We offer a wide range of services:
Selling
Selling your home can be a daunting and stressful process, so it is most important that you choose a reputable agent you can trust. At Stewart Balfour & Sutherland we aim to eliminate this stress and make the experience as easy and straightforward as possible.
VALUATION
Before placing your property on the market, Stewart, Balfour & Sutherland will provide you with an appraisal of its current market value based on our in-depth local knowledge of the local market and our extensive database of recently sold properties. We will also advise you on the best strategy for selling your home taking into account current market conditions.
INSTRUCTION TO SELL
It is a legal requirement that a Home Report must be obtained before a property can be marketed. Once you have instructed us to act as your estate agents, we can advise regarding the cost of the Home Report and arrange for its preparation.
At the same time, we shall prepare, and submit to you for approval, a detailed brochure of your property which will include colour photographs and a floor plan.
We will also provide you with a quotation covering our estate agency commission and outlays. Many of our clients find it beneficial to have the whole selling process dealt with under one roof. Therefore, if you wish, we will also provide you with a quotation for carrying out your conveyancing on your behalf.
HOME REPORTS
The Home Report, which is prepared by a chartered surveyor, comprises a Property Questionnaire, Energy Report and Single Survey.
The Property Questionnaire is completed by the seller and includes useful information for potential purchasers including details of the Council Tax banding, relevant local authority notices, alterations made to your home and any factoring arrangements.
The Energy Report assesses the efficiency rating and environmental impact of your home in terms of carbon emissions and helps buyers to compare energy costs. It may also recommend ways of improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
The Single Survey contains detailed information regarding the condition of your home including a valuation and an accessibility audit.
MARKETING
Once you have seen and approved both the sales brochure and Home Report, we will be in a position to start marketing your house for sale.
The marketing strategy, which will have been agreed with you in advance, will include the following:
- 'For Sale’ board. This is a simple and effective marketing tool.
- Brochures will be circulated to all potentially interested parties on our extensive mailing list.
- As well as free inclusion on our own website, we can also feature your home on the Rightmove and On The Market websites for a small fee.
- We are also happy to discuss newspaper advertising with you and the costs involved.
You will now be in a position to welcome prospective buyers.
VIEWINGS
To show your home in the best possible light, try to ensure everywhere is tidy, the windows are clean, and that the kitchen and bathroom ‘sparkle’. Vases of flowers and fresh coffee are a good idea, and always make sure you end the viewing in the best room of the house.
FEEDBACK
At Stewart Balfour & Sutherland, we pride ourselves on being a proactive and conscientious sales team. We aim to keep you regularly appraised with feedback and developments until such time as your home goes ‘Under Offer’ and your solicitor takes over.
NOTIFICATION OF INTEREST & CLOSING DATES
When two or more parties have formally expressed their interest in your home, we would discuss setting a ‘Closing Date’ with you.
On this date, all interested parties will be invited to submit their best offers in formal legal terms through their solicitor.
Buying
Stewart Balfour & Sutherland recognises that the purchase of your home is the most important and expensive transaction you are ever likely to undertake.
Our constantly changing database features an excellent range of properties. With our local knowledge and expertise, we are well placed to find a property to suit your needs, be it a straightforward move, a holiday home or a ‘Buy to Let’ investment.
Please click on our search facility to access all current properties, complete with photographs.
To enable you to unravel the complexities of buying your home, we have set out below a brief overview of the various procedures involved:
MAILING LIST
You should register your details and search requirements with us by completing our registration form. This will give us an insight into your personal requirements which will then enable us to target more effectively the details to be sent to you. Alternatively, you may email, phone or call into our Property Shops in Campbeltown, Lochgilphead or Galashiels.
Once you have registered with us, you will then be in a position to receive details from us directly in person, via mail, email or to download and print these out from our website.
VIEWING
Our friendly and professional team are available to arrange those all-important viewings of your selected properties. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time on 01586 553737, or complete a viewing request directly from this website.
HOME REPORTS
As a prospective purchaser, you should be aware that it is a legal requirement for every residential property to have a Home Report before marketing is commenced. This comprises a Property Questionnaire, Energy Report and Single Survey.
The Property Questionnaire is completed by the seller and provides useful information for potential buyers. It includes the council tax banding, any factoring arrangements, relevant local authority notices and details of any alterations made to the property. It is aimed at reducing difficulties and delays.
The Energy Report assesses the efficiency rating and environmental impact of the property in terms of carbon emissions, and helps buyers to compare energy costs between homes. It also recommends ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
The Single Survey provides detailed information about the condition and value of the property, together with an accessibility audit. In conjunction with the Energy Report, it is compiled by a Chartered Surveyor.
We will make a copy of the Home Report for any property in which you are interested available to you, free of charge.
MORTGAGE
In order to speed up your house buying process it is advisable, wherever possible, to get a mortgage agreed in principle before your solicitor submits a formal offer for the new property. This has the advantage of providing you with a clear indication of what is affordable.
SOLICITORS & MAKING AN OFFER
You will need to instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf and to submit the formal offer for consideration by the seller. This may be prior to any Closing Date, especially if the property is being offered for sale at a Fixed Price, or at the Closing Date.
Your solicitor will advise you of the legal process involved from this point forward.
It is worth noting that, as solicitors, Stewart Balfour & Sutherland can also take care of your conveyancing needs. Please telephone our office at Kinloch Hall on 01586 552871 to discuss your requirements.
