Choose the right estate agent
Choosing the right estate agent to work with on the sale of your home is essential – as such we always recommend that sellers have a sensible number of valuations conducted on their property before deciding which agent is the best “fit”. Most vendors will have between 3 – 5 meetings with individual estate agents, comparing their prices, fee structures and sole agency periods – whilst also getting an impression of which agency they feel comfortable with.
marketing
Once you have chosen your agent, getting the property onto the market is the next important step! Your agent will arrange to have your property photographed and a floor plan to be prepared, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will also need to be organised before starting to prepare the marketing brochure . Normally, the agency will send you a draft of the marketing particulars for you to check and edit. Remember that you’ve lived at the property, so you are the “expert” – so if the agents have omitted anything that you think is important, do make sure that you discuss this with them. Once the brochure has been approved, it will be published onto the internet and made “live” on all of the major web portals and buyers will start applying for appointments to visit.
We normally suggest that it’s worth going out if there are a number of viewings organised on a particular day – leaving the agent to show the property to the potential buyers. Of course, if there are just a few viewings, it can be difficult to vacate for every single appointment – but it is often more difficult for your agent to get an accurate “read” on the viewers level of interest if the owners are at home.
In the same vein, also remember that, even though your property is on the market, it is still your home – and your agent will fully understand if you cannot allow viewings at certain times, even at the weekend! Family events, BBQs and children’s birthday parties need to take precedence – just try to give your agent a little notice, so they can avoid booking visits during these periods.
offers
Hopefully, before very long, your agent will be on the phone to you to discuss offers! Your agent should be able to give you a detailed run-down of the potential buyer’s position, financial strength and timescales so you are able to make an informed decision about whether you wish to tie up a deal to this client. If you do – the matter is referred to solicitors to handle the conveyancing and the property is generally withdrawn from the market – showing an initial commitment to the purchaser.
Conveyancing
Conveyancing can be a long, drawn-out process currently – often taking 12 – 16 weeks – so be prepared for some frustrations along the way. We ask our vendors and buyers to make at least one phone call every week to their lawyers in order to get an update on progress – this does tend to focus the conveyancers on having some positive news to impart to you – so can often save weeks.
Exchange of Contracts
Next up is the “Exchange of Contracts” – where everything becomes legally binding and no one can withdraw from the deal. On exchange, a “completion date” will be agreed – and this is the day that you will actually move into your new home. Just remember that, on completion day, your new property only becomes yours when your purchase funds have been transmitted to the sellers lawyers – so the earlier they start the process of transferring the funds, the sooner you will be able to collect your keys from the agents and move into your lovely new home!
WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU
Services we offer
We provide a comprehensive range of services to meet all your property needs. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring your experience with us is seamless and successful.
Find out how much your home is worth
Curious about the value of your property? At Silverman Black Estate Agents, we offer a free and no-obligation property valuation service. Our experienced valuers will assess your property’s market value based on factors such as its location, size, condition, and recent sales in the area.