Selling your home is one of the biggest decisions you will make when it comes to moving up the property ladder so we have put together this handy step by step guide of how the selling process works and how to make it work for you.
Read on for more about what to expect as a first time seller and how to negotiate the best offer when selling your home.
1. Booking a Valuation: How much is your property worth?
The first step to selling your house is finding out how much your home is really worth in this current housing market. By directly booking a valuation with us you can benefit from knowing how to add extra value to your home, how to highlight the key features which will attract buyers and most importantly how to advertise your home at the greatest price.
Book a valuation by calling our head office on: 01494 681 168 or by simply filling in the form at the bottom of the page.
2. Grand Designs: Creating The Right First Impression
Presentation is paramount when it comes to prospective buyers and we want to make sure your property is the best it can be. To maximize on the best return for your property we recommend thoroughly cleaning your whole home. From admiring the shiny windows to a prospective buyer inspecting a spotless oven the small details can really make all the difference.
If you are thinking of redecorating the bathroom or wondering if you should add a fresh coat of paint to the bedroom we are happy to advise you on the best way forward.
Special attention also needs to be taken into consideration if you own a garden, outside patio or conservatory as these features should also be ideally presented in an immaculate manner. If you require some contractor recommendations or quotes for gardeners and decorators we are happy to supply this service for you.
Once you are satisfied the property will create the best first impression for prospective buyers it is time to advertise it to the widest audience.
3: On The Market: Advertising Your Property
Our dedicated marketing strategy will aim to reach the relevant demographic through all aspects of online and offline media. Some of these key aspects include: Advertising your property across popular property portals such as Right Move and On The Market which will put your home in front of millions looking for their next dream house. By harnessing the power of social media we will also endeavour to feature your home across a local audience actively searching on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and Instagram.
Alongside sending out email property alerts and our other forms of digital advertising we will also give your property a prominent space in our office window boards making your home visible to everyone on the high street. By also arranging a 'For Sale' board to be featured outside your property this will create another great opportunity to attract new enquiries from people on a street level.
For every enquiry received we will send each prospective buyer a luxury brochure showcasing the best features about your property including full colour photos, an EPC and a complete floor plan. We ensure every brochure we design contains the property particulars approved and chosen by you.
Advertising your property is an ongoing process but with the right tools the day will come for taking the next step: arranging viewings for interested buyers.
4: The Grand Tour: Arranging Viewings
When prospective buyers enquire about viewing your property we will seek to arrange a time and day which is most convenient for you and the people looking to see it.
One of our leading negotiators will be available to conduct a tour around the whole property and you can be ensured peace of mind they will highlight its best features.
If you would like to arrange an Open House Launch we are also open to arranging a day which best suits you.
One of our leading negotiators will be available to conduct a tour around the whole property and you can be ensured peace of mind they will highlight its best features.
If you would like to arrange an Open House Launch we are also open to arranging a day which best suits you.
Many prospective buyers like to book more than one viewing before making their decision in order to get a sense of what the property is like during different times of the day and to see what the neighbourhood is like.
We will update you with any further viewings or offers made via email and telephone. It is your choice whether to proceed with a particular offer and in the case of multiple ones we will write to you regarding the next step.
5: Deal or No Deal: Negotiating The Best Offer
Accepting an offer is not legally binding until contracts have been exchanged. Every circumstance is different but as a general rule we recommend negotiating the best offer for you in price matching, time and convenience.
Some questions to ask yourself whether an offer is to be accepted include:
- Are the buyers in a chain?
- How much time can you afford to wait to sell your property?
- Are they cash buyers who can put down a deposit more quickly?
- Are they looking to match the asking price or even go higher if there are multiple bids?
- Should you wait for more offers to arise or take the ones you already have?
Once you have instructed us to take the property off the market we will work through the legal proceedings regarding full purchase of the property. We will contact the buyer to confirm their offer has been accepted and this will lead to their solicitor being instructed to carry out the conveyancing process.
At this stage you will need to instruct your own solicitor about accepting the offer on your property and they will proceed to draw up a contract.
As part of the conveyancing process you will be asked to fill out a seller's questionnaire which is a list of questions from the buyer's solicitor. Some of these questions will require you to:
- Confirm details of the fixtures and fittings which come with the property
- Disclose if there have been any historical disputes relating to the property
- Confirm who is responsible for the upkeep of hedges, fences, walls and the boundaries of the property
- Confirm there are any guarantees on any structural work that's been done on the property
Once you have exchanged contracts the buyer's offer is legally binding and both of you will not able to back out without significant penalties. A completion date will be set where the buyer will be able to collect the keys of your property, this usually takes place between 1-4 weeks after exchange of contracts.
For more information about the whole conveyancing process we recommend speaking to your solicitor directly.
6: Move On Up: Completing The Sale
On completion you will receive a statement listing all the outstanding fees you are required to pay and your solicitor will transfer the buyer's funds to your account. Once the solicitor has put the title deeds in the buyer's name the selling process is now finalised.
Congratulations you have officially sold your house!
Now you have sold your home you may be still looking to buy a new property in the area: why not take a look at our Buyers Guide which is also available to view on our website.
Are you looking to sell your home?
We can help with any questions you may have about selling your home and we are happy to arrange a full valuation at a time convenient to you. Feel free to phone our head office on: 01494 681 168 or simply fill in the form below and we will get back to you promptly.