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First time sellers guide

First time sellers guide

If you are selling a property for the first time, you may not know what to expect and with so much to consider to ensure everything runs smoothly, the process can appear a little daunting.

Our helpful guide provides a check list to get you started, so you have an idea of what to expect.
 

Have your property valued

Ask Lawlors to come and value your property. We’ll send an experienced, professional member of our team to provide an expert valuation and discuss market conditions, comparable properties sold and marketing plans. As well as valuing your home, we will explain the service we offer and outline our fees.

Be sure to show our team member all the things you love about your home. We will listen to understand your goals, timescales and priorities to shape our advice. This is an important first step in achieving the best possible price for your home and getting you moving.
 

Note down your selling costs

It’s a good idea to make a list of all the approximate expenditure involved during the selling process and via the conveyancer (solicitor) when your sale completes. Budgeting carefully from the start helps to avoid nasty surprises further down the line. Likely costs will include:

  • Estate agent's selling fees
  • Conveyancer's legal fees
  • Removal costs
  • Final utility bills
  • Mail redirection

These are costs related to the sale of your property, and there will also likely be other costs associated with purchasing or renting your next home, so remember to include them too!
 

Get your home ready to show to potential buyers

Once you have instructed Lawlors to sell your home, we will prepare a brochure and internet marketing for potential buyers including a full set of photographs.

Our experience is that well-presented properties sell faster and for a better price, so it’s essential to show your home at its very best. A good first impression for buyers counts and it is really worth making the effort to do those little jobs that can make your home more appealing.

Clear away clutter, finish any DIY jobs and consider giving rooms a quick coat of paint as this can make a big difference! For more information on how to prepare your property for photos and viewings, see our detailed guide.
 

Share your property online

Lawlors are very active on the internet, utilizing the major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla and also regularly posting to social media, which can really create a buzz and showcase your property to the widest possible audience.

We look forward to speaking with you in more detail about how we can help you achieve the best possible price for your property. When you’re ready, we’ll be happy to provide a free expert valuation of your property, discuss your plans and advise how we can help.
 

What will happen at viewings?

When your property has caught a prospective buyer’s eye enough to arrange a viewing, your agent will contact you to schedule an appropriate time where they can show the viewer your property.

After a viewing, your agent should provide you with feedback from the viewer.

At Lawlors we provide an online file called My Lawlors where you can see all viewings and offers.

What happens once I receive an offer?

The sales negotiator from your estate agent will contact you to let you know if someone has put an offer in on your property. They will communicate between you and the potential buyer to ensure that you are happy with the agreed price if you choose to accept the offer. If you are not happy with the offer, you may wish to decline or wait until a further date to allow time for more offers to be put forward.

At Lawlors all offer updates will be communicated to you through your dedicated agent, but you can also view all offers through the online My Lawlors portal.

When should I hire a conveyancer during the selling process?

You need to instruct a conveyancer when you have accepted an offer on your property. You will then need to inform your agent who you have instructed to they can send them details of the sale.
 

How long does it take to sell a house?

The time it takes for a sale to complete varies in each case and can be affected by many different factors such as the length of the chain or how long it takes for searches. On average a sale of a house could take anywhere between 8 and 20 weeks.
 

What happens on completion day?

On completion day, after both solicitors have made their final checks, the buyers solicitor will then transfer the funds into the sellers account. The estate agents will then release the keys for the property to the new owner.

You will have then completed the selling process and will need to move out of your property.
 

Book your no-obligation appointment using our on-line form, or by speaking with a member of our friendly team at your local branch.

You can find out more about what to expect when selling your house with Lawlors in our detailed guide about the selling process.