Putting House On The Market

moggins

I've never bought and sold a house at the same time before so could use some advice. We've finally decided to make the move to the country and we're about an hours journey from where we want to live.

Do we put the house on the market and wait until we have some interest before we start looking for another property or should we start looking now? I'm worried in case we find the house we love before we are in a position to sell our own.

Jacster_2

Depends on the market where you are, really. And what the market is like for houses like the one you're selling. If the market's a bit flat, and you think it may take a while to sell - don't let yourself get into the situation where you are worried about selling on time. Sell first, then buy. It also puts you in a really strong situation when you come to buy, and you may be able to negotiate a better deal as chain free.

I've bought and sold and exchanged both on the same day. It worked in the end - there were no hitches, but the stress leading up to it was immense. I've also bought from renting, and whilst still stressful, I was in control of the transaction, and it was undoubtedly easier.

Other people on this board will have more detailed knowledge/better advice than me, but it's never plain sailing, and go with your instinct on the best course of action for you.

Good luck

frugal_dougal_3

moggins wrote:

Do we put the house on the market and wait until we have some interest before we start looking for another property or should we start looking now?

It's probably best to do both. If you end up in a chain then each of the other parties will want to see evidence of things progressing (as you will too).

When I am selling properties I do not take any offers seriously if they come from someone who does not even have their own property on the market as you have no way of knowing whether they are messing you around.

John_M_Business

Put your house on the market seriously, and start investigating where to move to.

You don't have to do both at the same time and even if you were renting and moving again, the benefit of being out of a chain means that you can usually 'make it up' on the purchase. Additionally, you will have more time to look at where you are moving and get to know the area, and hand pick your future 'place'.

There's no point looking where to move first, because then you end up in a distress situation which will only benefit your purchaser.