From Listing to Leaving: Navigating Your Home Sale Through Six Critical Steps: Step 1: Going on the Market:

Before you can begin showcasing your property to potential buyers through your chosen real estate agent, there are several key steps and documents you need to prepare.

Finalising Your Agreement with the Agent:

• Agree on Pricing and Services: Review and agree on the valuation and the range of services your agent will offer. It’s crucial to understand the terms of business you’re signing off on to know exactly what your commitments are.

• Identity Verification: For both security purposes and to adhere to Anti-Money Laundering regulations, you'll need to provide proof of identity. This usually means handing over a photo ID like a driver's license or passport, along with a utility bill or similar document to verify your address.

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Most properties need a current EPC to be marketed legally. Check if you already have a valid EPC (they last for 10 years), or arrange for your agent to obtain one for you. Note that listed or protected properties may be exempt.
  

Considerations for Marketing Materials:

• Sale Board Permissions: If your home is part of a leasehold property or is located in an area with restrictions on sale boards, make sure to verify what’s permissible.

• Online Presentation Matters: The digital listing of your property is often the first impression potential buyers will get.
  

• Ensure you have a selection of 6 to 7 high-quality photos, including an exterior shot of the property, taken on a bright day, ideally by a professional.

• Avoid seasonally themed photos that could date the listing, such as holiday decorations.

• Focus on images that showcase the property, not personal items or furniture.

• Include a detailed description of your home, complete with room dimensions and a floor plan to give viewers a clear understanding of the space.

• Personal items, especially family photos, should be kept out of view in listing photos!

Providing Comprehensive Information to Your Agent: The more details your agent has about your property, the more effectively they can market it. Be prepared to discuss and provide information on:

• Financial Obligations: Details of council tax, utility bills, and insurance costs.

• For Leasehold Properties: Information on service charges, payment intervals, the efficacy of the managing agent, lease duration, and upcoming major works.

• Building Works: Any recent construction, necessary permissions, standard compliance certificates, and guarantees should be documented and shared.

• Property Safety: Ensure all electrical, heating, and any other relevant installations have up-to-date certificates, including when the boiler was last serviced or chimneys were swept.
  

By meticulously preparing and providing this information to your agent, you enhance your property’s appeal to potential buyers and streamline the marketing process, setting the stage for a successful sale. Contact us for a free valuation.

Written by Veera Josey, 13th February 2024