Sellers Guide

BOOK A VALUATION

Selling your property?

Selling a property can be daunting and even more so, if you are looking for a new home to purchase at the same time. However, making the right choices could not only make the process less stressful but save you time and potentially help you achieve a higher sale price.

Please see below our brief guide to helping your sale proceed smoothly.

Step 1: Property valuation

Arranging a valuation of your home is usually the first step for anyone considering selling a property and is an essential to help you decide if now is the right time to move. When providing their appraisal an estate agent should provide you with evidence to support their advice and to provide you with certainty their valuation is realistic and achievable.

We can provide you with a free no obligation valuation of your property, click here to book a meeting.

Step 2: Establishing a budget

If you are looking to purchase a new home, once you have had a valuation the next step would be to establish a budget. Discussing your requirements with an independent mortgage advisor will allow you to explore all of your options. We work hand in hand with Sterling Mortgage Advice who offer a completely fee free service and will be able to confirm your budget for you.

Step 3: Making your property ready for market

Presenting your home well can help you achieve a faster sale and a higher sale price. It is important to make sure your property looks at its best for the estate agents photographs and when buyers are coming to view. Remember first impressions count so don’t forget how important kerb appeal is.

If you are unsure over the best way to display your property, we would be more than happy to pop over and provide you with some guidance.

Step 4: Choosing an estate agent

When choosing an estate agent it is important to make the right choice. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Are they charging any fees upfront?
  • Do I have to pay them anything if I do not sell my property?
  • Will they be marketing your property on all four major property portals: Rightmove; Zoopla; PrimeLocation; and OnTheMarket?
  • Do they offer an open day or accompanied viewings with an experience agent?
  • Are their property details of good quality, do they offer professional photographs and a floorplan?
  • Remember your appointed estate agent is going to be representing you and your property, so ask yourself, would you want to buy a property they showed you?
  • If you are looking to purchase a new home, will they help with your search?
  • When a sale is agreed, will they provide you with weekly updates on the progress and help with any issues?
  • Will they hand over the keys to your buyer at completion?

Step 5: Does your property have a valid Energy Performance Certificate? (EPC)

An EPC is a standardised document which ranks properties in terms of energy efficiency. Homeowners need to provide an EPC to potential buyers when they sell their home. You have to have at least applied for an Energy Performance Certificate before you put your property on the market.
We can help you organise one if required.

Step 6: Once you have agreed a sale

At this stage you will need to appoint a conveyancer to handle the legal aspect of the sale. The solicitor will require forms to be completed and may ask for certain documents from you. These may include:

  • HM Land Registry title documents (if you have them)
  • A copy of a boiler service within the last twelve months
    FENSA or CERTAS certificates for windows
  • Planning permission and or building regulation completion certificates and builder’s guarantee certificates for alterations or additions

It is important to complete the solicitors forms and provide any requested documents as quickly as possible, to make sure your sale progresses smoothly.

If you are unsure over the best way to display your property, we would be more than happy to pop over and provide you with some guidance.

Step 7: Completion

On the day of completion, if you are moving from one property to another, you are likely to be preoccupied with the process of moving. A helpful estate agent will be more than happy to handle the handing over of keys for you.

CONVEYANCING PROCESS

1. OFFER ACCEPTED

Provide proof of funds and identification to your estate agent.

2. APPOINT SOLICITORS

Buyer and seller appoint solicitor/conveyancer to act on their behalf.

3. CLIENT CARE PACK

Solicitors need proof of ID and the completion of forms.

4. DRAFT CONTRACT PACK

Seller’s solicitors responsbility to create draft contract and send to buyer’s solicitors.

5. SEARCHES

Buyer’s solicitors will apply for searches.

6. ENQUIRIES

Enquiries rasied by buyer’s solicitors with the seller’s solicitors directly.

7. MORTGAGE OFFER

Sent by lender to buyer, solicitor and financial advisor. Mortgage deed must be signed by buyers before completion.

8. CONTRACTS SIGNED

Solicitors send contracts and, if relevant, transfer deed out with report for signing.

9. COMPLETION DATE DISCUSSED

Completion date agreed between buyer and seller prior to exchange of contracts.

10. EXCHANGE

Solicitors sign contracts to make them legally binding. Seller will receive a completion statement from solicitor and buyer’s solicitors will order funds from the lender for completion.

11. COMPLETION

Buyer’s solicitors transfer money and once seller’s solicitors confirm receipt, keys can be released to the buyer.