Selling a property is a big decision: it may be your family home, an investment property, or even inherited. Whatever your reason for selling, it’s quite normal to feel a little uncertain about just where to begin. The whole process, from determining your price right through to handing over the keys, consists of several steps; every one of them has the potential to impact the speed at which you sell your house and the amount of money you walk away with.
The good news is, with some planning and the right help, selling doesn’t have to be stressful. You don’t need to rush, but knowing what to expect can make everything run a lot smoother. Whether you are selling for the first time or have done it before, it always helps to understand how the process works. If you’re looking into Property Sales North East, having local knowledge can make all the difference.
Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
First impressions count. Before your property goes on the market, it’s a good idea to make sure it looks clean, tidy, and cared for. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune – the sorts of small things that make a big difference include fixing dripping taps, painting over marks on the wall, or just tidying up the garden. The aim is to show potential buyers that the home has been well looked after.
Many people also decide to get rid of clutter. Having too many personal items can make it difficult for buyers to imagine the place as their own. You don’t have to empty every room, but creating a neutral and open space can help buyers see the home itself rather than what’s inside it.
Choosing How to Sell
Most people sell through an estate agent, and for good reason. The agents know the local market, understand how to price a home properly, and can deal with viewings and offers. They do charge, though, often based on a percentage of the sale price. It’s important to ask what’s included in their service and whether they’ll be actively involved in marketing your property.
Some sellers prefer online agents, while others try to sell privately. These routes can save money but often require more time and effort: you’ll have to handle enquiries, arrange viewings, and negotiate directly. It works well for some people, but it’s not for everyone.
Setting the Price Right
Price is one of the biggest factors in how quickly your property sells. Go too high, and you might not get much interest. Go too low, and you could be missing out on money. A good estate agent will look at similar properties in your area, recent sales, and current market demand to help guide your decision. You can also do some of your own research using property websites to see what’s being asked for homes like yours.
Keep in mind that buyers often try to negotiate, so some room should be left in your asking price for this. If your home stays on the market for a really long time without any interest, you may need to adjust the price or improve how it’s being marketed. For anyone looking to move quickly, working with experienced agents who specialise in Property Sales can help move things along.
What Happens Once You Accept an Offer
Once you receive and accept an offer, the process goes to a legal level, where your solicitor or conveyancer liaises with the buyer’s solicitor to process the sale by checking paperwork, handling contracts, and doing everything correctly. You also agree on a date to complete and hand over the keys.
Depending on the simplicity of the sale and whether or not you’re in a chain, it may take several weeks or even months to go from an offer to completion. It is beneficial in this period to be in constant contact with your solicitor and agent, as they will keep updating you and deal with issues that arise.