Here's how to prep for when the property market starts moving again.

Corona has certainly halted plans up and down the country from holidays, bank holiday getaways and of course moving home. There’s a lot to buying and selling a property and as much as we try to control, plan and prepare for the process, somethings like a deadly virus inevitably isn’t something any of us could have prepared for.

It’s certainly a tough time to be wanting to buy or sell. The property market is fairly stagnant as no one is able to put their property on the market or offer on ones they’ve seen. Whilst everything is on pause, the great news is that there are still somethings that can be done to make progress, even whilst lockdown is commencing.

CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Hopefully you have already done this,considering you’re probably borrowingmore or making your first propertypurchase. But if not, the first step ischecking that credit score. Thanks toGDPR, checking yours is not only easy butcompletely free too! Applying for amortgage will require a credit check, soyou really want to make sure it’s in tip topcondition. Low credit scores can make ithard to borrow money and credit checksthemselves can impact it too. Checkingregularly and ironing out any negativepoints before you head to the bank willhelp make sure you have the bestopportunity financially to borrow as muchas possible.

GET YOUR HOME READY

These weeks certainly offer a great opportunity to get your home in order, especially if you want to sell. Touch up any rough edges, de-clutter and make your home presentable. Getting your home in order now will give you a jump start when everything starts moving again.

RESEARCH AGENTS

Whilst you may not be able to instructany agents, doing your research andchatting to them beforehand will give youa great shortlist as soon as everything islifted. Be sure to check what’s included inthe fee, and whether they are currentlyselling or sold a property like yours.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

It’s old fashioned but registering your interest with agents for what you are looking for can give you a head start on properties that are new to the market. Whilst everyone is on Rightmove, when agents have a brand-new property, they will often call their clients that are looking for a property that fits the bill to get people through the door. Call local agents and new build sales teams and let them know what you’re looking for. When a property matches you know you will be notified when something comes on.

SAVE

It’s obvious we know but now is a great time to save as much as you can. We know it’s hard times and many will struggle, but saving will help you massively when buying and selling. Every penny will help whether it be for moving costs of buying new furniture.

These times are hard and lots of us have had to cancel or postpone our plans. We will return to normality, whenever that be. Whilst we wait, why not prepare for when we can press play once again.