Selling Guide

A guide to selling your home with Property Options

Step 1 – Getting a valuation

How much is it worth? What should I sell it for? If you’re thinking about selling your home, the first step is to get a valuation. We know the local market well and what similar properties have sold for in your area recently. So it means we can recommend a realistic price when it comes to marketing your property. A price that will generate interest and secure a sale.

Step 2 – Instructing us

Ready to sell? Once you ask us to sell your home for you, we'll send a professional photographer to take images of your property, and we'll draw up a series of floor plans too. We’ll also ask you for documents and information that will speed up the sales process. These may include energy performance certificates, building regulations certificates, Council tax, and buildings and contents insurance (so potential buyers can estimate running costs), plus service charges and ground rent if applicable.

Step 3 – Preparing your property for sale

Whether you’re downsizing or moving to a bigger property, now’s a good time to have a tidy up and clear out. Potential buyers want to see the space as much as possible. So consider having a declutter and making use of a nearby storage unit. Carry out any minor repairs too and have a think about kerb appeal: does the front door need a lick of paint? Is the front garden tidy? Are the windows sparkling? Also decide what fixtures and fittings you are willing to leave as part of the sale.

Step 4 – Marketing your property

Next we put together all the details of your property. Then we use a tailored marketing plan combined with our knowledge of the local area, to ensure your property has maximum exposure, stands out from the competition and generates interest from the moment it goes on the market. We use our own website as well as property website rightmove.co.uk, the UK’s leading property website, to market your property.

Step 5 – Arranging viewings

We'll let you know as soon as we start receiving enquiries about your property. We’ll arrange viewings and will let you know well in advance when they’re going to be. You can choose to be there when we show prospective buyers around but you don't have to be. Throughout the viewings process, we’ll stay in close contact with you so you’ll always know what’s going on.

Step 6 – Receiving offers

We’ll tell you about any offers we receive immediately, including any below the asking price. This is a legal requirement. We will handle all aspects of the negotiating process to ensure you get a good and fair price. And we can also help you choose the right buyer. Someone who’s offering less money but already has a mortgage in place and is a first-time buyer, may be a more attractive proposition than someone who has yet to get their finances finalised or is in a long chain.

Step 7 – Accepting an offer

Ready to accept an offer? You’ll need to give us your solicitor’s details. If you haven’t got one, we can recommend a local solicitor. You will need to provide some basic information to your solicitor including your mortgage number, and you’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire about the property including what fixtures and fittings are included in the sale and who owns what boundaries. You can also let your solicitor know what day you would like to exchange contracts and complete.

Step 8 - Carrying out a survey

Most likely your buyer will arrange a survey of your property. This will be carried out by a qualified surveyor and will take into account any major repairs that need doing such as the roof or rewiring, or if there are there any structural issues. Once the survey has been completed a mortgage offer will be made and sent to your buyer’s solicitor. Then your solicitor and your buyer’s solicitor will complete any legal paperwork and draw up contracts.

Step 9 - Exchanging contracts

Once all the checks have been carried out and both you and your buyer are happy with everything, you will be asked to sign a contact agreeing to sell the property to your buyer. Once the contracts are exchanged you’re legally committed to go through with the sale. At this point your buyer will pay a 10% deposit and you will all agree on a completion date.

Step 10 – Preparing to move

Now’s the time to start packing. You can find removal companies who will do everything for you including all your packing, removals and unpacking. Or you may want to do it yourself with friends and family. Or perhaps you just want to hire a man with a van for the day to transport your largest items. Remember to redirect your post and take meter readings. It’s always a nice touch to leave a welcome note for the new owner too.

Step 11 – Completing and moving out

As soon as the funds from the buyer have reached your solicitor, you will have completed the sale. It’s time to hand over the keys to the new owner and move out. On completion day our fees will also be paid. These will come directly from your solicitor.

You’ve sold your property. Congratulations.