Cheap Conveyancing

Before going straight to the estate agent for your valuation try to make your property presentable as this can make a massive impact on the vaulation. You dont have to do lots of expensive alterations to make your property worth more below are some examples of things you could do:

• Give the front door a coat of paint
• Fill in and redecorate any cracks to walls and ceilings
• Put a lock on any rear gate
• Spring clean throughout the property
• Weed and clean up the garden
• Maximise a feeling of space - get rid of clutter
• Decorating may not be necessary - discuss with your Estate Agent.
• Make sure the shower works and is free from mould

Once you are happy with your property you will need to choose an estate agent to value, market and sell your property that is unless you are prepared to pay for your own advertising and promotional material.

It is good practice when selling to involve a solicitor to handle the conveyancing or legal side of the sale as soon as possible, many people leave this til last minute but the conveyancer can help speed things along if they are involved from the beginning. You may also wish to speak to a Financial Advisor about mortgage options.

Experience shows that it's a good idea to be ahead of the game, especially if you are buying another property at the same time.

To get a quote for your conveyancing click here

In order to move smoothly into the sale process it is a good idea to be ready with as much information as possible. The documents you will need at the ready are listed below.

For a Freehold property:

• Title documents (from you or your Bank/Building Society).
• Evidence of payment of last Council Tax (last 12 months).
• Paid utility bills.
• Guarantees and warranties related to damp proofing, etc.
• Gas safety check certificates.
• NHBC certificates.
• Planning and Building Regulations approvals for extensions etc.

For a Leasehold property (as above except):

• Leasehold title deeds will replace title documents.
• A history of service charge payments.
• A history of ground rent payments.

Also you should be ready with answers for the following questions:

• Restrictions or boundaries belonging to the property.
• Rights of access to the property.
• Disputes over the above if any.
• Guarantees or insurance policies e.g. NHBC.
• Any utility services at property.
• Planning.
• A list of fixtures and fittings.

First impressions count, and the following tips should help property viewers to appreciate your property:

• Tidy up
• Air the rooms
• Hide clutter
• Vacuum clean and dust the main rooms.
• Give the bathroom sinks and baths a wipe over.
• Have some flowers in the main room.
• Fully draw back the curtains to get maximum daylight in the rooms.
• On dull days, turn all the lights on and light any fire in the main room.
• Turn the television and radio off (light music is fine).
• Close all windows that are affected by background noise (traffic, trains etc).
• Banish off-putting smells with, say, the aroma of brewing coffee.
• Try not to let pets and children interrupt the viewing; keep them occupied.

There are no hard-and-fast rules here, but do:

• Agree with your Estate Agent who will conduct the viewing.
• Ensure you have all keys readily available
• Give time alone for viewers to discuss the property alone before they leave.
• Resist the temptation to badger viewers for a decision or opinion during the viewing

A good Agent will call you with feedback after every viewing.