Property Improvements
If you're thinking about selling in the future, it might be worth considering some of the following improvements.
Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most expensive rooms to refurbish. Updating your kitchen or bathroom could help sell and add value to your home as well as central heating.

In the short term there are a number of things that can improve your chance of a quicker sale.

First Impressions Count
A clean and tidy front garden or even new outside paint work is a valuable improvement. Remember first impressions count.

Inside light and neutral colours are good and often can make the appearance of the room deceptively larger. Vibrant colours can have an overwhelming effect, but remember they are not to everyone's taste.
Give the property a proper spring clean. Also should you decide to use paint in addition to your spring cleaning plan, remember - if you do any painting inside wait a few days for the smell to go away before putting it on the market. Buyers may assume you are trying to hide something under a fresh coat of paint!
A house can sometimes feel warm and lived in when we see clutter lying around. It may make you feel at home but can put off purchasers. A light uncluttered room will look larger.

Gardening is not everybody's favourite hobby but nearly everyone can appreciate its beauty. Getting rid of rubbish, cutting the grass, trimming the hedges and unruly bushes can have a desired affect.

Choosing the Right Estate Agent

Questions to ask yourself
When choosing an estate agent there are a few key priorities to consider.

• How much money could I potentially get for my property?
• How long is my contract, should I wish to change agents due to any given number of unforeseen circumstances that may arise?
• Will I be happy to be dealing with this agent for the time it will take to sell my house? As we know transactions can take some time.
• How will my property be marketed?
• What methods of advertisements do they use?
• How much will it cost?

Most estate agents operate on a commission basis, charging a percentage of the sale price therefore earning nothing if they fail to sell the property.

• Sole agency agreement giving one agent the exclusive right to sell your property for an agreed period of time. This is normally the cheapest option.
• Joint sole agency agreement where two agents have a sole selling rights, whichever agent sells the property gets the commission on the sale. This tends to be a slightly higher percentage.
• Multiple agency agreement where several agents have your details. Whatever agent sells your property gets the commission on the sale. This is the most expensive option.

Accepting an offer on your property

Once you have accepted a suitable offer, the process will be similar but reversed to when you bought the property.
You will need to employ a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. They will ensure the complete legal transfer of ownership is completed in the quickest possible time. Contracts are then prepared and details of all matters affecting the property in the deeds or land register are sent over to the purchaser's solicitor. Once the parties are satisfied on all the relevant legal matters contracts are exchanged.

Once contracts have been exchanged with an agreeable completion date, you and the buyer are committed to the sale. Remember once contracts have been exchanged you could end up paying damages should you fail to move out by the agreed date.

Reminder check list of who to inform before you move

Useful Numbers