Make your move to avoid a property stalemate

You’ve seen the house of your dreams - but a delay in putting your own property on the market means you’ve missed out because someone else has snapped it up. Likewise, kicking your heels over organising a viewing of a potential new home could also lead to disappointment.

This is a scenario independent estate agents and valuers Harrison Murray see on a daily basis.

However, with forward planning and the right instruction, potential sellers need not miss out on selling their own property.

“Quite often, sellers and prospective buyers inadvertently create something of a stalemate situation – with the seller not putting their property on the market until they have seen something they would like to buy.

“In turn, this can mean less choice for prospective buyers, therefore halting their decision to move,” said Harrison Murray development director Jackie Scotten.

Buyers are currently in an excellent position - but by sticking to realistic asking prices and taking the time to prepare their home for viewing, vendors can also reap the benefits of the current trend.

Jackie added: “On a daily basis, people walk into the offices advising us they have no intention of placing the house in the market until such time as they have found a suitable property.

“This is a self-defeating prophecy. Realistically, the minute that their dream house becomes available, it’s going to appeal to those buyers who are ready, willing and able to proceed- who have sold subject to contract or who are currently living in rented accommodation.”

“Likewise, our advice to prospective purchasers who have seen a property they would like to view is to act immediately.

“The reality is that several people may be interested, so to get in first with a viewing puts them in the driving seat.

“It may sound like a cliche – but it is very much a case of view it or lose it.”

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire. Visit the website at harrisonmurray.co.uk.