Selling your house is one of life’s most stressful experiences, so what can you do to help sell your house?
To help you out, here’s a house-selling checklist with all the information you need to know about the process.
Table of Contents
How to sell a house?
Here is our tried and tested checklist:
1. Decide if you should sell?
Are you thinking of selling your home and buying another because you need more space? It may be worth looking into the cost of building an extension, converting the attic, or digging out the basement.
The costs of selling and buying can be high (especially with stamp duty), so it might save you money to expand your current home instead of moving.
If you’re considering downsizing, take a look at its pros and cons. Depending on your situation, you may be better off renting out your home rather than selling.
Consider the current market conditions when deciding if you should sell your house now. In a seller’s market, it is an easy decision, but in a buyer’s market, you might struggle to achieve the desired price.
2. Figure out your finances
Before selling your house, you’ll want to figure out a rough estimate of its worth. This will also help you calculate how much money will be left if you have a mortgage to pay off.
Look at your mortgage paperwork or speak to your lender to check if you will have to pay any early repayment charges for switching your mortgage to another lender or if you can take it with you to a new property called porting.
If you’re planning to move to a more expensive property or your mortgage deal is coming to an end, it’s a good time to get a better deal by re-mortgaging.
Initially, the figures will be approximate. You won’t know how much you will get for your sale, and you will only get an exact redemption figure for your mortgage once you have an agreed completion date after exchanging contracts.
3. Decide if you should rent a house next, rather than buy?
Selling your home and renting for a while can add to the overall expense, but it will reduce the time pressure when buying a new home.
You won’t have to accept a lower price for your sale and won’t be in a hurry to buy a new home. Selling your property and renting before buying will break the housing chain, which makes you a more attractive buyer.
As a cash buyer, you will be able to get a better deal on your next purchase.
If you want more information, look at our guide ‘Should I sell my home before I buy a new one?’ or ‘How to buy and sell at the same time’.
4. Choosing an estate agent
To help you sell your house is a big decision. You can choose to do it yourself, use a local estate agent, or opt for an online estate agent.
If you decide to use a local agent, research which one would be best for you. Consider how quickly they sell, their success rate, and whether they are likely to achieve your asking price. Always read their reviews and take a look at their social media profiles.
You can agree to incentivise your agent to sell your home fast.
Agree on a fee with the estate agent. Aim for 1% plus VAT if you appoint them as the sole agent. Alternatively, online estate agents are much cheaper, so review what they can offer and for what price.
Make sure to read your contract carefully when appointing an estate agent, as there are certain things to look out for. If you have the time and are willing to do the work, selling your home yourself without an estate agent can save you money.
5. Getting an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
EPC is a must when selling your home. This is a standardised document that ranks properties according to energy efficiency, and you need to provide one to potential buyers. You must have applied for an EPC before you list your home on the market.
6. Deciding how much to sell your home For Can Be difficult
Do your research and get to know the local market. Get multiple estate agents to give you valuations, but don’t necessarily pick the highest one. Agents will over-value your property to win your business.
Buyers will try to haggle a discount, so add 5-10% to the amount that you are willing to accept.
7. Get your home ready for sale
Home staging can help you sell your home faster and make it more valuable. Clear out the clutter, give it a fresh coat of light paint, take care of any small maintenance issues, and keep it clean.
Remember, the kerb appeal is important. According to a survey, more than 68% of homeowners said kerb appeal was important when choosing a home.
Check that the windows are in good condition, your roof is well-maintained, and there’s a neat front garden.
8. Hire a conveyancing solicitor
You’ll need to choose a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal matters connected to selling a property. Make sure you decide which firm you want to use before you agree to sell your house. You can only formally instruct them after you’ve accepted an offer.
Some solicitors offer a ‘no sale, no fee’ service so you don’t incur abortive legal fees if the buyer pulls out. Or you can agree to fixed legal costs upfront so that you know how much you will owe them.
9. Fill out the relevant questionnaires
You will need to fill out various forms, questionnaires, and documents to give the buyer all the information about the property and the sale.
10. Accept an offer
You’ve received an offer – congratulations! By law, the estate agent must pass all offers on to you. Before you accept, take a look at the different types of buyers and how to deal with their offers.
If you’re unhappy with the offer, you can reject it, wait to see if a better offer comes along, or ask the estate agent to try to negotiate it. Once you’re happy with an offer, formally accept it.
Remember, accepting an offer isn’t legally binding, and you can change your mind or accept a higher offer later – this is called gazumping. Just keep in mind that this can be upsetting for the buyer.
11. Negotiate the draft contract
You and the buyer will need to decide on the length of time between exchange and completion (usually 7-28 days after the exchange of contracts), what fixtures and fittings will be included and how much the buyer will pay for them, as well as any discounts due to problems flagged up by the survey.
12. Exchange contracts
Once you and the buyer exchange contracts, you become legally committed to selling the property, and they become legally committed to buying it from you.
If you pull out after this without due reason, the buyer’s deposit will be returned to them, and you may be sued. If you need more information on the details of the process, just ask! Don’t forget to keep buildings and contents insurance until the sale is completed.
13. Move out
You can move out whenever you like, including on the day of completion. To make things less stressful, it’s best to move out beforehand if possible (if you have somewhere to go!).
On the day of completion, the property must be in the condition agreed in the contract, including all the fixtures and fittings.
The buyer and estate agent may come around between your moving out and completion to check everything is in place. Get removal quotes and plan your move.
14. Complete the sale
Completion is when the property changes ownership. You will receive money via bank account and hand over the keys. It takes place on a previously agreed date and usually at midday.
On the day of completion, the money is transferred, and any deeds for the property are transferred between each side’s solicitor or conveyancer. Your solicitor/conveyancer will register the transfer of ownership with the Land Registry.
15. Pay off the mortgage
The mortgage company will have given you and your conveyancing solicitor a precise redemption figure (outstanding amount) for your mortgage for the day of completion.
When the buyer has transferred the money to your conveyancing solicitor, they will pay off the mortgage for you.
16. Paying the conveyancing solicitor and estate agent
Once the conveyancing process is complete, your conveyancing solicitor will provide you with an invoice detailing all their fees, disbursements, the sale price of the property and the redemption of the mortgage.
If you are buying and selling simultaneously, the solicitor can handle the transactions concurrently, including paying the stamp duty for the house you are purchasing.
The conveyancing solicitor will make sure that the transfer of ownership is registered with the Land Registry.
It is possible that there may be a slight discrepancy, and you may even receive a refund
Getting Your 'Ducks in a Row'
Make sure you have everything in order to get the sale going when you need to. If you price your property correctly, you might find offers coming in faster than anticipated.
Once you and the buyer have agreed to the sale, working with an experienced conveyancing solicitor and a proactive buyer should help ensure that things progress according to your timeline.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
As clear as day, ensure that your home is well-presented. A welcoming abode creates a strong emotional connection that people will remember, especially as they compare it to other properties.
This can help you secure a buyer and reach your desired timeframe for selling.
Creating the Right Environment
Some estate agents believe that people make their decision about a property within the first 10 seconds of seeing it.
As a seller, you can create a positive first impression by welcoming potential buyers as they approach the home. This will help to trigger a positive subconscious reaction.
A 'Spick and Span' House
It is evident that a ‘deep clean’ of the property is essential before putting it on the market. This involves thoroughly cleaning every corner and detail to make the home look as attractive as possible. Aim for a simple and organised appearance.
This will help potential buyers focus on the offer they are planning to make instead of any other distractions!
The 'Little Touches'
The smaller, often overlooked details can make your property stand out in the market. Fix that leaky tap.
Ensure your viewing process runs as smoothly as possible by making a great impression.
Presenting Your Kitchen
The kitchen is likely to be one of the most scrutinised areas of any home. Your goal is to demonstrate that it is a fully functional space where people can congregate, cook delicious meals, and unwind.
Over time, it is easy for a kitchen to become run-down, but there are some simple steps you can take to make a good impression.
Presenting Your Bathroom
Most buyers will want to see that the bathroom is in perfect working order. Ensure all necessary repairs are made beforehand to avoid any issues with wear and tear. Presenting a fresh and clean bathroom should be your priority.
Marketing Your Property in the Best Way
Make sure you are advertising your property in the right places. You’ll need to ensure that your property is up for sale on Rightmove. Other portals are available, but they don’t get as much traffic.
Ensure your photos are of professional quality. This will make your property stand out and attract serious buyers.
Think of all the features and improvements you have made and what made you fall in love with it. If your home is near a great school, then this is worth mentioning. This will help write a compelling description.
Ensure your estate agent is quick to follow-up on any viewing requests.
Still Can’t Sell Your House?
If you haven’t been able to sell your home and now need a quick sale, we can help.
Here’s what makes us different:
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
