There can be many reasons you might choose to sell your home:
- moving to a bigger space
- downsizing
- moving to rented accommodation
- moving to a new area
Whatever your reasons, if you are putting your property on the market, there are certain steps you should follow. Don’t worry though, this short guide will walk you through the steps.
Step 1: Arrange a property valuation
It’s important to know how much your current property is worth as this will then give you an idea of what your budget can be for a new property. It’s always best to go to an estate agent to get a more accurate valuation as they can be more specific to your home.
You can do some research of your own to see how much you would get for your property. This would be mostly based off other properties sold in your area. However, every home is unique and there will always be variables that affects the valuation price.
Step 2: Mortgage advice
As well as knowing how much your property is worth, you also need to know how much you can borrow with a mortgage. To do this, you can get in touch with your bank, however an independent mortgage broker will be able to find you a much better price. If you already have a mortgage, you may be able to transfer this over to a new property.
Here at Bell Estate Agents, we have an independent mortgage broker, Ray Harrison, who will work tirelessly to find you the best mortgage possible. They can access the whole of the market, so even if you’ve been turned down for a mortgage elsewhere, they’ll be able to help you! Contact Ray now by email or calling 07947 318768.
Step 3: Choose your estate agent
Here at Bell Estate Agents, you can trust us to help you sell your home. We will do so to the best of our ability. Trust is important as we understand you are selling your biggest asset. Not only do we offer great customer service, you don’t pay a fee until we have sold your home. No sale, no fee.
Step 4: Prepare your home
First impressions are important – you can never make a second first impression.
Keep your property tidy and clean – this will present your property in its best light.
Declutter and de-personalise – you want prospective buyers to envisage the life they may have in the home, not yours.
Paint and refresh – the colours and finish will look like a blank canvas for prospective buyers.
Step 5: Check your EPC
To put your property on the market, you need to have a valid energy performance certificate. You can check this on the government website. If there isn’t a valid EPC on the property, we (as an estate agent) can arrange for one to be done for you.
Step 6: Find a Solicitor
Choosing a solicitor is very important. This is the person that will administer the sale of the property and draw up the contracts. It is worth getting a word of mouth referral for a solicitor from family/friends or by us. We have solicitors we have worked with in the past that we can refer you to.
Step 7: Accepting an offer
When you accept an offer, it is important you keep up to date with what is going on. At Bell Estate Agents, it is high priority to keep you informed of any changes or updates to your sale. It is also important to make yourself accessible in case you need to produce any documents to the estate agent or solicitors to help speed up the process.
Step 8: Exchange of contracts
After all parties have agreed, the contracts will be exchanged. This will now legally bind both parties to the sale of the house. This is the last stage of the legal process and you cannot withdraw without financial penalty. Between exchange and completion, you will be sent a statement with all your costs and charges from solicitors and estate agents. The last step is to sign over the transfer of deed.
Step 9: Preparing to move out
Having time between sale and completion allows you to prepare for moving out by finalising your moving arrangements when you get a confirmed moving date.
Step 10: Completion and moving day
Once the money for the sale has been sent through between solicitors, the sale will then complete. You will need to remove all of your belongings that you’re taking with you and hand your keys into the estate agent to then hand over to your buyer.
Next steps
Want to get the ball rolling with a property valuation? We’d love to hear from you. Call us on 0191 491 4915 or email info@bell-estateagents.co.uk. Alternatively, drop in to see us: 488 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6HU.
