Selling A Property: Your Complete Checklist

Despite concerns over the mortgage market and cooling of the property market, summer 2023 is still a fantastic time to begin selling a property! In fact, there were 85,870 property transactions in June alone, which is 6% higher than the month prior. Similarly, mortgage approvals are the highest they have been since October 2022, indicating that financial instability is not a deterrent to purchasing property.

Got a property to sell this summer? Download our checklist for a speedy, successful sale at the bottom of the page, and keep reading for more detailed tips!

Source An Agent

First, you need to source an agent with experience and a good reputation. Carry out as much research as possible before signing with an agency, as this can make or break the success of your sale.

Sourcing an agent with a solid reputation gives you a greater chance of selling a property. Purchasers will be more likely to buy from an agent that is reputable, and trusted agents will likely have a larger list of contacts to reach when it comes to promoting your property. A seasoned sales expert will also have experience in encouraging prospective buyers to put forward their best offer. Therefore, choosing a reputable agent could expedite the speed of your sale and increase your chances of selling a property for the price you hope. The same can be said for an agent with an abundance of knowledge of the local area. These experts will understand what buyers want, what sells well, and how to market your property in a way that appeals to prospective buyers. 

Get A Valuation

Now you’ve selected your perfect sales agent, it’s important to list your property at the right price. Many agencies – including ourselves – offer instant valuation options. These can be great for obtaining a rough value for your property when you’re in a pinch. However, we thoroughly recommend having an agent physically visit your property to assess its value. An instant online valuation will not be as precise or informative as an experienced agent. An agent can go beyond a generic valuation – they can assess the condition of your property, infuse their local knowledge, and propose works that can be carried out to increase the value of your home. A good valuation will also take into consideration the social, economic and political climate that could have an impact on your property’s value. If you are uncertain of your property’s value, be sure to consult multiple agents to establish a range or average price. 

Perfect Your Property

Once you have arrived at a valuation you are comfortable with, it’s time to spruce up your property ready for listing! If your agent has made any suggestions to boost the value or overall appeal of your property, now is the time to put these plans into action. Whether it’s a lick of paint, trimming an unruly garden, or simply carrying out a spring (or summer) clean, it is vital that you make these improvements before photographs and viewings take place. 

Market Your Home

Now it’s time to list your home and start scheduling viewings! It is important to maintain regular contact with your selling agent to ensure that you are always aware of viewings and always prepared to welcome people into your property. Be sure to establish whether your agent can carry out viewings whilst you are away, or whether you wish to be present for all viewings. If the former is the case, you will need to provide your agent with keys and fobs to access your property in your absence.

You should also ask to be kept up to date with any marketing activity carried out by your agent. Many agents engage with their followers via social media, portals and email notifications – be sure to share these marketing posts with your friends, family and co-workers. It is likely that at least one of them, or someone they know, will be interested in purchasing a property!

Organise Your Paperwork

The last step in perfecting your property sale is to arrange all of the necessary paperwork to speed up the process of your sale. Here are the things you’ll need:

• Proof of identity
• Land registry title documents
• EPC
• EICR
• FENSA certificates (if you have replaced the windows)
• Leasehold documents (if necessary)
• New build warranties (if property is was built less than a decade ago)
• Gas safety certificate (if property uses gas)
• Any relevant planning permission and building regulation documents
• Appliance guarantees and warranties

Are you ready to start selling your property this summer? At Centrick, we understand that selling a property can be an overwhelming process, which is why we are so passionate about guiding and informing sellers. Our At Home With Centrick hub has been designed to give you all the information you need to make informed property choices at every step. If you’re thinking of selling your home this summer, check out the latest installation of the At Home series – the Secrets of Summer Selling! 

Looking for a handy guide to selling your home? Download our full checklist to get your property sold this summer by filling out the form below.