Are you dreaming of a fresh start in a new home? If you're considering a move and you want to make sure you are in your dream house by the spring of 2024 in and around the Newcastle-Under-Lyme area there's no time like the present to start planning. It may feel like a very long time away, but in our experience you definitely need to get started now. Moving house is a significant undertaking that requires careful preparation and consideration. In this blog, we'll explore why you need to act now if you want to move in the spring of 2024 and the steps you should take to make your dream home a reality.

Why start now?

  1. Your House and Garden Look Better Now.

As obvious as it sounds, when it comes to selling your own property, the hardest time to do it is in the middle of winter when it’s dark and raining. Sprucing your house up for sale is so much easier now than in January. Your garden is still lovely and green, the nights have not yet drawn in, and the light is so much nicer in late summer and early Autumn than it will be in January. So seizing the moment now and showing your house and garden in their best light will give you a much better chance of a quick and successful sale.

  1. Selling Your Home Takes Time.

Keep in mind that selling a house can take longer than you might expect. You'll need to prepare your home for sale, find the right estate agent in Newcastle-Under-Lyme (check out our blog to help with your choice), and navigate the complexities of negotiations and paperwork.

By acting now, you give yourself ample time to get your current home market-ready and attract potential buyers. This proactive approach increases your chances of selling at a favourable price and allows you to line up your selling and buying timelines more effectively, hopefully avoiding any last minute panic.

  1. Get Ahead of the Crowd and Avoid Bidding Wars

Spring is one of the most popular seasons for moving house. The weather is kinder, and families with children often prefer to move during the summer break to minimise disruptions to their routines. This means that the competition for homes in Newcastle-Under-Lyme can be fierce during the spring months.

To secure your dream home and avoid bidding wars, it's crucial to start your house-hunting process early. Working with a trusted local estate agent can give you an advantage by providing access to off-market listings and early notifications about new properties hitting the market.

  1. Legals and the House Buying Process Takes Time

The process of buying a house involves several legal and administrative steps, from property surveys to conveyancing and sorting out your mortgage. Each of these steps can be time-consuming, and delays are annoying but not uncommon.

By setting off on your home-buying journey now, you give yourself ample time to navigate these processes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This proactive approach allows you to address any potential issues that may arise along the way.

  1. Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas

Yes, we had to mention it! And while it seems like (okay, is) a long way off, we all want a break over the Christmas holidays – which means that for a good couple of weeks nothing is likely to happen with your sale or your purchase. Giving yourself plenty of time before we get into the madness of Christmas will mean you are not trying to get things done while everyone else is on holiday. It will also give you a relaxed break, knowing that everything is in hand and on track.

So What Should You Be Doing?

Now that we've highlighted why it's crucial to act now for your spring 2024 move in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, let's explore the steps you should take:

  1. Set Clear Goals

Determine your budget, desired location, and must-have features in your new home. This will help you narrow down your options and focus your search. To give you more information about the areas in and around Newcastle-Under-Lyme check out our handy area guides here.

  1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Speak to us here at Heywoods about your mortgage requirements. Through our service linked with the Mortgage Advice Bureau we can help you choose the best mortgage for you. Getting an in-principle approval lined up, and having a pre-approval letter in hand makes you a more attractive buyer to sellers.

  1. Choose a Trusted Local Estate Agent

Choose a trusted estate agent with a deep understanding of the Newcastle-Under-Lyme property market. They will not only sell your property for you, but also help you find suitable properties, negotiate offers, and guide you through the process. We would love to think you’ll choose Heywoods. We’ve been trusted by thousands of people over more than 140 years to help sell and buy properties in and around Newcastle-Under-Lyme so we are sure we can help you too.

  1. Start House Hunting

Begin your search for the perfect home. Be open to viewing multiple properties and consider the pros and cons of each one.

  1. Prepare Your Current Home

If you're selling your current property, start preparing it for sale. This may involve making repairs, decluttering, and staging your home to appeal to potential buyers. Take advantage of the fact that your garden still has a few weeks left looking lovely and green, or even with some beautiful autumn colour, and make the best of it for viewings.

  1. Be Flexible

Flexibility is essential in the property market. Be prepared to adjust your plans and expectations based on market conditions and available opportunities. Getting started now will give you more time and more choices as you’ll avoid the risk of last minute panics or making choices under time pressure.

Start Now to Move by Spring

Moving house is an exciting event, and planning your move for the spring of 2024 in Newcastle-Under-Lyme is a wise choice. By taking action now, you can make the whole thing less stressful and more successful.

Remember that the process of buying and selling a home involves various steps, so starting early gives you the time and flexibility to make well-informed decisions. With the support of a knowledgeable local estate agent and a clear plan in place, you'll be well-prepared to turn your dream of a spring 2024 move into a reality. Don't wait; start your journey today! Get in touch for a no obligation chat about everything you’ll need along the way.