Selling Guide

So, you’re thinking of selling? There’s no denying it's a big step, that's why edwards have put together this invaluable step by step guide to give you clear no-nonsense advice.

1. The Valuation

Market appraisal

We visit your home and assess its true value based on comparable evidence. An accurate valuation is critical - anyone can propose a very high valuation for example, but the only valuation worth having is the right one. And that means one that is based on knowledge of the area, comparable properties, experience of the current market and a real understanding of the true condition and features of your home. A valuation should also of course reflect your personal timescales for moving and situation.

Introduction of a marketing package

Effective marketing, knowledgeable staff and strong negotiating skills combine to ensure that the marketing of your property will be second to none. Marketing will take the form of any, or a combination of, the following:

  • Local press and magazine advertising
  • Prominent window displays to showcase your property to potential buyers
  • Wide angle internal and external photographs ensure that your property is presented in the best possible light
  • Mailing and phoning out
  • Vibrant 'For Sale' boards to compliment the marketing effort
  • The Internet, via the UK's biggest property portals.

Discussion of fees

We talk through our fee structure with you.

edwards terms

We will talk through our terms of contract with you so you are aware of your obligations.

2. Preparing to go on the market

Home details obtained.

We will visit you to collect detailed information about your home so that we can present your home in the best possible way. This will include taking photographs, room dimensions, floor plans (where applicable) and recording any special features.

Instruct a Solicitor

This is a good time to think about who will deal with the sale of your home so that all the necessary documentation can be prepared. For added peace of mind, we can recommend Solicitors that have in depth experience.

Prepare your home for viewing

Making the most of your home is essential to ensure potential buyers see your home in the best possible light. Here are some of Edwards top tips you should always consider before putting your house on the market.

  • Create a good first impression - clean windows, freshen up external paint work - especially your front door, replace tarnished house numbers, clear paths and mow any grass.
  • Junk or not to junk? This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter - it reflects our memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn't sell homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized, so always de-clutter and make the most of your space by packing away unnecessary items and pieces of furniture.
  • Create a comfortable ambience – make sure your home is clean and tidy and if viewing at night use lamps and soft lighting
  • Neutralise - neutral colours sell. It's a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality.
  • Who's your target market – speak to your edwards home advisor about what features your target market will look for in a home and adjust your property accordingly. We take time to understand where buyers look for quality properties and the characteristics of your home that will interest them most.

3. On the market

Marketing of your home

After receiving a signed terms of business from you, we will immediately begin marketing your home to get your property noticed until a sale is agreed or until you tell us to stop. Our computerised record of every buyer and their specific requirements is consulted, and any potential buyer who matches your home is contacted immediately. For details of the marketing campaigns that we will use to attract the most likely purchasers, please see the ‘Introduction of a marketing package’ section above.

Property viewings

Us or you? It’s a question we get asked all the time, there are of course pro and cons for both but if you would like us to carry out the viewings edwards operate a 6-day working week and will arrange for viewings to be made at your convenience. We will then report back to you with comprehensive feedback after each and every viewing.

If you feel comfortable to show people round then here are our top 5 tips to keep in mind:

  1. Always bring people in through the front door.
  2. Give the buyer(s) some space and introduce each room allowing the buyer to walk in first.
  3. Answers any questions honestly as any omissions may come back to haunt you later on in the sale process.
  4. Always take the buyers out into the garden (if applicable and obviously weather permitting).
  5. Once you have shown the buyers round ask them if they would like to have another look on their own. Remember that they are probably choosing their future home, so don’t try to rush them.

We will also provide you with weekly updates on the marketing of your home and you’ll be able to access your own marketing report on-line using your very own unique login identity.

Offers

We will negotiate the best possible price for you and notify you verbally and then in writing when offers are made. We also assess a buyer’s suitability to purchase your home in order to reduce problems occurring later in the selling cycle.

4. Securing a sale

Memorandum of Sale

Once you have agreed to accept an offer on your home we will produce a Memorandum of Sale and send this to all parties and Solicitors involved to get the sale moving as quickly as possible.

Sales Chasing

We keep in constant contact with both Solicitors and update you regularly to ensure that any queries and information is processed without delay.

5. Exchange of Contracts

Once the legal teams are satisfied with the contract, inquiries and searches, your buyers Solicitor will receive their Mortgage Offer and you will be ready to exchange contracts, which legally binds both you and the buyer into the sale. A date for Completion will also be set.

6. Completion

Congratulations! This is the day you will receive all monies and your buyer receives the keys to their new home.

Selling with Us

We are experts at selling your house for you. Find out more..