Steps to Sale:
There are many steps between deciding to sell and completing your sale. If you haven’t sold a property before, you may be unsure what’s involved. It’s quite a journey, so let Next Step Estates guide you through it.
1.
Book a rental valuation
We’ll visit your property, take a look around, then sit down with you to understand what you want to achieve. With our local knowledge, we can give you an honest view of your expectations straight away.
We may ask about ownership and tenure – whether the property is freehold or leasehold and, if leasehold, the lease length, ground rent and service charges. Don’t worry if you can’t answer everything at this stage.
2.
Receive our appraisal
We’ll send you our written valuation and confirm our fee, payable only if we sell your property. If you’re happy, you instruct Next Step Estates as your agent and provide us with a set of keys for viewings. We’ll also carry out the standard ID checks required by law.
3.
Get market ready
We’ll arrange professional photographs, a floor plan and, where it helps, a video tour – all free of charge. We’ll send you tips to make your property look its best.
You’ll also need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing begins; we’re happy to arrange one for you.
4.
Go Live
We market your property as widely as possible, on Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket, in our office window and on social media.
5.
Viewings
Every viewing is accompanied by a member of our team. You’re welcome to be there or not – all we ask is that the property is as presentable as possible.
Expect a busy start followed by a quieter spell that’s completely normal. A second viewing is a good sign. A third viewing (often with a builder in tow) is a very good sign.
6.
Receiving offers
Someone makes an offer! There’s usually a period of negotiation, and we’ll always work hard to achieve the best price for you.
Don’t be surprised if the first offer seems low – that’s normal. We’ll tell you about every offer and advise you on your options.
7.
Accepting an offer
Great news – but it’s still a little early to celebrate. We’ll confirm the sale in writing to both sides’ solicitors (the “memorandum of sale”).
8.
The conveyancing period
This is the stage between accepting an offer and exchanging contracts, and it’s where we really earn our fee. It can also be the most stressful part of selling, so we’ll do everything we can to take that stress off you.
You and your buyer will each need a solicitor or conveyancer; we can recommend one. Unless your buyer is paying cash, their lender will send a surveyor to confirm the property is worth what they’re lending.
Your solicitor will send you forms to complete, and we’re here to help with them. Your buyer’s solicitor may raise questions too. We’ll chase everyone involved to keep things moving.
9.
Exchange of contracts
Once everyone is happy, contracts are exchanged and the sale becomes legally binding. Now you can start celebrating.
A buyer who pulls out after exchange usually loses their deposit (typically 10% of the price), so it rarely happens.
A completion date is agreed at exchange.
10.
Completion
The sale is complete. The buyer’s money reaches your solicitor’s client account and we hand the keys to the new owners. Your solicitor pays off your mortgage (if you have one), their fee, our fee and any other charges, then transfers the balance to you. Congratulations!
