Very Quick House Sale

WHEN it comes to selling your home, it needs to stand out from the competition. So, before you start looking for an estate agent, follow our value-adding tips.

1. Revamp the entrance

First impressions count, particularly if you’re about to put your house on the market.

By painting the front door in a strong colour, such as red or blue, updating doorway furniture and the entrance mat, you’re sending a message that your home is up-to-date and well maintained before anyone even crosses the threshold.

A judge has today issued a landmark ruling in the sale and rent back sector which could have a major impact in the longer term. The sale and rent back market has become more and more popular as the economy continues to struggle with many homeowners, often in arrears with their mortgages, agree to sell their homes at a discount with the opportunity to rent the property for a predetermined period.

The National Landlords Association (NLA), the leading representative body for private residential landlords in the UK, has marked the beginning of sale and rent back (SRB) regulation by warning landlords in this market they only have four weeks to apply for FSA permission to keep operating.

From 1 July 2009, SRB landlords and companies will have only one month to submit a complete application for interim permission to continue their SRB business activities. Under the new rules, SRB will become a regulated activity and applicants will have to demonstrate they meet minimum standards and are ‘fit and proper’ persons. The regime will require that businesses treat customers fairly, making clear important details, such as the length of time they can stay in the property, before they make their final decision on whether to sell.