Blog

Real estate advices

Reasons buyers fall in love with a house

Reasons buyers fall in love with a house… making the decision to sell the family home, and arranging viewings of potential new homes can be an emotionally loaded as well as an exciting time. Location is usually the main factor in most people’s buying decision, with good transport links and great schools often being deal breakers too.

But what makes buyers choose one property over another in the same location, and when they look very similar on paper?

We find that most clients we deal with make their final decision based on whether or not they had fallen in love with the property. Among our own team here at Bromley Property Company we’ve all had times where we’ve viewed a property to buy ourselves that we’ve absolutely loved, and then seen another very similar one on paper in the same location that really hasn’t had that special ‘something’.

So if you’re looking to sell, in a world of first impressions and snap decisions, how do you give your home the edge in a tough market?

Realistic valuation

At Bromley Property Company we pride ourselves on our bespoke valuations and excellent knowledge of the Bromley area, as well as understanding what our buyers want. We know that they are more likely to make an offer if the price is right, and a majority of these won’t make an offer if the asking price is too inflated, even if they like a property.

Outside space

If you’re selling, make sure your outside space is given the same attention as the inside. You can read more tips on how to add value to your garden when selling your property here.

Kerb appeal

Buyers are forming an opinion of your home as soon as they walk up to the front door. Treat it to a lick of paint or a coat of varnish, polish any door furniture and make sure the doorbell works. The front garden should look equally smart too for that crucial kerb appeal.

Online viewings

Potential buyers often make up their minds about booking a viewing within 5 minutes of looking at a property online. At Bromley Property Company our in-house team of professional photographers know exactly how to take high quality shots of the house and garden that guarantee a first impression that is the best impression.

All the feels

We all seem to agree that often reasons buyers fall in love with a house is because they get that good feeling when they walk in through the front door. It may be a bit of a cliche (but it works!), but the smells of freshly baked bread or coffee really do help create that ‘homely’ feeling for buyers. Making it cosy in the winter, and airy in the summer (open those doors and windows!) also help to make a property attractive.

Get rid of clutter

If you want your home to ‘spark joy’ with your buyer a la Marie Kondo, follow her advice and have a good clear out. You want buyers to be picturing themselves living in your home, not wondering where on earth they’re going to store everything.

Doggy day care

Not everyone loves dogs, so if possible keep viewings of your property dog-free so potential buyers can relax, and also if you have pets make sure everywhere is extra clean and aired to get rid of any furry friend smells!

Freshen up interiors

Refitting kitchens and bathrooms is usually a step too far as any new owner will see that as a way of putting their own stamp on the property. However, a fresh coat of paint here and there is often time well spent and can really pay off. We’ve found that properties presented in excellent condition will not only secure a quicker sale, but often one where the buyer is willing to match the asking price.

What made you fall in love with your current home? Find us on Facebook or Twitter and let us know!

Lewis photo

Lewis McKale

Director, Residential Sales, Lettings & New Homes

lewis@propertycompanygroup.com

lewis@bromleypropertycompany.com

07507 656 668

020 8462 7155

bio separator

Lewis has over 20 years experience in the property industry. As a young negotiator he worked for large South East London Estate Agency and he also worked his way up to Associate Director at a City based Estate Agency by the time he was 25.

He jointly owned and sold a successful business in the East End of London before deciding to come back to his roots and set up Bromley Property Company in late 2016.

Lewis is a life long Bromley Borough resident and hails from West Wickham where he attended Wickham Common Primary School and then Hayes Secondary School.

He's married with three children, all of whom attend local schools. Both himself and his wife are very active with local autistic charities helping with various events.

Football plays a big part in his life, playing for Charlton Athletic youth team in his early days and he is an avid supporter of Bromley FC.

The competitive drive that pushes him on is what helps fuel his passion for the business. This and his in-depth knowledge of the borough is a great combination which helps deliver the results his clients have come to expect.

Kyle photo

Kyle Peters

Director, Land & Commercial

kyle@propertycompanygroup.com

020 8462 7155

07801 577 782

bio separator

In a career spanning more than 20 years Kyle has bought, sold and let Real Estate of all types and sizes in every sector of property industry. Throughout this time he was a long serving founder member of one of the South East’s most successful Commercial & Development property agencies. In addition to a successful agency career he has held senior client-side positions in asset & property management and investment and development acquisitions affording Kyle a holistic viewpoint and greater understanding of the entire process than some agents.

Technically knowledgeable and with a keen eye for detail he has a deep understanding of how to effectively market a property and revels in getting amongst the strategy of a transaction to ensure his clients expectations are regularly exceeded.

With a natural flair for identifying development opportunities and adding value Kyle works regularly with a number of clients on acquisitions and development & planning consultancy and has specialisms in the retirement, care and affordable housing sectors.

Born and raised in the Bromley area, outside of work Kyle enjoys spending as much time as possible with his young family, travelling and all things car related.

Stuart photo

Stuart Jackson

Sales & Lettings

stuart@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

bio separator

Stuart has worked in the property industry for 10 years now.

Previously working in the East End of London specialising in Shoreditch and The City but deciding to come back to his roots and work in Bromley, Stuart brings his enthusiasm, knowledge and hard work to the company and local Bromley residents will all benefit from this.

Stuart is also a local lad that grew up in Keston, attending Keston Primary School and Hayes Secondary School so his local knowledge is second to none. Currently living in Shortlands Stuart prides himself on his excellent customer service levels and is always available to talk about property and will accommodate viewings whenever he can 7 days a week.

Stuart works very close with Lewis in ensuring that Bromley Property Company offer a customer service unlike any other local estate agent making sure all of our clients be it Vendors, Landlords, Buyers or Tenants are all looked after and dealt with in the best way possible.

Angela photo

Angela McKale

Admin & Marketing
 

angela@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

bio separator

Angela has worked supporting Lewis and his team for the last 5 years now and has taken the admin side of the business over and helps to ensure that our clients are given a service that is as efficient as possible.

She is responsible for that majority of the companies marketing and she also looks after the properties on our website as well as ensuring our clients are written to promptly.

Helping to run diaries for the team and ensuring everyone is kept on their toes is a real help and she helps keep things organised and ensures the business runs as efficiently as possible.

Trevor photo

Trevor Doran

Head of Property Management

management@bromleypropertycompany.com

07740 055 025

bio separator

Trevor has over 30 years’ experience in maintaining and managing properties.
20 years in the home improvement industry rising to director level served him well as a landlord and since 2009 owning and running his own business specialising purely in property letting and management.
A lifelong Bromley borough resident Trevor runs Bromley Property Company’s letting and management department and continues to operate at the highest possible levels of professionalism and service as the portfolio grows.
Sport and fitness play a big part in Trevor’s life as he tries to keep up with two athletic children currently in sixth form and university. He also follows the fortunes of the ever-improving Bromley FC.

Amy photo

bio separator

Amy has worked in Lettings and property management for 10 years starting as a Lettings Negotiator for a corporate Estate Agents in Dartford.

She then worked for an independent Estate Agent in Bexley as a Property Manager and then as Branch Manager for 3 years.

She took some time out when she had her daughter and started working again in Property Management 3 years ago.

Amy has a BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion and enjoys making clothes and she is also classically trained to Grade 6 in Piano.

Becky photo

Becky Freeman

Digital Marketing & Social Media

becky@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

bio separator

Becky brings with her nearly a decade of digital marketing and multi-award nominated lifestyle blogging experience, and has worked with both household names and smaller companies to create content and enhance their social and online presence. She has appeared in various Interiors & lifestyle magazines, written for publications including The Guardian, and appeared on Channel 4’s ‘Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas’ winning her category of Christmas table styling!

After a disappointing experience trying to sell her house with a local high street agent, West Wickham-based Becky had heard great things about Bromley Property Company, swapped to us and quickly sold, and says she couldn't rate Lewis and his team's knowledge of the area and honest valuation highly enough.

As a bit of a property geek with a background in both business and lifestyle marketing, Becky is now on board to oversee all things digital for us through her agency Becky Freeman Digital.

Living and raising 3 children in the local area, Becky loves Bromley and all it has to offer a young family.

Mary photo

Mary Radovanovich

MAAT, MICB PM.Dip., Accounts
 

mary@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

bio separator

Mary has been in the accounting industry for over 23 years and has a license with the AAT and ICB. Mary prides herself on excellent customer service and strongly believes in building a close working relationship with her clients.

Mary deals with the invoice payments and tax for the group as well as assisting with all aspects of accounting.