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Selling you home is never any easy decision. Not only is it your home, but it is your taste, your décor, and your style and full of memories. We are all not the same and therefore you must accept that what people see, may not impress them or to make it worse offend them. So, to make you house saleable, you must consider giving it up as being your home and make it something that for a few months be a strange environment. This is the first important decision one needs to accept.

Decor

So, what do you do first? This is perhaps the simplest of questions to answer. Look at your property with fresh eyes. This is not the time to be intransigent or unsettled with yourself. It may hurt a little but call on a close friend or a neighbour and ask them to look around your house. Let them point out the corners or areas that you have seen so often that you have ignored or neglected. It is surprising how small details are often more important than we realise, and potential buyers will not be sparing with their criticism.

Once you have completed your walk through and been given the findings, it is time to prioritise. Décor. If you can, make any room a neutral as possible. It does not have to cost much, try to make the living room look as big as possible, try rearranging the furniture and remove items that take up space.

The pink wall in your daughter’s bedroom may be better white or cream. The same goes for other rooms. Wallpaper is both time consuming and expensive to change, so why not ensure that the furniture next to it is as neutral as possible. Remove the ‘lovely’ red and green vase you like so much and buy a cheaper white one for a while and whilst the curtains in the lounge may be the perfect red, if you can, get something less you. Blinds are always a cheap but effective alteration.

Go through the house like this and keep saying to yourself, I want as many people to like this room as possible, I must remove as much of my taste, as necessary. There is one golden rule that we should all obey, remove as many personal photographs as possible. They are both a distraction to the viewer but interestingly does not allow them to think of the house as their own.

Outside

We have all heard of curb appeal. Go outside to the front of the house. This is the first thing the potential buyer will see. Simple things first, is the grass cut? Does the gate not quite close or does it look shabby?

These are easy fixes and can be done quickly. Perhaps the most important area is the front door and the surrounding area. This is what their friends will see first when they arrive. Make sure that it is in good order. Welcoming, clean, respectable. Any plant pots close by, make sure they are at least filled with something living and tidy. Everything should say, you are welcome.

In conclusion, you do not need to always replace the kitchen or the bathroom. These are common misconceptions as most buyers replace any kitchen within a few moths of purchase anyway. Likewise, unless the bathroom has a royal blue suite (that could be an issue!), it will be fine.

The important things to remember therefore are try and make it as neutral as possible, declutter and remove very personal items. Allow the potential buyer to see their furniture in the space and not be overwhelmed by yours. Lastly, and most important of all, if you do not want to do any of this, the one thing that is vital, keep the house as clean as humanly possible. Untidy rooms, gardens and kitchens reflect on you and believe it or not that is noticed by the viewers.

What method to use to sell?

With the proliferation of the web, these days, one does not necessarily need to use the traditional estates agent. Selling it yourself for some can be a more personal achievement.

There are many sites whereby one can load photographs and make descriptions and press the key to release the details to the world. However, with this method, you do need to be aware of some strong disadvantages.

• Potential buyers do tend to use the more conservative channels to view houses. The audience this way may be smaller and unless your house is totally unique in some ways, the viewer may not be able to make the comparisons about similar properties in the areas or indeed the ‘average’ house price for that area.
• Viewings will need to be arranged by you and conducted by you. This can impinge on you work time.
• You will still need the use of a solicitor, like with all house sales.

Choosing an Agent

All towns and even small villages seem to have Estate Agents these days. Some are instantly recognisable chains that you see in all towns, some are smaller and possibly independent.

With such a myriad, who do you choose? To begin, I suggest someone local. Chances are they know the area your house is in well and their expertise is crucial. Secondly, check their commission rates. They will vary. Some can be as high as 2-3% some as low as 0.5%. This does not necessarily though reflect their level of service.

Nor does the size décor or location of the office. I have always had the opinion that the plumber who comes to me in the newest of vans with a personal number plate appears to be making more profit than the chap in a well-used banger, it does not mean he is less capable, just less greedy. Also remember, if it is a chain the fees are fixed, independents may be able to be flexible.

Talk to the agent(s). Are they engaged in what you want to do with the house, do they communicate well, and most importantly, do they know their stuff?

What should the Agent provide?

In my opinion the fees any agent charges should be for a full service. By that from signing you up to the completion, everything should be dealt with by the agent. There is no need to charge extra for the board outside, or the brochure, or indeed house viewings. There are large agencies that do just this. They advertise as no fees, but everything else is an add on.

A good agent will begin with a valuation. They should view your home, and using all the means possible, they should compare your house, assess the how it is appointed and come to an accurate market price.

A valuation should be above all honest. Any agent can do two things, they can OVER value your home, which encourages you to go with them, or in reverse, they can under value. The latter leads to a possible quicker sale (who does not want a bargain).

However, any good agent should provide you with an accurate price. You as the vendor can then ask it to be marketed for more, or less, but you should know the true start price.

One important note is that you are in control. You should be able to ask the Agent all the questions necessary throughout the whole process and in return a good agent should equally be updating you about the situation as frequently as possible.

The agent has government rules that they MUST follow when describing a home. They can not be subjective, for an example, descriptions cannot say “a stones throw from the beach” as that depends on the thrower, however, 25 m from the beach, is far more accurate.

Please ensure that you ask the Agent to see the advert before it is launched, you should be able to edit it accordingly following the guidelines, if necessary.

The Process

Once the advert is finalised, the Agent can use recognised web sites to advertise. Not all agents use all the sites, something you may wish to establish early. The most common are Rightmove, On The Market and Zoopla. Your home should go on all three if available and used by the agent.

Viewings

All enquiries come through the agent; this avoids you taking time to organise. The Agent will then ask you if it is a convenient time and whether of not you wish to be present. As a rule, never allow a stranger into your home without the Agent, they provide security and if they have done their homework, they have already made some discreet enquiries as to whether those viewing are genuinely interested or just nosy.

Offers

If an interested party like the house, they are likely to make an offer. This is put to the vendor, but it does not have to be accepted. The Agent should be able to dismiss ridiculous offers straight away, but they will always let you know what has been tendered.

The agent should then be prepared to encourage the purchaser to just go that little bit further, until a deal between you and the purchaser is agreed.

All house sales require a survey, the surveyor can be recommended by the agent but usually the vendor choices their own.

Memorandums of Sale

One the sale has been agreed the Agent collects the details of the solicitors use by both parties and writes up a memorandum of Sale. Copies should go to both parties and their appointed solicitors.

Chasing

Unfortunately, no agent has control over the solicitors, and this can cause delays, but a good agent should repeatedly call and discuss the progress of the sale with them and inform all relevant parties of the time frame.

Exchange and Completion

These two final stages are often misinterpreted. Once both sets of solicitors have done their job and all the facts, surveys and details about the sale are finalised, the solicitors swop or EXCHAGE the documents for signatures, at this stage the Agent should be giving the vendor a call to inform them of the Completion date.

Completion

Usually within two weeks, COMPLETION occurs, this is the days that hr keys are handed over. The sale is done, and you can move into your new home.

My favourite places to eat in Leigh on Sea

The thought that there may be a light at the end of this lockdown tunnel, has moved my thoughts onto the move toward normality, the freedom to go out and the opportunity to do something I love, eating out.

The one thing that Leigh has, is a myriad of some lovely and tasty places to eat. There is something to suit every pocket and a range of food choices that can even test your geography.

I am no food snob, but I prefer quality over substance, ambiance over necessity, hygiene over speed, but most of all a feeling that the chef cares and loves what they produce.

Theses are my choices alone, I could have picked over ten, but I have narrowed it down to just five of my favourites. Each one slightly different than the other.

In no order:

1. Shabash

Based on the Broadway, Shabash is perhaps one of the best Indian Restaurant in the area. It is relaxed fine dining at its best, in luxurious surroundings. It has won many accolades for its food, but credit must also go the staff, who make you feel special and manage to make one feel that you are the only customer.

The food is sublime, from the very spicy to the mild. Everything is cooked to a perfection that only a chef with real knowledge of ingredients from India can produce. Bombay comes to Leigh. The menu is extensive and although it offers the most traditional of dishes, here they seem to be given a special touch, this is what makes the food better than most.

Even on busy days the ambiance remains unhurried and relaxed. The décor is modern and suitably indulgent. I cannot imagine that someone who lives in Leigh has not dined her before, because if you have not, you are missing out.

2. Little Talk Café

I can hear the reader now asking themselves “Where is that”? You may be surprised to find that perhaps one of the best cafes in the area is NOT on the Broadway, indeed quite a way from the seafront. The Little Talk Café is on the London Road, directly opposite Waitrose (which may indicate how special this place is).

The owner knows what he is doing at the Little Talk. This is a café, but with the freshest of ingredients, the cooking skills of a restaurant but with prices that can please even the stingiest of customer. You can call in for a catch up and a cup of tea with a slice of cake but for the more adventurous, one can order Breakfast here.

It is served in the traditional way, but without the grease, substantial but so tasty that you just must finish it. If you are the sort to want something more ‘modern’ try the Avocado on muffin with Hollandaise sauce. The continuing list is just as wonderfully mouth-watering. For lunch, you can have burgers that melt in the mouth, steak or just a gloriously filled sandwich. Vegan or vegetarian? NO issue here, you will find something lovely.

In the Evening, although one can choose an all-day breakfast The Little Talk indulges in a Tapas menu, beautifully authentic, rich, and delicious and do not forget that glass or even a bottle of wine to go with it (p.s unfair to say, but you can even bring your own!!)

The Little Talk is a lovely, clean well decorated café, but with a menu that would match any brasserie in London, a menu that provides a great deal of choice, a great ambience and attentive staff. The owner is proud of his Little Talk Café, and he ought to be, it could be renamed The BIG talk Café, it is that good! Trust me!

3. Henry’s Burgers

Burgers are burgers, right? Wrong. This is Henry’s Burgers. Based on the bend between The Broadway and Old Leigh Road, this is perhaps the place for the more, let us say, younger age group.

The interior is trendy, bright and on the right days full of buzz. The food is consistently good and no surprise, it mainly means a burger. However, these burgers are different. They are mighty, filled with fresh ingredients and sauces. Served with a choice of sides. The one thing one must consider is their size, The Smoke House (my favourite) is a whopping 155g of beef, now that’s a mighty burger for a small mouth!

Although not a unique offering Henry’s Burgers can add even more fun with their food by offering up to 24 different cocktails to compliment.

This is a special place for the casual diner that appreciates good food and a social atmosphere. You may not need to dress to impress to eat here, but on particular nights the trendy do come here and for some its all about being noticed, outshining the cocktails.

Henrys Burgers, far more than fast food more a social event.

4. The Estuary

Once considered in the lower divisions of culinary adventure, British food has now risen to new heights and classics with a new twist are now firm favourites. The Estuary, in the heart of the Broadway offers such classics, but with so much more.

The Estuary is a cosy, homely restaurant, softly lit with a modern warm natural interior. The staff know their stuff and the combination of food with a well-stocked bar makes this both a friendly place for both families and friends to meet. If you wish, just go for a drink, the Estuary has an extensive gin range and cocktails to make anyone feel better.

As for the food, its nice to be able to see cauliflower-based dishes and old-fashioned returnees such as Bubble and Squeak! For the meat lover, try the venison, it is delicious. If you want a bit of a French feel, mussels are also available, but combine them with the leek and potato soup, wonderful.

Personally, I go for the Sticky toffee pudding, well if you need something really British and special, why not?

The Estuary is a restaurant for the casual diner, but one with genuine taste.

5. Barboush

Okay, for those who know their streets, technically, this restaurant is between Leigh and Westcliff, but for today, I am claiming it, I am sure you will forgive me.

Barboush, Bar and Grill is possibly the most lavish of restaurants in the area. Before you even enter, the exterior shouts luxury and opulence and upon entering one is not disappointed. Mirrors are everywhere and those mirrors reflect the indulgent use of gold and warm shades of blacks and browns. Chandeliers add to that feel that you are eating somewhere special, and you are.

Baboush is a Turkish restaurant, and I am sure that the rich interior was carefully designed to match the richness of the food served. However, despite the indulgent interior, the atmosphere is refreshingly casual, and the experience is to be enjoyed as such.

Imagine King prawns with chilli and garlic sauce, or a melt in the mouth Lamb Sis. The food definitely lives up to expectations and the menu has a lot of fantastic regional delights. My favourite? Kofte Chicken, simply yum.

Baboush is a serious restaurant and you need to realise that opulence and service at this level costs more than most, but I you can afford it, it’s a must, only if its to see your refection, dressed up sipping a cocktail in a gilt framed mirror.

1. Getting a valuation

2. Choosing an agent – High street or online?

3. What should you get from your chosen agent?

4.Online agents.

 mainly because they do not have locational offices. This will keep costs down.  There are advantages to online agents. The most advantageous is that most will be contactable 24 hours. The possible disadvantages are that they may not know your specific area. They most likely have operatives near your area whom they will send out, to take photographs etc. However, please be careful. There are online Agents that will claim they sell for free. This may true but what is not mentioned is that asking for a floor plan or indeed a sales board may cost you extra, along with an agent to conduct the viewing, which is usually left for the vendor to do.

4. Fees.

6.Legalities

A solicitor must also become involved. They will be appointed by both the vendor and the purchaser. These are Conveyancing Solicitors. Their work is to investigate the sale on both sides. Legal fees are varied, but again do not be surprised if the total is about £2,500. Also always remember that there is normally a tax called Stamp Duty to pay. This will be fixed by the government; your solicitor should be able to advise you on this.

7. Exchange and Completion

8. Collecting the Keys