How to Sell my House in 6 easy steps

Step 1 Selling a house in the UK > Step 2 Taking Photographs > Step 3 Plan viewings > Step 4 Negotiation > Step 5 Accepting an offer >  Step 6 Completing the sale

Step 1 Selling a house in the UK

All properties sold in the UK, apart from Scotland where the whole process is simpler and faster, follow the same basic steps for purchasing a property. The amount of time this takes can vary considerably, but usually it takes about two to three months.

Selling a house in the UK , apart from in Scotland which is generally far easier, a general procedure leading up to the sale is as follows.

1) Vendor (Seller) puts property on the market. A 'For Sale' board is erected.

2) Viewings are conducted of the property with potential buyers.

3) An offer is put forward, often after some negotiation this is accepted by the Vendor.

4) Confirmation is sent to both the Vendor and Buyer stating the agreed price.

5) The 'For Sale' board is changed to 'Sold'.

6) New buyer arranges mortgage, this may be arranged in principle already.

7) New Buyer arranges a survey to be carried out on the property. This is normally done by the mortgage lender.

8) Vendor's solicitor prepares a 'draft' contract with proof of ownership. Vendor carries out a 'fixtures and fittings' list and returns to solicitor.

9) Searches with local authorities are carried out by New Buyer's solicitor.

11) New Buyer signs their new mortgage agreement.

12) New Buyer's solicitor checks draft contract, authority searches and other relevant documents.

13) Contracts are exchanged and the New Buyer pays a deposit - usually a percentage of the agreed price.

14) Completion. The New Buyer's solicitor sends the balance of the purchase to the Vendor's solicitor. Keys can be collected and you are free to enter property.

Step 2 Taking photographs

Potential buyers sometimes make an instant decision, based on photographs. Therefore it is worth making every photograph count to present your house to its highest potential.

Try to take three or four photos of each room and select the best one.

Ensure you have plenty of light so the pictures come out clear. If indoors try using the flash.

Garden
A nice day is worth waiting for. Pictures always look more welcoming than a photo taken on a grey overcast day.

Clear the garden of children's toys and clutter.

Keep the driveway clear. Move cars away while you take some pictures of the house.

Loose the wheelie bin.

Arrange the patio furniture to give idea of living space and cut the grass.

Inside
Take some pictures at different angles to show the space available.

Each room should be clutter free. So remove it for the purpose of the photographs.

Family photographs and personal items should be removed including children's toys.

Why use a board?
A 'For Sale' board is a great marketing tool that should utilised to the full.

Potential buyers sometimes walk or drive around an area of interest, a board outside your property will show them you are on the market with 'Our Property Move' so they can find more information.

Flats
In most cases, boards are generally allowed to be erected either in the window or in the grounds. We do advise you check with your lease agreement.

Step 3 Plan for your viewings

Most potential buyers arrange a viewing of a property before they place an offer forward, although developers are sometimes confident enough to do so.

It is therefore essential to organise the house well entice buyers.  

Wow Factor
The first impression is the most important. If your property gives the 'Wow Factor' this will have a lasting effect on the buyers and they will take this away with them. Curb appeal will draw the buyers to the door so tidy driveways and well kept gardens will help make the property inviting and give a good impression.  

Décor
Always try and create light and space to a room. Avoid any dark colours and personal taste gives the buyer a chance to see the potential of your home. Painting over any scratches and dull woodwork can give a fresh feel.  

Pets
Try to keep any pets out of the way while conducting the viewing. Some people are allergic to animals and some just dislike them so it is worth leaving the dog outside until you have finished.  

Tidy Up
Most households gather junk over the years and it is a great idea to remove clutter before showing potential buyers around. Removing large furniture and pictures can make an enormous difference to the layout of a property. Potential buyers are not interested in your family pictures and football trophies so clear them away and give room for contemporary furnishings.  

Small Talk
This could be your buyer so take an interest in asking questions and their answers. Explain your moving position and ask theirs. Do not rush a potential buyer they may have seen more than one property that day so give them some space to have a good look around.

Bedrooms
A freshly made bed can make a room feel more spacious and pleasant. Avoid dirty clothes on the floor and ensure it smells fresh and clean.  

Revisits
It is general procedure for the potential buyer to visit more than once. Let them walk around at their own pace, most already have an idea of what they wish to take a second look at. Sometimes they wish to check space for furniture so ensuring the house clear of clutter will enable them to imagine the space available.

Questions
For most potential buyers this is the biggest purchase they will ever make so try and give clear and honest answers to any questions they may have. Let them ask you, try not to get nervous and simply offer your own knowledge of your property. It is against the law to give false information to a buyer.

The offer
Setting the price of your property slightly higher will give room for any negotiations. Market forces will determine any flexibility in the asking price so be aware of other properties in the area. Find out about the buyers position in terms of any mortgage required and moving time scale. First time buyers have less baggage than a family if they have to sell their own property to finance yours. Once you are clear on their circumstances you can consider their offer with clear judgement.  

Bottom line
Most vendors already have price in mind that they wish to achieve from the sale of their property. Be clear minded when considering any offers put forward. Take into consideration that Our Property Move does NOT charge any agency fees once an offer is accepted.  

Conditions
Most buyers will state conditions of sale, be it time scale or fixtures and fittings left behind by yourself. Some buyers already have their own appliances and furniture but if they are integrated into the room normally they are left behind.

Step 4 Negotiation

Negotiating on price is general procedure when buying or selling a property. Some people feel confident when it comes to putting forward and offer but some are intimidated. Our Property Move allows you to put an offer forwards in a way that suits you, either by post, email or telephone. Simply remember a house is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.

By planning ahead you will already know what your bottom line is and your idea price. Take into consideration the potential buyer's position and respond with a yes or no. They will often place a low offer to get a reaction from you first.  

Our Property Move allows you to negotiate with the potential buyer and sometimes this can save time and any conditions can be noted and forwarded to your solicitor instantly.

Step 5 Accepting an offer

Once an offer has been accepted a 'memorandum of sale' should be sent to both the buyer and seller. The memorandum should include the following:

• sale price
• any conditions of sale
• the sellers name and address
• the buyers name and address
• solicitor details for both buyer and seller
• proposed exchange and completion dates

This can be done during a visit at the property so that any conditions of sale can be arranged. Your solicitor will do the rest so don't worry too much. The most important thing is to have an agreed price.

Step 6 Completing the sale

This area is completed by each party's solicitors. Any documents will be sent to you for signing and you will be kept informed on the proceedings generally by letter. The date to exchange contracts is agreed by both parties and a completion date set. Once both contracts are exchanged and the completion date arrives only hand over your keys once instructed by your solicitor.