Most home sellers dream of a quick, stress-free process in which they list their house, get an offer, collect the cash and hand over the keys. If only it were that simple!
In reality, selling a home involves various moving parts, including competition, inventory, and high mortgage rates.
Hot markets may sell faster and command higher prices, while sluggish markets may require slower sales. High mortgage rates, despite easing from their 8 percent high in late 2023, still strain a buyer’s purchasing power.
To successfully sell your house, follow this nine-step guide:
1) Set a timeline for selling your home
Selling a house is a major undertaking that can take several months from start to finish — or much longer, depending on local market conditions, so it is essential to plan ahead and stay organised.
Consider getting a pre-sale home inspection at least two or three months before listing, which can identify major problems and alert buyers to potential issues.
Also, prepare for listing photos by cleaning thoroughly, keeping clutter to a minimum, and moving excess items to storage to showcase your home in its best light.
2) Choose an estate agent who knows the market
The internet allows users to easily assess an estate agent’s experience, sales history, and professional designations. It is important to consider their marketing strategies and professionalism.
Some homeowners may opt for ‘for sale by owner’ to save on commissions, but estate agent commissions are typically negotiable.
Listing agents can expose homes to a wider audience and negotiate on your behalf, whereas selling alone requires personal preparation, marketing, and negotiation.
3) Determine what to upgrade and what not to
Before investing in expensive upgrades, ensure they have a high return on investment.
Consider the potential loss or break-even point of the upgrades, especially if inventory levels are low. An estate agent can help determine what needs to be done.
Updates to the kitchen and bathrooms often provide the highest return on investment. Low-cost DIY projects like neutral paint and landscaping can also make a great first impression.
4) Set a realistic price
To ensure a successful home sale, it is essential to get the pricing right from the start.
Consult local estate agent property listings to understand comparable properties in your area.
Too high or too low prices can turn off potential buyers, and multiple price reductions may give buyers the impression there is something wrong with the property.
Therefore, it is best to price your home to attract the widest pool of buyers from the start.
5) Include top-quality listing photos
To prepare your home for online house-hunting, hire a professional photographer and register the listing with the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Focus on high-quality photos, curb appeal, and online appeal to make your property market ready.
- Focus on online appeal: Online appeal is increasingly crucial as 100% of homebuyers use the internet to search for homes, with 43% stating online listings are their first step. The quality of your web presentation determines whether someone contacts you or clicks on the next listing.
- Stage it and keep it clean: Staging a home involves removing excess furniture and arranging rooms for optimal flow, benefiting slow-moving or luxury homes. Prices vary based on location and work required.
- Clear out for showings: Ensure your home is free from distraction during potential buyer viewings to prevent reluctance to express opinions and consider your home as an option.
6) Review and negotiate offers
Upon viewing your home, you should expect several offers, with buyers offering close to the asking price. If sales are slow, negotiation may be necessary. Your estate agent can guide you through the process.
After receiving an offer, you can accept, reject, or make a counteroffer, ideally within 48 hours. Consider other aspects of the offer, such as terms and price.
- Form of payment (cash versus financing)
- Type of financing
- Down payment amount
- Contingencies
- Concession requests
- Proposed closing date
Buyers relying on lender financing must appraise the property to compensate for any shortfall between purchase price and appraised value, or the deal may collapse.
7) Weigh closing costs
Closing costs are additional fees incurred by home buyers at the end of the home-buying process, including legal fees and other one-time expenses. These costs, which include taxes and fees, are assessed during the official transfer of property title.
First-time home buyers often underestimate closing costs, with UK buyers needing to budget between 3% and 5% of a resale property’s purchase price. For example, a home under £250,000 will require £6,000 in closing costs. However, these estimates may vary depending on location, property type, or construction type.
Closing costs vary depending on the price of the property, whether you have a mortgage, are buying through an estate agent or privately, or have employed a solicitor or another professional like a surveyor.
Common closing costs for buying or selling a home in the UK include:
- Stamp duty land tax
- Solicitor or licensed conveyancer fees
- Valuation
- Survey
- Land registry fees
- Mortgage indemnity guarantee
- Arrangement or acceptance fee
- Lenders’ legal fees
- Buildings insurance
- Removal costs
- Running costs
8) Consider hiring a Solicitor
Hiring a Solicitor in the UK is strongly recommended, especially for complex transactions.
They ensure the legality and smooth execution of property transactions, including buying, selling, or renting, by conducting due diligence, reviewing contracts, and navigating legal regulations.
Why hire a Solicitor?
- Legal expertise: Property law involves intricate regulations and procedures. A Solicitor ensures compliance and protects your interests.
- Due diligence: A Solicitor conducts thorough investigations into property history, title, and potential issues, minimizing risks, ensuring correct paperwork, disclosures, contract review, and identifying potential issues.
- Contract review: They review contracts, ensuring they are fair and legally sound, safeguarding against disputes.
- Negotiation: They can negotiate on your behalf, helping you secure favourable terms and conditions.
- Closing process: They guide you through the final stages of the transaction, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant conclusion.
- Dispute resolution: In case of disagreements, they can represent you and help resolve conflicts.
9) Gather paperwork and close
Properly documenting a home sale requires extensive paperwork, which can be organized and accessible. Your Solicitor can assist in compiling necessary documents.
Some of the main documents you will need to compile include:
- Original purchase contract
- Property survey, certificate of occupancy and certificates of compliance with local codes
- Mortgage documents
- Tax records
- Appraisal from your home purchase
- Homeowners insurance
- Home inspection report if you had one
- Seller’s disclosure statement
Bring all of that documentation to the closing, along with the keys to give the new owners and any costs that need to be paid. Once everything is signed and handed over, your house is sold!
Further reading
Purchases – Oakwood Property Solicitors
How to sell your house in 2025: A step-by-step guide – Bankrate.com
WHAT TO DO NEXT
To make a start on the next step in your property journey, get in touch today to book a consultation with a member of our team. Call us on 0113 218 5727 to find out how we can help you.
