HELPFUL GUIDE WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

You may find this guide of value if you haven't sold a property independently before. It covers before and after exchange of contracts and completion (moving) day:

Before Exchange Of Contracts

Initially

Arrange for a valuation of your property. Act on any advice given regarding preparing your property for sale, Hall And Partners offer free valuations and advice as a service to you.

Funding your sale

Having decided on an asking price for your property, ensure that you will have sufficient funds to cover the following; legal fees and expenses, surveys and valuation fees for your next home, any arrangement fees, commissions, removal expenses, as well as the difference between the net amount of the sale price and any outstanding mortgage monies. Remember to allow for the first new mortgage repayment, also in the case of leasehold property, a proportion of the ground rent and service charges and if you do not currently hold an account in your name then deposits for gas and electricity accounts too.

Find a Mortgage

If necessary, find out how large a mortgage you can afford and who will give you the most appropriate deal. Hall And Partners experienced and impartial mortgage advisors are here to help - at no cost to you.

Mortgage Offer

Ensure you are happy with the terms of your written mortgage offer and that you have returned the mortgage acceptance forms.

Find a Solicitor

A critical stage is picking the right solicitor. A good one will be responsible and steer you through the sometimes lengthy process of conveyancing. We at Hall And Partners will be happy to advise.

Sale Inclusions

Arrange with your solicitor for a legal document to be prepared itemising exactly what you intend to leave or exclude from the sale.

Viewing

Your Estate Agent will arrange for people to view your house at a mutually convenient time. If required, they can also show round the interested parties to minimize inconvenience to you.

Evaluation and Negotiation

Discuss with your Estate Agent the merits of rival bids for your home and negotiate with your chosen buyer for a final price.

Arrange a Survey of Your Next Home

A property survey will provide you with information about the actual state of your intended purchase. We at Hall & Partners can advise you on what sort of survey you require.

Deposit and Money

Ensure that the deposit you need to pay the seller is with solicitors and cleared ready for exchange of contracts. Also, you must make sure that the rest of the money needed for completion (including all costs and expenses) is totally within your control (not in someone else's account and not needing any notice which might mean it could not be released in time for completion).

Home Insurance

Make sure your buildings insurance is in order, normally with effect from exchange of contracts.

Removals

Make provisional arrangements for removals to check costs, transit insurance details and availability for the date you hope to move. Do not make a firm booking until contracts have been exchanged.

After Exchanging Contracts

Confirm Removal Arrangements

If you are simultaneously selling your existing home and buying your new home, make sure your removal company is made aware that you need to be out by about 1 p.m. at the latest.

Keys

Arrange meeting with the buyers to collect keys (if possible) or have them left at the Estate Agent's office for collection.

Notify:

• your change of address in writing to all credit card companies (including any credit card insurers), clubs/gyms, book/record clubs, bank, DVLC (driving licence), vehicle registration department, TV licence, life insurance and pension policy companies, your employer, savings account holders, financial consultant and accountant.
• gas, electricity, water, home insurance, local authority, home deliveries (newspapers, milk etc.) and telephone services of the date you are moving and make arrangements for services to be functional in your new property on the day of completion.

Arrange:

• electricity, gas, telephone and water meter readings in your existing home.
• with the post office to have mail forwarded from date of moving.
• your doctor/dentist for transfer of your records to a doctor/dentist in your new area.
• packing and labeling of your house contents (unless your removal company is doing this) and defrost your fridge/freezer.
• Organize a survival kit for the day of the move, include essentials like a kettle, tea/coffee etc.

Completion (moving) day:

• Switch off main services such as gas, electricity and water and leave a note for buyers showing how and where services can be switched on.
• Supervise the removal men loading your contents on the removal van.
• Make sure you have the keys of your new home.
• Visit your new property and complete a quick check to ensure everything is in order and the items, fixtures and fittings agreed to be left there have been. Check all the meters and take note of the readings just in case anything goes wrong on any future bills.