27 November 2014

With Christmas well and truly underway (well at least that’s what the retailers want us to think!), it’s almost time for the property market to take its seasonal break too.

The number of new seller and buyer enquiries drops drastically in the weeks leading up to the 25th December which is why it’s the perfect time for solicitors and estate agents to hold their parties and occasionally do their Christmas shopping too!

But some people require a sale on a property regardless of the time of year be it due to difficulty financially, a job change or just to secure their ideal property.

Because of the generally quiet market conditions we at The National Association Of Property Buyers urge sellers to be especially careful at this time of year when the lack of standard property buyers mean an increase of enquiries to Quick Buying Companies.

Now there are plenty of very good reasons to sell to a cash buying company – no fees, a more or less guaranteed fast sale and no viewings – but be on the look out for companies who will try to take advantage of your need for a quick transaction.

We still hear reports of non-member firms reducing their offer or even pulling out all together without good reason and if they are not a member of The National Association Of Property Buyers or The Property Ombudsman there will be very little you can do about it.

So Our Advice?

• Use a member firm
• Ensure they are members of The Property Ombudsman
• Make sure they are the actual buyer, not just an agent hoping to sell your property to a third party

Then speak with them to make sure that they are the kind of people you actually want to do business with. Are they friendly, helpful and professional?

With these checks in place you can indeed sell your home this side of Christmas.