SELLING & BUYING with the BSPC
The Scottish Borders Solicitors Property Centres
 SELLING with the BSPC
Selling property requires the services of an estate agent and solicitor - but why pay twice? The BSPC provides both services under one roof, making it the easiest, fastest and most cost-effective way to sell your home.
The BSPC comprises 22 member firms of solicitors operating from 36 offices located throughout the Borders region.
Contact a BSPC Solicitor »
Benefits of BSPC Services
The benefits of using a BSPC member firm are many and varied, but all
are designed to get results. Locally based, your BSPC solicitor is a
reliable authority on house prices and current market trends in the
area - crucial factors in determining the right asking price and compiling
a cost-effective marketing strategy.
Pro-active marketing that utilises as many different strategies as possible to find your home a buyer is the cornerstone of BSPC's estate agency service. Only the BSPC gives you access to:
 1. The BSPC Property Guide in Print
- The largest FREE fortnightly Property Guide in the Scottish Borders
- 10,000 printed every fortnight
- Full colour advertising with a choice of advert sizes
- Distributed to over 250 local outlets
- Distributed to Solicitors Property Centres throughout Scotland
- An international subscriber mailing service for overseas buyers
2. BSPC Website - www.bspc.co.uk
- THE
property website for the Scottish Borders
- Over 15,000 unique visitors and over 50,000 visits each month
- Property
matching and portfolio services, property
database search
- Property listings and details including up to 20 photographs per property, PDF property schedule, map and 'Street View' (where available)
- Google's 'Street View' enables the user to "walk around" a chosen location and see the local area as it was when it was taken by Google
- Daily website update
- Online directory of DIY and property-related services
3. BSPC Properties direct to your mobile phone
Using the latest technology you can find and view the nearest properties for sale on your mobile phone. From any location in the Scottish borders simply text 'bspc' to 84840.
- BSPC properties direct to your phone
- Nearest 10 properties to your location shown
- Full property description and images given
- Map and distance from your current location
- Arrange a viewing and contact the seller
- Only your normal operator charges apply
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Valuation & Marketing Strategy
Contact your local BSPC solicitor to arrange a valuation and outline the marketing strategy - pricing, schedules, advertising, For Sale board, etc.
Discuss timescales and a potential date of entry.
The BSPC's one-off marketing fee includes internet advertising and inclusion in the BSPC Property Guide - both exclusive to BSPC clients.
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Showing your Home
Your solicitor will also offer any necessary tips and advice for showing your home. While it doesn't pay at this stage to carry out major renovations, there are inexpensive ways to make your home look fresh, stylish and inviting, inside and out. Smarten up exterior paintwork, give the front door a makeover and make sure the front garden is neat and tidy - first impressions are lasting impressions. Inside, less is always more. Freshen paintwork (neutral shades are best) and de-clutter everywhere, including cupboards. Rooms should be as clear as possible, as should kitchen worksurfaces. Fresh flowers, a welcoming fire and good lighting help set the scene. Make sure your home is spotlessly clean and tidy, even if it means packing away ornaments, toys, bikes etc for a week or two.
Viewers hoping to become buyers will request a valuation or survey be carried out prior to submitting an offer. Your solicitor may set a closing date for offers and will advise on the conveyancing procedure thereafter.
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 BUYING with the BSPC
Speak to your local BSPC solicitor in the first instance and use his or her local knowledge to determine what you can realistically afford. Also outline any other potentially legal issues, eg buying with a friend or partner.
Financial & Legal
Your solicitor will give you an estimate of the costs involved and outline the buying procedure. As well as legal fees you may also have to budget for Stamp Duty, mortgage valuation or survey fees, buildings and contents insurance, deposit for mortgage - maybe even a bridging loan. Better to plan on a worst-case basis than have to cope with unexpected charges after the budget is spent. If you're taking out a mortgage you may also have to pay an arrangement fee and mortgage indemnity fee (a one-off insurance payment which ensures the lender doesn't lose out financially if you default on the mortgage and the property has to be resold). It's advisable to have the availability of a mortgage agreed in principle before you begin looking for a house, otherwise another buyer could beat to it.
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Interest & Viewing
When you find a property, contact your solicitor to lodge a note of interest with the seller's solicitor. This ensures that you'll be informed if a closing date is set. Ideally, view the property at different times of day (soft lighting after-dark can be very deceptive), look for obvious defects, ask to see fuel bills, building warrants or guarantees for any improvements/alterations, clarify what's included in the price, and check out the surrounding area for schools, transport links etc.
When your offer is accepted, your solicitor will conclude the missives - a legally binding contract between buyer and seller - and complete the conveyancing procedure.
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