Selling Process

Pitching the price of your property correctly is a skill. Too high and you won’t receive any interest. Too low and the property sells for much less than it is worth. An accurate valuation pulls together information from several resources: The cosmetic, general and structural condition and future potential of the property, the prices achieved for similar properties in the area. This information is reviewed and an appropriate asking price is offered to you.

Selecting the perfect estate agent to represent your interest is most important. Sound local knowledge, well trained highly motivated staff; clear, fair terms of business, a competitive fee structure and a proven history of sealing deals should be high on your list of priorities. The agent that gives you the highest valuation is not always the best for you. Our staff are trained to an exceptionally high standard so you can rely on us.

A Home Report and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be obtained in order to sell your property. We can instruct our local surveyor to carry out the Home Report. They will arrange to visit the property at a time to suit you.

The Home Report comprises four separate documents.

1.The Single Survey
This is a report on the general condition of the property and will specifically comment on the condition of the buildings’ components such as walls, roofs, floors, windows, gutters, etc. The report will also comment on the services (although these will not be tested) and outbuildings. Each component will be given a conditional rating (1)-satisfactory to (3)-essential work required. A valuation of the property in its current condition will also be provided together with a sum for Building Insurance purposes.

2. Energy Report
This is also carried out by the Chartered Surveyor and provides an Energy Performance Certificate which rates the energy efficiency of the house, provides an estimate for the annual energy costs and provides recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the property.

3. Mortgage Valuation Certificate
This is a document which provides a summary of the information in the Single Survey and is an indication to a Bank or Building Society how the surveyor would report to a lender for mortgage purposes.

4. Property Questionnaire
This is a document which is completed by the current owner and provides information on the property which only the owner will know. This includes such things as alterations, central heating service plans, planning permission, Rights of Way, council tax bands, parking facilities, property liabilities and any other issues which they are aware of, which a new owner should be made aware of.

The Home Report remains valid until such time as the property is sold as long as the property is continually marketed. If the property takes longer than 3 months to sell then you may be asked to update or “replace” the Home Report so that it can still be used by the purchaser’s mortgage provider. A “Replacement” Home Report must be carried out by the original surveying firm and will typically cost in the region of £150.

This is a document which is completed by the current owner and provides information on the property which only the owner will know. This includes such things as alterations, central heating service plans, planning permission, Rights of Way, council tax bands, parking facilities, property liabilities and any other issues which they are aware of, which a new owner should be made aware of.

The Home Report remains valid until such time as the property is sold as long as the property is continually marketed. If the property takes longer than 3 months to sell then you may be asked to update or “replace” the Home Report so that it can still be used by the purchaser’s mortgage provider. A “Replacement” Home Report must be carried out by the original surveying firm and will typically cost in the region of £150.

You will need to decide who will do your conveyancing. If you don’t have a solicitor already, we can put you in touch with our trusted local solicitor. Conveyancing is the term used to describe the legal process you must go through when buying or selling a home. Conveyancing can be done by a solicitor. Find out what their fees are, what other legal costs are involved and when these are payable.

Prospective buyers will come to view your property, by appointment through the estate agent. Ensure your home is tidy and clean. De-clutter where possible and if desired take down any personal photographs for viewings – it makes the property less personal to you and more of a blank canvas for those looking around.

To find the right buyer your property needs maximum exposure across a wide range of media. We offer a range of important marketing benefits which will aid in getting you the best possible price.

To raise the profile of your property we always recommend these following methods:

Erecting a For Sale board – This is one of the most effective ways to advertise and attract buyers to your property. They really do work and they advertise your property 24 hours every day.

Direct marketing – We will contact any prospective purchasers who are known to us and inform them of your property within minutes of receiving your instructions. Any details will be sent via any methods of communication including emails and SMS alerts. Targeting a direct market of applicants ensures we don’t get time wasters.

Website and property portals – Our website is updated instantly and full details of your home will be placed as soon as details have been approved. In addition to advertising on our website, we advertise through national property portals, giving your property exposure to thousands of potential buyers.

LAWRIE Estate Agents believe that flexible opening times are essential to maximize viewing opportunities for your home. We know that our customers need to work around their usual daily commitments, resulting in a large number of our clients viewing after work or at weekends.Clients are welcome to do their own viewings however accompanied viewings allow us to share our expert knowledge on your property to achieve competitive offers.

All offers will be reported both verbally and in writing and we will check all offers for conditions attached, at this time we have also been informed of the purchasers financial position which is extremely important and ensures a smooth completion of sale. In the case of multiple offers, we will advise you on the best course of action. We will always try to achieve the best possible price for your home and act in your best interests throughout the transaction.

At the point of a sale being agreed, we will liaise with both your solicitor and the buyer’s solicitor and prepare the memorandum of sale and we will write to all parties confirming the agreed details of the sale.

Your solicitor will request the title deeds from the lender (if appropriate). The solicitor will prepare the draft contract, which details the terms of the sale, and send it to the buyers’ solicitor together with all relevant documents. The buyer’s solicitor will then start the preliminary checks. The Title Deeds will be checked and local searches carried out.

Completion occurs (normally 6 – 8 weeks) when all outstanding legalities have been completed and the balance of funds are transferred to your solicitor. The solicitor will let you know when this has happened and will inform us so that we can release the keys.