House Selling Process - Sell a Property with Sanderson Young

The Selling Process

If you are thinking of moving house or selling a property there is a lot to consider. Getting it right can save you time, money and reduce the infamous stress involved. At Sanderson Young we like to take a personal approach, providing detailed and individual advice tailored to each client's unique circumstances and we will take you through and explain the house selling process. We would be delighted to arrange an appointment for one or our team of experienced local estate agents to meet with you at your property to provide detailed advice and guide you through the process.

However, here is a brief guide to some areas you will need to consider in completing a smooth and successful move;

1. Choosing an estate agent.

At Sanderson Young we always aim to offer value for money and demonstrate our commitment to you as the client and our passion for property throughout the process.

You should consider these important points when choosing an agent;

• When speaking to a range of agents, do bear in mind that the highest figure may not be the most realistic.
• A good agent should be able to explain their opinion of price and demonstrate their success in the sale of your type and price of property.
• Terms and conditions should be clearly set out itemising costs and VAT.
• Last but not least, choose an agent that you like and have confidence in. Selling is a partnership between agent and seller and it is important that you get along.

2. Home Information Packs (HIPS) - Hips Section

This is now a legal requirement for all properties being marketed in England and Wales. The aim is to provide greater speed and certainty to the sales process.

• Funding options are available to avoid an extra expense at the point of bringing your home to the market
• HIPS does not delay the marketing of your home
• We will organise all the required elements including searches and an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
• All our EPC's are carried out by our dedicated team of experienced building surveyors.
• Options are available to upgrade to additional searches giving your buyer further peace of mind.
• We can refer you to one of our preferred solicitors who can carry out a free legal review of your HIP as a client.

3. Agreeing the Sale

Once a marketing price has been put on your property most buyers will place an initial offer, it is during this often sensitive negotiation phase that an estate agent can often make the difference.

• As a seller you should ensure that any queries raised during negotiations are answered promptly.
• As agent and with the assistance of a HIP we will try to anticipate buyer queries where ever possible.
• All offers taken by the estate agent must be forwarded to the seller by the estate agent.
• It is your decision as seller how much you are willing to accept.
• The estate agents role in agreeing a price between the buyer and seller is pivotal and can make a significant difference in securing the best possible agreement.
• We will verify your buyer's position to ensure that they can support their offer.

4. Instructing a Solicitor

You will need to appoint a solicitor to deal with the legal aspects of the sale of your home.

• With HIPS in place, Solicitors are still required in sale and purchase of property with legal fees still to be paid.
• Once a sale has been agreed with your buyer the solicitor will liaise with us as estate agent and the buyers solicitor
• We can recommend once of preferred solicitors to act for you with competitive fees from experienced local solicitors.

5. Exchange of Contracts and Completion

• Once all enquiry forms and contracts have been signed, and a completion date has been agreed for the seller to move out, exchange of contracts can take place.
• After exchange has taken place the sale becomes legally binding.
• Your solicitor will ensure completion through the transfer of purchase funds from the buyer and transfer of legal title.
• On the agreed day of completion funds will be transferred between solicitors.
• Keys should be left with us as estate agent for collection by the buyer.

6. Sellers Checklist

A brief summary of the costs to consider in planning moving home. We will be happy to assist you in all aspects and recommend a selection of specialists that we have dealt with over many years for you to consider.

• Estate agents fees
• Marketing costs
• HIPS
• Legal fees
• Surveyors fees
• Mortgage finance arrangement fees
• Taxation - stamp duty - capital gains tax
• Moving costs
• Storage