1. Get Your Finances Straight First

Before you book viewings, before you fall in love with a house, and definitely before you start scrolling Rightmove at midnight, speak to a mortgage broker. We're not talking about a quick online calculator or a guess; we mean a proper conversation.

You need:

If you're a first-time buyer, this is even more crucial. Sellers want confidence. When we present an offer, the first question is always about your position. If you can show you're organised, you'll be taken seriously. If you need an introduction to a solid broker, just ask.

2. Sort Your Deposit and Paperwork

This often catches people out.

Make sure your deposit is:

If any of your deposit is a gift from family, speak to them now. Lenders will want proof, and solicitors will want paperwork. Leave it too late, and you'll create unnecessary stress.

Have the following ready:

When the right house comes up, speed matters.

3. If You Have a Property to Sell, Be Honest About It

This is the big one. If you need to sell before you buy, you are not 'proceedable' until your house is under offer.

That doesn't mean you can't look, but it does mean you need a plan. Get your home valued. Understand what it would realistically sell for, not just the dream price, but the price that genuinely attracts buyers.

Spring is competitive. If you're ahead of the curve and launch your property properly, you give yourself options. We always say this to sellers: preparation beats panic.

4. Understand the Local Market

Not all areas move at the same pace. In Earley, Woodley, and parts of Reading, well-presented 3-bed homes in the right price range still attract strong interest, especially from families.

Detached homes in the £500k to £750k bracket need to be priced correctly to create competition. Flats can sometimes take longer to sell.

You need to know:

This knowledge stops you overpaying and also prevents you from missing out by hesitating.

5. Be Clear on What You Want and What You Can Compromise On

This sounds simple, but it's where emotions often creep in.

Ask yourself:

The buyers who move smoothly are the ones who understand their non-negotiables. Everything else is flexible.

6. Think About Your Timescale

Are you:

Your timescale affects your strategy. If you're in a chain, you'll need patience. If you're chain-free, you're in a powerful position. Sellers love clean, straightforward positions.

7. Mentally Prepare for Competition

Good homes don't sit around forever. If a property is well-presented, well-priced, and in a strong location, there may be multiple viewings and more than one offer. That's normal.

The strongest buyers:

If you want the house, be decisive.

Final Thought

Spring will bring more stock; it always does. But it also brings more buyers. If you're even thinking about moving this year, use February to get yourself ready. Quiet preparation now puts you in control later.

If you want to sense-check your position, understand what you could afford, or talk through the local market, we are here. No pressure, just honest advice and a proper plan. We're a family-run, independent agency, and we're here to help you move forward.

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