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24Oct

If your home has been on the market for a while without any bites, you might be contemplating a reduction in your asking price. This step is often suggested by estate agents when they run out of strategies, motivation, and, crucially, confidence in the current price. 

 

But is lowering your asking price truly the best way to sell your home more effectively? 

 

For some properties, a price drop can indeed spark new interest from buyers who previously found your home out of reach. This move may be essential for sellers facing urgent relocations or potential repossession. 

However, for many homes (especially those in the premium segment) reducing your asking price isn't always the solution and can even detract from your chances of attracting serious buyers. 

 

 

To assist you in navigating this decision, we’ve put together a list of DOs and DON’Ts regarding price reductions to help you achieve the outcome you desire and move forward with your life: 

DON’Ts 

  • Avoid dropping your asking price by less than 10% 
    A minor reduction won't significantly impact buyer interest. Typically, buyers consider homes priced within 10% of their budget, so a drop of at least that magnitude is necessary to attract new attention. 

  • Don’t make frequent small price cuts 
    Multiple small reductions can raise suspicions among buyers about potential issues with the property. A history of frequent price drops can signal red flags, making your home less appealing. Instead, aim for one substantial reduction. 

  • Don’t attempt to exceed the highest price in your area 
    Setting a price above the highest sale in your neighbourhood can make buyers anxious and deter surveyors. Unless necessary, keep your asking price below the highest recent sale in your locality. 

  • Don’t give buyers an excuse to offer low 
    Ensure your home is beautifully presented. A well-styled property enhances its appeal and helps buyers envision their future there. If you're interested in our home styling services as part of our marketing strategy, feel free to reach out, we'd love to assist! 

 

DOs 

  • Do inquire why a price reduction is needed 
    Your home was initially valued based on solid research by a local expert. Understanding any changes in market conditions or demand will empower you to make informed decisions about whether to lower your price or hold firm. 

  • Do adjust to the next Rightmove price band 
    Check Rightmove for appropriate pricing bands. For instance, if your home is listed at £399,999 but the band starts at £400,000, aligning with these bands will increase visibility in buyer searches. 

  • Do ask your estate agent the right questions before reducing 
    If you’re feeling pressured to lower your price or have time constraints, discuss alternative strategies with your agent. Consider enhancing your marketing approach; new lifestyle photographs or unique shots could attract fresh interest. 

  • Do allow some negotiation space, but not excessively 
    Generally, expect to achieve around 95% to 97% of your asking price after negotiations. For example, if you reduce an asking price from £400,000 to £375,000, you might ultimately receive significantly less due to the negotiation losses. 

  • Do calculate your price per square foot 
    This method can provide a more accurate valuation than other approaches. Create a comparison spreadsheet of similar properties in your area to understand how yours stacks up. 

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Final Thoughts 

Sometimes it’s more beneficial to move on than to hold out for a slightly higher price. If you’re facing deadlines or personal reasons for selling quickly, it may be time to adjust your expectations and embrace the next chapter of your life. If you’d like to discuss this further, we’re here to help, get in touch here.

17Oct

When you put your home on the market, every viewing is a milestone and an opportunity for potential buyers to imagine their future there. High-quality images are often the first impression buyers get, so ensuring your home stands out is essential. Following these steps will help your property shine online and in person while supporting premium property marketing and bespoke home selling strategies. 

 

Step 1: Boost Your Kerb Appeal — The Power of First Impressions 

Kerb appeal sets the tone for selling unique homes and high-end property sales. A welcoming, well-maintained exterior can make buyers feel instantly drawn to your property. 

 

Front Door Makeover 
Begin with the front door. A fresh coat of paint and polished fittings create a sense of care and attention to detail. Small improvements like these enhance exclusive property listings and support your tailored marketing strategies. 

 

Light Up the Entrance 
Outdoor lighting plays a key role in both professional photography and viewings. Well-lit entrances create a warm atmosphere and highlight the property’s features. 

 

Tidy Up the Pathway 
Remove clutter, leaves, and garden tools to ensure a clear, inviting path. Clean surroundings complement discreet property sales and off-market property sales where buyers expect a pristine presentation. 

 

Clear and Visible Signage 
Ensure your house number is easy to read. Clear signage assists with a smooth process seller consultation and demonstrates attention to detail. 

 

Sparkling Windows 
Clean windows let in natural light, enhancing property photography and creating a bright, airy impression. 

 

Add a Touch of Greenery 
Potted plants or climbing flowers bring life to the front garden, supporting home staging and professional property photography. 

 

 

Step 2: Create an Interior Wow Factor — Style That Speaks to Buyers 

The interior of your home should reflect the lifestyle buyers aspire to. Thoughtful styling reinforces high-end property sales and bespoke home selling services. 

 

Cushions and Throws 
Vibrant cushions and soft throws add texture and colour, enhancing professional photography and virtual tours. 

 

Rugs That Transform 
Neutral-toned rugs define spaces and create cosy, inviting rooms, a vital aspect of selling unique homes and exclusive property listings. 

 

Simple Fruit Displays 
A glass bowl of fresh fruit adds a modern, stylish touch that appeals during viewings and online marketing. 

 

Floral Arrangements 
Flowers add elegance and charm. A central vase of lilies or small wildflower posies enhances home staging and professional photography. 

 

Luxurious Touches in Bathrooms 
High-quality toiletries and fresh towels create a luxurious feel. These small details convey the value associated with high-end property sales. 

 

Fresh Bedding 
Neutral, well-styled bedding with textured throws encourages buyers to envision restful retreats, supporting tailored marketing strategies and client satisfaction. 

 

 

Step 3: Final Touches — The Little Details That Make a Big Difference 

 

Small details can transform a viewing into a memorable experience, which is essential for bespoke home selling and property selling success. 

 

  • Close Doors: Internal doors left closed allow buyers to explore freely, enhancing the sense of discovery. 

  • Hide Laundry and Clutter: Clear surfaces improve professional photography and the overall impression of your home. 

  • Manage Pets: Removing food bowls and litter trays supports discreet property sales and off-market property sales. 

  • Fresh Air and Comfort: Ensure good ventilation and a comfortable temperature to make buyers feel at home. 

  • Toilet Seats Down: Small touches contribute to a polished, professional appearance. 

  • Setting the Mood: Subtle scents, gentle lighting, and soft background music create an inviting atmosphere that complements virtual tours and home staging. 

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Ready to Make Your Home Shine 

Selling a home involves careful planning and expert property advice. By focusing on kerb appeal, interior styling, and thoughtful final touches, you can enhance high-end property sales, increase interest in exclusive property listings, and ensure a smooth property selling experience. 

For professional guidance on property valuation, market appraisal, negotiation expertise, and personalised service, our luxury estate agents are here to help. Our tailored marketing strategies, professional photography, home staging, and virtual tours ensure your property receives the attention it deserves. 

Read client testimonials to see how we assist sellers with off-market property sales and bespoke home selling. For practical moving home tips, process seller consultation, or to discuss selling unique homes, Contact Sawdye & Harris today.

09Oct

When buying or selling a property in the UK, the essential conveyancing process involves a series of mandatory checks from qualified surveyors. While these checks are invariably out of your hands, it pays off to understand the condition rating system they use, as it could inform your next steps (if you’re buying a property) or highlight vital areas that need addressing (if you’re selling).  

 

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has developed a standardised traffic light system that makes survey reports accessible to all home buyers. Understanding the essential parts of these reports and their significance can help you in your property buying or selling journey, as they can do anything from streamline the process to grind it to a complete standstill. 

What is the home survey traffic light system? 

All RICS home surveys utilise a straightforward colour-coded rating system that instantly communicates the condition of different property elements.  

 

Certain RICS chartered surveyors will adopt their own variations and indicators for defects, but the general colours indicate N/I (not inspected) to 3 (red - defects that are serious and need urgent investigation), providing a clear visual guide that helps buyers understand the property's condition at a glance. 

 

The four main condition ratings are: 

 

  1. Condition rating 1 (Green): No repair is currently needed. The property must be maintained in the normal way. 
     

  1. Condition rating 2 (Amber): Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. The property must be maintained in the normal way. 
     

  1. Condition rating 3 (Red): Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired or investigated urgently. 
     

  1. N/I - Not Inspected (Grey): Not inspected. 

Conditioning Rating 1 (CR1) - Green 

A green rating indicates that the surveyed element is in good or excellent condition with no substantial or urgent defects observed. It suggests that the element or component being assessed requires no immediate repairs and should be maintained in the usual manner. 

 

That said, even if you find an abundance of green-rated areas, it can help to identify other maintenance tips or construction methods that can inform future property care and home improvements. 

 

As far as house buyers are concerned, green ratings provide reassurance that the property is in good condition as a whole, and that it’s well-maintained. For sellers, green ratings confirm the value and condition of their property, and can support their asking price. 

 

Conditioning Rating 2 (CR2) - Amber 

Amber ratings indicate that the element or condition being assessed shows defects, signs of wear and tear or issues that aren’t immediately vital but would require attention in the near future. 

 

Common examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Loose roof tiles 

  • Worn exterior paintwork requiring renewal 

  • Minor plumbing leaks 

  • Windows needing resealing 

  • Garden boundary issues 

 

It indicates that certain elements, while not being in premium condition, are functional and not an immediate cause for concern. Amber ratings usually indicate defects that should eventually be addressed by repairs or replacements. 

 

That’s not to suggest that amber ratings should be entirely ignored. It’s important to pay close attention to the report’s information on potential future problems that may arise should these issues be neglected or overlooked. A RICS home condition report with amber ratings aplenty should help inform your decision-making process, whether involving committing to the purchase, renegotiating, or considering alternative options. Consider seeking specialist quotes for amber-rated conditions or elements as well the surveyors’ advice on maintenance and future obstacles related to the addressed element(s). 

Conditioning Rating 3 (CR3) - Red 

Red ratings signal serious defects, significant issues and major maintenance requirements of unique elements or components that demand urgent attention.  

 

These might include: 

  • Structural movement or subsidence 

  • Major roof defects allowing water ingress 

  • Electrical installations requiring complete rewiring 

  • Heating system failures 

  • Serious damp or timber decay issues 

 

Red ratings usually indicate issues that must be immediately repaired, replaced or investigated further. The problems raised must never be ignored, and should always be taken seriously before completing a purchase. It’s recommended to seek further investigation into any problems highlighted by red ratings. 

 

The extent of the information divulged in RICS survey reports will often depend on whether you opt for the most extensive (Level 3 report) or the most rudimentary (Level 1 report) option. The more in-depth your report, the more information you will unveil about the conditions or elements of the property you are looking to buy or sell. 

 

How ratings can be helpful in property decisions 

The rating system provides powerful negotiation tools for both buyers and sellers.  

 

If you’re in the process of buying a home, any highlighted amber or red ratings can be used to request price negotiations based on expected repair costs, or request that sellers complete works before contracts are exchanged. Sellers, conversely, can benefit from understanding these ratings to demonstrate proper care to potential buyers and even achieve better sales prices (if their report contains plenty of green ratings.) 

 

While the traffic light system provides a basic level of categorisation, the insights put forth by professional RICS surveyors are often more helpful. They assess the most pressing challenges of properties first, with comprehensive advice for remediation, in line with new modern survey standards in an attempt to maintain transparency. This ensures buyers can receive reliable, standardised information regardless of the surveyor they choose to inspect their potential future home. 

 

Property age, while it can be a factor in structural quality, doesn’t always correlate with bad condition ratings. Well-maintained Victorian homes may achieve more green than amber or red, while neglected modern homes may show the opposite. The rating system is designed to help you look deeper than surface aesthetics and isolate a property’s true condition. 

Buy or sell quality homes in Devon today 

Whether you're buying or selling a home in Devon or the surrounding areas, don’t seek the easy way out, and instead get the best possible advice and support. At Sawdye & Harris, our experienced team guides clients through every aspect of property transactions, from initial valuations through to completion. Contact Sawdye & Harris today to discuss how our expertise can help you navigate property surveys, negotiations, and achieve your property goals. 

 

03Oct

You would not set off on a journey without a map, so why start the next chapter of your life without a clear guide for buyers? That is exactly what a floorplan provides, a straightforward visual tool that helps buyers understand a property before they even step inside.

 

Why Floorplans Matter

While professional photography, home staging and virtual tours are essential parts of premium property marketing, floorplans hold a unique power. They provide potential buyers with a clear understanding of the layout and flow of a home. Imagine trying to picture how your furniture fits or how children’s rooms connect without a visual guide. A well-designed floorplan adds clarity, keeps buyers engaged and supports the selling unique homes process.

 

See the Space Clearly

Buyers want to know the size and shape of each room with precision. Instead of hiding these details in long descriptions, a floorplan displays them clearly. Unlike styled photographs that show a space filled with someone else’s furniture, a floorplan offers a blank canvas for imagination. This transparency builds trust, which is key for high-end property sales and bespoke home selling.

 

Visual Flow Makes a Difference

Most buyers are visual learners. Floorplans allow them to mentally walk through a home, connecting rooms in ways photos alone cannot. This visual flow is particularly valuable in exclusive property listings, where unique layouts and features deserve to be presented clearly.

 

Orientation Matters More Than You Think

Including orientation details such as a compass rose can transform a buyer’s perspective. Knowing how the light falls throughout the day helps buyers picture mornings in the kitchen or evenings in the garden. For luxury estate agents, these subtle details elevate tailored marketing strategies and highlight lifestyle benefits that enhance a property valuation.

 

Square Footage: The Hard Facts

Buyers compare properties using hard data, and square footage is a key figure. Presenting this upfront demonstrates professionalism and confidence. In off-market property sales or discreet property sales, such detail reinforces credibility and attracts serious interest.

 


 

Creating Space Through Simplicity

Floorplans help buyers see beyond current clutter or décor choices. Where photographs might make a room feel small, a floorplan shows potential. This makes them a vital complement to other marketing methods and ensures the property selling process appeals to a wider audience.

 

Colour Coding for Lasting Impressions

After viewings, details can blur. A colour-coded floorplan helps buyers remember key features. Warm tones for bedrooms or cool shades for bathrooms create a visual memory that supports professional photography and virtual tours. This level of attention to detail demonstrates negotiation expertise and a personalised service.

 

The Complete Package

In a competitive market, omitting a floorplan may suggest corners are being cut. Including one shows care and professionalism, whether for a starter property or a grand estate. For clients selling unique homes, floorplans combined with home staging and expert property advice create the complete premium property marketing package.

 


 

Saving Time for Everyone

Floorplans help filter out unsuitable buyers, meaning viewings are more productive. This efficiency benefits sellers, buyers and estate agents alike. In the process seller consultation stage, a floorplan also informs the market appraisal, ensuring expectations are realistic and aligned with negotiation expertise.

 

Ready to Make Your Home Shine?

If you are considering high-end property sales, our luxury estate agents provide tailored marketing strategies, professional photography, home staging, virtual tours and expert property advice. We specialise in bespoke home selling, exclusive property listings and discreet property sales supported by client testimonials.

If you’re eager to learn more about how we create our unique floorplans and help maximise your home’s potential, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us here.

28Jul

Once a niche consideration in the property market, sustainable housing is now a priority for many homebuyers. While location and square footage remain important, discerning buyers are seeking out sustainability credentials when making what is often the most significant investment they’ll ever make.

This checklist will guide you through some of the most essential elements to consider when searching for a future-proof, environmentally conscious property, and what sellers should be aware of to appeal to today’s buyers.

What are the key sustainable features buyers want?

Smart, sustainable, and energy-efficient technology

With fluctuating energy costs and the growing awareness of the impact fossil fuels are having on our planet, it’s no surprise that more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions and bring energy costs down in the process. One of the key features modern buyers are looking for is renewable energy systems and alternatives to traditional gas or oil boilers.

Solar panels are a popular choice, but a growing number of homeowners are investing in heat pumps. According to engineering specialists at the Village Heating Company, “air source heat pumps deliver up to four times more energy than they consume, so you’ll reduce your energy usage dramatically.” This translates into a lower carbon footprint for the property and reduced energy bills for you as an owner.

Another popular solution is smart home technology, with systems like Hive and Nest helping homeowners to control their heating and lighting more effectively, reducing energy waste and making life at home more convenient. These savvy energy-monitoring gadgets can result in tangible energy savings for enhanced day-to-day efficiency throughout your property.

Eco-conscious and recycled building materials

The materials used to build the property don’t just affect the environmental footprint, but they also give an indication of the overall quality and durability of the build which is good news for buyers. Buyers wanting to invest in greener homes in the year ahead should look for recycled or sustainable materials, metal elements, natural insulation like sheep’s wool or cellulose which deliver excellent thermal performance while avoiding the chemicals associated with conventional insulation, and reclaimed timber that preserves forests and provides superior durability.

The modern buyer (and seller) needs to understand which construction methods are sustainable and which aren’t in order to make an informed choice. For example, modular construction, which involves building sections of a home in a factory and then assembling on-site, drastically reduces material waste and construction time. Similarly, 3D printing allows for custom structures that are tailored to specifications while also optimising resources. Homes that embrace these cutting-edge approaches attract environmentally conscious buyers and could even command higher prices.

Chemical-free interiors

The connection between a sustainable lifestyle and a healthier one is strong, and that’s clear in the demand for chemical-free, non-toxic homes that are made with health and the environment in mind. This looks like low- or zero-VOC finishes that provide healthier air quality from day one, to formaldehyde-free cabinets and furniture, natural flooring solutions that offer beautiful décor without phthalates and other concerning chemicals, and non-toxic insulation.

Another feature buyers want is integrated water filtration systems that remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from the tap water before it enters the home, reducing exposure to chemicals and making the drinking water safer and cleaner.

Biophilic design elements

One of the most appealing aspects of green home design is connecting residents with the natural environment, promoting wellbeing through the likes of living walls, water features, and natural materials. Biophilic design has grown in popularity over the last few years as more of us want our homes to be calming and stress-free.

Buyers are looking for ways to maximise natural light to reduce their electricity demands, unique features like living walls that improve air quality and contribute towards better temperature regulation, and organic materials like exposed stone and rustic wood that add a sensory element and a connection to the outdoors.

Green credentials as an investment

Considering the premium that’s often attached to sustainable properties, it's important to assess the return on investment, both for sellers looking to improve a property before putting it on the market and buyers looking to get the most for their money.

For example, properties with higher EPC ratings tend to command premium prices but also offer lower running costs. What’s more, with increasingly stringent regulations, properties with poor energy performance might require upgrades in the future. Insurance premiums can also be preferential when it comes to sustainable features, especially any upgrades that reduce the risks from flooding, fires or storm damage.

A sustainable home may also offer a more promising resale value. Data shows that properties with verified green credentials are holding their value better than conventional equivalents and typically sell faster when brought to market. So, if you’re looking to sell up and move on, investing in green features to appeal to the sustainable buyer could be a wise decision.

 

For many the first point in a house move journey is to understand the value of their current home. Whether you want a quick, instant online valuation or a more robust specific and individual valuation, we would be delighted to help – contact us today.

 

 

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