Selling Guide


Step by Step guide to selling your home

Step 1 - Valuation

Your aim should be to sell your property at the best possible price in the shortest possible time. Our expert valuers carry out lots of valuations every month, giving us intimate and unparalleled knowledge of property values in your area. 

Step 2 - Selecting an estate agent

When choosing an estate agent, consider their local reputation, their high street presence and what kind of marketing your property will receive. These factors are critical to obtaining the best possible exposure and price for your property.

You should check if your agent will organise your government-required Energy Performance Certificate on your behalf or if you need to arrange this yourself? Sharman Burgess can arrange this for you. You must have commissioned an EPC before your property can be marketed.

You should also check if your agent will instruct a professional photographer, or if they are going take their own photos which may not show your property off to its full potential. An experienced sales team, local knowledge and a floorplan is also essential.

 

Step 3 - Instructing a sollicitor

The successful sale of your property can be reliant upon the instruction of an efficient and experienced solicitor. You can instruct a solicitor further down the line, however it is a good idea to do some research and make a decision before you put your property on the market as this will help to avoid delays once the sale has been agreed.

We would recommend using a local solicitor who will be familiar with the surrounding area and can advise you accordingly on anything you may be unsure of. We have developed good working relationships with many local solicitors which could be important when trying to progress your sale through to completion in the best possible time.

Step 4 - Presenting your property

First impressions count, making the presentation of your property critical to a successful sale.

 

Consider addressing any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done, add a fresh coat of paint where necessary and try to declutter to make the most of the space.

Once the valuer has taken comprehensive property details, our professional Photographer will then take photographs and produce a floorplan. If required, an Energy performance certificate will also be prepared in order to complete your sales brochure.

Step 5 - Marketing your property

To find your perfect buyer you need to give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media.

When you instruct Sharman Burgess you will automatically benefit from our unrivalled and comprehensive marketing package, including: exposure on our website, as well as two of the UK’s largest property portals, full colour property details, displays in our state of the art high street office and backed up by local newspaper advertising. 

Step 6 -Receiving an offer

As soon as an offer has been received and we have checked the buyer’s ability to proceed, we will notify you.

 

All offers will be reported to you within 24 hours including any special conditions, the buyer’s position and any chain involved in order to assist you with making an informed decision.

Step 7 - Offer Agreed

Once you accept an offer we will complete the following steps before removing your property from the market:

 

  • Check buyers finances
  • Obtain ID from the buyers to comply with money laundering regulations  Ask you to confirm your solicitor's details
  • Prepare a memorandum of sale
  • Write to all parties confirming the agreed sale price

 

Your solicitor will send out a draft contract to the buyer's solicitor who will then carry out preliminary enquiries.

We will advise on your behalf throughout this process, keeping you informed every step of the way.

There are no legal obligations until contracts are signed and exchanged. 

Step 8 - Sales Progression

Communication is paramount to the successful progression of a house sale.

Following satisfactory negotiation of the sale, we begin structured progression of the transaction, liaising with both buyers and sellers legal representatives as well as agents up and down the chain until exchange of contracts.

Not only will a sales progressor help to move your sale along as smoothly as possible, they will also make the whole selling and buying process less aggravating for you as well – We all know how stressful moving can be.

Step 9 - Exchange of contract

Exchange of contracts occurs when the following have been confirmed and agreed:

  • Preliminary enquiries following receipt of draft contract
  • Evidence of a good title
  • Specific issues highlighted in the Lease, if applicable
  • Local search queries
  • Fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale
  • The buyer's mortgage offer

Once the contract has been signed by both parties the deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) will be telegraphically transferred or paid in the form of a banker's draft by the buyer's solicitor to your solicitor. The completion date is then set by mutual agreement and contracts are exchanged.

Step 10 - Completion

Completion is when the residual monies are transferred from the buyer's solicitor to your solicitor's account.

Your solicitor will call you when the money has cleared in your account and will inform us to release the keys.

We will also call you to confirm completion.

Congratulations, your property is now sold