SELLING GUIDE

 

 

 

 

 


1. VALUATION

It is important to obtain an accurate valuation on your property, based on current market conditions. Don’t be tempted to go with the agent that suggests the highest price, an overly ambitious price would likely inhibit the speed in which you sell and can damage the reputation of the property locally. Listen to an experienced estate agent who will interpret the market to get you the best possible price in a timescale that suits you.

If you are buying on, then seek financial advice as soon as possible to see exactly what you can afford to buy and also it will help you realise what price you can accept for your property in order for you to move successfully.

BOOK A VALUATION
 


2. CHOOSE YOUR AGENT

Look for a local agent that has good local knowledge and experience. Chose the agent with the best marketing material, your agent should be a professional marketeer with an eye for detail and presentation. Most importantly of all, choose the agent who has the very best coverage and exposure. A cheap agent is likely to simply take some below average photographs, upload them to Rightmove and wait for the phone to ring. Is that really how you want your property handled?

Some agents boast that they can have your property on the market within a day or two, sometimes even on the same day! Is the sale of your home something that should be rushed?

Don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest fee. A low agent fee may really mean you get a below average service at best. Your agent will undertake the marketing of your property, arrange and accompany all viewings, negotiate offers and liaise with solicitors through to completion.

Choose an agent that you believe adds value to the process. One that will get you the best price and one that will deal with everything on your behalf.

Be honest with your agent, after all we are working together for a common goal, to sell your property for the best possible price in a timescale that suits you.

If you are in a rush to sell or can’t move for a period of time, tell us. If there are known problems with the property, again please tell us. It is usual for buyers to ask questions about the neighbours, your reasons for moving, what the local area is like and what you will be leaving behind, any fixtures and fittings. These questions we will discuss with you before marketing so we will be fully equipped to deal with all negotiations between buyer and seller.



3. ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATING

It is a legal requirement that all properties for sale have an EPC. We can arrange this for you or guide you on the right path. EPC’s are valid for 10 years so if you or the previous owner had one commissioned you should check if it is still valid. If you have made improvements to the property it may be worth instructing a new EPC.



4. INSTRUCT A SOLICITOR

It is important to instruct an experienced, efficient local solicitor who specialises in conveyancing. Most agents will be able to advise on preferred solicitors but also ask family and friends if they have any recommendations. We can of course help you with our recommended solicitors.
 

CONVEYANCING
 

5. PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE

Look at your property through the eyes of a prospective buyer. You need to put your best foot forward and make your property attractive enough for buyers to visualise themselves living in your house. First impressions really do count. Be honest with yourself, what needs addressing? All those little DIY jobs that have just been put off now really need to be addressed. It may be that all you need to do is a quick freshen up, a lick of paint, some decluttering and some depersonalising. You need to make your home look as spacious as possible.

Make sure your house is spick and span from top to bottom. A less than sparkling home leaves the impression that it is not cared for and other more sinister problems could lurk. If you have pets, you may want to consider having your carpets cleaned. Make sure their bedding is clean and fresh too. Air fresheners or scented candles are a good idea.

Kerb appeal really is important too. Again make sure the front and back doors are clean and painted well. Tidy up the garden so it is appealing enough to sit and entertain or eat out in.

We will fully advise you on the best way to present your home when we visit you for your market valuation.



6. MARKETING

This is where a good agent comes into their own and buyers willing to pay the best price are found.

Rightmove, Zoopla, PrimeLocation are all important parts of marketing, but believe it or not they are not the be all and end all and certainly cannot be relied on as the method of sale to achieve the best price. Where else is the agent advertising your property? Are they advertising in just locally or further afield?

What about the marketing material? You’ll need a floorplan for sure… and you shouldn’t be expected to pay for it either.

We use professional photographers and floorplanners to make your property look fabulous. We create bespoke brochures that are pixel-perfect. Then we advertise your property far and wide – beyond just Rightmove and Zoopla – and on both sides of the Severn.



7. VIEWINGS

We accompany all viewings at a time that is mutually convenient for you and the viewer, but do try to work around the buyer where you can.

Accompanying viewings will give you peace of mind and enable us to use our expertise in selling your property. All our viewers are fully qualified before they are allowed to set foot in your home and feedback will be given after every viewing. Do take feedback on board as if there is something that seems to be a common issue you will need to address it.

We do recommend that you are not in during the viewing to enable viewers to speak more freely and feel able to ask questions they may feel awkward about asking if you are present. In addition, if you have a dog it is a good idea to also remove them from the property for the duration of the viewing. Not everyone is a dog lover! Similarly, if you have pets such as rats or our more tropical friends (e.g. snakes, spiders) consider covering their cages.

8. OFERS & NEGOTIATION

As soon as an offer is received we will contact you to discuss. We will check the buyer’s ability to proceed before you decide whether to accept the offer.

We will handle all negotiations between yourself and the buyer. It is important that you consider what amount you would be prepared to accept especially if you are buying on. We will help you to consider the buyer’s position and ability to buy.

Remember we are acting on your behalf not the buyers. We will not pressure you into accepting an offer. We will base our advice on the current market conditions, how long you have been on the market, how many viewings you’ve had, if you’ve had previous offers or interest and comparable sales.

After you have accepted an offer a survey instructed by the buyer may reveal issues on the property that could affect what they will be willing to pay. We will again advise and help you with this. It is not a requirement but it’s advisable to arrange an independent survey yourself prior to marketing to enable you to be one step ahead and resolve any potential issues/ repairs.



9. OFFER AGREED

Once there is an offer in place you find acceptable, you will need to formally instruct a solicitor/conveyancer if you have not already done so. We will issue a detailed memorandum of sale to all solicitors which will include any special conditions and the agreed price.

You now know how much you will make on the sale of your property so if you are buying on, now is the time to take your mortgage application further. If you are yet to find your dream home, remember you are now a ready, willing and ‘proceedable’ buyer that is very attractive to sellers so book those viewings!



10. EXCHANGE

On the day of exchange your buyer will pay the solicitor a non-refundable deposit. At this point you are both legally obliged to continue to completion. A date will be set for legal completion. If you are buying on then you will also pay your deposit for your onward purchase.

You can also check out our Guide to Conveyancing for more information.



11. COMPLETION

The day has arrived! On instruction from the solicitors we will release keys to the buyer and you can begin moving in!
 

SELLING WITH ARCHER & CO

 

Chepstow | 01291 626262

Usk | 01291 672212

Ross-on-Wye | 01989 768484

Monmouth | 01600 713030

Newport | 01633 449884

Forest of Dean | 01594 715888

Associated Park Lane Office
0203 368 8745

 

We are fortunate to sell and let a huge variety of property in one of the most beautiful regions of Britain. Set within glorious unspoilt countryside straddling the English Welsh borders are picturesque villages.