10 Tips When Considering Selling and Buying a Property

If you have been following my posts on moving house, this one is a little different. In it I have tried to distil the experience into some, I hope, helpful hints on moving house. Most we did. A couple we probably wish we had done. I trust that you will find them useful and interesting.

 1) Research how much your house is worth

Knowledge is power. Before you get an estate agent through your door, find out how much your property is worth. In the past, the only recourse was to get an estate agent to visit to provide you with a valuation. Nowadays, websites like Zoopla and Rightmove can provide you with details, admittedly dated by a few months, of properties in your street that have sold or properties in the town/city/village which are similar to yours in style, bedroom number and facilities.
It is also useful to have a wander around a few estate agents windows to get a feel for current prices.

2) Sort out any minor repairs

Take a critical look at your home. Are there any minor repairs required or bits of decoration needed? People when viewing a property can be easily put off considering a purchase if a property doesn't look cared for.

Prepare yourself for viewing in advance. Most of us tend to have 'stuff' around the house that except in situations like this we are unaware of. Does it look cluttered? Is there any non-essential furniture? Remove anything that fits these criteria and either store for future use or dispose of.

For us, this involved the disposal of a wardrobe and chest of drawers, which transformed one of the bedrooms. I also packed half my load of books into boxes and stored them, which made a difference to the study, making it look more spacious.

3) Get more than one valuation.

It is worth getting more than one valuation from different estate agents. Ask around your friends for recommendations. Look around your area and see what signs are up and what company seems to sell quickly. If you've done your research, you already know what price your property is worth. Go for the one who tallies with your valuation (or slightly higher).

Speaking from experience, it is not a good idea to be too greedy and to agree with an estate agent when they say it is worth tens of thousands more than you have seen other properties go for in your area. They will often show you a 'triangle which is basically saying that if a person is coming into an area from London for example they will consider paying far more than those who live locally. Those who will go for the cheapest properties are those who are purchasing properties to let.

The reality of the situation is that if you are selling the property to a deadline, then a higher price is likely to put people off initially to the extent that they will not consider the property again even if the price drops. And that first month your property is on the market is so important. Dropping the price too quickly also smacks of desperation, which puts you in a uncomfortable situation when negotiating on an offer.

Far better to keep to a price you are comfortable with and what appears to be realistic.

4) Have a clear idea of the area/property you want to move to.

This is where the rose tinted glasses have to be removed. Areas that may look perfect when you experience them during holidays, may look completely different in January. How near are you to shops, doctors, banks, schools, etc? What is the area like community wise?

Then there is the property. Are you looking for new or old? House or bungalow or a smaller unit? Do you want to renovate a property or move into a property that is in very good order? It will narrow things down if you consider right from the start what you are looking for . But don't be too rigid. The property we purchased was not actually my first choice, just an add on. We looked at it because it fulfilled the criteria we had set ourselves and it turned out to be 'the one'.

5) What's it all going to cost?

It is important to work out the cost of selling and buying properties. The main items to consider include solicitors fees, estate agents fees, mortgages, removal expenses but could also include works to your new property if some are required. In our situation, we knew that the property we wanted to buy was all electric and we needed to research how much connecting gas to the property, together with the possible renewal of the kitchen units and bathroom. This all helps when making an offer for your new property. The works required really need to be considered.

6) Research your area.

When you have made your choice, try to research the area that you will live in. If possible, go there at different times of the day and week. Are you going to be happy there? Is there anything you may not be happy to live with? You can't cover everything, but you may confirm in your mind that this is the property you really want.

When I worked as an environmental health officer, in fact at the 1st local authority after I qualified, I investigated a complaint from a lady who had just moved into her property. She had viewed on a weekend and had another look around again on a weekend. She had also moved on a weekend too. On the Monday following her move, the small foundry situated at the rear of her property started up, causing her great distress and another move.

7) Keep in contact.

It is so easy to think that the conveyancer and solicitor are the experts and they will keep you informed. Unfortunately, they are busy people and, on occasions will deal with those cases that are urgent on the day. It is wise once all the initial paperwork has been dealt with to contact them every couple of weeks at least, just so that you know any current information and can deal with any issues swiftly.

8) Removal - DIY or get the professionals in.

Consider using a removal firm. I know this is an extra expense but it does take the stress out of the moving day. Most are very experienced and have done it many times before. It can also be a quicker process. Ours was a move involving a 250 mile trip and it wasn't possible to do this on our own. Although we had to pay to have their services for 2 days, it really made the job a lot easier.

9) Information for the new owner

It is a good idea to build up a file for the new owner of your property, with any extra keys, booklets for equipment that will be remaining, where the stop cock is, when the rubbish is collected and any other information you feel may be of use. We also left a list of phone numbers for the doctors, dentist etc.,


10) Enjoy

Lastly, enjoy the experience. This is a new part of your life. It would be a shame if it became so stressful that the whole thing becomes a nightmare. Of course, there are always situations that will crop up as it did with us, when the whole process becomes a bit much especially when waiting for exchange of contracts. But this is all part of your journey in your life - Enjoy.


This will be the last post I will do in this blog. As I no longer live in Sussex, I won't be able to write from that perspective anymore. I am starting a new blog which I intend to call The Devon Way (unless someone has used that before), which will talk about my experiences in our new home in Devon. I hope you will join me there.

Moves Afoot! Part 5 - Moving Emotions

Throughout the whole of this little series of blog posts about our move, I haven't mentioned the relatives and friends that we would be leaving or the range of emotions felt about the move itself. In fact, this time last year as mentioned at the start of this series, a move couldn't have been further from my thoughts. As an acquaintance said to me, you get to a certain age and you're comfortable where you are, with friends and relatives around you and your social/spiritual activities sorted, a move doesn't figure very high in the scheme of things.

Path to Bishopstone 

But it was very much a 'why not?' moment when Alan and I first discussed it. We had spent our last holiday at different Camping and Caravan Club sites, getting into conversations with people who had, as far as I was concerned, done amazing things after retiring - moving from one end of the country to another; going off in their motor-homes for months at a time either around England or abroad; or who were just enjoying life doing their own thing.

Much as I love Sussex, it's people and countryside, my first love has always been the South West.When we started going down to Yealmpton over the past couple of years, that love rekindled to an extent that surprised me. Then to find that Alan was also harbouring similar feelings meant that serious conversations started to occur, remembering how we considered a move a decade before to Tavistock, which, for various reasons didn't happen. Knowing that the years can just pass so quickly made it all the more important to move sooner rather than later. I didn't really wanted to spend my later years thinking 'what if'.

St Andrew's Church

It was a move not taken lightly. We had a lovely bungalow. I was heavily involved in St Andrew's Church in Bishopstone and loved going to the services there and doing 'my bit'. I loved (and still
love!) the church members and all who visited the church. I was in a book club that was associated with the Mother's Union at St Peter's (part of our United Benefice) and enjoyed discussing the books we read, but more importantly, the fellowship with others (and the cups of tea/coffee and biscuits!). I was also in a writing club which was thoroughly enjoyable and increased my confidence in writing, with again some wonderful companions spending time together with something we all loved.

Church Choir Friends

I had friends in and around where I lived where I used to chat to or to pop in for a cup of tea/coffee or, in hot days like this a suitably cooling drink. We encouraged each other, and with some, who I got to know really well, helped each other out when problems struck. I valued their company and support.

I know it was a shock for many when I announced our decision to move. But there are times when a big step like this needs to be taken and you just hope that those friendships are rooted enough to stand the distance. And you realise that it's down to yourself to keep the contact going as much as you can.

An estate agent said to us when we had our house valued, "Enjoy the journey." And I have gained from this 'moving journey' we have been on and look forward to the future - in both the ups and the downs. But I will miss seeing the friends that I have made over the years in the South East. Most of all I will miss being near my step son and his wife, together with the grandchildren. But the world is a lot smaller than it used to be with trips to Sussex for camping a possibility for us together with trips by family and friends to Devon to see the beautiful area in which we now live.

Church Members Socialising

Moves Afoot! Part 4 - Countdown to Devon

Our Moving Van

Having now exchanged contracts and received a completion date, we started to sort all the things that need to happen before we moved - the people and organisations that needed to be informed of our leaving the property in Seaford , with other services needing to know our imminent arrival in Devon.

We had only one week. Time was of the essence. Things really did crank up a few creaky gears to make sure we were going to be with power, water and communication facilities. Only to my horror, we found that we were going to be without a phone line, broadband and satellite facilities for nearly two weeks as they needed more notice than we were able to give them. Alan was thrilled, needless to say.

Days were taken up with me packing the rest of my stuff; most of the household stuff having been packed by Alan very quickly when we had found out.

Letting our friends know was difficult as being so busy during the day I was unable to think straight at night. But we told as many as we could, with my emotions starting to build up in realisation as to what a big thing we were doing.

As it was going to be just after Easter, I also had the services to attend at my church St Andrew's in Bishopstone, which also took up some time. And I arranged a little leaving 'do' on the Sunday before so that I could say goodbye to as many as I could. Time just seemed to slip away with all these things (please excuse the repetitive 'thing' - couldn't think of another word) that needed to be done.

Then when it seemed it would never end, we were all packed and ready to go except those every day items we would need up to the time we moved.

The Garage Boxes

At last the day came. The removal firm arrived promptly and started putting our possessions onto the van. It felt quite odd, as on previous moves we had done it ourselves or had hired from someone we knew. This was unknown people handling our things but they were very good and efficient, making light work of some of our heavy objects. I kept out of the way and cleaned each room as they finished.

Then, with only the garage left to go, we left them to it as we knew we had at least five hours to travel to our new home and needed to get the keys before 5.00pm (which didn't quite happen the way it should have done - but that's another story).

Half an hour into our journey, I looked at the clock. It was midday. I thought to myself, "In the past, that was the usual time for completion."

Three minutes later, my mobile rang. It was the solicitor.

"Mrs Kinnersley?"

"Yes?"

"I'm ringing to say that we have just completed on your behalf. You now have your property in Devon. All the best for the future."

After thanking him for his call, I turned to Alan and told him the news. We smiled at each other. This was going to be the start of a big adventure.

Moves Afoot! - Part 3 - The Waiting Game

(I've taken the liberty of including within this post a few photos which show some of the good memories I have of our home in Seaford. Hope you like them).

Our trip to Devon had been successful, much to our surprise. Now came the legal process of buying the house; the searches and the questionnaires - what's staying and what's going. After a flurry of activity comes the wait.

Our Garden in Seaford

So we sort out stuff, the clothes and gadgets that have outgrown their usefulness. We continue to pack my books, half of which had already been packed to make the place look tidier. In fact my books seem to have become a huge bone of contention and I defended them as you would your 'babies'. I had to face the fact that I had far more possessions than Alan, when you looked at all my craft materials and calligraphy equipment and papers for all my different crafts - all of which needed to be packed. Packing everything wasn't really an option until we had some idea of a date, but we packed as much as we could.

Then came the news in February from the solicitor that exchange of contracts was imminent. We dared to hope that the move was going to be as smooth and stress free as our two previous moves. But that was not to be.

After three weeks, I timidly suggested that we might contact the solicitor to ask if there was any news and for the next few weeks we were treated to a round of delays, all of which were based at the bottom of the chain, with our 'buy to let' couple who were buying our buyers property. First they were looking into a right of way issue; then, apparently, they were sorting out a mortgage (which appeared a little late in being applied for). There were even times when these individuals were un-contactable, even by their own solicitors.

Beautiful 'Black Lace' Elder

Having already obtained quotes for removal firms, we thought to check out a few dates.Our first choice couldn't help us and he advised that all firms were being booked up by the 'buy to let' people for the 31st March. We were advised to book with the first firm that were able to do a 2 day move. This we did, more in faith than anything else as no news continued to be received.

This lack of information continued until 23rd March, with our conveyancer informing us that the buyer at the bottom of the chain was still not in a position to exchange and that from his point of view, the move wasn't going to happen.

Loved My Alliums!

In desperation more than anything else, we sent a letter to our conveyancer and estate agent telling them that if it didn't happen by 24th March, then we wouldn't be moving on 31st March and would then leave it until April. Alan duly delivered the missive to both at 9.00 am on the 24th. Within an hour, exchange of contracts had happened, with completion to occur by 31st.

And what had the delaying tactics of the 'buy to let' individual resulted in? For us it felt like a pressure cooker about to burst. We had got to the stage where there had been so many excuses and, in some cases outright lies, you believed no-one in the end. If exchange hadn't happened, we stood to lose our deposit and more with the removal firm (they wanted the full amount of money by 24th March - £2,000!). We see-sawed between relief that we were actually on the move to anger that you could be held hostage like this. And you were left with the question - why does moving have to be so stressful??

Our Seaford Home

Moves Afoot! Part 2

"If they think I'm going rush around finding another property now, just before Christmas, they can whistle". So spoke my nearest and dearest when being told that, as we had accepted an offer to sell our house, there was, at the bottom of the chain we had just joined, a 'buy to let' individual who, because of imminent changes in the legislation, would want to move before 1st April 2016.

I could understand his point of view. We already knew that there were no properties we were interested in in Buckfastleigh and following our previous foray in October we were, thanks to Rightmove, keeping an eye on other areas we were interested in. We knew there was nothing forthcoming at the moment, also that looking for properties just before Christmas, there might not be the choice. Having just lost the property we had thought was our 'dream home', we were a little sore.

While Alan had a doze that afternoon, I picked up the laptop and, expanded the search area from Buckfastleigh a little. To my surprise, quite a few properties came up; some in the village called Liverton. One in particular caught my eye that I instantly liked the look of. Lumbering into the loved one's napping area, I showed him what had caught my eye. Loved one wasn't best pleased at being woken and told me to go away, but shouted as I went to save these properties I was interested in so we could talk about it later.

Cue for a virtual wander around an area about 4 miles from Newton Abbot, which until now we didn't know existed.

Later that day, we looked at what I had discovered. There were some properties worth investigating in Liverton. So we made the decision to pay another visit after Christmas to Devon, this time staying in a small hotel, which fortunately accepted small dogs, the Furzeleigh Mill Hotel, a charming place with just the right amount of 'quirkyness'. With at least 4 properties to view, our hopes were raised that maybe,we might find one that suited, or even one that, is not completely satisfactory, would be OK to use as a base until we found one better, as part of a five year plan.

It was a rather tense but postive couple (plus Jessie) that made their way down to Devon at the beginning of 2016 . As we came closer to that county, inevitably the excitement built up. We had arranged viewings for the following couple of days that we were in the area, so had no need to rush down. But, having made good time, we were able to visit Liverton beforehand to suss out what the surroundings where three of the properties were, was like. What we saw impressed us, the small estate encircled by fields, woods and hills. Of more importance to my loved one was the fact that there was a local pub, which we visited to refresh ourselves and to gain further information about the village.

As we arrived at the hotel situated near to Buckfastleigh, I switched on my phone to find I had a message from one of the estate agents. Apparently he had been waiting at one of the properties we were to view. In all the rush to sort things out I had agreed the wrong date. Fortunately, we were able to book another viewing for the following day, but it was not a good start.

After a surprisingly good night's sleep, we headed off to our first viewing, a 4 bedroom 'status home'. And it appeared, as with our choice of estate agents, that there was going to be a fairy tale element to it all. This first one was judged to be too big with a garden that was tiny; the second, a really lovely bungalow with a very striking exterior was judged, to be too small. After a quick pub lunch, we viewed the first property again, and found that from Alan's point of view, it really wasn't going to suit.

So it was with a sinking heart that we parked outside the last property of the day. Alan first words as we stopped were, "Well, this is more like it." And throughout the viewing he continued to enthuse about the layout and what a lovely bungalow it was. I did find out later that it was because it reminded him of his mum and dad's property, while they were still alive. Whatever the reason, it did evoke very strong emotions for him. He, in effect had fallen in love.

From my point of view, I was initially horrified. It was all electric. The third bedroom, used as a study was tiny. I could see the amount of work required, but when I started to mention the faults, I was hushed up. I hankered for the first property, believing less work would be required. In its favour, however, was the size of the other 2 bedrooms and the layout of the living room, dining area and kitchen, which was pleasant.

Returning to the hotel having made an offer on the first property (for my benefit), we also decided to make another offer on the third 'just right' property. This offer took into account the amount of work required and was what we both termed, a 'silly' offer. We had nothing to lose really and went to bed after one of the most intense chats of our marriage with no idea as to whether we would end up with a property at the end of this trip.

The following morning, I woke with a splitting headache and feeling generally rotten. Not being able to lift my head up from the pillow without feeling nauseous, we agreed that Alan would keep a final viewing appointment that we had agreed in Buckfastleigh and I would rest. There had already been a phone call refusing our offer on the larger property, and we had arranged, whatever the response to our 'silly offer', to view the other property we had made an offer on in the afternoon. So all I could do was rest.

On his return, when we were just discussing his last unsuccessful viewing, the mobile rang. It was the estate agent from the 'just right' property, to say that our offer had been accepted! And on our 2nd viewing, I have to admit, I could see the benefits. It was a lovely bungalow that needed updating. It is a funny thing though; you can spend hours agonising over a minor or cheap item for the house, or on a trinket or piece of clothing. Yet the biggest purchase you can make is all decided in relatively few minutes.

Returning to Sussex the following day, we were keen to get everything started. From our point of view, it seemed fairly straightforward. But the question still hovered in the air - would we actually get to Devon and realise our dream?

The 'Just Right' House

A Big Adventure - Moves Afoot!

Apologies that nothing has been written in quite a while, but there have been moves afoot (quite literally).

At the beginning of 2015, nothing could have been further from our minds than a house move. We had looked at the possibility of moving to Tavistock in Devon back in 2003. However, too many negatives had reared their heads at the time, one of which had been my poor health. The other had been that we hadn't seen anywhere that we wanted to buy. That dream had been buried with a decision made to move from Brighton to Seaford, opting for a smaller move rather than the big adventure we had hoped for.

In 12 years, life had changed. My health following two operations and other treatment, had become immeasurably better. We had started travelling to different areas, in Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset and Devon on camping trips and experiencing different surroundings and the most beautiful scenery. All of which was very good for the soul.

 And it was in those trips, where the television wasn't immediately available, that there was time to chat, not just with each other, but with the people that we met on sites and in the places that we visited. We talked with those who had moved from one end of the country to another; and from others who were now retired, enjoying regular trips away in their mobile homes. We listened to people just like us, who were now living their 'big adventure' now that they were no longer working. Over time the thought took root - how about a move to somewhere we really want to live, not just for convenience but for ourselves? But where?

Camping at the Runt in Tun

It was during the trip to 'The Runt in Tun' in Heathfield, Sussex (not far from where we lived), that the subject was first broached.
"How about," Alan said, "moving to Heathfield?" We had had a lovely week at the site, enjoyed some great walks and liked the nearby town. It was a possibility we both thought worth pursuing.

So, after registering with Rightmove, I started looking at properties for sale and found that financially it was a possibility. Then, I had a light bulb movement - what about the big move to Devon that we had dreamed about all those years ago? Discussing it with Alan. after checking prices, it also seemed a possibility.

We didn't need much persuasion to go back to Devon. But, as this was now October and because we needed the time to explore, we decided to leave the tent was left behind and to stay in a static caravan near Ashburton.

Before we went on our travels, our home in Seaford had to be valued and put on the market. The decision was made to get three estate agents to visit and to make the choice from them. We had an idea of the possible value, This all took place in a few days and the impressions I received reminded me very much of a fairy tale - the Three Bears. One was too high, one too low and the last 'just right' (ish).

View of Devon from our base

Having found our estate agent, we went down to Devon and started our search. And it was the first property we viewed that we fell in love with. A stone faced bungalow surrounded by trees and shrub reached by steps,a large double garage being beneath. Situated in Buckfastleigh, we thought we'd found our dream home. Our offer having been accepted, all we had to do was to sell our home. Simple!

Except it wasn't. Although we'd had many viewings to start with, our home was either too big, or too far from town, or not in the right town. We had wondered whether we would have issues because we knew that the kitchen and bathroom needed updating, but were assured that it would not be a problem by the estate agent. We were also assured that the price was right, only to have them request to drop the asking price twice in less than a month. The old confidence started to drop.

And then there were the viewings! I'm not the tidiest of individuals - let's just say it doesn't come easy. So to have every day for three months ensuring the house was clean and tidy was my idea of purgatory. Especially when Alan decided that the best way of presenting the house was to pack half my books away and to dismantle a large wardrobe in the smaller bedroom!

Then two weeks before Christmas, we had the phone call that we had been dreading but expecting - the vendor of the property in Buckfastleigh had received another offer. We comforted ourselves with the belief that maybe that property wasn't meant for us. Alan confided that he had started to have doubts about managing the garden, so for him it was a kind of relief. For me, if I'm blunt, it was the loss of a status symbol and I was a very disappointed, but resigned. And the viewings for our house had dried up.

Our home in Seaford

Then, one week before Christmas, we had two viewings and both potential buyers viewed the property twice. Interestingly, I had to do the viewings as the estate agents had said they were busy. And from that came an offer. But what would we do now with no property to buy and all the other potential properties in the area sold subject to contract or totally unsuitable?

Holiday Memories 2015 - Dreamy Devon and Beyond

Dorset we enjoyed with its picturesque coast, towns and countryside. It will be a county that we will continue to visit. But I do have a love affair with Devon, the pull of the area becoming stronger with every visit.

Yealm Cabin

I did wonder when we rebooked to stay in Yealm Cabin this year whether it would be as good as last year. All doubts were banished when we arrived. And the week was if anything better, I think because we knew what to expect, although it is difficult to analyse why.

View from Yealm Cabin

The cabin itself is about a mile away from the main road. The view from it is mainly of fields - not a
view that constantly changes, except for the clouds. Yet we could sit there for hours, just looking - it was so good for the soul, with occasional visits from rabbits and birds - one of which flew into the cabin and then out before I'd realised what it was.

River Yealm

Then there were the walks! Down a path beside the cabin we were able to get to the River Yealm - a suitable soggy route to Yealmpton and a satisfying self-righteous sort of distance to have a bitter shandy and a full Sunday lunch as a reward.

One evening we took a walk 'round the block' to experience the beauty of the area, walking at one point along the banks of the River Yealm, seeing in an hour and a half only one person and some interested sheep.

Gates of Burgh Island Hotel

We also had the chance to visit the glamorous sounding 'California Cross' (which had a Camping and Caravan site, a pub and a garage), Modbury and Burgh Island (of Agatha Christie fame), driving down roads so narrow, you had to breathe out to ensure there was enough space to drive along. Hats off to my dear husband who performed a very nifty manoeuvre to ensure a refuse lorry could pass.

And then it was back home to Seaford, staying again in Dorset.

Our site at the 'Runt in Tun'

Our three weeks away left us hungry for more adventures when we arrived home. And so, in September, we were off again. Our destination this time was not so far away - to Heathfield, staying in a field  behind the 'Runt in Tun' public house. What was only going to be 3 nights turned into 6, with a friendly pub, great food and walks nearby in a lovely part of Sussex. It was a very relaxing and funny time with lots of laughs each day. And the question started to develop for both of us - what about a complete change of scenery? What about moving house?