In this article, Oliver answers a question from a seller. And the answer is...
A: Your estate agent will advertise your house, make sure that the details are seen by potential buyers and arrange and attend viewing appointments but yes, there are a few things you can do to help the process to a speedy completion with minimal stress...
- Presentation for viewings - Generally speaking, a well-presented house smells fresh and is clean and tidy with worktops free of washing up, etc. Your agent may advise you on specific points to take it a little further – perhaps with some de-cluttering or a little redecoration – it is of course up to you to put this advice into action.
- Leave viewings to the agents – Try to be out when viewings take place. It may be useful for prospective purchasers to know how easy the neighbours are to get along with, but owners also tend to point out things they would change if they were to stay, which can then come across as negative however unintended or well-meant.
- Instruct a solicitor/conveyancer as soon as possible. This way, any pre-sale paperwork can be done in preparation so once a buyer is found it’ll be all systems go for the quickest possible transaction timescale.
- Your solicitor/conveyancer will need some documents from you, so dig out and gather together information such as proof of identities, guarantees and details of work carried out at the property, paperwork on issues such as subsidence and additional insurances, etc. The earlier your legal representative has these, the earlier they can start to prepare the necessary legal documents for a sale.
- Reading and responding quickly to requests from lenders, legal companies and estate agents will help things move along swiftly.
- And if you plan to use a removal company, get quotes early on – the last thing you want is to have to rush around at the last minute to find a removal company, only to find that you’ve been charged over the odds!
If you'd like to ask Oliver a question, message us, email us or give us a call!
