How it works
Sellers - what we do for you - the process explained.
We appreciate that you don’t want long words and jargon that you can’t understand. With this in mind, we have laid out the process to enable you to see what happens and when.
Ok, so you’ve decided that you want us to sell your property – great choice – thank you.
I know that it can be a bit scary, especially if you are selling for the first time. I promise you that you have nothing to worry about. After doing this for 28 years you’re in safe hands.
We’re here with you – from start to finish – from the day you have your property valued to the day you move. No call centres to deal with – just us.
Ashley Leahy
Owner
The Valuation Stage
We appreciate that you may work unsociable or long hours and know that you are busy. With this in mind, we offer flexible appointment times. If you would like a valuation in the evening – no problem! – we are not tied to the traditional 9-5 office hours. Just one of the things that we do differently.
On the initial appointment we will discuss your needs, motives for moving, aspirations for the next property and not forgetting the value of course! We will also give you tips on how to improve the saleability of your home – in some cases you may be able to achieve a higher selling price with a few, inexpensive changes. We will have carried out extensive research into recent sold prices in your road and the surrounding area so that you can be confident that our valuation is accurate. We will not inflate the price just to impress you. (This happens a lot – check Rightmove every day to see how many properties have price reductions). Sensible pricing is key to a successful move.
After the Appointment
After the initial valuation, clients often like to think about it – no problem! – no pressure or sales pitch here, in fact there is never any obligation to use us whatsoever.
If you have any questions after the appointment – give us a call or drop us an email – we are here to make things easy for you.
You’d like to go ahead – fantastic!
When you decide that you would like to go ahead (we’ll be chuffed at this point) – we will arrange a second appointment at a convenient time to fill in the relevant paperwork. None of this is complicated and we will run through everything clearly with you.
This process usually takes approximately 1 hour.
We will then arrange for your property to be professionally photographed. We place a great deal of emphasis on ensuring that your home looks it’s absolute best.
Brochure Preparation
The next stage – brochure production. We will produce quality brochures of your home which feature several photographs and a clear floor plan. Clients tell us time and time again that they love to see a floor plan and this is why EVERY property that we market has one.
For Sale Sign
For sale boards – these are a very valuable tool when it comes to selling as they generate enquiries. Around 70% of buyers will drive around the areas that they want to live in, therefore properties with boards will receive more enquiries. Ours are very distinctive too!
Energy Performance Certificate
All home sellers are required by law to have an Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC as it is commonly called. There are a few exceptions to this – listed buildings being one of them. We will be able to advise you if you need one or not. If you do, we can arrange for this to be done on your behalf or you can arrange this yourself – no problem.
Brochure Approval
Once the brochure is prepared we will send it to you for your perusal. You will need to verify that it is fair and accurate representation of your home. Once approved we are able to distribute this to our client database.
The next stage – your property goes onto Rightmove & Zoopla!
Rightmove & Zoopla are the two largest property web sites in the country, offering incredible reach and power to generate viewings and enquiries for your property. As a company, we couldn’t be without it!
Your property will also be advertised on our own website.
Press Advertising
We will book advertisements in the local press on your behalf. Our adverts are designed to be eye catching, sleek and easy to read.
Social Media
We harness the incredible reach and power of social media to advertise your property.
Your property will be advertised on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Viewings
We firmly believe that the agent is the best person to conduct the viewings on your home. It is also advisable for you to be out when viewings take place (sorry!) If you are in at the time of the viewing, the viewer will have a tendency to just be polite and say nice things, which can actually be contrary to what they are really thinking. We would rather know exactly what they are thinking there and then. We can then use our expertise and experience to overcome any objections or sticking points. I’m sure that you will agree, you are far more likely to be open and say exactly what you think if you feel comfortable to do so.
When we conduct viewings we enthuse about your home! – sound obvious? – you would think so, however we have been on many viewings where the agent opens the door and says “this is the kitchen”... its probably the cooker that gave it away...
We are hugely experienced sales people and know how to “sell!” – we get to know every inch of your home so that we can clearly answer any questions with total confidence and credibility. This gives the buyer confidence to make a decision. What we are saying is that we take a genuine interest in your home and you are not just a number to us.
After the viewing, the viewer will do one of 3 things:
- Say that they have other properties to see.
- Say that they want to think about it or book a 2nd viewing.
- Make an offer (our preferred option!)
We also conduct “open days” if we think that this is the best option for you. This is a popular option for sellers, as you only have to tidy up once!
The next stage – we receive an offer!
Once that the buyer is happy and confident that they would like to make an offer, they will either call or email us with an offer on your property. We would hope that the offer that they make is a reasonable one, however sometimes buyers can be a bit cheeky! We are experienced negotiators and are used to this, so don’t worry. We always act in your best interests to secure the absolute best price that we can.
The buyer can be in many different positions, for example they may be a first time buyer in which case we would need to see evidence of their deposit and also their mortgage “agreement in principle” from their lender. If your buyer says that they are “cash” we expect to see evidence of this. Only when we are completely happy, will we advise you to accept an offer and take your property off the market. It is standard practise to mark the property as sold subject to contract and stop viewings once the offer has been accepted.
Sale Agreed – congratulations!
Once the sale is agreed you will need to find a solicitor. Sounds easy doesn’t it? - please choose carefully though. In our experience the service and communication skills of some have left many a client very frustrated. Always ask around for recommendations, including from us as we tend to know which solicitors are the best communicators – we speak to them regularly after all.
Sales Progression
The sales progression part of the transaction is often very overlooked, yet this is arguably one of the most important parts of the whole process. This involves regular contact and liaising with the buyers and sellers solicitors, yourself and your buyer. This often requires skill, patience and diplomacy, which we have learned over many years of practise. Problems can and do arise occasionally, but rest assured, you are in the best hands. We can resolve most issues that arise during the sales process.
Typically, from the offer being accepted, to you moving out takes approximately 3-4 months. (Occasionally, it can be done quicker than this if your buyer is cash and the property has a Freehold tenure.)
It is vital that everybody stays in touch regularly during this process.
The next stage – set the moving or completion date!
Once that your solicitor has everything that they need they will discuss exchange and completion dates with you. These are 2 separate milestones in the transaction and both are equally as important.
On exchange of contracts – the sale becomes legally binding and a deposit is put forward, generally 10%. Once that you have “exchanged” it is highly unlikely that anything will go wrong. At the point of exchange of contracts, the “move” or “completion” date is set.
Completion – this is your moving day – congratulations! A few important things to remember are:
- Change of address – you can have your post redirected with Royal Mail. There is a charge for this.
- Take your meter readings and phone them through to the relevant utility companies. We always recommend taking a photograph of your meter reading just in case there are any discrepancies or queries later.
- Leave the property clean and tidy – after all, we all love to move into a clean property.
