At our core, we believe in being helpful, regardless of who you choose to work with. While you've partnered with another estate agent, we want to ensure you feel supported and informed about the exciting process ahead. Selling a home, especially a family home, involves several key stages, and knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

The Initial Stages: Getting Ready to Go Live

Once you've instructed your chosen estate agent, the first crucial steps involve preparing your property for the market. This typically includes professional photography, creating detailed floor plans, and drafting compelling property descriptions. Your agent will also finalise the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if one isn't already in place or is out of date. This period is all about showcasing your home in its best light to attract the right buyers.

Marketing Your Home

With all the marketing materials ready, your property will then be launched onto various platforms. This usually means listing on major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, as well as your agent's own website and social media channels. The goal here is maximum exposure, reaching a wide audience of potential buyers actively searching for a home like yours. Your agent will manage enquiries and schedule viewings, acting as the primary point of contact.

Viewings and Offers: The Excitement Builds

Viewings are where potential buyers get to experience your home firsthand. Your agent will coordinate these, often accompanying viewers to highlight your property's best features and answer any questions. It's a good idea to keep your home tidy and welcoming during this period. When an offer comes in, your agent will present it to you, along with any conditions attached. This is where their negotiation skills come into play, working to achieve the best possible price and terms for you.

Accepting an Offer and Instructing Solicitors

Once you accept an offer, the process moves into the legal phase. You'll need to instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the sale. They will manage all the necessary paperwork, including drafting contracts, conducting property searches, and liaising with the buyer's solicitor. This stage can sometimes feel slow, but it's vital for ensuring everything is legally sound.

The Conveyancing Process: Legalities and Searches

Conveyancing involves a series of detailed checks and exchanges between solicitors. Your solicitor will send the draft contract and supporting documents to the buyer's solicitor. The buyer's solicitor will then raise enquiries, which are questions about the property that you and your agent will help answer. They will also conduct various searches, such as local authority, environmental, and water searches, to uncover any potential issues with the property or its surroundings. This thorough process protects both you and the buyer.

Mortgage and Survey

If your buyer requires a mortgage, their lender will arrange a valuation survey. The buyer may also opt for a more detailed homebuyer's report or a full structural survey. These surveys provide the buyer with a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition. Any issues raised might lead to further negotiations or requests for repairs, which your agent can help you navigate.

Exchange of Contracts and Completion: The Final Steps

Once all enquiries are satisfied, searches are returned, and the mortgage offer (if applicable) is in place, both parties' solicitors will agree on a completion date. Then comes the exchange of contracts, a legally binding moment where both buyer and seller commit to the sale. A deposit is usually paid by the buyer at this point. Finally, on the completion date, the remaining funds are transferred, and ownership officially passes to the buyer. You'll hand over the keys, and your home selling journey will be complete.

We hope this guide provides a helpful overview of what to expect. Selling a home is a significant undertaking, and we wish you every success with your move.

We wish you the best of luck with your home sale,

Sam