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Before you sell…

A step by step guide to selling property

01 | Accurate valuation

Your aim should be to sell your property at the best possible price in the shortest possible time. Our valuers carry out numerous valuations every month, giving us intimate and unparalleled knowledge of property values in your area. This is why we consistently achieve the asking price across all our clients’ properties. Call us on 0845 604 4485 or email us here for a valuation on your property.

02 | Selecting an estate agent

When choosing an estate agent, consider their opening hours, when they will be available to conduct viewings, their presence and what kind of marketing your property will receive. These are critical to obtaining the maximum exposure and price to sell your property. You should also check if your agent will organise your government-required Energy Performance Certificate on your behalf or if you need to arrange this yourself? Elite Estates can arrange this for you. You must have commissioned an EPC before your property can be marketed to sell.

First-time seller?

Not done this before? Don’t worry, we have. If you’re feeling daunted by the selling process and you’re not sure where to start, a simple conversation with the friendly team here will point you in the right direction.

03 | Instructing a solicitor

The successful sale of your property can be reliant on the instruction of an efficient and experienced solicitor. It is a good idea to do some research and make a decision before you put your property on the market as this will help to avoid delays. We can offer recommendations if required.

04 | Presenting your property

First impressions count, making the presentation of your property critical to a successful sale. Consider addressing any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done, add a fresh coat of paint where necessary and try to declutter to make rooms appear larger. Elite Estates team of dedicated ‘Photographers’ will then take photographs, create 360° tours, produce floor plans and write comprehensive property descriptions, all in just one visit. *(Various marketing options available).

05 | Marketing your property

When you instruct Elite Estates to sell your property you will automatically benefit from our unrivalled, comprehensive marketing package, including: exposure on our website and social media, full colour property details, inclusion in several large property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla, Primelocation and many newspaper property portals such as The Times, Daily Mail and the Telegraph, key property titles, email alerts and PR.

06 | Accompanied viewings

Our longer opening hours are essential to maximise viewing opportunities for your property – in fact over 42% of viewings are carried out after work and at weekends. Accompanied viewings also mean we can use our expertise to help sell your property. We are open 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-2pm Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. In addition, our phone lines are open 9am-8pm, 7 days a week.

07 | Receiving an offer

As soon as an offer is received we will notify you both verbally and in writing. Any special conditions of the offer will also be stated in writing and we will check the buyer’s ability to proceed before you decide whether to accept the offer.

08 | Offer agreed

Once you accept an offer we will do the following:

  • Prepare a memorandum of sale

  • Write to all parties to confirm the agreed price

  • Ask you to confirm your solicitor’s details, we can offer recommendations if required.

Your solicitor will send out a draft contract to the buyer’s solicitor who will then carry out preliminary enquiries. At this stage you will also be able to agree on dates for the survey on your property, exchange of contracts and proposed date for completion. We will advise you and negotiate on your behalf throughout this process, keeping you informed every step of the way. There are no legal obligations until contracts are signed.

09 | Exchange of contracts

Exchange of contracts occurs when the following have been confirmed and agreed:

  • Preliminary enquiries following receipt of draft contract

  • Evidence of a good title

  • Specific issues highlighted in the Lease, if applicable

  • Local search queries

  • Fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale

  • The buyer’s mortgage offer

Your solicitor will send out a draft contract to the buyer’s solicitor who will then carry out preliminary enquiries. At this stage you will also be able to agree on dates for the survey on your property, exchange of contracts and proposed date for completion. We will advise you and negotiate on your behalf throughout this process, keeping you informed every step of the way. There are no legal obligations until contracts are signed.

10 |  Completion

Completion is when the residual monies (usually 90%) are transferred from the buyer’s solicitor to your solicitor’s account. Your solicitor will call you when the money has cleared in your account and will inform us to release the keys.

Congratulations, your property is now sold!

Let our resources guide you

As a leading Estate Agent in the Durham market for over 12 years we have a wealth of knowledge. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or anything in between, we offer a range of services and understand that all of our clients are unique and therefore tailor our services to suit you.

Advertising Partners

Give your property the exposure it deserves

We have a long list of advertising partners to give your property the chance to shine.

RM/Zoopla/PL/Tele
SunTim/JP/MailO/MSN
Times/Mumsnet/KP/Homes24
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Frequently asked questions about selling

Properties available for sale and to rent

Free Online Valuation

0845 604 4485

enquiries@eliteestatesandlettings.com

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