Covid-19 might have halted many of our plans but those who want to move home, for whatever reason, are likely to still want to move whenever possible.
As evidenced by the increased traffic to MyHome.ie throughout the pandemic, the interest in property is perhaps greater than ever despite the reduced number of new listings coming to the market.
When we finally get back to normal, there is likely to be pent up demand in the market with many people who have been unaffected financially over the course of the last year having an extra year's worth of savings behind them without many of the distractions that can eat in to them like holidays and a social life.
As always, timing can be everything when you're looking for a home so while the market may be paused somewhat at the moment with viewings not taking place during the current Level 5 restrictions, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you're ready once some form of normality returns in the weeks and months ahead.
SELLERS
1. Get your documents in order
Start by establishing where the deeds to your property are and talk to your bank to try and locate them. This could avoid potential delays in closing down the line. If you've had work done to your house you'll also need to provide certificates of compliance so if you haven't got these chase up your builder or architect for them. If you can't find the documents then you may need to get a structural engineer or building surveyor to come and view them. You will also need an up-to-date BER certificate.
2. Get your house ready for viewing
With so much time at present to examine the four walls of every room, there's no better time to get your house ready for viewing. That could involve a bit of spring cleaning to declutter every room and surface or a bit of painting to the walls, ceilings or woodwork. Now is the time to go through each room one at a time and clear out drawers, wardrobes, presses etc so that when you're ready to move you can ensure that it is only the essentials coming with you.
3. Spruce up the garden
A garden can be a real selling point and it's often the first thing a potential buyer sees before actually entering the home. With that in mind, now is the time to weed flower beds, rake up leaves, trim hedges, prune trees and power wash fencing boundary walls, patios and driveways to ensure your garden is looking its best.
4. Create your own snag list
As you're going through the various jobs mentioned such as decluttering, compile a snag list of all the jobs that need professional attention. This can range from hiring a painter to having your gutters cleaned or chimney cleaned. Some of these jobs might be able to be carried out now but even if not by booking now you can make sure you're at the top of the queue for a job to be done once restrictions are lifted.
BUYERS
1. Check your mortgage eligibility
Even if you've had mortgage approval in the past this may have expired and you may need new documentation from your employer showing your income hasn't suffered as a result of Covid-19. Now is a good time to speak to a lender or broker to see how much you can borrow. Also explore the different mortgage rates available.
2. Keep an eye on the market
While stock levels are low right now, there are still properties coming on the market all the time so be sure to sign up to alerts for your price range or area of interest on MyHome.ie to ensure you don't miss out on a property that might be just right for you.
3. Work out your budget
Buying a house is one thing but you also need to factor in possible stamp duty, legal fees, survey costs, engineer reports, moving costs and potential repairs, decoration or required purchases such as new furniture that might arise from moving. Keep all this in mind when you're weighing up what you can afford.
4. Find a solicitor
While you are looking for a property, you should also look for a solicitor to do the conveyancing – this is the legal work to transfer ownership of the property from the seller to you. It is a good idea to choose a solicitor before you start looking at properties, because as soon as your offer is accepted, the estate agent will ask for your solicitor’s details to pass onto the seller’s solicitor. Your solicitor will also check that the sale of the property is legal – that the person who is selling the property owns it and has the right to sell it, and that nobody else could claim to own it. Solicitor’s fees can vary considerably and may be either a percentage of the property price or a flat fee. You will usually be charged extra for services like telephone calls, postage, search fees and registering deeds. So, before you choose one, ask several different solicitors for written quotes and details about their professional fees and other costs.
