Sellers Guide

Step 1: Your property valuation

The first step to selling is to choose an estate agent to visit your property to assess what your home is worth.  Coopers will give you both a marketing price and a price we would expect to achieve. Our aim is to achieve you the highest possible price within a time frame to suit you. At this stage we would discuss the selling process, our fees and our marketing strategy whilst answering any questions you may have. We will also show you a selection of comparable properties we have sold to validate our valuation.

Step 2: Placing your property on the market

Once you have instructed Coopers the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the professional photography will be carried out along with a detailed floor plan which will form the basis of our marketing literature and marketing methods. An opportunity will be given to amend and approve these before your property is placed onto websites and sent out to prospective buyers. All of our sales team will then visit your property giving them an insight into its key selling features.

Step 3: Instructing a solicitor

The successful sale of your home or any onward purchase can be reliant on the instruction of an efficient solicitor who has expertise in the conveyance process along with a good understanding of the local area. It is advisable to carry out research and make a decision before placing your property onto the market. Coopers can help you with recommendations as in many cases the relationship with the solicitor is key for the transaction to run smoothly and overcome any issues that may arise.

Step 4: Preparing your property for viewings

Everyone has heard of the old tricks; brew a pot of coffee or bake some bread. Not very realistic when you work, have a family or several viewings on a daily basis but there are a few things you can do. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure the front garden is tidy and the hallway is clear of newspapers and leaflets, open the curtains and turn the lights on. If there are any minor issues we would suggest you get them fixed. Our team will be on hand to offer advice.

Step 5: Viewings

Many owners like to be present while viewings take place, others prefer to give the estate agent the keys. Either way we will arrange all appointments at suitable times for you. Even if you live at the property our team are available to show buyers around which enables us to obtain immediate feedback which purchasers are often too polite to express direct to the seller. We are also trained to overcome any objections that may arise from this. Equally knowing why buyers do not favour a property should enable us to adjust our marketing to secure a buyer from subsequent viewings.

Step 6: Receiving an offer

Any offer made on your property will be communicated in writing along with any particular conditions of the offer. Coopers will check your buyer’s ability to proceed by exploring both their buying position and their financial situation which will help you in deciding whether or not to accept the offer.

Step 7: Accepting and negotiating an offer

It takes skill and expertise to negotiate an offer through to a sale and onto completion. With our experience and knowledge of the local market we can often negotiate a higher sale figure, smooth over any issues that may arise and secure a completion date that suits your requirements. Once a sale price has been agreed a memorandum of sale confirming the sale price and any special conditions will be drafted which will be sent to all parties including solicitors.

Step 8: Exchange of contracts

Once the buyers' mortgage offer (if required) has been confirmed and all enquiries including searches have been agreed, both parties will sign contracts and agree a completion date. In addition, your buyers will pay their solicitor the deposit (normally 10%) and, if required, you would need to contact your removal company to confirm the completion day. The solicitors will then exchange contracts and your sale will become legally binding.

Step 9: Completion day

Completion takes place when the balance of monies is transferred from the buyer’s solicitors to your solicitors who then inform you that the transaction is complete. At this stage your keys can be released to the buyer.

Have a question? Give your local branch a call 01895 625 625

Contact us