Now is a great time to go house hunting

With the onset of autumn and the darker nights just around the corner, don’t be tempted to go into hibernation when it comes to house hunting – or indeed selling your home.

 With children firmly settled into a new school year and the focus for many on a new start for 2012 - now is the perfect time to be looking for a new home, say independent estate agent and valuer Maurice Kilbride.

 “Autumn is a great time to get out there and see what is available before everyone gets bogged down with thinking about Christmas and with the market as it has been most of the year, there are some terrific bargains to be had,” says Maurice

 “Our message to buyers and sellers is ‘don’t hold back’ – if moving is on your mind then take steps to make it happen!”

 Here are some tips that may help:-

Sell your property through a reputable agent, preferably one who is, like Maurice Kilbride, a member of the Property Ombudsman scheme 

Decide on a definite location – how far are you willing to commute, what are the local schools like, is there a GP surgery on your doorstep, is there a bus service into town?

Always take a list of questions with you to ask at a viewing.

Do your homework - take a drive around the area as well as checking out the local amenities.- If you know it is right – move fast and put in an offer. - Above all, liaise closely with your estate agent and visit our website www.mkiea.co.uk for a full list of local amenities and school reports.