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New Year, New Home?

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME?

Whether it’s a promise to start the diet, join a gym or finally get stuck into that DIY project, most New Year’s resolutions end up being broken almost as soon as they have been made.

But many people resolve to make life changing decisions at the start of the year, such as choosing to put their house on the market and move to a new home.

While the housing market traditionally quietens down each December, estate agents are busy behind-the-scenes doing valuations and taking instructions ready to market properties in the New Year.

As a result, January can be one of the biggest selling months of the year.

Managing director of Swift Estate Agents, Nick Swift, says: “January is one of our busiest months. Anyone thinking of putting their home on the market in December will usually wait until January so they have got the Christmas tree and decorations out of the way before letting prospective buyers have a look around.

“Also, the extended holiday period between Christmas and New Year can be a time when people reflect on their lives and make big decisions such as choosing to move to a bigger, or smaller, house.”

So, if you’re thinking of making a move, what can you realistically expect of the local housing market in 2010?

Nick says: “There is always fresh optimism at the start of a year and local estate agents are generally upbeat about what next year has in store. Add to that the Council for Mortgage Lenders’ prediction of an increase in mortgage lending from £140 billion to £150 billion over the next twelve months, and it’s easy to see why we think things are looking up.

“As for house prices, there has been a shortage of homes on the market which has stopped prices falling.

“In 2008 we had ten properties on the market for every home buyer, in 2009 it was two properties and in January and February we’re expecting that to be just one property for each buyer. Buyers just don’t have the luxury of choice at the moment so there’s no better time for sellers to put their home on the market. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if January and February saw a slight uplift.

“All in all, we are expecting a positive start to 2010 and I’d advise anyone thinking of selling their home to instruct an independent agent who really knows the local community.

“For corporate estate agents, who have branches all over the place, it’s a numbers game and their over-riding aim is to maximise instructions, whereas Independent agents see their clients as individuals.

“Because we are smaller, with fewer properties on our books, we spend time getting to know each individual house, apartment or flat we are marketing and we are therefore better placed to offer a great service and, most importantly, make the sale!

“Your home is, after all, your largest asset, so make sure your sale is handled sympathetically and professionally by a local agent.”

If you are thinking about moving home in the New Year, independent estate agents and law firms at www.fastmove.info will be happy to help you.

Here at Fastmove, our recommendation is to ‘go local’ throughout the home moving process, using local estate agents, local lawyers, local removal companies local financial advice and other local support services.

This is not just because of the obvious benefits to the local economy, but also because local firms provide customers with the best possible service.

Eleven of the area’s most reputable agents have now joined our campaign to keep the home moving process local.

Alan Cummings & Co, Cross Keys Estates, Lang & Co, King Sturge, Mansbridge & Balment, Plymouth Homes, Portrait Properties, Richard Trowbridge, Seasons Estate Agents, Shobrooks and Swift Estate Agents are all fully independent companies owned by local people. As members of the Ombudsman or National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) they are committed to do all that they can to make home moving easier.

Choosing an agency that carries the Fastmove sign means you will get a great service - all Fastmove agents commit to a code of conduct involving transparent pricing policies and ‘no sale, no fee’ arrangements.

Fastmove is a local initiative for faster and smoother home moves involving 25 law firms, eleven estate agents and many more local companies in the Plymouth travel to work area. Further information can be found at www.fastmove.info where there are links to all members.