Whether buying or selling, there are a few tricks to make sure you get the best deal:
Property dos
- Allow 10 to 20 per cent more than the price you're prepared to pay, to cover things, like fees and stamp duty.
- Pack away clutter and keep the house tidy for viewings.
- Look around with a friend to get a second opinion. You won't always notice all the pitfalls.
- Fill your home with flowers. They add fragrance to a room and act as a focal point, drawing the eye away from things you don't want people to see.
- Get at least three written quotes for any work you want done.
- Put up mirrors in small rooms or hallways, to give the illusion of space.
- Make sure there's lots of storage space; this impresses female buyers.
- Insulate your loft, put in a more efficient gas-condensing boiler and buy energy-efficient appliances.
Property don'ts
- Overstretch yourself, especially when the property market is slowing down. Stick to your budget and don't go crazy on gold-plated taps.
- Panic and buy the first thing you see, or feel pressurized into buying something you're not sure about.
- Be put off if a lot of work needs to be done - use it as a negotiating tool.
- Forget the order work needs to be done in - electrical or plumbing work always before painting and plastering, if you want to avoid doing the same thing twice.
- Attempt major DIY jobs yourself. Leave them to the experts.
- Use a tumble dryer - it's the most energy-inefficient appliance there is.
- Be tempted by a water-guzzling power shower. Install a low-flow aerating shower head and timer.
