cats in the cattery.


I'm aware that people might want to do viewings at other times but although I can tidy up and get out of the flat at short notice I just can't get the cats out without good notice and I can't do it frequently. In this case would it be acceptable to do a viewing with myself and the cats there?


I'm also assuming that potential buyers would want to have surveys and valuations done. If it was just me on my own I wouldn't bother about people being in the flat while I wasn't in. I know this might sound stupid but my cats are really timid and I live in fear of them getting out. I just can't have a surveyor letting themselves in while I'm at work. Can I insist that I'm there?


I'm sorry for all the waffle. I have a million more questions but I'll save them for another post.


I'd be grateful for any advice from anyone who has been through this process : )

ali-t

Yes, you can be there at all viewings. In the houses I have sold in Scotland I have dine all viewing s when it is convenient for me.

I don't have cats so this is maybe a naive question but could you buy a cage, like a small dog cage but bigger than a cat carrier, and they could go in there in the house during viewings. Litter trays are a massive no no during viewings.

hcb42

If the market where you are is so buoyant that you are confident of a big rush and early offer, then I would put them in the cattery for a few days....

not practical if you think it will be longer and more drawn out, but you will have to do what is required to present the house in a positive light.

With regards to survey, yes, just agree a time and ensure you are there for the surveyor, shouldnt be a problem as long as your workplace are amenable

googler

You need to have a survey and valuation done for your Home Report.

You're unlikely to have any buyer's surveyor come in until after you've accepted an offer from them. In most cases, their lender will accept your HR, and that's it.

zuzuspetals

ali-t wrote: »

Yes, you can be there at all viewings. In the houses I have sold in Scotland I have dine all viewing s when it is convenient for me.

I don't have cats so this is maybe a naive question but could you buy a cage, like a small dog cage but bigger than a cat carrier, and they could go in there in the house during viewings. Litter trays are a massive no no during viewings.

I don't think they would tolerate being in a cage. I suppose I could put them in their carriers though and just wait outside the flat with them. I'd hide the litter tray too!

googler

Unfortunately, the world (including Scotland) is divided into three types of people

Those who like cats
Those who hate cats
Those who are allergic to cats.

There is some overlap, but even without the cats (sent away to the cattery), groups 2 and 3 will react badly to lingering odours. You may not think there are any, but you live with them every day. An allergy sufferer will know you have cats.

In practical terms, this can reduce your potential buyer base, and the demand for your property.

zuzuspetals

hcb42 wrote: »

If the market where you are is so buoyant that you are confident of a big rush and early offer, then I would put them in the cattery for a few days....

not practical if you think it will be longer and more drawn out, but you will have to do what is required to present the house in a positive light.

With regards to survey, yes, just agree a time and ensure you are there for the surveyor, shouldnt be a problem as long as your workplace are amenable

I'm not confident of that at all! It would be great if that happened though : ) It's good to know I can be there with the surveyor at least.

zuzuspetals

googler wrote: »

Unfortunately, the world (including Scotland) is divided into three types of people

Those who like cats
Those who hate cats
Those who are allergic to cats.

There is some overlap, but even without the cats (sent away to the cattery), groups 2 and 3 will react badly to lingering odours. You may not think there are any, but you live with them every day. An allergy sufferer will know you have cats.

In practical terms, this can reduce your potential buyer base, and the demand for your property.

I'm positive my house doesn't smell of cats so I'm not worried as far as odours go : ) As for allergy sufferers, we'll there's nothing much I can do about that but let viewers know about my pets in advance in advance. I'm not in any hurry to sell so if it takes longer for me to get a buyer it means I have time to save a bigger deposit!