Are you in seasonal shape for moving in Bristol during 2021?

The countdown is truly on and Christmas is but days away. The decorations are up, and the TV adverts are filled with magical stories and heart-warming tales. Each year, major UK brands battle to grab our attention, and the coveted Christmas advert is the highlight of their year.  Although there have been some great ones, there is a fantastic Dutch advert that has gone viral and knocked John Lewis off its perch. Simple, without special effects and celebrity power, it gently shows us the importance of getting in shape. It made us here in Bristol think, are you in seasonal shape for moving in 2021?

#Herzensangelegnheit

So what is this advert? You may already have seen it on social media. Created for pharmaceutical company DocMorris, it follows the story of an elderly man who wakes up early every morning to do some exercises with a kettle bell; at first he can only drag it, but as the advert progresses he gets stronger and stronger. The ‘why’ all becomes clear, as he arrives at his family home at Christmas to give his granddaughter the gift of a star, after which he lifts her up so she can place it on top of the tree. Cue the tears.

What does this have to do with property?

The advert’s slogan is ‘So that you can take care of what really matters in life.’ And what really matters when buying or selling a property is getting yourself in shape.  You could think you are in a great position, but the next buyer through the door could have dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts, and if you both place competitive offers, the sellers could see the other buyer as being in the stronger position. So how can you be ahead of the game?

Financially fit

It’s time to do a major work out of your finances. This year may have seen a shift in your normal financial patterns; you may have been furloughed, need additional support, had a mortgage break, or even missed a couple of payments.  Each decision could have impacted on your credit rating and so the biggest mistake you can make is to assume you know what you can afford.  Living in fairy land may be magical when you’re viewing all the glorious homes available on your magical budget, but you will feel like you’re dragging a kettle bell when you realise that your expectations were way off the mark.

Before you start making plans, seek the advice of an independent mortgage adviser, we recommend Ed Haupt from Twenty20 Mortgages | Skip the mortgage meltdown! (twenty20fs.com), they will be able to give you the facts: what you can actually afford, and also an idea of what your repayments might be.  The repayment figure is just as important because you need to be confident it is something you can pay on a monthly basis without struggling.  If you have a property to sell, a member of our team will be able to value it, so you can add this figure into the mix.

Just another Quality Street

Who doesn’t have a box of chocolates in their home at this time of year? In each box is a selection of different flavours, of which you will have a favourite.  When it comes to making an offer on a property, you don’t want to be a fudge, you want to be a Green Triangle or even The Purple One.

But what will make you stand out, how can you become a Green Triangle? You need to show that you are in the best position, and your finances will help here, especially if you have a mortgage in principle.  Are you a first-time buyer? If selling, do you have an offer on your home?  Are you chain free?  Sellers want the most straight forward sale possible, and so the stronger your position the more likely they are to choose you.  When you make your offer, ensure you stress your strengths to the estate agent, so when the sellers are reviewing their Quality Street of buyers, you will be the first one chosen.

Little star of Bristol

Whether you’re buying or selling, we can guide you each and every step of the way, so your hopes are met and your fears fade, and will make 2021 the year that you move to your new home.

Oh, Little Star of Bristol how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

From everyone at NEXA Bristol, we wish you a wonderful Christmas.