Selling your home is an exciting and sometimes daunting process. There are many things to consider and numerous third parties to liaise with, it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to start. As property experts it is our job to enhance the excitement factor and reduce the stress. Here are our tips and guidance for what to expect when selling your home in Scotland.
What to consider before going on the market
- Is your property looking its best? Do you need to declutter or add a fresh coat of paint to any rooms. How is your garden looking, what time of year does it look at its best?
- Do you know what you are looking for in your next property, location, size, are you looking for a project, or do you want a house you can just move into.
- Do you need a mortgage; do you know how much you can borrow and therefore what value of property you can afford?
- Have you researched local estate agents and what they can offer you? Are you aware that not all estate agents are the same and agents such as Fine & Country offer an enhanced property service with bespoke property marketing specific to your property requirements along with highly experienced property agents working for you every step of the way.
What to look for in an estate agent?
Contrary to popular belief not all estate agents are the same. When searching for a property expert you want to look for an agent that has;
- Local property experience, a valuer who knows the Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders property market like the back of their hand
- In agent that has experience of selling property like yours, who knows and understands the complexities of a variety of property types and understands the Scottish sales and legal system.
- An agent that has built fantastic relationships with third party professionals such as solicitors, local surveyors and mortgage advisers who can advise and guide you on a fantastic team to assist with the sale of the property.
- An agent that has a strong team of experts on hand to guide you every step of the way from the first point of contact, to valuing the property through to negotiating and managing the sale, you need to know that the team working for you has your best interests at heart.
- An agent that can offer strong marketing capabilities. A sales strategy that offers more than just a Rightmove listing and a window card? Selling your home should involve a full suite of bespoke marketing.
Going on the market and receiving offers
An experienced and proactive agent will guide you on what to expect in the weeks following your property going on the market. In Scotland this does differ to the English process.
Once you have had your Home Report carried out by an independent surveyor and subsequently agreed the value and asking price of your property, it is time for your agent to pull together the marketing material for your property. This will include floorplans, an up-to-date EPC if your property needs one and photography. Once the property marketing is agreed the property can go live on the market.
Your agent should discuss how viewings will be managed, if they are doing them on your behalf or if you are happy to undertake some of these yourself. A good agent will vet all interested parties to ensure that only proceedable buyers view the property or at the very least motivated buyers.
Feedback will be collected after each viewing and if an offer is forthcoming your agent will liaise with you until an acceptable level is reached and a sale can be agreed.
Checklist for completion and moving day
- Both solicitors work together to ensure a smooth passage of ownership from seller to buyer in the implementation of the contract (the missives). Both work towards a date of entry, a date fixed in the missives. This event is referred to as a settlement of the transaction.
- The sellers’ solicitors has to produce proof of ownership, (title documents, or deeds) obtain a report from the Local Authority demonstrating that there are no matters of concern, or outstanding issues with the house.
- The purchaser’s solicitor has to ensure there is nothing to prevent the purchaser(s) achieving a good legal title to the property.
Whilst the solicitors ensure the legal aspect of the sale is underway. You need to organise the practical aspects, such as;
- Arranging a removal firm
- Advising change of address and arrange forwarding of post
- Cancelling all utilities
- And lastly looking forward to moving into your new home!
If you are thinking of selling your property or would like to discuss any of the matters above please do give the South Scotland team a call on 01387 460180.