Selling
There’s lots to think about when you decide to sell, and knowing where to start and in what order to get things done and the process can help ensure a hitch free and successful move.
1. Getting your finances in order
It’s important to make sure that you can afford to move. There are several costs to consider such as legal fees, estate agency fees and removal costs, and if you are also buying a property, there could be stamp duty to pay as well
If you are selling to buy a new property, your first step is to work out how you are going to finance your purchase. Talk to a mortgage advisor and your current lender, if applicable. If you have an existing mortgage, find out from your current lender what is outstanding on your mortgage and if there is a redemption penalty. Would selling now push you into negative equity?
2. Contact us to arrange a free no obligation valuation
An accurate and realistic valuation will help you work out how much you will most likely have to spend on your next home, and we’ll also be able to offer you tips and advice on attracting buyers and helping you reach your desired sale price.
3. Preparing your home for photographs and viewings
First impressions really do matter when it comes to photographs and viewings, therefore, spending a little time preparing your property could pay you dividends in the long run. In fact, many buyers fall in love with a property within the first 3 minutes of a viewing.
Take a constructive look at your property inside and out, and get any outstanding odd jobs done, such as:
- Freshen up paint work
- Declutter
- Deep Clean bath/shower rooms
- Tighten loose cupboard door hinges
- Clean windows
- Shampoo carpets
- Tidy garden
- Clear gutters
Once you have completed these tasks, it’s time to dress your property for selling success.
Creating a warm and welcoming ambience helps potential buyers feel more at home and helps them to imagine what it would be like to live in your home.
If it’s a cold wintery day, make sure your property is cosy, warm, and well lit. The aroma of something delicious and comforting such as coffee, fresh bread, or baking wafting through from the kitchen is always a winner
In warmer weather, open windows and doors and let plenty of fresh air in but on hot days, keep curtains and blinds closed until just before viewers arrive to keep the house cool.
Always make sure any pet odours are dealt with and their paraphernalia such as litter trays, toys and bowls are cleared away.
Before photos and viewings make sure kitchens and bathrooms are as clutter free as possible, so hide away those dozens of bottles and hang fresh clean towels on rails.
Straighten and smooth down bedding and plump up pillows and cushions, and make sure all cupboard doors are closed properly. Extra pillows, cushions and throws look good in both lounges and bedrooms so if you can, keep some handy for viewings and photos.
A colourful bowl of flowers, candy sweets or fruit on a kitchen or coffee table look great and make an eye-catching focal point.
If possible, ensure that parking is easily available outside your property, even if you need to move your own car elsewhere.
4. Appoint a conveyancing solicitor
There’s a lot of legal paperwork involved in selling a property and you will need to appoint a solicitor to work on your behalf.
We have a great deal of experience working with many local and national conveyancing solicitors and can recommend a few solicitors for you to contact. Please ask us for more details, if required.
5. Getting an offer
Once a buyer has put in an offer, we will let you know immediately and how they are positioned to move forward. For example, are they a cash buyer, in a long chain or first-time buyers.
Should you accept an offer, your solicitor will then start preparing the legal documents required to complete your sale.
6. Exchange of contracts
This is where everything gets very busy. Your solicitor will prepare the sale contracts, carry out identity checks, anti-money laundering checks, obtain your title deeds and liaise with your buyer’s solicitor to agree a timescale for completing your sale.
When everything is ready and agreed by both sides, you will exchange contracts and your buyer will then pay their deposit.
7. Completion and moving day
Once your buyer’s solicitor has completed all of their searches and checked the property deeds are correct, you can now complete the sale of your property.
Your buyer will then transfer the balance of the purchase to you solicitor, who will in turn transfer the deeds to their solicitor and your buyer can then also pick up the keys to their new home.
If there is an outstanding balance on your mortgage, your solicitor will settle this with your lender and take their fee from the sale payment.
Once this has all been settled, they remaining balance will be transferred to you.
