We met up with Andrew and Sue Kirby, directors of Kirby Estate Agents in Tavistock and Yelverton, who have been selling properties for over 30 years.
Tavistock, Yelverton and surrounding villages all have one thing in common, they are vibrant, thriving communities where people want to live. In many respects they form a ‘golden area’ where house prices have held up remarkably well compared to other areas of the country. People move here from all over the UK, and overseas, as the area has so much to offer - Dartmoor, shops and markets, healthy leisure activities e.g. walking, running, cycling, bowls, cricket…fresh clean air!
Proximity to Plymouth and Exeter keeps prices stable
There are many reasons people move house such as: employment, upsizing and downsizing, releasing capital, family changes, retirement, access to amenities in town/countryside. The trend in ‘buying to let’, has seen a decline since government stamp duty changes; buying a property for investment purposes is now more for the long-term investor. Many people move to jobs in the cities but prefer to live in commutable rural towns and villages, so our proximity to Plymouth and Exeter keeps prices stable.
Choosing an Estate Agent
Firstly, stay local – choose a local agent, who knows the local housing market and understands the real value of properties. Secondly, you need an agent who will spend time with you; this is a people business and sellers want to deal with people they like. Some might be tempted by national online agents who appear to offer low, but upfront fees (there is usually more to pay than you think). At Kirby Estate Agents we only collect a fee when the house is sold (no sale, no fee). There is no incentive for online agencies to work hard for you or get you the best price if you pay them upfront.
A key to selling houses is keeping the process moving. Check if your estate agent offers a dedicated sales progressor, one person focused on progressing your house sale who will liaise with your solicitor, chase your buyer’s solicitor, talk direct to your buyer, keep you informed every step of the way and ensure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible.
Property walkthrough videos can bring a property to life and offer the prospective buyer a real sense of what the house is like to live in. Although a traditional estate agent, Kirby Estate Agents also has a very modern approach, now offering drone technology to capture aerial views of the property and gardens.
Prospective buyers don’t want to be rushed when viewing a house
Choose an agent who offers accompanied viewings. Prospective buyers don’t want to be rushed when viewing a house, and won’t ask the questions they want to ask when the owner of the property is present. During a viewing an agent can find out what the buyer likes and dislikes about the property, answer all their questions and allow them time to experience what it is like to live there.
Watch out for agents who come in and overprice your house just to win your instruction! Ask the agent about the valuation evidence and do your own research online - ‘sold house prices’ are available on most property portal menus (e.g. Rightmove, Zoopla and Primelocation).
First impressions count
Clutter! Get rid of your clutter and present your rooms as light, spacious areas. The approach to your house is important as first impressions influence buyers, so sort out flaking front door and window paint and overgrown paths. If rooms are full of ‘stuff’ people just remember the mess and clutter; if you have empty rooms, give them a purpose.
If you’re thinking of moving this year call us for a chat, we are always happy to give free advice.
Andrew and Sue Kirby
Kirby Estate Agents, 01822 612010