The Seller Journey – Our 10 Step Guide
Step 1. Preparing to sell
Deciding to sell your property is a big decision, one with an endless list of tasks to consider and unforeseen costs to account for. From deliberating whether it is the right time to sell, considering how to present your property in the best possible way, to choosing the ideal buyer for you; make sure to do your research and know exactly what you are looking to achieve from your sale.
You should also find out how much you can borrow for your new home. Ashwell Mortgage Services are on hand to find the best mortgage deal they can, a mortgage tailored to suit you. Our mortgage advisors are always up to date with the latest deals and can offer a comprehensive range of mortgages from across the market – find out more here.
Finally, if you are also looking to buy another property, you will need to factor in stamp duty and other moving costs.
Our dedicated team can offer a breakdown of your move costs, streamlined support and expert advice, obligation free, on the best options for your individual requirements. Contact us and a member of the team would be delighted to discuss further with you.
Step 2. The Valuation
There’s one question that matters most when it comes to selling your home - how much is my house worth? The price of your home will not only influence how and when you decide to sell your property but will be pivotal in the next chapter of your move.
Your agent will arrange a valuation and will be able to guide you on a suitable price for both the current market and how your property compares to others in the area.
Our experienced, local property experts are dedicated to answering any questions you may have and ensuring the best possible price for your home is achieved.
For an instant, free valuation of your property click here, or get in touch with a member of our team to start your conversation today.
Step 3. Appointing your Agent
It is now time to make it official and instruct your chosen agent. We understand that deciding to sell is a very personal decision and no two sellers’ requirements are the same which is why when selecting an agent, it is important to consider many factors, not just the fee. Make sure you appoint an agent that has a strong reputation in the area and a good physical presence on the high street, this will ensure that you are obtaining the maximum exposure and price for your property.
We also advise that you take the time to meet with your agent so that you can get a feel for them and their ability to support you as a client. You will also be able to decipher if they have the knowledge and technology to help you market and sell your property in this increasingly digital world.
Now is also a good time to instruct a solicitor. Your solicitor or conveyancer will be instrumental to how quickly your sale goes through and will undertake the necessary legal work required during your selling journey. Appointing a solicitor early on in the process can significantly reduce the length of time the sale process takes (and your stress levels!).
Step 4.Preparing your property for the market
Now, you might now be ready to sell, but is your property?
First impressions are absolutely crucial in securing a quick sale at the best possible price. So whether it is a simple declutter, a fresh lick of paint or fixing that leaky tap, small changes can make all the difference when it comes to presenting your property to potential buyers.
Always keep your home clean and clutter-free while viewings are taking place and remember you want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves in your home so finishing touches such as fresh flowers can go a long way in helping your property feel welcoming.
Step 5. Showcasing Your Property
We fully understand the importance of presentation to create the right impression. At Ashtons, not only will a professional photographer visit the property, we now also use drone photography and virtual video tours to market our properties, which have proved to increase audience engagement by 40%. The use of cutting-edge technology not only attracts more applicants but also ensures those viewing the property have a genuine interest in proceeding.
We are the only local agents with the in-house expertise of a professional photographer, copywriters and marketing team, who are experts in showcasing your property. We use the right mix of traditional, online, lifestyle and social media channels to attract the widest audience possible.
We are also delighted to announce that we now list our properties on all three major property portals; Rightmove, Zoopla, On the Market and in addition, Prime Location – and are one of very few agents nationwide that can provide this unparalleled property visibility to our clients.
Step 6. Viewings
Your property is now on the market and viewings can take place. Our local professional viewing guides are available 7 days a week to showcase your property and are experts at instilling confidence in potential candidates.
To find your perfect buyer your property requires maximum exposure across a wide range of platforms. Combining our reputation as the number one prime residential property expert with a rich source of genuine buyers through Cartus, will ensure you have a winning formula to find the very best buyer for your home.
Ashtons understands our clients lead busy lives and need access to a free flow of information about the status of their property 24/7. We have designed a dedicated user-friendly Property Dashboard to provide all the latest property details, including comprehensive statistics and viewing feedback, giving you full transparency throughout.
Step 7. Agreeing an Offer
Choosing the right buyer is vital, and as soon as any offers are made, these will be presented to you. A great application is not just about the price; the financial ability of the buyers to proceed, whether or not they are in a chain, desired timescales and any special conditions also need to be considered and our team can assist in selecting the best option for you.
Our agents are all highly trained to navigate even the trickiest deals and excel in surpassing client expectations - this 5* service is just one of the many reasons why 97% of our customers would use Ashtons again or recommend our services to others.
Step 8. Sales Progression
Once a sale has been agreed, our team of dedicated sales progressors will do the following on your behalf: write to all parties to formally confirm the agreed price, carry out checks on the buyer, ask both the seller and buyer to confirm their solicitors’ details, prepare a memorandum of sale.
Your solicitor will then send out a draft contract to the buyer’s solicitor and preliminary enquiries will begin. At this stage, surveys may be arranged, and timelines will be discussed for exchange of contracts and a proposed date for completion.
Our years of expertise and local knowledge have allowed us to build excellent relationships with local solicitors, surveyors, and removal firms - helping us to ensure that our client’s move journeys are as smooth as possible.
Our team will be able to advise and negotiate on your behalf throughout the process to ensure this is as stress-free as possible.
Step 9. Exchange of Contracts
Once the buyer’s mortgage offer is received, both solicitors are satisfied with all replies to enquiries and a date for completion is agreed by all parties, you are ready to exchange contracts.
At this stage the contract is signed by both parties, a completion date is set, and the buyer pays a non-refundable deposit to your solicitor (this is typically 10% of the purchase price).
Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding.
Step 10. Completion
Simply put, completion is ‘moving in day’. The outstanding monies (typically 90%) are transferred to your solicitor, who will deduct any fees, redeem your outstanding mortgage (if applicable) and transfer the balance to you.
As soon as this payment has been cleared, Ashtons will release the keys to your buyer.
Congratulations, your property is now sold!