Now let’s be honest, selling a home isn’t just as easy as putting up one of our For Sale boards and waiting for the buyers to come. Selling a home can be a long and complex process, so here’s a brief overview of the steps involved and of course, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like any advice.
Step. 1 Arrange a Market Appraisal
A valuation will give you an accurate price of your home, the first step to selling your home. We would recommend asking a few local agents to value your home to get a solid idea of the price.
Step. 2 Select an agent
Your chosen estate agent is the person who will either make selling your home a smooth ride or a move from hell so it’s essential to select the right estate agent for your situation. Consider fees, experience, quality of marketing (especially online based), high street presence, active buyers, opening hours, etc . At the end of the day, you want an estate agent who will get you the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.
Step. 3 Find and instruct a solicitor
The successful sale of your property can be reliant on the instruction of an efficient and experienced solicitor. It is a good idea to do some research and make a decision before you put your property on the market as this will help to avoid delays.
We can make recommendations upon request.
Step. 4 Prepare your property
Consider basic DIY jobs that you think will give potential buyers a better impression of your home such as adding a fresh coat of paint, moving or removing furniture to create space, decluttering, tidying up your garden, etc. First impressions count and will definitely help to achieve a better price.
We would be happy to recommend any improvements we think will help the sale of your property. We have our own in-house property maintenance team who will be willing to help should you need a hand with any jobs.
Step. 5 Place your home on the market
To get the best possible price and buyer, you need to have an agent who offers a comprehensive marketing package.
When you instruct Edison Ford to sell your property, you will expect to see your home on all major property websites (Rightmove, Zoopla, etc), exposure on our website, proactive marketing to registered buyers, photography and property details that effectively drive buyers to your home.
Step. 6 Accompanied viewings
Make sure your home is ready for potential buyers. For example, if you’re selling your home in the winter, make sure the heating is on at a mild temperature and/or light a fireplace to create a cosy atmosphere. Small things can make a big difference.
With confirmation from you, we can cater for accompanied viewings from 8am – 8pm to give interested buyers the best opportunity to see your home.
Step. 7 Accept an offer
Remember not to accept an offer straight away! Discuss the offer with your agent and ask for advice on the best course of action, you may be able to achieve more.
Once you accept an offer, in most cases the agent asks the buyer for proof of finances and ability to proceed to ensure they are who they say they are, gather solicitors details and create a memorandum of sale which is then sent to all parties. The solicitors are then sent to work on finalising the sale. As part of our service, we will make sure to keep every party up to date with our sale progression.
Step. 8 Countdown to moving
Once you have found a new home to move into and all relevant finances are in place, the countdown begins.
Step. 9 Exchange of contracts
Exchange of contracts occurs when the following has been confirmed and agreed:
- Preliminary enquiries following receipt of draft contract
- Evidence of a good title
- Specific issues highlighted in the Lease, if applicable
- Local search queries
- Fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale
- The buyer’s mortgage offer
Once the contract has been signed by both parties the deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) will be telegraphically transferred or paid in the form of a banker’s draft by the buyer’s solicitor to your solicitor. The completion date is then set by mutual agreement.
Step. 10 Completion
Completion is when the residual monies (usually 90%) are transferred from the buyer’s solicitor to your solicitor’s account. Your solicitor will call you when the money has cleared in your account and will inform your agent to release the keys.
Congratulations, your property is now sold!