"Moving up"

1. Do not start looking for a new house until you have had your own house valued.

2. If you are serious about moving put your house on the market before you get in the car and go hunting. The reasoning behind this is simple, the owners of the property you wish to purchase did follow the above advice. They have found their dream property and are now in a mad panic to buy it, speed is of the essence. You come along and fall in love with their property and want it. Why should they wait for you to get your act together, put your house on the market etc. when by waiting for you, a complete stranger, they could lose their purchase.

3. When you find your dream property and can make an offer knowing you have a firm 'complete chain' of buyers on your property you are in a position of strength. The vendors will want you, and the agent will want you. From this position you may be able to negotiate the price down or at least get some extras included in the sale. You will be taken seriously.

4. Don't tell vendors and agents you have a complete chain behind you and can exchange in a matter of weeks if you can't. They will find out and probably drop you for another more honest purchaser. Yes, chains break and circumstances change but do not distort the facts. It is not worth it.

5. Try to provide the agent with a complete list of the chain behind you, purchaser names, agents' details and if possible solicitors details. It makes the agent's job of checking the chain easy. It makes you look very professional and it will help the agent advise his client that you really are the best buyer for the property.

6. The easiest rule of thumb is 'what type of buyer would you like on your property?

Get yourself into that position, be that person and buying a property becomes a lot easier, not simple, life never is but easier and less stressful.

Trust me I'm an Estate Agent (now retired)