Putting your house on the market can be a daunting prospect. It might be an emotional ordeal if you’ve been in the house for a long time and on top of this it can be frustrating knowing where to get started. Speaking to an expert can relieve these worries but before you do that, read on so you know what the process looks like.
To get a rough valuation of your property, you can look at online estimators that will take a few factors into account, and usually give you a good starting point. To get a highly accurate valuation, you can have our local sales expert visit your property to provide you with an estimate that takes everything into account. We can also give you the best advice on how you can maximise the sale price.
You don’t need to get a new kitchen or to convert your loft to add value to your property. We have put together a list of ways to increase your property’s value for nothing, which anyone can use to get more from their sale.
For maximum exposure, you will want to ensure your property is expertly marketed online, in branch and with a board outside your property.
It is essential to choose a solicitor who is thorough and efficient. You need your solicitor to work quickly so as not to cause a delay and risk the buyer pulling out or wanting to renegotiate the price. Having an experienced solicitor who is thorough as well as a great communicator is essential to protecting you from any legal issues that may arise. You may have a solicitor you have previously used who meets the above requirements, but if you don’t, we can arrange for your conveyancing needs to be handled. From our vast experience with solicitors, we have one in particular that we would personally recommend. We also have access to a panel of hundreds of solicitors throughout the UK and would be happy to obtain quotes from them, on your behalf.
Leave it to your agent! Often sellers wish to be present for viewings, however potential buyers need to see the property as their future home and not yours. Our sales experts take the time to speak with you and gain all your insight and experience of the property and the area in order to present your property in its best light. We are trained to handle difficult objections and to overcome them, so leave it to us to take care of this for you!
You don’t have to accept the first offer that comes along even if it is a good price. Some of the things you may wish to consider and discuss with the sales negotiator handling your sale:
What is the financial position of the potential buyer?
Do they have to sell a home in order to move?
Are they a cash buyer?
Do they have a mortgage approved in principle?
What are your buyer’s timescales for moving?
Do they need to move quickly?
Are they part of a chain?
Are they flexible on the move-in date?
A buyer who is not part of a chain and who already has a mortgage approved is a more favourable purchaser than someone who needs to sell their own home to fund the purchase and who hasn’t yet got a mortgage approved. Discuss your thoughts with us; we are here to guide you!
When an offer is received, you will be contacted verbally and by post. At this point we will also inform you of any conditions that may be attached to the offer. We will check the buyer's ability to proceed at the same time as putting the offer forward to you.
Once you decide to accept an offer the following will happen:
A memorandum of sale will be prepared, and you will be asked to provide your solicitor’s details
Confirmation of the agreed price will be sent in writing to relevant parties
This can occur once the following criteria have been agreed:
Preliminary enquiries following the receipt of the draft contract
There is evidence of title
Local search queries are raised and resolved
Any fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale
The buyer’s mortgage offer
The buyer’s solicitor will now pay the deposit to the seller’s solicitor once both parties have signed the contract. A completion date can be agreed between all parties prior to the exchange of contracts and is often the same day as exchange.
The sale is complete when the buyer’s solicitor transfers all remaining monies to the seller’s solicitor. Once the funds have cleared in your account, your solicitor will call you and inform the agent to release the keys.
