The number of visitors to Foxtons.co.uk is at its highest in January – often peaking in the second week of the year. So, with lots of people looking to buy a property at this time of year, as a seller you’re in a great position. But it pays to be prepared and ahead of the competition. Here we've compiled our top New Year’s resolutions for sellers in 2017.
1. Get your paperwork in order
If you don’t have your paperwork in order, this can slow down the sale of your property once you’ve accepted an offer. So, it pays to be ahead of the game and compile all the paperwork before you put your property on the market.
You will need to provide the following to your solicitor, who will carry out the conveyancing process:
- Photo and address identification. We recommend a passport and recent utility bill
- Any building and fixtures guarantees e.g. NHBC (National House Building Council), windows, damp etc.
- Any installation certificates e.g. boiler, electrics, windows etc.
- Any relevant planning permissions
- Any relevant building regulations
- Any covenant consent i.e. third-party permission to extend or alter the building
- Any third-party notices e.g. those who should be contacted in the event of building work or changes
- Full account details of any mortgages or secured loans
- Any probate or power of attorney, if relevant
- An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
If you own a leasehold property you will also need to provide the following:
- Full contact details of Landlord and/or Management Company
- Share or membership certificate, if applicable
- Latest service charge and ground rent receipts
- Evidence of up-to-date buildings insurance
2. Decide if you want to sell before you buy
In some circumstances, and if you can afford to do so, it can be beneficial to sell your property before you buy a new one. This may put you in a stronger buying position if you have the cash ready for your new purchase, and without any time pressures, you are more likely to wait for the sale price you want rather than accepting offers under time constraints.
Renting between selling and buying can also mean less pressure to find the perfect property, as you're able to wait for the right one to come onto the market.
3. Find out what you can afford
Even though you might not be ready to sell your property just yet, it’s a good idea to get your property valued so you have an indication of what you can afford in the future. Knowing what you can afford and where you want to move to will help speed up the chain further along the process. Here are our new year's resolutions for buyers if you're also thinking of buying a property this year.
4. Choose your solicitor carefully
Choosing a solicitor when selling your property can make or break a deal. It’s important that you are prepared for when you receive an offer, so that you are in the best position to progress the sale.
If a buyer has to wait because you’ve not lined up your legal help quickly enough, or if your solicitor is slow at getting things done, they may lose interest in your property and find another one in the meantime.
5. Do those DIY jobs
If you’re planning on selling your property this year, be prepared for viewings from potential buyers that may view your home differently to the way you do. If you’ve been putting off doing those odd jobs around your home, then now is the time to tackle them.
6. Declutter
Although you might not have found your perfect new home, or even started looking for it yet, it’s important to be prepared for when you eventually move.
Start clearing out the clutter sooner rather than later. Gone For Good is an app that allows you to organise for your unwanted stuff to be collected by a charity of your choice from your home, making donating your items quick and easy.
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Book your free valuation today, browse our properties for sale, or take a look at our New Year's resolutions for buyers.
