|
|
Redstaircase >
Tools & Guides > FAQ's
|
|
Where is my property going to be advertised?
Click for more
|
|
On our website. We are aggresively promoting & marketing redstaircase on the internet, national press and local media. Our goal is to be the Uk's no. 1 private property website by the end of 2006.
|
|
Do I need a “FOR SALE” board?
Click for more
|
|
Yes. We would strongly recommend you order one.
A for sale board is the most highly effective way of generating sales enquiries for your property. In addition, our unique text 'RED' service will allow a home buyer to receive an instant text with your property’s key details whilst walking past your home.
|
|
Can I sell my property privately as well as through an estate agent?
Click for more
|
|
Yes.
Using Red Staircase does not invalidate any standard agreement you have with an Estate Agent.
Estate Agents usually operate under a Sole Agency agreement. This means they are only entitled to commission if they introduce your buyer and bring about the sale of your property.
An existing Sole Agency agreement does not prevent you from selling your property privately. As long as you do not attempt to defraud your agent by encouraging a buyer, introduced by them, to use our service. You are free to do as you please.
We would always recommend you check your agency agreement. Look for any specific exclusions or additions to the standard Sole Agency agreement.
|
|
How long will my property be advertised for sale?
Click for more
|
|
Your can advertise you property for sale on the Redstaircase website free of charge indefinitely. If you have not sold your house after a couple of months, we will take the liberty of contacting you to discuss how we can improve your chances of a successful sale.
|
|
How much does it cost to advertise my house for sale on redstaircase
Click for more
|
|
This service is completely FREE - no fee at all!
|
|
How long does it take to see my property online?
Click for more
|
|
We need to make sure that the details and pictures being uploaded are appropriate. Consequently there will be a short delay whilst one of the staff at Redstaircase validates your details. This process only needs to happen if you are adding or amending a short description, long description or a photo/floor plan. Once they have been approved the details will appear instantly on the Redstaircase website. Changes to the no's of bedrooms etc will appear instantly on the Red Staircase web site as no manual checking is required
|
|
Do you advertise rental properties?
Click for more
|
|
Yes. Redstaircase can be used to advertise rental properties.
|
|
What are the payment options?
Click for more
|
|
Please contact us by email to discuss further.
|
|
Do I need to tell my estate agent?
Click for more
|
|
No, you don't have to tell them however it is advisable. It will avoid future misunderstandings.
It may also help to re-focus the attentions of your estate agent.
|
|
How do I find a good lawyer?
Click for more
|
|
Redstaircase have formed partnerships with expert Solicitors in your area. To get in contact with them follow our link.
|
|
How will I receive viewing enquiries?
Click for more
|
|
We will inform you of an enquiry either by text or e-mail. Simply tick the boxes on the property registration page to confirm which you prefer.
Remember the text facility will be charged at 75 pence per text received.
|
|
What safety measures or precautions should I take when arranging a viewing
Click for more
|
|
Before you make arrangements to show a home buyer your property, make sure you take personal details such as a name, address, place of work, phone numbers and email. It is good practice to phone the buyer back to ensure the phone number you have been given is correct.
Do not feel pressurised into showing your property at short notice if you do not feel comfortable.
If concerned, try to have a friend or partner with you for the viewing, and make the buyer aware that you will not be alone. Keep valuables out of sight where possible and be wary of the use of digital photography if anything strikes you as unusual.
On some occasions, the seller has given the potential buyer a password to quote on arrival at the viewing.
|
|
My property is not on the websites yet?
Click for more
|
|
It will take 1 – 2 working days to upload your details. Please contact us immediately by email if your property is still not visible on our website after that 2 working days.
|
|
How do I get photographs onto my property details?
Click for more
|
|
Simply follow the straightforward instructions on the sellers web page. Please email us if you're having any difficulty. We're happy to help.
|
|
Is my personal information secure?
Click for more
|
|
Assuming you are a SELLER, then Yes. Absolutely.
Your personal details will not be made available on the website.
Once a buyer requests a viewing, you will receive an update message either by text, e-mail or both, depending on your preferred method of contact. (Texts will be charged at 75 pence per potential buyer trying to contact you) The message will contain the potential purchasers contact details, allowing you to take the appropriate action. At no stage do you contact details get revealed, published or communicated.
|
|
How easy is it to update or change my property details?
Click for more
|
|
Very easy.
Simply log back in on the sellers page and edit your property details.
The changes will be effected immediately on the Redstaircase website.
|
|
What guides should I read to help me on my way?
Click for more
|
|
Selling your house is a simple process. And we're here to help if you're finding it difficult. Firstly have a look through our Tools & Guides section - this has been designed to help answer most questions or problems you may come across when selling your home.
If there is something you'd like to know about selling property, but you can't find the answer on our website, please email us immediately and we'll see how we can help you. Email us on:info@redstaircase.co.uk Should you wish to do some additional background reading, we recommend the following.
Lawpack have recently published a review of the private property sales process entitled Sell your own Home. There are a number of other publications which may also be of interest.
http://www.lawpack.co.uk/property.asp
Which? have recently conducted a review of the house sales process which makes interesting reading.
http://www.which.net/moveit/index.html
|
|
How do I provide feedback?
Click for more
|
|
We love feedback! To provide feedback (positive or negative) about our service, please email us on: feedback@redstaircase.co.uk.
We promise to respond within 2 working days.
|
|
How do I send through a testimonial?
Click for more
|
|
We would be very appreciative of any testimonials sent through. Simply e-mail your comments to feedback@redstaircase.co.uk. Likewise, should you have any feedback on the service you have received or comments and suggestions for how we can improve our service, please e-mail your comments to feedback@redstaircase.co.uk
|
|
I do not have a digital camera - what can I do ?
Click for more
|
|
Although photos of your property are not essential, it does significantly improve your chances of securing viewings and a buyer. Properties struggle to sell when there are no photographs.
The simplest thing to do is borrow a digital camera from a friend. Or you can scan in printed photographs of your home. If you don't have a scanner - please take normal non-digital photographs of your home and post these copies to us - we will be happy to scan and insert the pictures for you. If you wish to have these photo's returned please include a self addressed and stamped envelope with the photographs.
If you're still having trouble please email us to discuss how we can help you further.
|
|
How do I register as a buyer?
Click for more
|
|
Use our simple Login In system on the Buyers page to create a portfolio of properties for sale which match your search criteria. Click on the Register button and fill in the missing details.
Once you've registered you will be able to set up your own notifications where by you can receive email notifications of new properties for sale added to our site that match your requirements.
|
|
How much does it cost to register as a buyer?
Click for more
|
|
Nothing. This service is FREE!
|
|
I need help with the legal side of buying a property privately
Click for more
|
|
The process is no different to that of buying a property being sold through an estate agent. You will need to instruct a solicitor to assist you with the process. Remember that by saving money at this stage through using a legal advisor without specific property experience can lead to costly delays later. Red Staircase can recommend a experienced property solicitor in your area. Click here for further details.
|
|
How do I contact the vendor?
Click for more
|
|
When you see a property for sale that you are interested in, simply click “request viewing” and fill in your contact details. We will contact the vendor on your behalf, who in turn will contact you directly to arrange a mutually convenient time to view the property.
|
|
I’m struggling to get in touch with the vendor?
Click for more
|
|
If you have not heard from the vendor within 48 hours, please email us info@redstaircase.co.uk and we will make contact with the vendor on your behalf. We will also update you of the situation as soon as we can.
|
|
How often will I be notified of new property arrivals?
Click for more
|
|
Once registered on our website and your search criteria added, you will be notified each time a suitable property is added for sale. You will receive update e-mails automatically, however should you like to receive text updates, please tick the box on the buyers registration page.
|
|
How much does it cost me to use the Text 'RED' service on the for sale boards?
Click for more
|
|
The service will cost no more than 75 pence per message received. The message you receive back has an abbreviated version of that properties key details. A typical example is: 8 beds,3 bathrms,2 receptions, garage, balcony, conservatory, double glazing, fireplace, garden, off-street parking,paddock,sw-pool,waterfrnt,furnished,£1879000 ref 1002, redstaircase.co.uk
|
|
What is the difference between buying a home privately and buying through an estate agent?
Click for more
|
|
The process is far simpler.
When viewing through an estate agent, you not only have to wait for the vendor to be able to allow access, but also wait for the estate agent to find time.
When buying a house or flat privately, there are only 2 people involved - you and the vendor!
It truly makes the whole process much easier and simpler.
When it comes to the negotiations, what does an estate agent really do?
Relay information. The more layers an offer needs to go through, the less accurate the responding information becomes.
How better to negotiate than face to face?
|
|
Is my personal information secure?
Click for more
|
|
Yes. Absolutely.
Your details will not be made available on our website or given to any other third parties. We will only pass on your preferred means of communication to a vendor once you have requested a viewing.
|
|
I am worried about giving out my direct contact details?
Click for more
|
|
The only details you need pass on are your mobile number or email address. Once you have requested a viewing, the vendor will call or email you back to confirm a mutually convenient time to view the property. If you are still uncomfortable about this, then contact us and we will help facilitate the situation for you.
|
|
Legal FAQ's - Buyers & Sellers
|
|
I need help with the legal side of selling my property privately?
Click for more
|
|
Use a reputable solicitor with experience of property sales and remember that by trying to save a few hundred pounds at this point could jeopardise the entire sale of your property.
Redstaircase have formed partnerships with expert Solicitors in your area. To get in contact with them follow our link.
|
|
How do I find a good lawyer?
Click for more
|
|
Redstaircase have formed partnerships with expert Solicitors in your area. To get in contact with them follow our link.
|
|
What contracts and agreements can I have in place before I put my property on the market?
Click for more
|
|
Apologies - This page is currently being revised.
|
|
Do I need to do a survey of my property?
Click for more
|
|
You are not currently legally obliged to survey your property prior to sale. The Government is however discussing the “Home Information Pack” which is due in 2007. This may legally obligate a seller to survey their home.
The purchaser of your property will usually pay for the survey. Should you wish to present your home with a “clean bill of health” you could take account of this cost when deciding on your sale price.
|
|
How do I find a good surveyor who doesn’t cost the earth?
Click for more
|
|
We recommend you use the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors website www.rics.org.uk and go to Find a Surveyor. Failing that, contact us and we will help you find one to survey your property.
|
|
Can my lawyer handle the negotiations for me?
Click for more
|
|
Yes.
Try to agree a price for this additional service with your lawyer beforehand.
|
|
How much should I budget for in legal fees?
Click for more
|
|
The costs can vary widely, from £400 to in excess of £1,000.
We would strongly recommend however that you do not try to make savings in this area. A good lawyer will make the difference between a successful sale of your home and a buyer walking away.
|
|
|
|