1. Do shop around before choosing an Estate Agent. The cheapest fees quoted will not necessarily be the best Agent for you. Nor will the Agent who has valued your Property the highest.
2. You should collect all relevant paperwork that the buyer might need such as guarantees or instructiuons and any correspondences you may have had with nieghbours or the Local Authority. You should give these to your Solicitors as soon as you can so we can check for any potential issues.
3. When selling a Property the term 'buyer beware' applies. You are not obliged to inform the Buyers of any physical defects. However, if you are asked you must be honest. If you misrepresent the condition of any appliance or electrical system or the state of the structure for example then the Buyer could sue you if what you have said turns out not to be true. You can state, if you do not know, if something works properly or not.
4. It is always better to be honest with your Buyer from the beginning about any disputes you have experienced or any problems you may have had with any neighbour for example. The Sellers Property Information will ask you for details. If you do not disclose these and they later come to light after the Buyer has completed then they could sue you for misrepresentation.
5. If you have made any alterations to the Property (such as new windows or a new boiler) or built an extension provide copies of any plans, Planning Permissions, or Building Regulations to you Solicitor at the beginning of the Process. Copies can always be obtained from the Local Authority but this will cost you money and could take a little time.
6. If you have had any significant structural problems with your Property which have been repaired or rectified provide the Buyer with copies of all reports you have had and copies of any receipts for work done. It is likely that these repairs will be picked up on the Buyers' Survey in any event and it is better to be open about what you have had done from the beginning.
7. If you are selling a leasehold Property then there is a lot more paperwork required by the Buyers' Solicitor. Give your Solicitor the contact details of your Landlord or Managing Agents as soon as possible so that they can obtain the leasehold information pack for you.
8. If you remove any shelves or other fixtures from the walls make sure that you repair any damage done to the walls. You are contracted to sell your Property in the state it was in at exchange of contracts so you will be responsible for repairing damage that occurs after this date and before completion.
9. Always make sure you take all your belongings with you on the day of completion. This includes removing any rubbish. If you leave things behind (including rubbish) then you are not giving vacant possession of the Property and the Buyer can refuse to complete until you have removed any offending items, or could sue you afterwards.
10. Never agree a completion date with the Buyer before you have spoken to your Solicitor. Sometimes the whole process can be very quick, but other times, because you are part of a chain or are selling a leasehold property for example, it can take longer.
11. Before you move out check the Fixtures and Fittings form you completed and make sure that you leave any items you stated you were leaving. The form is part of your contact of sale and so the Buyer is entitled to those items you have stated you are leaving.
12. Always use the Estate Agent. They are there to sell your Property, and therefore, will help in any way they can to do this. They can chase up the progress of the rest of the chain by calling the other Agents or Solicitors. Keys should be left with the Agent.
13. Keep your Solicitor informed of any specific queries or needs that you may have. If we know that you have particular requirements we will endeavour to ensure that these are met.
14. Lastly remain calm. Selling your house can be stressful but we are here to help as much as we can. Please call if you have any concerns, queries or worries- don't let them give you sleepless nights.
AND remember - on completion day, never hand the keys directly to the Buyer without checking with us.
If you would like any further information on selling your home or for a quotation
for conveyancing costs please contact Fiona Ashmead on 01284 716675
