Finding a Purchaser
Requesting a market appraisal from Cabot Gray gets you started in the search to find a purchaser for your property.  You can do this by entering your details on this website, phoning us on 0208 299 8111, emailing us at sales@cabotgray.co.uk or alternatively pop in to see us at 15 Grove Vale, SE22 8ET. We can be located directly opposite the East Dulwich train station.

Presenting your Property for Sale
Preparing your property for viewings is essential, remember that first impressions count. A few simple and cheap improvements can really make a difference and ultimately achieve you a better price for your property. Make sure the front door to your property is presentable and if needs be have it redecorated. Employ a local gardener for a day and you will be amazed at the transformation. Have the windows cleaned and if the property has been empty for a while open some windows for ventilation. In the winter months make sure your property is warm and inviting. Prior to applicants viewing your property buy a couple of bunches of flowers and the old clichés of baking bread and brewing coffee will further enhance the appeal of your home.

If you have vacated your property before you commence marketing leave a few key pieces of furniture and well placed pictures in principle rooms. Be aware that empty property can be a target for squatters and burglars. Leave some lights on at night, hang curtains and inform your neighbours that you have vacated the property.

Instructing your Solicitor
It is important to instruct a solicitor as soon as you instruct an agent. This gives your solicitor enough time to collate the necessary legal documents required. A good solicitor can make the difference between a sale completing or falling through.  It is important to use solicitors that specialise in London’s diverse property market.

Make sure your solicitor clearly shows fixed prices and works under ‘no sale, no fee’. Your solicitor must be fully qualified to handle your transaction and have an adequate number of staff to efficiently process your transaction without delay. It is helpful for your solicitor to provide their direct phone number and a personal e-mail for you to keep track of your conveyancing. Cabot Gray can recommend solicitors who have previously provided a professional and efficient service to past clients.

Leasehold Properties
Prior to instructing an agent, gather all documents you may hold regarding your leasehold property. Make sure you have a copy of your lease, ground rent receipts and service charge accounts for the last three years. Although these documents will be included in your HIP, purchasers are often concerned about overheads with leasehold properties and it is very helpful to be able to give these details to a would be purchaser when they are in the process of viewing your property

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England & Wales ) Order 2007 as of 1 October 2008, all vendors marketing a property for sale must supply an Energy Performance Certificate to any prospective buyers.  An EPC provides the buyer with information about the energy efficiency of the property they are considering buying. They are very similar to the certificates provided with refrigerators and washing machines.  An EPC must be completed by a qualified energy assessor.  The assessor will provide a rating for the energy performance of the home from A to G (A being very efficient and G being inefficient).  The certificate for a rental property is valid for 10 years.  We can help you source your EPC provider.

Guarantees
It is important to gather guarantees you have on your property and deposit copies of these with your solicitor. Long term warranties covering timber and damp-proofing are invaluable and shorter term guarantees covering recent improvements give a buyer confidence when considering the purchase of their new home.

Agents Contracts
When instructing an agent you will be required to sign their written Terms and Conditions. Make sure you read this document very carefully and understand every condition prior to signing. There are three principle contracts that one can enter into:

Sole Agency
Only one agent is instructed for a specified period of time. The standard contractual period is usually 12 weeks. Accept an offer via another agent and you may have to pay more than one fee. Commission rates are generally lower for a sole agency.

Joint Sole Agency
Two agents are instructed to jointly market your property. The two agents will split the selling fee between themselves. This is an option to consider if you have an unusual property or need a more diverse marketing plan.

Multiple Agency
Instruct more than two agents and the agent that finds the buyer is entitled to the fee. As a rule commission rates are normally higher than that of a sole agency.

 
This information is not definitive and is only a guide to the process of selling.  For further advice please speak to one of our sales team who will be pleased to help.