Feb 19

Looking to Sell? Make sure you’re ready…

Written by Deborah Myerson
Solicitor

DDI: 01423 724619

E: deborah.myerson@raworths.co.uk

If you are thinking about putting your house on the market, making sure that both the house and the associated paperwork are in good order, can go a long way towards helping ensure a smooth sale.

Here are our top tips to consider if you are thinking of selling your home:

• Any estate agent will tell you that a clean and tidy property will be more attractive to a potential buyer. Difficult though it can be with a family home, insist that bedrooms are tidied up, beds made, clothes put away; that the kitchen looks and smells hygienic, washing up done, surfaces wiped down.
• Don’t forget the garden, if you have one. Make sure that the grass has been cut, and driveways and pathways are free of obvious weeds, and hedges aren’t overgrown.
• Most properties are now registered at the Land Registry, but it is still worth checking if you hold any deeds. These often contain invaluable historical information which may be required during the sale transaction and should be given to your conveyancer. He or she can then check them for you, and identify any potential problems which can then be rectified before the sale process begins.
• You will need to find the relevant documentation relating to works done to the property over the years. This includes planning permissions and building control certificates for any extensions or alterations, NHBC Certificates, Gas Safe or CORGI certificates for boilers and other gas installations, electrical certificates, FENSA certificates for replacement windows, and any guarantees. And take note, your solicitor or conveyancer will prefer the originals if you have them as these will need to be handed over to your buyer’s conveyancer. However, don’t worry too much if you can’t find them. In this electronic age, duplicates of most documents can usually be obtained for a relatively small administration charge.
• If you are selling a leasehold property, ensure that your rent and service charges are paid up to date. You need your landlord and/or managing agent to co-operate, which is less likely if there are arrears.
• Always make sure that you communicate with your conveyancer regarding any issues that you think a buyer ought to know about. They will be able to advise you of the best way to resolve a potential problem before it is raised by the buyer.

Whilst we can’t guarantee that your sale will be entirely stress free, a little preparation will help it to proceed as smoothly and quickly as possible! Contact Deborah if you are thinking of moving home on 01423 566666

Published on 5 February 2019