Page 26 - September2023

PROPERTY ADVICE

The first-time sellers’ guide
and brochures, as well as the Home Report
survey. You’ll usually get the opportunity to
Selling a property for the first time? Read on for everything you need to know. sign off on all the marketing materials so you’re
happy with how your home is being presented.

Get the ball rolling
f you’ve been settled in your first home Find a solicitor estate agent
for a while, you might be thinking about The moment you think about selling, find a Once you’ve had your property’s market value
Iupgrading. You’ve already mastered buying solicitor estate agent. These things can take confirmed via the Home Report, it’s important
a property – but selling? time, so don’t wait until you’ve already found to get on the market quickly. Home Reports
a property you love. are only valid for three months, so book yours
when you’re ready to list your property. Your
Selling a home in Scotland is more solicitor estate agent will then discuss the
straightforward than you might think, You can find a list of ESPC’s member firms at best marketing strategy, looking at whether
especially if you engage an ESPC solicitor espc.com/find-an-agent. your property should be listed for offers over
estate agent. Remember that you are not obliged to accept
or around a certain price, or for a fixed price, the highest offer – or any offer at all, if they
Book a valuation depending on your circumstances and current don’t meet your expectations. Accept the offer
Here’s everything you need to know about ESPC solicitor estate agents offer free market conditions. that suits you best, which might not always be
selling your home if you’ve never sold a valuations, so book a few to get an idea of the most money. In some cases, it’s better to
property before (or just a handy reminder if it’s what you can expect your property to sell Get ready for viewings accept an offer which promises a quicker or
been a while!).
for. In-person valuations not only allow the Once your home has gone live on espc.com, chain-free sale, or more flexibility with timelines.
agent to get a more accurate opinion of your prepare for viewing requests to start rolling
property, but they also allow you to see if you in! You can decide whether you’d prefer
have chemistry with the agent, which is very open days or appointments, and whether The next steps
important for the journey ahead. you want to host them yourself, or have your Once you’ve accepted an offer, your home
solicitor estate agent do it on your behalf. will be marked as ‘under offer’ on espc.com
and taken off the market, then conveyancing
Get your home ready Asking your agent often means more flexibility will begin.
Prepare your home for the valuation, not just for appointments, however, hosting yourself
for the marketing. Clean up, clear clutter, and makes for a more personal, informative
touch up paintwork - valuations will be based experience for prospective buyers. You can Secure your next home
on the property’s location and plot size, but always divert uncomfortable questions (such If you’re looking to buy another property, ideally
also on its internal condition, so it’s important as the price you’d be willing to accept) back to you should secure a sale first. ESPC Unlock is
that everything looks its best. your agent to handle. designed to help sellers who haven’t yet found
their next home. If you’re nervous about selling
Solicitor estate agents will examine the If you’re nervous at the thought of hosting before buying, ESPC Unlock places a clause on
property and give you an idea of what your viewings alone, you can ask the agent to the sale that allows you time to find your next
Home Report value is likely to be, as well assist you. home, and even to withdraw without penalty if
as an expected sale price, based on current you don’t find one.
market trends. They’ll also advise on how Weigh up the offers
best to stage your home for marketing and You might receive immediate offers, or set a Having a buyer for your current home makes
viewings. closing date. Your solicitor estate agent will your own offers more attractive, and ESPC
update you with notes of interest or formal Unlock means that you’ve got more security
Appoint your solicitor estate agent offers so you can decide on your next steps. and transparency in your sale.
Choose your preferred solicitor estate agent, Keep an eye out for offers made subject to
then the marketing of your property can any conditions – your solicitor estate agent Ready to sell? Head to espc.com/find-an-
begin. This includes photography, floor plans can advise. agent to get started.

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