News & Blog

Edinburgh Townhouses – Selling with Cairn Nestled amidst the architectural splendour of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Townhouses stand as iconic symbols of tradition fused with modern urban luxury. If you’re considering parting ways with such a magnificent piece of property, selling it demands a touch of finesse, expertise, and a keen understanding of the Edinburgh market. Enter Cairn Estate Agency, your seasoned companion in this journey. Understanding Your Edinburgh Townhouse’s Value As the first step in this strategic journey, Cairn’s property agents provide an honest, realistic valuation rooted in a keen understanding of market data and a wealth of industry experience. Selling an Edinburgh Townhouse isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about positioning your property in a narrative where potential buyers see it as a future home. Bespoke Marketing with a Personal Touch From a prominently displayed “FOR SALE” sign to the meticulous crafting of brochures complete with professional photography, Cairn’s holistic approach to marketing is both comprehensive and customised. The story of your townhouse isn’t just told; it’s presented in its finest light, emphasising key features and unique selling points. In today’s digital age, online visibility is paramount. Cairn ensures your property is showcased on leading online portals, including Rightmove & Zoopla. With its own dedicated space on Cairn’s website, complete with a downloadable brochure, your townhouse will tap into an expansive digital audience. Leveraging the power of social media, Cairn further amplifies the reach, ensuring a diverse set of potential buyers are engaged. Bridging Communication Gaps It’s not just about presenting a property; it’s about understanding buyer needs, answering queries, and being the bridge between you and potential buyers. Cairn’s commitment to consistent communication ensures every potential buyer leaves with a clear understanding of your property’s value proposition. And for you, as the seller, it means being in the loop at every stage, from viewing feedback to final offers. Home Reports, Legalities, and Beyond Journeying beyond traditional estate agency roles, Cairn provides a holistic suite of services to ensure the sale process is seamless. Whether it’s addressing potential repair works highlighted by the Home Report, introducing you to fixed-fee conveyancing partners, or advising on property enhancement for better marketability, Cairn covers it all. Guided Viewings & Strategic Negotiation Whether you choose to host viewings or entrust Cairn with the responsibility, the focus is always on presenting your Edinburgh Townhouse in the best possible manner. Cairn agents, with their deep knowledge of the property and surrounding area, are adept at not just showcasing but also emphasising the intrinsic value of your property. And when it comes to negotiation, Cairn’s experience ensures you get the best price in the market. In conclusion, selling an Edinburgh Townhouse requires expertise, understanding, and a strategic approach, and Cairn Estate Agency offers just that. As you consider making that crucial decision, remember, it’s not just about selling a property; it’s about crafting a new chapter in its storied legacy. Get in touch with one of our local, Edinburgh Property Experts.

Selling, Edinburgh, Estate Agency, Glasgow, Portobello

Are you thinking ‘ I want to sell my house ‘ ?

At Cairn Estate Agency, we recognise that selling your home is more than just a transaction; it’s a significant life decision. If you’ve been pondering, “I want to sell my house,” we understand that you’re seeking a reliable partner to guide you through this critical journey. That’s where we come in. Our Personal Approach to Selling: Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal approach to selling. We value relationships and believe that understanding your unique needs and goals is paramount to delivering exceptional service. At Cairn, you’re not just a client; you’re a valued partner in a collaborative process. Expertise That Delivers Results: With over two decades of experience in the property market, our team of professionals has honed a methodology that prioritises your satisfaction. Whether it’s a residential or investment property, we carefully assess your needs, the property’s potential, and the current market conditions to craft a strategy that maximises value. Free, No-Obligation Property Valuation: We appreciate that accurate valuation is the cornerstone of a successful sale. Therefore, we offer a free, no-obligation property valuation that is both realistic and transparent. Our industry experts provide a detailed analysis, ensuring that you are empowered with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Comprehensive Marketing and Support: Our dedication to your success extends beyond valuation. We provide comprehensive marketing services that include professional photography, bespoke brochures, and targeted online advertising to reach potential buyers. Our support continues through viewings, negotiations, and final transactions, providing a seamless experience. Trust and Integrity: At Cairn, we believe that trust and integrity are essential to our success. We strive to maintain an open line of communication, offering regular updates and feedback. Our reputation as a leading estate agency in Glasgow is built on our unwavering commitment to ethical practices and client satisfaction. Your Partner in Property Sales: Selling your house is a journey that requires a skilled and compassionate guide. When you think, “I want to sell my house,” think of Cairn Estate Agency. Our bespoke services, industry expertise, and personal touch ensure that your property sale is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Take the First Step: Why wait? Contact Cairn Estate Agency today for a free, no-obligation property valuation. Allow us to transform your thoughts of “I want to sell my house” into a successful reality. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to guide you every step of the way, providing personalised service that ensures a prosperous and stress-free property sale.

Selling, Estate Agency

Tips for Selling Your Home in January

New Year, New View: Why January Is the Best Time to Sell Your Home Does “moving home” rank high on your New Year’s resolutions? Don’t wait until spring has sprung to get your home on the market. January can be a great time to sell, and here we explain why. 3 Reasons Why Selling in January Makes Sense 1. Demand outstrips supply For many people, springtime is the time to put their homes up for sale. The weather is getting better, there are more buyers around, and the property market kicks into gear. But just because winter isn’t peak property hunting season doesn’t mean there aren’t buyers searching in January. There’s still demand for new homes, and while it’s not as great as in the spring (or autumn), you could steal a march on other sellers by making your property available sooner. 2. Serious buyers only Continuing on from the first point, the buyers searching in January won’t be kicking tyres. In other words, they’re not coming for a nose around your home with zero intention of making an offer. When viewers are braving the winter weather to look at your property, you can almost guarantee they’ll be serious about buying sooner rather than later. 3. Moving companies have better availability If one of those serious buyers makes you an offer, and you accept it, everything can move relatively quickly during the winter months — including the move itself. As you’re outside the peak season, removal companies should have better availability, and some might even be cheaper. Plus, other important aspects of moving house (such as surveys and conveyancing) can often be done faster as there’s less demand at this time of year. Our Top Tips for Selling Your Home in January Make your home cosy for viewings It’s Scotland. In January. It’s cold outside. Make sure your home is warm and inviting when a potential buyer drops by. Add cosy touches, like throws, cushions, and rugs, to your rooms, light some scented candles, and keep the temperature at an appropriate level. Essentially, you want viewers to feel like your home is an escape from the bitter winter weather. If you can do that, you might just help them picture themselves living there! Tidy up your garden/entrance Gardens in January won’t be in full bloom, but it’s vital that you don’t neglect yours if you have one. Sweep up dead leaves, scrub the patio, and arrange your garden furniture to give any prospective buyers an idea of your outdoor space’s potential when summer (finally) rolls around. And if you don’t have a garden, make sure the entrance to your property is free of any winter debris, like mud or leaves, and that the path is de-iced ahead of time. Let Cairn take the lead Finally, work with an experienced local estate agent, like Cairn. We can take the lead when it comes to staging and marketing your property, and we can also handle viewings on your behalf. And once the bids start rolling in, we can advise on negotiations to help you land the very best deal for your home. Ready to get your home on the market in January? Cairn can help! Contact us today to arrange a free property valuation.

Selling, Hints & Tips

Get Your House Ready to Sell in 2022

Get Your House Ready to Sell in 2022 Want to get your house ready to sell in 2022? Here are Cairn’s top tips. The Scottish property market hit new heights in 2021, with demand for property soaring in major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. This has led to house prices increasing by 8.8% over the last year – that’s more than the UK average of 6.2%. The good news is that this theme has continued in 2022, making it an excellent time for you to put your property on the market. Read on to find out how to get your house ready to sell this year. Getting your house ready to sell: our top tips 1. Get your property valued The first step to take when preparing your home for sale is to get it valued. This will tell you its current market value and help you make sure you get the best possible price for your property. While you can quickly grab a ballpark figure by comparing your home to similar, nearby properties on the market online, it makes sense to have a valuation carried out by an estate agent with expert knowledge of the local property market. 2. Arrange a home report When the time comes to sell your house, you’ll need an official property valuation. This is much more comprehensive and is carried out by a chartered surveyor as part of the home report. Since a home report is a legal requirement when selling a property in Scotland, you could face a £500 fine if you press ahead without one. The home report is made up of three documents that provide buyers with a clear picture of the property, including its condition, its energy efficiency rating, and other important information such as its council tax band. Compiling a home report can seem daunting; however, a good estate agent will be happy to help you with this. 3. Carry out maintenance Before your house is truly ready to sell, you’ll need to carry out all essential (and even some non-essential/cosmetic) maintenance. Many buyers can be put off a property that requires them to do DIY and could walk away due to even the most minor of issues. To avoid a deal falling through due to problems you could have fixed yourself, carry out a maintenance check throughout your property. Spend some time looking for bulbs that need replacing and loose door handles, broken cupboard doors, leaks, or dripping showerheads that need repairing. Carrying out those quick fixes now will pay dividends when it comes to selling your home fast and fuss-free. Following on from the maintenance, it’s time for the 3 Ds: declutter, deep clean, and depersonalise. 4. Declutter There are plenty of reasons to declutter while you get your house ready for sale, not least because it’ll make moving easier! But it can also make selling your house easier, too. Once you’ve pared back your possessions and cleared out your junk drawers and overspilling cupboards, your property can start to look bigger. It also shows prospective buyers that your home has plenty of storage space, and it’s easy to keep tidy. Start by throwing away or donating as much as possible. Once you’ve done that, consider boxing up and moving more of your belongings into storage while your house is on the market. That way, you get a jump start on the packing, and your home will be primed and ready for viewings. 5. Deep clean With your home suitably decluttered, it’s time to clean. Really clean. Top to bottom, inside and out, behind the fridge, at the back of cupboards, and especially the oven. Serious buyers will want to picture themselves living in your home (and making it their own). If it’s even a little messy, that could influence their decision. The good news is, cleaning costs nothing but a bit of elbow grease. But if you want to go the extra mile, you can pay to have your home professionally cleaned before you put it on the market. 6. Depersonalise Ever wonder why new build show homes always look so desirable? It’s because you’re essentially buying a nicely styled blank canvas. It lets you see the potential for each room, without overwhelming you with someone’s very particular design taste. Ultimately, buyers don’t want to buy your home as is — they want to buy your property and make it their own. You can help them imagine themselves living there by removing some of your personal items dotted around your house. Take down family photos, knick-knacks, souvenirs, fridge magnets, kid’s artwork, trophies and certificates, and instead aim for a more neutral look. 7. Tackle bad odours With your home clean, organised, and freshly styled, it’s time to tackle one of the more overlooked parts of selling a property: smell. Here’s the truth, bad smells can affect sales. You might be “nose blind” to them, but odours from pets, bins, blocked drains, cooking, or smoking will be very noticeable as soon as a prospective buyer walks in. Try to neutralise these odours with air fresheners, scented candles, reed diffusers, or even freshly cut flowers. And remember to air out your property regularly while it’s on the market. 8. Finally, find a reputable estate agent The last piece of the puzzle is having some expert help in your corner. An experienced estate agent can often be the key to selling your home quickly and successfully. Think about asking your agent to install a “Coming Soon” board to kick start enquiries — however, a good agent will already know who’s looking in your street already. An estate agent will handle many aspects of the sales process on your behalf. From working out the right price for your home and advising on styling and staging to marketing it effectively to the right buyers, your sale will be in safe hands. Your estate agent can also arrange your home report, taking this vital task off your hands. If you’re getting your house ready to sell in 2022, get in touch with Cairn. As one of the leading estate agents in Scotland, we can guide you through the sales process. Let us help you sell your property quickly and at the right price.

Selling, Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Tenanted Properties

Selling a Property with a Tenant in Situ – What to Know

Selling a Property with a Tenant in Situ – What to Know Thinking of selling a property with a tenant in situ? You’ve come to the right place. Here we explain everything you need to know — and share why help is at hand from Cairn. If you’re a landlord thinking of selling your rental property, should you wait until the place is empty, or can you sell with sitting tenants? It’s a question we’re often asked, and so we’re here with an answer: there are pros and cons to both scenarios. Let’s explore them in a little more detail. What are the benefits of selling your rental property when it’s empty? The clear benefit of selling your rental property when it’s vacant (also known as “vacant possession”) is that you have a wider range of options. Rather than selling to another buy-to-let landlord, you could sell the property to a private buyer who wishes to live in it themselves. And before you get to the sale, having the property empty (and clean) will make viewings a lot more straightforward. You won’t have to worry about keeping tenants in the loop, and you’ll know the place is presentable when prospective buyers come looking. What about the drawbacks of selling a rental property when it’s vacant? The main downside to this scenario is that you won’t be drawing any rental income while the property is on the market — so you’ll need to make sure you can cover the mortgage and other expenses from your own pocket. Read more: Top Tips for Selling with Glasgow West End Estate Agents So, what about selling a property with a tenant in situ? When you sell a property with sitting tenants, it means the tenants continue to live in the property after the sale is complete. You simply transfer the tenancy agreement and deposit to the new owner. Everything else remains the same for the tenants, and the new owner has rental income from day one. This might seem like a no-brainer for all involved, but there are a few potential downsides to this approach: Selling with sitting tenants narrows your market to only other buy-to-let investors; Your tenants might become spooked by the change and move out, leaving you with an empty property and extra expenses; It could increase the amount of time it takes to sell the property if the rental market is slow; And you’ll need to convince the prospective buyer that your tenants are responsible and reliable before they agree to takeover the tenancy agreement. The good news is that all of these issues can be overcome if you work with an estate agent experienced in selling tenanted flats. How to sell a property with sitting tenants When selling a property with a tenant in situ, you need to keep everyone informed on both sides of the transaction. Firstly, your tenants need to be reassured that nothing will change on their end. The tenancy agreement they signed with you remains valid, and their rent won’t change while that’s the case. Meanwhile, you need to provide references, credit checks, and other evidence to the prospective buyer to demonstrate that your tenants are reliable and trustworthy, and have been paying their rent on time. When it comes to the actual sales process, it’s largely similar to selling any other property type. You (or your estate agent) would inform your tenants of your plan to sell, put the property on the market (highlighting that it comes with tenants in situ), and begin arranging viewings. And when you receive an acceptable offer, you’ll need a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legalities of transferring the tenancy agreement and deposit to the new owner. Again, working with an expert estate agent (like Cairn) can help iron out these details. Selling a property with a tenant in situ? Work with Cairn One of our main areas of expertise is selling tenanted properties for our clients. And in the majority of cases, our tenanted properties are sold off-market to our investment database. This ensures lower volumes of viewings and minimal disruption to your current tenants, while you continue to collect rental income up until the point of sale. Want to learn more about our services? Contact us today.

Selling, Hints & Tips

How to Sell Your Home This Summer

How to Sell Your Home This Summer Want to sell your home this summer? Read our top tips for making the most of the summer months to achieve the best price for your property. Summer is one of the best times of year to sell your property, with the great weather, longer days and more free time making it more likely that buyers will move to snap up their dream homes. However, there are always things you can do to make your property more desirable and generate the best price during June, July, and August. Read on to find out how to sell your home this summer: 1. Capitalise on the busy property market Summer 2022 is expected to be a busy period for the Scottish property market. Early summer is particularly active, with June and July popular months for homebuying. However, the market tends to slow in August, with the summer school holidays in full swing. Not only does entertaining kids leave little time for house hunting, but many people go on holiday during this month. This is important to consider if you’re targeting families. 2. Sell in early summer If you need to sell at this time of year, get your property on the market as early as possible. If it’s not up for sale by the start of July, you could be putting yourself at a disadvantage due to the slowdown in the market. You may also find yourself up against those properties that didn’t sell over the spring, possibly due to them being overpriced. Take this into consideration when deciding how to pitch your asking price against these stale properties. When selling your home in summer, keep a close eye on the competition. Around this time, many house sellers become frustrated and begin to drop the asking price on their properties. You’ll need to carefully assess the cost of your home to keep it looking competitive in the market. 3. Boost your property’s summer kerb appeal Boosting your property’s kerb appeal can help you sell your home during the summer months. Keep the exterior neat and tidy to make a good first impression as people approach your property. Sweep the paths, trim the bushes, pull up weeds, paint your front door, and add pretty plant pots with summer plants to add seasonal colour. Getting the garden in order can also help potential buyers imagine your outdoor space on those warm summer nights. Read more: Get Your House Ready to Sell in 2022 4. Make the most of the natural light One good reason to sell your home in the summer is the abundance of natural light. Make the most of it by opening blinds and tying back curtains. Removing any obstacles in front of the window can allow light to flow through the room, bathing your living space in natural light. This can make it feel larger and more welcoming. Using light effectively can also create the ideal conditions to take photos for your home’s estate agency profile. Speaking of which… 5. Work with a reputable local estate agent To improve your chances of selling your home during the summer months, working with an estate agent with excellent knowledge of the local property market is always helpful. At Cairn, we can offer expert advice on how to sell your home in summer, helping you achieve the very best price. We can assist you with everything from setting the right asking price and marketing your property to styling and staging to make it as appealing as possible to buyers. Talk to our experienced estate agents today to discuss selling your home during the summer months.

Selling, Glasgow, Hints & Tips, West End

Top Tips for Selling with Glasgow West End Estate Agents

Top Tips for Selling with Glasgow West End Estate Agents Discover why selling with expert Glasgow West End Estate Agents can help you make a quick and profitable sale. Glasgow’s West End is a lively, bohemian area popular with uni students and young professionals. Boasting beautiful Victorian architecture, independent shops, museums and galleries, trendy cafes and bars, and leafy parks, it’s one of the most in-demand areas of the city. If you have a property here and want to sell it quickly and at the best possible price, read on. Here are our top tips for selling your Glasgow West End property. 4 tips for selling with Glasgow West End Estate Agents 1. Sell in the Spring While demand continues to outstrip supply in the West End, you’ll receive more interest if you sell during the Spring. Most home-movers start looking for properties in March, April, and May. You can expect increased competition between buyers at this time, giving you the best chance of sealing a profitable deal. Plus, the nicer weather makes spring a great time of year to put your West End property on the market. 2. Shortlist reputable Glasgow West End estate agents To boost your chances of getting the price you want for your property, it makes sense to work with established Glasgow West End estate agents. Find local estate agents with a proven track record of selling properties like yours in the West End. Invite your shortlisted estate agents to the property to conduct a valuation and discuss how they’d market it effectively. A good estate agent will market your property via a range of methods, from advertising it on websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla to email marketing and social media. 3. Identify potential buyers The key to preparing, marketing and selling your property is understanding your potential buyers. The best strategy is to keep the widest pool of buyers in mind, since the more potential buyers you have, the more likely you are to receive offers. Fortunately, as one of Glasgow’s favourite residential areas, property in the West End is constantly sought after by students, young professionals, and families alike. Since Glasgow University is here, some parts are popular with students and faculty, including Hillhead, Dowanhill, and Partick. This means students or parents of students are likely to be amongst those most interested in your property. 4. Prepare your home for sale Glasgow West End estate agents can help you prepare your home for sale, giving you the best possible chance of selling it quickly and at the best price. As well as arranging a home report for the property (a legal requirement in Scotland), we can also advise on carrying out maintenance and repairs and styling and staging. We can advise you on how to decorate rooms so the property is showcased in the best light and appeals to the aspirations of your ideal buyer. For expert assistance selling a property in Glasgow’s popular West End, get in touch with our team today. Let us do your viewings it takes the stress off you and we know the market. We can carry out viewings at weekends too allowing you time to relax.

Selling, Hints & Tips

Get Your House Ready to Sell in 2022

Selling, Edinburgh, Guides

Edinburgh Estate Agents: Your Brief Guide to Selling Your Home in Scotland’s Capital

Edinburgh Estate Agents: Your Brief Guide to Selling Your Home in Scotland’s Capital Selling your home in the capital? Finding the right Edinburgh estate agents is step one, but there are other costs and considerations, too. This short post will share everything you need to know about putting your Edinburgh home on the market. First, Hire Your Edinburgh Estate Agents Choosing the right Edinburgh estate agent can make all the difference to how quickly (and for how much) you can sell your property. Ideally, you’ll want someone with local knowledge, experience, and a track record of success in your area. Someone like Cairn. Here’s how we can help you sell your property in Edinburgh: It all starts with the valuation: We give you an honest, realistic valuation based on assessing relevant market data and industry experience. Next comes the legal stuff: We’ll recommend you a choice of industry professionals (with favourable rates) to help with your home report and conveyancing. We can also advise you on how to tackle any of the works suggested by the home report. Putting eyeballs on your home: We take a proactive and in-depth approach to marketing your property. This includes: Placing a “FOR SALE” board on or as near to your property as possible Designing hard copy and PDF brochures with professional quality photography and descriptions to highlight the key and best features of your property Generating an accurate floor plan Creating digital marketing Posting property details on all key online residential property portals, including Rightmove & Zoopla Presenting your property on our own website with a downloadable PDF brochure Featuring your property on social media Circulating our property listing to Cairn’s active purchaser database weekly Displaying a window card in our office Preparing for and conducting viewings: Before showing your property to prospective buyers, we can provide home staging advice linked to target markets and budgets. We then host open or accompanied viewings, follow up on queries, and regularly report on progress. Negotiation and sale: Finally, we liaise with purchasers on your behalf in an open negotiation to get you the best possible price for your home. Interested in getting started? Arrange a valuation here. Other Important Considerations + Costs When Selling Beyond the services we provide above, there are a few more costs and considerations when selling your Edinburgh home. These include: The home report: This is a compulsory part of putting your home on the market in Scotland. The home report provides all the essential information a potential buyer will need to make an informed decision about making an offer. We can help you arrange this, or you can find a provider yourself. The price will vary depending on the size of your home but usually costs somewhere in the region of £250 to £750. Conveyancing fees: Once you’ve accepted an offer on your home, “conveyancing” can begin. This is the legal term for the transfer of ownership from you to the buyer. If you’re working with a separate conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor, you should expect fees to cost around £1,500. Removal costs: An often overlooked cost, removal (and storage) is vital, especially when you’re working to a tight deadline, or there’s a gap between moving out of your old home and into your new one. Costs will vary depending on your needs. You may wish to hire a van and do it yourself, or you might need a professional removals company to help you pack and transport everything. Expect to spend anywhere from £400 to £1,200, and sometimes more. Cairn: Your Edinburgh Estate Agents As one of Edinburgh’s leading local estate agents, we can help you sell your home without any fuss or drama. Get in touch to learn more.

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Selling, Edinburgh, Estate Agency, Portobello, Properties For Sale

Edinburgh Townhouses – Selling with Cairn

Selling, Edinburgh, Estate Agency, Glasgow, Portobello

Are you thinking ‘ I want to sell my house ‘ ?