Step 1
Get an accurate valuation
If you are planning on selling a property, the first thing you should do is obtain an accurate valuation. Valuing your property accurately will affect how quickly and how straightforward the process of selling your home will be. If you property is valued too high it won’t sell, too low you risk losing out financially. Always use a reputable agent who has in-depth knowledge of the local area to ensure that you get a good idea of the correct asking price at the outset. The Pinkerton Murray valuation team have an in-depth knowledge of the local market and they give accurate and honest valuations that are always supported by evidence.
Pinkerton Murray will value your property free of charge. To arrange an appointment for one of our valuation specialists to visit your property contact us on (028) 91479393
Step 2Find an estate agent
Choosing the ideal estate agency to sell your home is important. Here are some key factors to consider before your list your home with an agent.
Guide to choosing the correct Estate Agent
- Local knowledge – always go for an agent who knows the area inside out to make sure you are getting accurate valuations and advice every step of the way.
- High visibility offices – Location, Location, Location! It’s not only the location of your property that’s key….the location of your estate agent’s offices is also an important consideration. To make sure that you are getting maximum exposure for your house sale, look for agents with a high street presence, eye-catching displays and continuous stream of passers-by.
- Website – As the growth in online property searches continues to increase, having a strong online presence for your property has become a top priority if you are looking to sell your home.
- Marketing Support – make sure you know exactly what your agent will do to promote your property and if there are extra cost involved.
- Opening Hours – Longer opening hours mean more opportunities for buyers to make enquiries about your property.
- Reputation – Ask around your friends and colleagues to find a personal recommendation.
Step 3Instruct a solicitor
An experienced solicitor is important if you want to complete a successful property sale. Pinkerton Murray will happily give you some recommendations for local solicitors.
Step 4Get your property looking great
Now is the time to spruce up your property in preparation for viewers. A well presented, clean and tidy home will create a good first impression. Whether it’s a lick of paint on the front door, tidying the garden or getting round to the niggling DIY jobs that need attention, it’s worthwhile getting things shipshape to encourage buyers.
Step 5Generate interest
Speak to your estate agent about the different tools that they will use to promote your property. At Pinkerton Murray, all our properties are promoted with full colour brochures which are available in our offices and also can be downloaded from our website. Your property will be featured on our website which includes an in-depth description of the property and professional quality interior/exterior photography. Other tools we will utilise to promote your home are:- editorial in local property publications, advertising in property supplements, LCD displays in branch, distinctive boards, email to our database of suitable buyers, SMS alerts and much much more.
Step 6Encourage viewings
Encouraging viewers to come and experience your property for themselves is an important step in the process to a successful sale. We carry out viewings at convenient times for both buyers and sellers – often evenings and weekends are the most popular times. We are happy to conduct viewings unaccompanied - in our experience this is the preferred option for both buyers and sellers.
Step 7Receiving an offer
When a buyer makes an offer on your property, we will contact you verbally and in writing. Once there is an offer on the table, we will check to ensure that the buyer is in a position to proceed before you decide whether to accept the offer.
Step 8Agreeing an offer
If you decide to accept the offer we will prepare a Memorandum of Sale, notify all parties involved of the agreed price and ask you to confirm details for your solicitor.
Your solicitor will then prepare a draft contract and forwards it to the buyer’s solicitor who will then carry out preliminary enquiries. You will also be able to arrange dates for a property survey, exchange of contracts and completion.
Step 9Exchange of contracts
Contracts will be exchanged when the following requirements have been confirmed and agreed:
- Preliminary enquiries regarding the draft contract
- Evidence of good title
- Specific issues highlighted in the lease eg right of ways etc
- Local search queries
- Fixtures and fittings that you will sell with the property
- The buyer’s mortgage offer
The buyer’s solicitor will pay the deposit to your solicitor when the contract has been signed by both parties. Then a completion date can be confirmed.
Step 10Completion
At completion the remaining purchase amount is paid into your solicitor’s account. As soon as the money is cleared your solicitor will be in touch and we will hand over keys to the buyer.