How to sell your home - a step by step process
Oakheart Property
Selling a property can be a daunting process, especially if you’re moving up the property ladder and looking to buy at the same time. To make the process easier, our expert property team have put together a blog on everything you need to know about the process of selling a home.
Step 1: Sort out your finances
Once you’ve decided to sell your home, you will need to speak to your mortgage lender to inform them of your plans. You’ll also need to check if you have to pay any early repayment charge for switching your mortgage to another lender or whether you qualify to take it with you to your new property.
Our top tip is if you’re planning to move to a more expensive property or your mortgage deal is coming to an end, it’s a great opportunity to search for a better deal.
You will also need a valuation on your property, so you have an idea of what it will sell for. Check out our free instant valuation tool today by simply entering your postcode. You can also contact our expert property team for an in-person consultation where we will offer you an accurate valuation.
Step 2: Find a new home
If you’re house hunting one of the most important decisions you need to make is whether you are going to buy and sell at the same time. If you do, you could risk ending up in a chain which can fall through.
Selling your property and renting before buying your new home will break you out of the risk of being in a housing chain, making you a more attractive buyer. However, in our experience, it is still common for homeowners to be in the housing chain and successfully move.
Step 3: Prepare your home for viewings
Once you’re certain you’re going to sell you need to get your home ready for estate agents to photograph and potential house hunters to view. Here are our top tips to get your home ready:
- Start a clear out - this means clearing away coats and shoes, and storing everyday products in cupboards to get your home picture perfect.
- Spruce up your decor - opt for neutral paint and get rid of any dirty tiling by regrouting.
- Tackle a deep clean - including shower doors, under the sofa and your kitchen appliances.
- Show your garden some TLC - cut back and tidy your garden.
Step 4: Contact an estate agent
An estate agent will inspect your property and take into account the area and market conditions, as well as a fair account of your properties condition. The more information you have the closer you will get to understanding the true value of your home.
Contact our team of property experts today for an accurate house valuation.
Step 5: Book a property survey
Most people will get a survey on a property they are looking to buy, but commissioning a survey on your own property before putting it on the market, to inspect if there are any problems, is also a good idea.
Step 6: Hire a conveyancing solicitor
There is a lot of legal work involved in selling a property. Our team can advise on local trusty firms who will handle the process efficiently and effectively.
Step 7: Accept an offer, exchange contracts & move out
You’ve received an offer - congratulations! If you are happy with the offer you will need to formally accept it.
Between you and the buyer, you will need to decide the length of time between exchange and completion. Once you have exchanged contracts with the buyer you become legally committed to selling the property, and vice versa with them buying it from you.
Looking for a reliable estate agency in Colchester to sell your property with no delays? Here at Oakheart Property, we have an experienced team of sales and letting agents across Essex and Suffolk who will be more than happy to help with all your property needs. Get in touch with our team today!
