The selling process

Getting ready

When it comes to selling you house, you'll probably want to do it as quickly as possible and for the best price.

First impressions always count! Smarten up the front garden and polish the front door. Finish all those DIY jobs you've been putting off, dead light bulbs, dripping taps and loose door handles give the impression of neglect.

Ruthlessly declutter your house and clean everywhere thoroughly, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathroom.

Your Estate Agent

We will take care of the following:

• Helping to agree with you your homes sales price - taking into consideration prices of similar properties in the area, the condition of your home, popularity of your area, improvements you've made and general market demand.
• Production of full colour property details.
• Regularly advertise your home in the local press, on our website, within our in-house property guide and through over 1000 Homelink offices throughout the UK and overseas.
• Computer match details of your home with potential buyers
• Arranging appointments for viewings
• Accompany viewings
• Negotiate a sale on your behalf
• Progress that sale, maintaining regular contact with all parties
• To request a free, without obligation, market appraisal - click here

Viewings

Here are some tips for a successful viewing:

• Make sure your home is clean and tidy. There is probably nothing more off putting than piles of dirty washing and dirty dishes.
• Try to keep pets out of sight - some people are frightened of animals (only you can decide if this applies to your children too!).
• Keep lights on, even during the day, to provide a bright, airy feel to the house
• In summer open windows and let in the fresh air. In winter keep the temperature warm
• Show visitors the way into rooms instead of following them in makes rooms appear larger, give them space and time to look around on their own
• End the tour in the ‘best’ room so that everyone leaves with a good impression
• Have some old bills on hand incase visitors want to know how much it costs to live there
• Explain what your leaving behind, such as curtains, carpets etc.
• Answer questions as honestly as you can.

Getting an Offer

When someone views your home and decides it's the one for them they will put forward an offer to your Estate Agent.

It may not be an offer for the full asking price. This could be for a number of reasons:
• They may not think that your property is worth what you are asking for it.
• They may not be able to borrow any more from their lender.
• They may be trying to guage your reaction

Don't dismiss any offer out of hand - there are other considerations

• Are they First Time Buyers and are able to move quickly?
• Is their own property on the market?
• Have they accepted an offer on their own property? How long is the 'chain'?
• How far have those sales progressed? When do they want to move?
• How are they funding the purchase? Cash? Do they have a "mortgage in principle"?
• Would you be able to make a lower offer on the house you are interested in buying?

Conveyancing

Conveyancing is the term used to describe all the legal work involved in selling and buying houses.
When you accept an offer you need to appoint a solicitor or conveyancer to do the legal work for you.

Your solicitor/conveyancer will:

• Request your homes legal documents - called the Title Deeds.
• Ask you to complete a questionnaire on your home – a Fixtures and Fittings Contents Form
• Prepare a Contract for Sale.
• Ask your lender how much money they need to settle your mortgage.
• Pass your buyers deposit on to you, or onto the solicitors acting for the people you are buying your new home from.
• Communicate with the buyers solicitor to agree a mutually convenient moving date.
• Ensure that all the necessary payments are made to complete the sale.
• Deal with all aspects of the purchase of your new home - if you are buying one.