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First time sellers guide

If you are selling a property for the first time, you may not know what to expect and with so much to consider to ensure everything runs smoothly, the process can appear a little daunting.

Our helpful guide provides a check list to get you started, so you have an idea of what to expect.
 

How do I get a property valuation?

Finding out how much your property is worth is an important first step. A property valuation should be carried out by an experienced local estate agent who will be able to provide an expert valuation and discuss market conditions, comparable properties sold and marketing plans. Alongside providing a valuation of your home, most agents should then outline their selling fees. Be sure to show all the things you love about your home.

Here at JNP, we will listen to understand your goals, timescales, and priorities to shape our advice. This is an important first step in achieving the best possible price for your home and getting you moving. 

How much does it cost to sell?

Once you have an accurate valuation of your home, it's a great time to make a list of all the approximate costs you may have during the selling process. Budgeting carefully from the start helps to avoid nasty surprises further down the line.

Costs you may need consider include:

  • Estate agent's selling fees

  • Conveyancer's legal fees

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

  • Removal costs

  • Mail redirect

These are costs related to the sale of your property, and there will also likely be other costs associated with purchasing or renting your next home, so remember to include them too.

How will my property be made market ready?

Once you have agreed on the guide price and instructed your local agent to sell your home, they should then come out and take professional imagery for use within the marketing brochure and online portals. Floorplans will also usually be made at the same time. If required, an EPC should also be arranged by the agent.

Take a look at our top tips on how to get your home ready for photographs.

View Preparing your home for sale guide

What is property marketing?

This is how your property is marketed by your chosen agent and will include the marketing materials such as imagery, property tours and videos and floorplans. It will also include how your property is marketed including the agent's database marketing, online websites and portals as well as social media activity.

The way your property is marketed will vary from agent to agent but usually, once your home is launched onto the market, your agent will arrange for a sale board to be erected where appropriate. The property will then be uploaded to your agent’s website alongside the major property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla to showcase your property to the widest possible audience.

Here at JNP we offer the very best professional property marketing, take a look at what is included as standard.

Find out more about JNP's property marketing

What will happen at viewings?

When your property has caught a prospective buyer’s eye enough to arrange a viewing, your agent will contact you to schedule an appropriate time where they can show the viewer your property.

After a viewing, your agent should provide you with feedback from the viewer.

At JNP we provide an online file called My Move where you can see all viewings and offers.

What happens once I receive an offer?

The sales negotiator from your estate agent will contact you to let you know if someone has put an offer in on your property. They will communicate between you and the potential buyer to ensure that you are happy with the agreed price if you choose to accept the offer. If you are not happy with the offer, you may wish to decline or wait until a further date to allow time for more offers to be put forward.

At JNP all offer updates will be communicated to you through your dedicated agent, but you can also view all offers through the online My Move portal

When should I hire a conveyancer?

You need to instruct a conveyancer when you have accepted an offer on your property. You will then need to inform your agent who you have instructed to they can send them details of the sale.

How long does it take to sell a house?

The time it takes for a sale to complete varies in each case and can be affected by many different factors such as the length of the chain or how long it takes for searches. On average a sale of a house could take anywhere between 8 and 20 weeks.

What happens on completion day?

On completion day, after both solicitors have made their final checks, the buyers solicitor will then transfer the funds into the sellers account. The estate agents will then release the keys for the property to the new owner.

You will have then completed the selling process and will need to move out of your property.


If you wish to find out more about the selling process visit our Selling guide 


Alternatively, if you wish to start your selling journey with JNP get in touch today to arrange your free expert property valuation.