According to the RICS home owners rushed to put their properties on the market before the aborted HIP deadline of 1st June. Whatever the reason, there does seem to have been a surge in the number of properties coming onto the market in our area. As with any market these properties are competing with others to secure a sale. Gone are the days when Purchasers were queuing up to buy. Affordability constraints coupled with more properties to pick from means that purchasers can afford to be more choosy. Whilst viewings are still fairly brisk the feedback is becoming more negative. Purchasers tend to talk in code, for example, “The garden is too small” really means “We have seen a house with a bigger garden for the same price.” More than ever the key to selling is to work with your agent as a team. Getting the price right is the first crucial step.