Ensuring the sale goes smoothly

Carrying out research into recent property sales in your area will help you understand the local market and expectations. However, as it can take several months for this data to become available, your estate agent’s knowledge of more recent property transactions will help set a realistic asking price.

If you decide to market your property at a price that is too high, it may not attract many offers. Setting a more realistic asking price can attract more offers, putting you in a stronger position to negotiate.

While not essential for all properties, having your property in a clean and good state of repair may help it sell. Finishing any outstanding DIY jobs before you go to market can help you present the property in a better light. Let your estate agent know about any key selling points of the property which will help them in marketing your property. For example, a new boiler, new windows or under-floor heating in the bathroom are good things to highlight.

For more information on how to prepare your property for viewing read our guide to preparing your property for viewings. 

You should assume that prospective buyers will be thorough and ask to see all the paperwork you have pertaining to the property. Having this paperwork ready will enable you to produce it on request and move the process along.

Having utility and council tax bills, building regulation certificates, your Energy Performance Certificate and any guarantees available could mean that unnecessary delays are avoided.

Avoid giving any misleading information, and bear in mind that any problems which are not disclosed may come to light during the surveyor’s assessment, and could jeopardise the offer that has been made.

It is the seller’s duty to divulge any known information about the property that may affect the prospective buyer’s decision.

Try to accommodate buyer’s requested viewing times. The buyer may have a shortlist of properties that they want to look at, and in a competitive market, not being able to see yours when it is convenient for them may be sufficient discouragement for them to remove it from their list.

Keep in regular contact with your estate agent and solicitor. Respond to all correspondence and return phone calls promptly. If you are dealing with a solicitor remotely and documents need to be sent, ensure you use recorded delivery.