Selling Guide

Preparing your property

Preparing your property for sale takes time and must not be overlooked as this is a vital part of the sale process. If you have been putting off, that important DIY project, now is the time to get it done. Try to look at the property through the eyes of a viewer, de-clutter getting rid of any unwanted items this will give the feel of a light open space.

– Does your property have that kerbside appeal?
– Could your front and rear garden do with tidying up?
– Could the front windows do with a clean?
– Would that room look better with a fresh lick of paint?
– Undertake any minor repairs that need doing so buyers will need to really try hard to find any negatives
– If you want to re-decorate, go for neutral tones, which will appeal to a wider audience
– Banish smoke or pet odours. Open the windows, brew some fresh coffee and add finishing touches such as fresh flowers, to brighten the place up
– Bring out the best features such as fireplaces and use mirrors to increase the sense of space.

Selecting An Agent

Invite three of the best performing agent to attend your property for the purposes of valuation. Be savvy when selecting an agent and don’t be afraid of asking frank and direct questions. Check how the property will be marketed if the agent has marketed or sold any comparable properties. Go online and see how the agent performs on review websites, someone else’s experience is worth its weight in gold.

When one of our expert agents are called to provide a property valuation, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account. Of course, we would have sold a lot of similar properties previously but the property market is ever-changing. Some of the factors that are taken into consideration include:

  • The property’s location and how far it is from local transport links, schools and amenities.
  • The current condition of the property
  • Total size of the property and grounds
  • Recent sold prices of similar properties
  • Comparable properties within ¼ of a mile
  • Current supply and demand for this type of property
  • Potential for adding value, such as Extensions, Development, Refurbishment
  • Economic conditions

Marketing The Property

Check how the property is being Marketed, We at Hammonds will Market your property on the leading property websites with 48 hours of receiving your instruction Always keep your property viewing ready by hiding any clutter this could be the difference between making that all-important sale or not.

Ensure your agent has qualified a prospective buyer prior to making an offer. We at Hammonds will ask to see proof of fund of deposit and ensure the buyer has an agreement in principle from his lender and a sincere intention to purchase before we receive any offer. Don’t accept the first offer that comes along as prices in London and is constantly increasing, check with your agent to see you are receiving the best price for your property.

The conveyancing process

Conveyancing is very time consuming and complex, so you will need to employ either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. Here are our top tips on choosing and using a conveyancer:

  1. Negotiate a no sale – no fee deal, so if the deal falls through you don’t pay anything, we at Hammonds have a panel of solicitors, who we can recommend, who are competitively priced, but most of all will provide an efficient and stress-free experience.
  2. Tell your conveyancer if you want answers to any specific questions in advance.
  3. Let them know when you would like to exchange contracts and complete. Tell them you will require regular updates of how the sale is progressing. We at Hammonds have a dedicated team of Sales progressors with years of experience, who are ready to assist you and push either conveyancer if required.

The BIG Move

  • Choose a professional removal firm preferably one who is a member of the British Association of Removers.
  • Think about moving out and in on separate days so you don’t have to squeeze everything into the same day.
  • Leaving a few days before moving in will free up time to get essential work to your new home completed without needing to work around piles of boxes. It’s a great time for carpet cleaning, decorating or any DIY projects that might be dusty like sanding woodwork or floorboards, replastering etc.
  • Remember to take meter readings on both properties on the day(s) of the move.
  • Set up your post to be redirected a few weeks before you move with the Royal Mail – a good precaution against identity theft.
  • Prepare a note for the new owners explaining how things work and where they can find useful items such as the boiler switches, aerial sockets and alarm codes. A few kind thoughts will go a long way when it comes to mail redirection

 

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