Selling Your Property - Cheap Mortgage Deals

It is a fact that selling a property and moving house can be a stressful, expensive and frustrating time, so the whole process needs to be planned properly in order to minimise the pressures that come with the marketing and sale of a property.

The seller firstly needs to set themselves some sort of clear agenda with timescales and objectives. For instance, if the sale is because of a job relocation, there may be a greater emphasis on speed and setting a price on the low side may encourage quick results. However the object of the sale may be to raise sufficient funds to enable the purchase of a more expensive property. In these circumstances, obtaining the maximum price for the property becomes essential and the seller may have a longer wait until the asking price is met.

When selling any property, presentation is vital. Make sure the first sight of the property is attractive. Paintwork should be in good order and windows should be clean, paths swept and weed free, lawns cut and gardens tidy to create a favourable first impression.

Inside, cleanliness is important. Any DIY or decorating jobs should be completed and ideally, colour schemes should be neutral. Rooms should be uncluttered by childrens' toys or other unnecessary objects. Surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom must be sparkling clean and once again, uncluttered. Add some extra 'mood lighting' and a few vases of flowers and create a warm and comfortable environment.

The next stage is advertising the property. While you can sell a house privately, it is complicated and unless you have previous experience, you should use the services of a professional estate agent. Most estate agents charge a negotiable commission fee of between 1 and 2.5 percent of the sale price. Try to pick an estate agency that has its own website to maximise the advertising opportunity. You may also choose to employ more than one estate agent. This is called 'joint agency' and is more expensive, but it does achieve faster results.

When you begin to get viewings, make sure that they are by prior appointment only. This will allow you to prepare and make sure that the visitor sees your home at its best. Most estate agents prefer to be present during these viewings and will answer any questions.

An interested buyer will initially make an offer on your home. Your agent should have enquired into their circumstances and will have established if the person making the offer is in a position to proceed or whether they are part of a chain. You then have to decide whether or not to accept. Do not be in a hurry, particularly if your property has generated a lot of interest.

When you accept an offer, you are not at that stage under any obligation to sell. This only happens after you have exchanged contracts with the purchaser. It is advisable to employ a solicitor to conduct the legal side of the sale. You must agree on a completion date when you will have to move out to give vacant possession.

If you are buying a new property, you will have to coordinate the completion dates to avoid becoming temporarily homeless. Remember to notify your utility providers of your move and arrange to have your mail redirected.

Finally, on the day of completion, you will be told when the transaction has been finalised and you can hand over the keys to the new owners of your property.