How to Sell My House Fast in the UK ?

Understanding the UK Housing Market

When you need a quick sale, understanding the UK housing market is a must. These dynamics greatly affect the price at which you can get rid of your house and how long it may take for you to sell it off. In the United Kingdom, interest rates, economic factors and government regulations are among some of such determinants on this market.

Monitoring these movements will enable you to decide appropriately when is the best time as well as plan accordingly about selling your property out.

The UK housing market has had significant variations in the past few years. These include the post-pandemic recovery phase, alteration in stamp duty rules and unstable economics.

To understand when to sell a house now that there are certain changes after pandemic like stamp duty adjustments or economic uncertainty, sellers should be in touch with these events through media channels around them. You may also gain an advantage by knowing how much demand exceeds supply within your vicinity.

Furthermore, regional differences within the UK imply that such variations exist from one place to another. Cities like London show different trends from rural areas.

Due to this difference in time and price considerations, quickness or slowness of sale, therefore, local market information should be studied and understood carefully.

Current Market Trends and Challenges

In the present moment the market tends toward a more conservative shopping attitude; the cost of living has gone up, together with the interest rate, so that customers who are willing to buy get even pickier/prospective buyers are pickier now more than ever.

To ensure you get serious clients who will buy quickly make the best house sale strategies as sellers, hence, you need to catch up with such changes in order.

The major challenges faced in the real estate sector are economic uncertainty among others including Brexit’s lingering repercussions. Following these aspects, the process of buying might be slow, and offer prices could be compromised thereby leading to lower.

Moreover, the transition from office-based work to working remotely has caused a surge in demand for houses located outside town centers or along highways.

Consequently, rural/semi-rural home values have surged while those within metropolitan regions are still within reach.

So, sellers residing within such zones have higher chances than their urban counterparts where selling quickly is concerned.

Impact on Selling Your House Quickly

Your aptitude to vend your home hastily can be greatly affected by the prevailing market conditions. That is to say, stiff market competition from other suppliers and financially cautious clients will necessitate one to separate his property. This basically says that it necessitates effective marketing as well as having competitive prices in order for buyers to quickly come.

Factors such as inflation and hiking interest rates also play a role in discouraging your purchase.

At times, mortgage application problems may hinder prospective purchasers causing various delays or even cancellations. Hence in a view of these difficulties one is advised to think ahead and familiarize himself with such challenges he is likely to face whilst selling.

It seems to work in your favor if you consider that the rising demand for homes in suburban areas is among some of these changes.

If your asset is situated in a strategic locality, then you stand at a better position of getting fast buyers. Yet at the same time one has to be dynamic enough bearing in mind fluctuations within the market so as to optimize his selling plan.

Selling Options

In order to sell your house quickly in the United Kingdom, it is important to look at different ways of selling it. Every method of sale has its own merits and demerits hence knowing them can help to determine the most appropriate path to take.

Below are some of the common selling options.

  • Standard estate agents
  • Online estate agents
  • Home buying businesses that give instant cash
  • Property auctions
  • Part-exchanging houses with developers

To decide which option suits you best, consider factors like how fast you want it done, how easy this process should be for you, plus how much money would yield the highest returns.

Sell Your House to a Cash House Buying Company

One of the effective ways to sell your house quickly is to work with a cash house buying company. These types of quick house sale companies specialize in buying properties quickly (often within weeks) and offer cash for homes in order to make the process as fast and easy as possible.

On the other hand, cash house buying firms can be very useful when you are in need of urgent cash e.g., to avert foreclosures or sort out such matters as inheriting property.

They usually handle every procedure in the transaction including legal fees hence assisting one save on time as well as money during such moments.

Nevertheless, it is important for one to conduct thorough research before settling on any organization.

One should consider real cash buyers who have good reviews and open methods for an easy deal. This is because note that the quotes from these types of businesses may tend to be under market rates but they give you a chance to sell your house quickly at a discounted price.

How Cash House Buying Companies Work

Cash property buyers work by directly buying homes from individuals whereby homeowners save more time during the sales process. It’s essential but essential to understand that as direct buyers who will typically be offering an amount below running market rates-for faster and more guaranteed sale transactions.

It usually begins with an online form requiring information on your home or its location.

The organization assumes responsibility for paperwork, filling any necessary forms or deeds plus legal requirements once you reach an agreement. This streamlined procedure can take a matter of weeks and therefore serves as it is the most viable option for anyone who would like to dispose of his or her house instantly.

Satisfy yourself by confirming whether the real estate buying company engages in any form of business ethics through its membership of related professional bodies or online reviews if they are available.

Pros and Cons of Selling to a Cash House Buying Company

When you sell your home to a cash house buyer, there are advantages and disadvantages that come along with it. Knowing these will enable you to know whether or not this is the best option for you.

Here are the good and bad things about selling your property for cash:

Pros
Speed: The selling process is quite fast with some houses being sold within weeks.
Convenience: Less paperwork is involved when houses are sold in this manner and there is also no much trouble.
Certainty: Once you contact a home buying company that pays for as they guarantee a certain sum of money in a cash offer.
Flexibility: One can sell their house in whatever condition it is in.
Cost Savings: This usually takes care of legal fees.

Cons
Less Negotiation: Offers are usually final.
Scams: There is a high chance of fraud companies.
Lower Offers: Usually less than the real market value.
Limited Appeal: This might not be the best way to get the highest price for your property.
Reputation: Confirm if this company truly exists.

Sell Your House at Auction

Another effective means of ensuring a fast sale is through auctioning your house. The auction attracts people interested in buying immediately which creates competition enhancing the selling price as a result.

Auctions suit properties unlikely to draw ordinary customers for instance with huge repairs needed. The process at the various auction houses is easy to understand, and usually a sale is completed within 28 days from the actual day of auction in case.

Nevertheless, there are certain costs such as auctioneers’ fees and other marketing expenditures which one must incur.

In order for a house owner to be satisfied with what they get from selling their property it is important that they set a reasonable reserve price while selling through an auction system. It might also be helpful in accomplishing a successful sale to partner with an eminent auctioneer.

Traditional Property Auctions

Involving a house for sale via an auction house is what traditional property auctions are about; where buyers place bids.

They are usually held in real estate offices, drawing investment sharks and serious buyers

You start this by choosing which auction house to use as well as agreeing with them on their terms. Your property will be advertised beyond the day of sale and those who might be interested can come and see it from secondary sources.

When that day comes, bidders come forward one by one until someone meets or exceeds the starting bid amount if the minimum price has been set can either way win the auction.

However, this quick property sale method makes for quick sales which can be up in just 28 days sometimes; thus; but remember that you have to pay the auctioneer for their services.

The Modern Method of Auction (MMoA)

The Modern Method of Auction (MMoA) is a merger of the best of both worlds in traditional auctioning and the convenience of online transactions by expanding access to a broader range of buyers thereby improving chances of successfulness. The properties will be listed on auction websites where bids will be placed within a certain period, typically lasting several weeks.

Unlike conventional auction sales, MMoA provides more room for maneuver because buyers are given extra time to secure loans catering for those who may want mortgages.

As such this method usually leads to faster disposition compared to traditional mechanisms though not as speedy as an ordinary auction.

It is worth noting that higher prices are usually achieved with MMoA since it attracts more competitive bids.

Nonetheless, home sellers need to take into account charges related to this form of transaction besides working together with an agent who links them up with these platforms.

Online Estate Agents for a Quick Sale

Offering residence by using internet real estate brokers are termed as Internet estate agents which may be comparatively cost-effective and performs a fast house sale process.

These agents leverage digital platforms to market your property, hence reaching a broad audience without having to pay the high fees charged by traditional estate agents but still charge some commissions.

Service packages from web-based estate agents include among others professional photographing of a home, virtual tours, and assistance in posting on major online property portals so as to get much exposure thereby enhancing chances for quick sales.

As a result of this, transactions are quicker than normal because their processes are streamlined most times.

However, compared to conventional ones they differ in terms of quality service rendered. In terms of saving you money and speeding up sales, they are very efficient but do not provide the same personal touch.

It’s also important to investigate reputable firms providing online services before satisfying yourself that they will offer anything called fast sales success.

Can a Regular Online Estate Agent Help Sell My House Fast?

Selling your property fast with a general real estate agent on the internet might happen. But, be prepared to deal with one that is well known and has a good reputation.

This is because most online companies usually have a broad marketing coverage as well as charge fair prices that could make some people want to buy it within no time.

For them to attract many clients within a short period of time, digital tools are used by these agents in advertising your home. Such tools include taking good pictures of your home, ensuring it is available in popular listings and making sure it appears in virtual tours.

Furthermore, this means that by pricing your house lower than due, you end up targeting every buyer looking for a perfect deal as their commission is lower.

Nevertheless, whether you can sell quickly depends on various factors such as how hot the market is in that particular location or even the state of your property.

Keep in mind that they may hasten the process though do not forget to adjust what you would expect against timeframes set by advertisements for fair offers only.

Part Exchanging with a New Build Developer

Exchanging your old home with a housing contractor helps you when you need to sell your house fast. Here you exchange the house you currently own with that of the housing developer. These are very important transactions for the newly built houses developer, as they help the latter to make quick sales.

The process is simple; the developer values your current house and gives you his or her deal based on its worth in the market. If you agree, this sale takes place alongside one for buying a new property that makes transitioning easier and faster.

This is an alternative choice that is particularly good for people who want to avoid the fuss of regular sales.

It deters one from staging homes for buyers visits, making offers, negotiating prices and worrying about deals not going through. Nonetheless, they usually come below the open market rates but it is okay!

The Pros of Part Exchanging Your Home

Part exchanging your home has many advantages, which make it a great option for a rapid sale. Some of them are elaborated as follows:

  1. Speed: Processing happens quickly without any problems.
  2. Convenience: No need for property viewing or negotiation.
  3. Certainty: Sale is guaranteed without any risk of a property chain.
  4. Cost Savings: May lower legal and marketing charges.
  5. Smooth Transition: Moving into another home is organized at the same time.

All these reasons contribute to the popularity of part exchange in the real estate market by those who opt for quick and easy selling processes.

The Cons of Part Exchanging Your Home for a Fast House Sale

Although there are many advantages to part exchanging, it does come with its downsides. Knowing them can help you decide if this is right for you. Here are the major disadvantages:

  1. Low offers: Less than market value is typically received.
  2. Restricted options: It is just applicable in buying new builds.
  3. Blocks by developer: The developer’s criteria must be satisfied.
  4. Complicated valuations: They could involve several appraisals.
  5. Reliance: The sale depends on when a new build will be complete.

Understanding these drawbacks opposed to its benefits can assist you in finding out whether or not it makes sense for a quick house selling process through part exchange.

Working with Estate Agents

Selling property through the help of agents is still a top method. These experts know much about the market and can hold your hand all through the process of selling. Experienced estate agents will be useful in pricing your home properly so that there is a fair competition with others with potential buyers flocking in.

Additionally, estate agents organize for viewings besides negotiating for the best price possible before legal papers are drawn up towards transfer of ownership which eases things on sellers side.” explains an expert.

Their area-specific knowledge places them in a good position to suggest top strategies for quick disposals like proper house dressing or targeting the relevant audience.

It is however important that individuals choose wisely when selecting their agents.

A perfect agent should have good recommendations from their previous clients while possessing enough experience regarding their market.” Says Adam Switzer, CEO of MyFloorsecrets.com.” He further adds that a good reputation among customers increases chances for fast sales at fair prices.

Changing Your Estate Agent

In case you are not pleased with your current estate agent; you may need to change agents so as to dispose of your house hastily. When you switch agents, they could potentially introduce some new concepts that will definitely improve the quality of your sales figures.

Make sure you go through your current contract before changing agents; find out if there are any periods that you have tied up or notice periods.

The first thing to do after you understand all these parts is looking at other estate agents within your locality who are known for quickly selling assets by reputation.

Clearly explain your expectations after you find a new agent. Let them tell you how they intend on creating awareness and luring buyers using their marketing strategy.

A change of your estate agent can help in selling faster if done rationally.

Tie-in Periods and Open-Ended Agreements

Tie-in periods that can cause an impact on your ability to switch agents are there in estate agent contracts if they offer you poor services. As a matter of fact, what is required are these periods during which one has to stay put under the same traditional estate agent, even after terminating the contract will be done so that no fines are incurred thereby.

However, open-ended agreements provide greater flexibility allowing you to remove and change agents whenever you feel like.

Therefore, it is very important that when choosing an estate agent carefully go through the contract so that every aspect is crystal clear including duration of tie-in periods as well as other costs involved.

Choosing an agent with a shorter tie-in period or open ended agreement gives much more comprehensive control into how property selling process will go down than what would happen if such restrictions did not exist in place at all.

This adaptability may play a significant role when you need to act promptly in order to have your home sold at an increased pace.

Watch Out for Property Chains!

Property chains can considerably slow down the sale process; thus negatively impacting the possibility of making quick sales on your house. Sale of a seller’s house does not occur in isolation but it involves several other transactions known as property chains.

If one fails to go through then all others are affected.

A way of escaping from property chains is by going for cash buyers or companies that have the capacity to pay for your house quickly.

This cuts down the chances of delays and provides more certainty in everything.

Also, having no chains makes your house more appealing since there are many individuals who want to be able to do transactions within the shortest time possible.

Furthermore, if you are part of a chain, hold periodic discussions with all other participants ensuring each person keeps moving as anticipated.

An individual can anticipate troubles before they happen thereby preventing them from occurring and also overseeing a smooth process.

Multi-Agency Listings

Multi-agency listings imply using more than one estate agent for selling your property. Wider audience attraction, hence the possibility of attracting potential buyers leading to fast sale may be achieved using this method.

Consequently, every agent shall promote your house through their links therefore extending further to reach broader.

Although entailing higher costs, multi-agency listings increase chances of quick selling.

This typically results in higher commission charges paid to such agents; hence one must balance its advantages against an extra cost.

Discuss the approach with them before considering multi-agency listing involving these agents. Ensure that they understand how competitive it can be so that their focus is on quick sales alone.

Well-defined roles as well as clear communication can enhance the efficiency imperative in such a situation.

How Much Do Multi-Agency Listings Cost?

Multi-agency listings may be costlier than sole agency agreements. The prevailing expenses are as follows:

  1. Increased Commission Rates: Typically set at 2.5-3.5% of the selling price.
  2. Marketing Charges: Added fees such as; photography, virtual tours plus advertising costs.
  3. Administration Charges: Costs that are linked to the management of more than one agent.
  4. Contractual obligations: Penalties that may apply in case of termination at an earlier date than stipulated in the contract.
  5. Legal Costs: Other costs incurred when dealing with various agents.

Knowing these will help you vet whether or not a multi-agency listing facilitates your urgent home sale or not.

What is a Joint Sole Agency Agreement?

A compromise between sole and multi-agency listings is a joint sole agency agreement. It involves engaging two estate agents for your property’s marketing, though only one agent gets the commission after securing a buyer. It is possible to have a situation where this agreement incorporates the advantages associated with wider exposure together with lower expenditure.

In a joint sole agency arrangement, the two agents come together to attract buyers and expedite the transaction.

Since this is done collaboratively, it is possible to sell the property fast because each of them brings in their networks as well as marketing resources.

However, it’s significant that all aspects of such an agreement are clear including; how commissions are distributed among participants and what specific tasks each party undertakes.

A clear communication channel as well as assigned duties can smoothen process leading also to quick sales happening

Pricing and Preparation Strategies

Ensuring that your property is well priced is very important if you would like to sell it quickly. Overpricing leads to low chances of selling because prospective buyers keep off while underpricing may result in a financial loss. A comprehensive market analysis, as well as consultation with real estate agents, will enable you to determine a competitive pricing for it.

This is an area that should never be overlooked either. When your property is in good condition more buyers are attracted hence speeding up the sale process.

Simple enhancements such as new paintwork, clearing clutter and landscaping can go a long way in increasing its value.

Think about showcasing your best assets when staging your home. With professional staging the ambience created appeals more to potential clients thereby attracting them to the house.

A perfect blend of appropriate pricing strategies alongside effective preparations can greatly enhance the speed at which your house gets sold.

Reduce Your Asking Price

Decreasing the price you are asking for can be a business strategy that attracts many potential clients and makes the sale process faster.

If your property has stayed for sometime with low interest, reducing the price can make people come to see it and even make offers for its purchase.

Before reducing the price, verify with the market, talk to your agent for feedback.

Choose another favorable cost that is competitive and also fair enough showing your house’s worth to buyers.

Low-priced buildings help make customers quickly feel pressure to buy them, so buyers make their bid on time. Make sure you get more people to know about this price change using all your marketing platforms.

When and How to Reduce Your Asking Price

It is very important to know when and how you should lower the price you are asking for a cash property buyer in order to quicken the sale. Here are some key points to note:

  1. Market Response: Keep track of the responses or feedback from buyers.
  2. Timing: Pulling it early; wait for enough data.
  3. Amount: Come up with a significant but reasonable decrement denoted in percentage terms.
  4. Consultation: Inquire from your agent’s opinion.
  5. Communication: Make the announcement about change in prices in a way that will attract attention.

These guidelines will enable you to make correct decisions on price reduction thereby increasing chances for quick sale.

Prepare Your Home for a Quick Sale

When you want to sell your house and sell fast, you must ensure that it is most appealing to the people who might want to buy. The first step towards this is decluttering and depersonalizing it so that potential buyers can picture themselves living in it .The first impression of a clean and arranged house is always positive.

Also, you may want to think about getting some minor repairs done or carrying out a few touch ups to make your property more attractive. A fresh coat of paint, new lighting fixtures as well as better landscaping can do wonders. Although small, these investments can attract higher bids leading to quicker sales.

Professionally staging your home will further increase its appeal. It is pivotal to highlight the best features of each room and create an inviting atmosphere for visitors Airports.

In sharp contrast to other homes on the market , a well-prepared house tends to attract more serious buyers which then translates into quick sales.

Tips and Tricks for a Quick Sale

To sell your house quickly, you must have a strategy and execute it precisely. Here is how you can do that:

Fine quality photos which are shot by experts will win you more potential customers.

In order to reach a wide range of people, apply both online and regular advertising techniques.

Meet the schedules of your potential buyers for house viewing.

Spend on the external outlook of your house so as to improve on its attractiveness when someone looks at it for the first time.

Another strategy that may be used includes holding open days for it where people can come with their families or friends thereby generating interests among potential purchasers who might show up there in group form if they are comfortable, together with hosting an open house event once more.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

To make the process of selling your house fast and successful, avoid common mistakes which would make it slower and more complicated. One of the most impressive mistakes is overpricing the property, hence causing the seller to suffer prolonged market time and buyers who are not interested in the premises.

Always ensure you set a competitive asking price that’s indicative of its worth in the market.

Another challenge could come when you ignore necessary repairs and maintenance practices. Properties maintained well are likely to fetch quick offers from buyers.

Minor repairs and upgrades can also make the house sell faster at better prices since they bring higher returns on both velocity and cost aspects.

Finally, choosing the wrong real estate agent may slow down your sales. Choose an agent with a good reputation regarding speed of sale performance as well as excellent customer care services.

He (she) will give you useful advice about the real estate process hence avoiding these mistakes.

Staying Safe Online When Looking for a Quick Sale Cash Buyer

Staying safe when searching for a fast-sale cash buyer online is very important. Other than being a useful tool, the internet can also be a risky place due to things like scams or fake companies. The following are some guidelines that can help safeguard oneself:

Research: Confirm the authenticity of cash buyers as well as any other related firm.

Reviews: Go through what other people say about such services online.

Membership: Find out whether there exist any notable memberships in groups such as NAPB (National Association of Property Buyers).

Contracts: Before signing any deal make sure you read and understand its contents well.

Secure payments: All financial transactions should be made in such a way that they are safe and traceable.

It is through this that one can safely navigate the world of quick-sales on the internet.

Understanding Estate Agent Fees and Contracts

Understanding estate agent fees and contracts becomes important when you want to sell your house quickly as they can differ a lot. Normally, commissions are charged by estate agents based on a sliding scale from one percent up to three percent of the purchase price range. In some instances there may be flat-fee options instead for services rendered.

Each clause in the contract between you and the agent defines the agreement terms.

Look out for details like times when you can not give notice or any charges that are not included under general management fees. The main thing is seeing how well these terms are understood can enable you to avoid unplanned costs during the process of selling.

Sometimes bargaining over costs and conditions in a contract can result into terms that favor you more.

In order to achieve this end in quick sales endeavor, potential agents should be communicated with about what you want from them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Really Depend on The Online Reviews for Fast Houses Selling Companies?
Though valuable insights can be obtained from online reviews, their authenticity should always be verified else other factors be brought into focus in order to make the judgment. They should be checked across different platforms and take into account positive as well as negative aspects too.

Are Instant Cash Offers or Online Quotes Accurate?
Instant cash offers plus online quotes can give you a rough idea of how much money your property would fetch however sometimes they tend not to be right thus precise valuation will require detailed property assessment.

What is the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB)?
NAPB basically stands for National Association of Property Buyers; it is a trade organization that represents professional property buyers within the UK. Its members are bound by some very stringent rules set by the organization which include this code of practice that shows possible buyers how serious these companies are when they speak about trust and security.

Can I Trust Online Reviews for ‘Sell House Fast’ Companies?

Online reviews hint at the possibility of whether to consider looking for ‘sell house fast’ companies or not. Nevertheless, a consumer should evaluate them subjectively. A single good review does not necessarily mean that the service is reliable; whereas a few customers’ messages might provide wrong information.

It is important to look for consistency across opinions shared and read both negative and positive ones if you want an objective overview.

In order to make sure that reviews are genuine, you should use different sources that include social media like Facebook, where sellers leave their feedback. For instance, consumers’ feedback on Google is objective because everybody has access there. They are useful as they give ones on what happened in particular cases instead of generalities.

Additionally, those reviews which have names of authors and places where these authors live as well as some facts around sale or purchase tend to be real.

Also, try reaching out directly to previous clients if possible. Some sites would allow reaching out to reviewers for more information. This last step may make you more confident in picking them so that it would save you from potential fraudulent acts or non-existent businesses.

Are Instant Cash Offers or Online Quotes Accurate?

The rapid and simple way of finding out how much a house costs is through instant cash offers or online quotes though they are not always exact. Most of these offers are generated by automated valuation models which draw their data from recent sale prices and general market performance over time.

However, their accuracy cannot be relied upon considering that they are just estimates made irrespective of individual characteristics that vary across properties.

The most accurate valuation would require conducting on-site visits by real estate professionals; however, this may not always be possible owing to logistical issues like distance involved in some transactions. In case you are selling your home quickly or within a short time-frame, cash buyers who buy houses can decide to increase their initial exploratory online bids after an extensive checkup.

The detailed evaluation process takes into account factors such as the overall state of the house , the repair works that need to be done and how the local market is doing, thus arriving at a more precise offer.

One should take these instant cash offers and online quotes as a starting ground rather than the end price. Furthermore, comparing various lenders’ proposals and contacting real estate agents could assist you in getting a fair market value verdict free cash offer for your house.

What is the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB)?

The NAPB, which is a UK trade association representing professional property buyers, endeavors to encourage top quality and clearness within the quick house transaction sector. Being a member of the NAPB means that your firm sticks to some very strict rules about how it conducts itself and what sort of business ethics guide you use.

One improvement has occurred – the requiring by NAPB on its member companies who are involved in buying houses under fair terms as well representing interests arising when people desire dispose their homes quickly enough through selling off quickly against their wishes; The NAPB works closely together with The Property Ombudsman in order to handle all disputes arising between sellers and buyers equitably.

This alliance makes the sector more trustworthy, which in turn boosts customers’ confidence levels.

If you pick a property purchasing business which is part of the NAPB you will have a sense of calmness. This means they are dedicated to offering quality services as well as behaving in an ethical manner thus making them ideal for people who need quick or stress-free, property sale transactions.

Conclusion

Fast selling your house in the UK is a mix of strategic decisions and comprehending your choices.

UK homeowners can sell homes fast using a few options. They include using traditional estate agents, cash home buying companies, or property auctions each of which has its pros and cons.

Being able to interpret what is happening in the market at any given time as well as what pricing strategies are relevant can greatly improve one’s chances of completing a sale quickly.

It is equally significant to prepare the house well for buyers. Simple upgrades plus effective staging make a big difference in attracting interest promptly and getting offers quickly.

In addition, selecting an appropriate realtor or sales method for you can save time during sales processes while minimizing anxiety.

Lastly, observe caution and due diligence which are paramount especially when dealing with online purchasers or those interested in urgent sales.

Checking if the persons claiming interest are genuine and understanding what all your contractual obligations entail can help you avoid common pitfalls. This way, you can still make a quick sale of your house in the UK with proper planning and execution.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *