Ready to Sell? Start Here
Thinking of putting your home on the market? A little preparation now can save a lot of hassle later. From getting your paperwork in order, to making sure your property looks its best, here’s how to make sure you’re market ready and help your sale go smoothly.
Before the photos are taken and the ‘For Sale’ sign goes up, it pays to be prepared.
A well prepared sale isn’t just smoother, it often moves faster and attracts more serious buyers.
Here’s how to get your home and paperwork in shape before you go to the market.
One of the biggest causes of delays in property sales is the absence of documents. So, before you do anything else, gather everything you can find on the property. So many people fail to do this at this stage and waste weeks playing catch up when the documents are requested.
You’ll need documents such as:
- Title deeds or proof of ownership.
- Building regulations certificates for extensions or conversions.
- Planning permission documents, if applicable.
- FENSA certificates for windows.
- Warranties or guarantees for work or appliances.
- Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
If you can’t find something, now’s the time to chase it up.
Do You Instruct Your Solicitor Early?
Most sellers wait until they’ve accepted an offer to contact a solicitor, but this can waste precious time. Instructing a conveyancer at the outset means they can start pulling together your legal pack straight away, helping you stay one step ahead and lower the time it takes for the sale to go through. There might be a cost involved, but see it as an investment.
First impressions count
That doesn’t mean a full renovation, but a few smart touches can go a long way:
- Fix minor repairs like dripping taps or cracked tiles.
- Declutter rooms and tidy away personal items.
- Give everything a good clean and consider a fresh coat of paint in key areas.
- If you have a garden, tidy it up and add a few seasonal plants for colour.
- Buyers will feel more confident if they see a well maintained home that’s ready to move into.
Getting 'market ready' is all about preparation. It makes life easier for everyone involved and gives your sale the best possible start. If you’d like tailored advice on preparing your home for the market, we’d love to help.
For a free consultation, give one of our offices a call:
Brighton & Hove - 01273 688 882
Lewes 01273 487 444
Shoreham by Sea -01273 661577
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