Advice
Buying Advice
Buying a property, especially if you are a ‘first time buyer’, can sometimes be a very daunting and stressful experience.
At Starkey & Brown we are here to guide you through the whole process and answer any questions that you may have to ensure the transaction is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If there is any aspect of moving home that you are unsure of then all you need to do is call, email or pop in and see us and we will always be at hand to help.
Conveyancing Advice
Once you have had your offer accepted on a property, you need to choose a solicitor (or conveyancer) to make sure the transfer of the property from the seller to yourself is legal. Choosing the wrong solicitor can be costly and add hundreds of pounds to your bill, and it might even cause the deal to fall through.
Moving can be a very stressful and time consuming part of any property transaction, which is why we work good quality local solicitors to ensure you receive only the best conveyancing service.
Starkey&Brown are here to help you choose the most suitable solicitor to match your needs. By working closely reputable local firms, we can ensure that your solicitor will make your property transaction as hassle free as possible.
Please give us a call or email us for any advice or more information. We are here to help.
Mortgage Advice
Should you require any advice with regards to the costs involved with moving home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can make the necessary arrangements for you to speak to a Mortgage Advisor.
Or click HERE for help and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here at Starkey & Brown we aim to combine good traditional sales practices with the latest available technology to provide the most complete sales service possible.
With over 100 years of combined experience we have the knowledge to guide you through what can be a very stressful time. Our friendly team includes vast knowledge of the housing market to include sales, lettings, new homes and mortgages.
In addition, we use the latest technology such as the internet, 2D & 3D floor plans, quality digital photography and our state of the start online estate agency software to keep us ahead of the competition.
We have two main aims – to sell or let our properties quickly for the best price possible, and at the same time ensure that our customer service is second to none!! In fact, we take customer service so seriously that we have been nominated for the Estate & Letting Agent Awards 2012!!
If you have any questions with regards to any of our services then please call us, 7 days a week, on 01522 845 845 to speak to a member of our staff who will be more than happy to help.Your Local Lincoln Estate Agent.
An application fee is due to Starkey & Brown to secure the tenancy, at which point the property will be removed from advertising and no other prospective tenants will be shown around. The fee will also cover the costs of referencing and credit checks. This fee is non refundable unless the property is withdrawn by the landlord.
Our fees are laid out on an information sheet that is available from our office.
Please also see further information on our Tenants Fees page.
All fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
We will take references on behalf of the Landlord. Normally these will include your employer, any former landlord and in addition a credit check will be undertaken.
Where a Tenant is unable to meet the required income or credit checks, the Tenant
may have a Guarantor agree to underwrite any rent liabilities.
Rents are normally quoted on a calendar month basis. In addition, the Tenant is usually responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs.
Rents are payable by standing order (unless alternative arrangements are agreed in advance) to our Company bank account monthly in advance, with the first month’s rent due before taking occupation of the premises.
A deposit (or ‘bond’) is always required prior to occupation. This is normally equal to 6 weeks rent. Where we are managing the property this deposit will be held by us, held in a tenancy deposit account and covered by insurance in accordance with current legislation.
The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, rent arrears or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing, at the end of the tenancy we will check the property in the presence of the Tenant and assess any damages and deductions due.
Please note that the deposit cannot be used by the Tenant to cover rent.
Our personnel are specially trained and equipped to assist Tenants to find properties to rent that will meet their needs. We maintain a database of properties available to rent and of prospective Tenants and their requirements. As properties become available, our first action is to contact waiting Tenants on the database, who’s requirements match the property. Typically, properties to rent become available about two months before occupancy date, so where possible it is advisable to start looking early.
Having identified a potentially suitable property, we will arrange a viewing. This will be at a time to suit you 7 Days a week either during normal working hours or on a Saturday & Sunday, subject of course to the Landlords permission. All viewings will be accompanied by a member of staff, who will be able to provide immediate advice and answer any questions you may have.
Having decided on a property, you will need to complete a written application form and pay the relevent application fee to reserve the property. At this time any details or requirements can be provisionally agreed, such as occupancy date, duration of the letting, etc.
Choosing which estate agent you would like to take care of selling your home can be a very complex decision.
We feel that, before making such an important decision, you should ask:
Does my agent? …
- Have over 200 years combined estate agency experience?
- Offer FREE 2D & 3D floor plans on my brochures?
- Offer FREE advertising in Starkey&Brown Property News?
- Have an office in a prominent location?
- Operate on a ‘No Sale, No Fee’ basis?
- Offer FREE accompanied viewings?
- Have dedicated sales progressors?
Not only do Starkey&Brown offer all of the above, being a dedicated Lincoln Estate Agent and Scunthorpe Estate Agent, we can visit you at your property to discuss its value, local market conditions and answer any other questions you may have. Allk of our advice is absolutely free, with no hassle or obligation – Unless we sell your property we wont charge you a penny!
All you need to do is pick up the phone and we’ll be there!!
Call today on 01522 845845 or 01724 856100
Alternatively, you can email us on lincoln@starkeyandbrown.co.
One of our valuers or directors will visit your property and offer you advice on how to achieve the best possible price in the current market.
There are several aspects to consider:
Presentation of property – If we feel that by changing something in your property it would be more saleable, then we will advise you of this. If we can work together to make your property more appealing to more buyers, then we would be much more likely to achieve you the best possible price.
Comparable properties – When our valuer visits your property, he will be able to present you with similar properties to your own which have sold, or failed to sell. This will very often give you a good indication of the best possible price that is achievable. This is very important – ask too much for your property and it could take a very long time to sell, ask too little and you are giving money away!! Using comparable evidence we can give you an indication of the most suitable asking price to achieve the maximum price.
Marketing your property – To achieve the best price possible we need to make your property available to as wider audience as possible, and provide them with as much information as possible to attract them to view. Therefore your property will be advised on many websites, including www.rightmove.co.uk, which attracts millions of visitors a year. In addition, we will produce sales particulars for your property which include quality digital photography, full room descriptions, room dimensions, 2D floor plans, 3D floor plans, maps and EPC’s.
Availability for viewings – When the right buyer comes along, you and your property need to be ready! Accommodating viewings can often be a stressful and inconvenient aspect of selling, however it is possibly the most important part!! If you feel that you are unable to be available at peak viewing times (often evenings and weekends) then please provide us with a key and we will be more than happy to show the customers round on your behalf, 7 days a week. In fact, many sellers choose to let Starkey & Brown carry out all their viewings. Making your property as ‘available’ as possible will give you more chance of achieving a viewing, and therefore more likely to receive an offer, and therefore more likely to achieve the best price!
For advice on any of the above, or indeed on any aspect of selling your property, call us today on 01522 845 845 and we can arrange for you to speak to one of our valuer’s, either face-to-face, or over the telephone.