The Seller's Guide

How to Sell your property?

Show your house off to its full potential - Remember first impressions count

• You want your house to stand out from the crowd
• Try to ensure that the rooms are light and bright
• A clean environment - tidy rooms, made beds, clean bathrooms, fresh flowers will all encourage a potential buyer
• Declutter - buyers want to see space not a room full of possessions. This is a good time to have a clear out!!
• The kitchen - is it the hub of the family, where all generations can meet?
• Do the rooms need updating? Be honest could the rooms be improved or benefit from some DIY? Cracks in the walls, peeling wallpaper? - It is time to sort out these areas before your house is advertised
• Tidy the garden does the front of the house look shabby, does it need a lick of paint?

Market Appraisal

You need an up to date market appraisal. Smith Melzack will provide a free, no obligation market appraisal. We can meet you at your property at a time that best suits you.

To book a free market appraisal please submit a request here

Choose your Estate Agent

Smith Melzack with over 40 years of experience can market your property. We will listen to your requirements and always offer you care and attention. We will use our experience to negotiate the best offer for you.

'Our local knowledge sets us apart'

Choose a Solicitor

Consider recommendations from friends and family.
We work with independent law firms who specialise in the buying and selling of property in the area. Please ask the office for details.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Prior to putting your property on the market, it is a legal requirement to have an EPC carried out. Smith Melzack can help you to arrange to have an EPC produced. Please ask for details

Money Laundering Regulations 2007

As estate agents Smith Melzack is legally obliged to ask you for proof of your identity and proof of your address. Passports and driving licence or similar as proof of identity and utility bills or a recent mortgage statement as proof of address. We will require sight of all original documents and take copies.

Conduct Viewings

We will agree the best viewing times always with your requirements in mind.

• Remember to set the scene for potential buyers. Candles, flowers all add to the ambience of the property. Ensure that the house is warm and inviting, if it is cold outside put the heat on.
• If you are around potential buyers may have questions - are the neighbours friendly? How warm is the property in winter?

Offers

Smith Melzack will advise you of all offers that have been made. It is your decision whether you accept an offer. Remember it is your property and you decide which offer, if any is right for you. It is not necessarily the highest bid that will meet your requirements.

You may also consider the following

• Timescale - how quickly/slowly will the sale proceed
• Can the potential buyer afford the property?
• You may request evidence from the mortgage lender
• Is there a chain? Is the potential buyer also selling a property? Will this hold up the chain?

Once the offer has been accepted Smith Melzack will contact your solicitor

Exchange and Completion

You have accepted the offer, what next?

• Your solicitor will prepare a draft contract of sale, provide copies of the property title deeds or leasehold documentation
• The buyer's solicitor will review all documents and raise any questions if necessary.
• Your solicitor will also provide detailed information in response to any queries from the buyer's solicitor. Your solicitor will also arrange for preparation, approval and signing of all property transfer documents
• Prior to exchange all parties will ensure finances are in order

In the event of satisfactory responses being received, a local search will be carried out, a copy of the mortgage documents will be handed over and both the buyer and the seller will sign the contract. The buyer will provide a deposit cheque to the buyer's solicitor usually between 5-10% of the purchase price.

• The Exchange of Contracts is legally binding between the buyer and the seller.

The completion date can be any time up to 28 days after the date of exchange a date to be agreed by both parties - this is the point where funds are transferred from the buyer to the seller.

Prior to Completion remember to organise:

• Removal van
• Building/Contents insurance
• Transfer of utilities

The Completion day can be stressful especially if you are in a chain, but at the end of the process your property will be sold CONGRATULATIONS. We at Smith Melzack are happy to have helped you in the sale of your property