The advice I got from PPS saved the day. My flat sold quickly and I was able to move to the home I really wanted.
Miss G London
When Nigel left the project we felt a bit lost actually.
Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister on the BBC’s ‘The Million Pound Property Experiment’.
Miss G London
When Nigel left the project we felt a bit lost actually.
Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister on the BBC’s ‘The Million Pound Property Experiment’.
FAQs
House Doctor
I know house doctoring and property presentation work but how do I find the right consultant?
I am often asked this question and the only way I can answer it is to explain that good consultants are few and far between. Interior designers have climbed on the House Doctor bandwagon, and some are very good, but what you really need is someone with a depth of experience in the property market gained from actually buying, presenting and selling property for sale in the UK.
back to top
How much should I spend on preparing my property for sale?
We normally advise our clients to spend a maximum of 1% of the asking price of their property on preparing for the market. However, many spend much less than this and the key to success is knowing where the money should be spent and where to avoid spending it. The reason you are spending the money is to maximise the value of your asset in the marketplace, but this should not be an excuse to spend unwisely.
back to top
My husband put a new bathroom in our home in anticipation of selling the property and, like all the TV shows suggest, we choose a white suite and plain tiles. It looks cold and sterile. What shall I do to make it look more attractive?
You have done the hardest bit, but I can understand your disappointment. It is a shame you did not contact me before carrying out the work. Often bathrooms can be transformed by clever dressing. However think of this room as a blank canvas and add colour and texture through attention to detail. Pick an accent colour and accessorise the toiletries and soft furnishings to match. For example you should purchase large fluffy towels that are only put out for viewings and never used, top brands of cosmetics and bath oils (boxes and contents can be used separately) and luxury bathrobes. Mirror surrounds can also subtly add colour.
back to top
I am about to start my first renovation project. What are the pitfalls?
Congratulations. I am hoping that before you purchased the property you had already assessed the amount of work and money that will be required to complete the job. If not you might be in for some surprises and disappointments. Do not overestimate how much time you can commit to the project and get some good advice now before you start spending.
back to top
Help! My builder has left me halfway through building my extension. We disagreed over money and he refuses to return unless I pay him more. What shall I do?
Hopefully you had entered into a JCT contract with your builder, which sets out when and how much your builder should have been paid. If not, mediation would be the order of the day. You need to resolve this situation even if it means you have to find another builder, but first you have to close your relationship and dealings with your errant builder. The mediation I carry out is not expensive and, by using a third person, amicable solutions can often be found.
back to top
I am already to set off on my next renovation. I have the plans, the necessary permissions and the various quotes from different sub-contractors. However I really need to know if I am on the right track. Can you help?
Of course. Renovation work can be very expensive and potentially is always more difficult when using sub-contract labour as opposed to a main building contractor, but there are savings to be made. You do need someone to check your scheme and I often undertake this kind of project assessment and charge on a time-only basis.
back to top
My house has been on the market for three months and not sold. I am not getting any viewings and my agent has suggested dropping the price. What should I do?
I am assuming that your house is well presented and there are no other factors that could influence the sale adversely. Vendors are often reluctant to reduce price but the property may have been over-valued initially. Research the internet/local papers to see if houses in your area are simillarly priced and selling. Have you chosen the right agent to sell your type of property? Are they putting time and energy into selling your property? What you need is a clear, concise marketing plan. It may mean taking your house off the market and changing agents, but you are more likely to sell if you have a clear picture of how the market in your area is working. Selling property is proactive not reactive.
back to top
I am thinking of selling my house without an agent. Is this a good idea?
Selling without agents appears an attractive proposition to many vendors because they think they will save money. However, agents do work hard for their fees. Do not forget that they produce property details (which, by law, have to be accurate), advertise your property, show people around, make follow-up calls and, most importantly, they have access to a list of potential buyers. Once you have received an offer for your home they will spend considerable time progressing the sale, through contact with solicitors, surveyors and the buyer. So the question should not be about attempting to sell without an agent but actually about choosing the right one.
back to top
I have invited two estate agents to value my house. They both value the house at the same figure but one wants 2% commission and the other 2.5% to sell it. My husband and I disagree over which one we should instruct.
I hope that your property was dressed and ready for the market BEFORE you invited the agents in to give their valuations. It ALWAYS pays dividends to do this. Your choice of agent should not be based solely on the potential cost of the sale. You should consider which of the two agents is most likely to sell your home. Look at which of the two is currently having more success with the same type of property in your area and they should be your choice. Remember agency fees are not fixed: you can negotiate. If your house is well presented, an agent will feel more confident about selling it and therefore perhaps more likely to cut fees.
back to top
- I know house doctoring and property presentation work but how do I find the right consultant?
- How much should I spend on preparing my property for sale?
- My husband put a new bathroom in our home in anticipation of selling the property and, like all the TV shows suggest, we choose a white suite and plain tiles. It looks cold and sterile. What shall I do to make it look more attractive?
- I am about to start my first renovation project. What are the pitfalls?
- Help! My builder has left me halfway through building my extension. We disagreed over money and he refuses to return unless I pay him more. What shall I do?
- I am already to set off on my next renovation. I have the plans, the necessary permissions and the various quotes from different sub-contractors. However I really need to know if I am on the right track. Can you help?
- My house has been on the market for three months and not sold. I am not getting any viewings and my agent has suggested dropping the price. What should I do?
- I am thinking of selling my house without an agent. Is this a good idea?
- I have invited two estate agents to value my house. They both value the house at the same figure but one wants 2% commission and the other 2.5% to sell it. My husband and I disagree over which one we should instruct.
I know house doctoring and property presentation work but how do I find the right consultant?
I am often asked this question and the only way I can answer it is to explain that good consultants are few and far between. Interior designers have climbed on the House Doctor bandwagon, and some are very good, but what you really need is someone with a depth of experience in the property market gained from actually buying, presenting and selling property for sale in the UK.
back to top
How much should I spend on preparing my property for sale?
We normally advise our clients to spend a maximum of 1% of the asking price of their property on preparing for the market. However, many spend much less than this and the key to success is knowing where the money should be spent and where to avoid spending it. The reason you are spending the money is to maximise the value of your asset in the marketplace, but this should not be an excuse to spend unwisely.
back to top
My husband put a new bathroom in our home in anticipation of selling the property and, like all the TV shows suggest, we choose a white suite and plain tiles. It looks cold and sterile. What shall I do to make it look more attractive?
You have done the hardest bit, but I can understand your disappointment. It is a shame you did not contact me before carrying out the work. Often bathrooms can be transformed by clever dressing. However think of this room as a blank canvas and add colour and texture through attention to detail. Pick an accent colour and accessorise the toiletries and soft furnishings to match. For example you should purchase large fluffy towels that are only put out for viewings and never used, top brands of cosmetics and bath oils (boxes and contents can be used separately) and luxury bathrobes. Mirror surrounds can also subtly add colour.
back to top
I am about to start my first renovation project. What are the pitfalls?
Congratulations. I am hoping that before you purchased the property you had already assessed the amount of work and money that will be required to complete the job. If not you might be in for some surprises and disappointments. Do not overestimate how much time you can commit to the project and get some good advice now before you start spending.
back to top
Help! My builder has left me halfway through building my extension. We disagreed over money and he refuses to return unless I pay him more. What shall I do?
Hopefully you had entered into a JCT contract with your builder, which sets out when and how much your builder should have been paid. If not, mediation would be the order of the day. You need to resolve this situation even if it means you have to find another builder, but first you have to close your relationship and dealings with your errant builder. The mediation I carry out is not expensive and, by using a third person, amicable solutions can often be found.
back to top
I am already to set off on my next renovation. I have the plans, the necessary permissions and the various quotes from different sub-contractors. However I really need to know if I am on the right track. Can you help?
Of course. Renovation work can be very expensive and potentially is always more difficult when using sub-contract labour as opposed to a main building contractor, but there are savings to be made. You do need someone to check your scheme and I often undertake this kind of project assessment and charge on a time-only basis.
back to top
My house has been on the market for three months and not sold. I am not getting any viewings and my agent has suggested dropping the price. What should I do?
I am assuming that your house is well presented and there are no other factors that could influence the sale adversely. Vendors are often reluctant to reduce price but the property may have been over-valued initially. Research the internet/local papers to see if houses in your area are simillarly priced and selling. Have you chosen the right agent to sell your type of property? Are they putting time and energy into selling your property? What you need is a clear, concise marketing plan. It may mean taking your house off the market and changing agents, but you are more likely to sell if you have a clear picture of how the market in your area is working. Selling property is proactive not reactive.
back to top
I am thinking of selling my house without an agent. Is this a good idea?
Selling without agents appears an attractive proposition to many vendors because they think they will save money. However, agents do work hard for their fees. Do not forget that they produce property details (which, by law, have to be accurate), advertise your property, show people around, make follow-up calls and, most importantly, they have access to a list of potential buyers. Once you have received an offer for your home they will spend considerable time progressing the sale, through contact with solicitors, surveyors and the buyer. So the question should not be about attempting to sell without an agent but actually about choosing the right one.
back to top
I have invited two estate agents to value my house. They both value the house at the same figure but one wants 2% commission and the other 2.5% to sell it. My husband and I disagree over which one we should instruct.
I hope that your property was dressed and ready for the market BEFORE you invited the agents in to give their valuations. It ALWAYS pays dividends to do this. Your choice of agent should not be based solely on the potential cost of the sale. You should consider which of the two agents is most likely to sell your home. Look at which of the two is currently having more success with the same type of property in your area and they should be your choice. Remember agency fees are not fixed: you can negotiate. If your house is well presented, an agent will feel more confident about selling it and therefore perhaps more likely to cut fees.
back to top
