Napoleon Wilcox, head of Webbers Fine & Country, gives a checklist on how to achieve this feat...

WITH spring on the horizon, you can beat the rush by listing your home now. Spring often comes out on top as the best time to sell, once end of year celebrations are over and the weather hasn’t yet warmed up for summer holidays. However, online property portals mean people can look for homes all through the year. Potential buyers at this time of year tend to be serious about moving, and savvy buyers understand that by viewing a house in winter they’ll know of any weather-related issues. If a potential buyer views a property in January or February and it meets their expectations, they can be confident that it’s a property they will enjoy year-round.

Here’s our checklist for getting started:

1. Ensure your home is ready

Make sure your property is clean, tidy and free from clutter and that it has curb appeal, looking good from the outside in. It may be worth having a survey done, so you can fix any problems, and use it to demonstrate your house is in good condition. De-clutter and de-personalise, storing as many personal effects as possible without making your home look empty. Don’t forget the garden, either. Gardens are increasingly regarded as an additional room.

2. Find an agent you trust

Find an agent you trust to value your property. Don’t be afraid to ask them why they’ve suggested that price and what they’ll do to find the most suitable buyer. You can also ask for recommendations on what you can do to increase your property’s appeal. The working relationship between yourself and your agent is absolutely essential. It will give you the confidence that they are with you through thick and thin and guiding throughout the whole process.

3. Prepare for viewings

First impressions count and it’s not just about your home. Just before any viewings begin, wander down your street and dispose of any rubbish as buyers are looking at your property and your area. Freshen up each room with a subtle spritz of air freshener or open windows for a blast of fresh air and keep pets out of the way.

3. Choose a solicitor or conveyancer

Your solicitor or conveyancer will handle the legal work to transfer ownership of the property. Decide which firm you want to use before you agree the sale of your house, even though you can’t instruct them until you have agreed an offer.

4. Get your paperwork in order

This is one of the most essential things to have sorted. Most sellers do not appreciate that once you have agreed a sale, the longer it then takes between accepting an offer and exchanging a contract, the greater the opportunity that a sale can fall through. Delays with sourcing paperwork at this stage can cause abortive sales, abortive legal costs and plenty of heartache. If you get your paperwork sorted out early, it will help the sale move quickly once you’ve accepted an offer.

This includes:   
• Proof of identity 

• Shared freehold/leasehold documents 

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 

• Property Title Deeds 

• Management Information Pack 

• Fittings and contents form 

• Property information form 

• Mortgage details


These steps can speed up the sale of your property, meaning you can be settled into your new home in plenty of time to enjoy the summer.

For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Webbers Fine & Country on 01398 324 666 or visit www.fineandcountry.com