Home selling guide

Once they have accepted an offer on their property, most homeowners dream of a no-fuss, efficient sale, but it’s not always that simple. Even without a volatile housing market, there are many challenges that can arise, from unwanted delays to last minute requests. Despite this, there are plenty of people who want to sell – quickly and for a good price.

A smooth sale can never be guaranteed, but it can certainly be made as stress-free as possible by choosing the right legal professional. The legal process includes complex queries and paperwork, so selecting a conveyancing solicitor, or conveyancer, is one of the most important decisions that you will make when it comes to selling your home. Making this choice as soon as possible, when you put the property on the market for example, will ensure that any information needed for the sale is collated early, preventing unnecessary delays.

Be sure to find an accredited, well-qualified solicitor with property law expertise. Online reviews, and recommendations from friends and family, are always a great place to start. Trusted professionals such as estate agents and financial advisors may also recommend someone to you, although do bear in mind that referral fees may be exchanging hands. Study the law firm’s costing structure too and remember – cheaper isn’t always better.

Once you’ve got the right representation in place, there are plenty of other ways to speed things up and get the keys handed over to your buyer as soon as possible.

Firstly, make sure you have all your paperwork in order. Locate the deeds if it is an unregistered property, get up-to-date gas and electrical certificates, and find all guarantees, warranties, and installation certificates for things such as boilers, windows, or any building work that you’ve had done.

It’s worth being prepared for renegotiations too. Have a think in advance about your bottom line, so if your buyer tries to renegotiate following the survey for example, you can respond quickly and with clarity.

Finally, the time it takes for you to respond to queries, or requests for documentation, can really make a difference. Don’t delay, get back to your solicitor as soon as possible. If you are unsure about how to respond, just ask, your solicitor is there to help and support you through the process.

If you would like any advice on buying or selling property, Cygnet Law’s specialist conveyancing solicitors can help. CLICK HERE for more information