Barratt offers buying and selling tips

Posted: 19 Nov 2009 14:12:30 GMT

People considering purchasing a home or part-exchanging to a new property may be interested in a number of buying and selling tips from development firm Barratt.

It suggested that the first port of call for existing property owners looking to move house should be to speak to an independent financial adviser, who can offer knowledge about the best mortgage deals on the market.

Barratt also said that it is important to maintain upkeep and repairs on their existing property to improve the chance of it selling - including finishing off any outstanding DIY jobs and updating paperwork on timber, drains, boilers and damp prevention.

It is important for homeowners to be realistic about the value of their current property as well, the developer added, suggesting that with lower house prices caused by the recession, sellers may need to adjust their expectations about how much buyers are willing to pay for their property.

Recently, Halifax also issued some advice to homeowners looking to avoid property damage when the weather turns cold this year.

It suggested that high winds and heavy rain can damage properties and it is essential that sandbags are used outside windows and doors in areas that are prone to flooding.

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