Four ways to lose the house of your dreams

Finding your dream home can make you feel exceptionally pleasedIt’s every buyer’s dream; finding the perfect house, in the perfect location, with the perfect garden. It happens very rarely, but when it does you’ll know it’s happened. And when it does happen, you’ll likely do everything you can to ensure that house becomes yours.

Yet house sales do fall through, and although in some cases this is simply due to factors outside your control, the buyer can often – in his or her haste to get into their new property – make mistakes or wrong decisions that can seriously threaten the move.

If you’ve found your dream home, the last thing you want to do is lose it. Make sure you’re clued up on how to ensure a house sale goes through quickly and smoothly.

Here are four mistakes that can cost buyers their new house:

Delaying the conveyancing process
Until exchange of contracts that dream house does not belong to you, and there is always the possibility your seller will find a more attractive proposition and you’ll have to start the search all over again. Make sure you complete all important parts of the process, such as filling in and returning your contract, as quickly and as efficiently as possible. If you have any questions, ask your solicitor as soon as possible.

Holding out for a better sale
If you find your dream home, you’re automatically in a weaker position when it comes to selling your own house, yet many homeowners refuse to admit this. Don’t let pride prevent you getting your perfect property. You may have to accept a worse offer on your current house, but isn’t this an acceptable price to pay for the chance to own an amazing new property?

Negotiating too far on price
If you spot the house of your dreams and you really want it, then you may have to be accommodating on price, particularly if it’s a popular property and you’re competing with several interested parties. Be prepared to offer a bit more – it may just make all the difference.

Taking shortcuts to sell your house
Some homeowners may be convinced to leave out essential property details in order to sell their house quicker and move into the dream property sooner rather than later. But bear in mind that buyers can legally pull out of a house sale if you’ve accidentally or intentionally misled them over the state of your property. If this happens it’s likely you’ll lose your new home. Always tell the truth and complete obligations in a fully compliant way – it may come back to bite you if you don’t.

Check out our secrets that buyers don't want you to know to help you sell your house quicker!