how to navigate selling property

If you are planning to put your property on the market, here Insiders member, Steve mckernan from Castle Mortgages shares advice. We aren’t the experts, so for more ideas, tag Steve on the Insiders confidential mastermind group or email Castle Mortgages, don’t forget to tell them where you heard about them!

Follow Castle Mortgages guide to helping you navigate the selling process…

Selling your property is a significant undertaking. It’s not just about deciding on a selling price; it involves multiple steps and considerations that require careful thought and planning. Here’s our step-by-step selling guide.

Deciding to sell your property

Before putting your property on the market, assess whether it’s the right time to sell. The property market fluctuates, and what might seem like a booming market may not apply to your local area. Consult property market guides and reliable news sources for information. Before contacting agents, do some research on your own. Look at the prices of similar properties in your area to get an idea of what your property might be worth.

Finding the market value of your property

Getting an accurate market valuation of your property is crucial. Use online valuation tools for a quick estimate, or book an appointment with a local expert.

Choosing an estate agent

When choosing an estate agent, ask plenty of questions to ensure they can get you the best price for your home. Check their professionalism, reputation in your area and reviews.

Deciding on a selling price

The valuation you receive from your estate agent will guide you on the price to list your property. This doesn’t have to be the final selling price. Tools like demand calculators can help you gauge the number of potential buyers for your property.

Obtaining an EPC

Before selling your home, you’ll need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Check if your current EPC is valid or needs updating due to recent energy efficiency improvements.

Preparing your home for sale

Before listing your property, tidy up and declutter to make a good impression on potential buyers. Think about staging your home to maximise space and appeal.

Choosing a conveyancer or solicitor

A solicitor or conveyancer with experience in property conveyancing and a solid understanding of property marketing in your area is essential. They’ll handle contract drafting and review, local searches, Land Registry correspondence, fund management and provide legal advice.

Completing paperwork

Prepare necessary documents such as proof of address, identity, guarantees for appliances or building work, service records and electrical certificates. You’ll also need to complete a TA10 ‘Fittings and Contents’ form and provide the title deeds once an offer is accepted.

Arranging viewings

Arrange property viewings either yourself or through your estate agent. Ensure your property is clean and tidy for each viewing.

Accepting an offer

Once you receive an offer you’re happy with, inform your estate agent and discuss all details, including estimated dates for exchange and completion.

Completing the sale

After accepting an offer, finalise details about the contract, including what’s included in the sale price. Your estate agent will write to all parties to confirm the agreed price and any conditions of the sale.

The final stages of selling a house, namely contract exchange and completion, are legally binding events that solidify the deal. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect during these stages.

Exchange of contracts

Exchanging contracts is a pivotal moment in the property-selling process. At this stage, the buyer pays a deposit, typically 10% of the sale price, and both parties commit to the transaction. After contracts are exchanged, neither the buyer nor the seller can back out without potentially facing significant financial penalties.

Before contracts can be exchanged, several conditions must be met:

• Preliminary inquiries and local searches have been completed, and the results are satisfactory.
• The list of fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale has been agreed upon.
• The buyers have a confirmed mortgage offer.

Completion

The completion date is when the funds are transferred from the buyer to the seller, finalising the sale. This date is typically influenced by the property chain’s length and removal services’ availability.

Moving out

Often, but not always, the completion date is also the moving date. It’s the day when you need to vacate your sold property and, if you’re purchasing a new home, move into it. Be sure to leave the property in the contract’s agreed-upon condition, including any fixtures and fittings included in the sale.

Once you’ve moved out, all keys to the property should be given to the estate agent, who will then pass them on to the buyer. This marks the end of your responsibilities as the seller and the beginning of the buyer’s ownership.

Want to understand your mortgage options for your next move? 

Embarking on buying a new home should be exciting, but understanding your mortgage options can sometimes feel overwhelming. We’re here to help simplify this process for you. If you are moving up the property ladder, we’re committed to helping you secure the right mortgage for your new home. For more information, contact Castle Mortgages Limited – telephone 01926 359327 – email steve@castle-mortgages.co.uk.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.