5 Things You Need to Do When Selling a Property

There is a lot to think about when selling a home. It can be a long and complex process, with many pitfalls along the way. Often, things go wrong and chains collapse, and it might be for reasons beyond your control. However, there are a few things you can get ready in advance, to minimise delays and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Tackle any DIY Jobs

While it is probably too late to fix any major issues, it isn’t too late to sort out any niggling issues that may potentially put a buyer off. Things like dripping taps or blocked gutters are all relatively minor problems but will suggest you haven’t kept up with routine maintenance. Surveyors look at issues like these and report them back to buyers when a survey is carried out.

If you suspect there may be more serious problems, it is worth having a survey done so you know what to expect and can weigh up the pros and cons of getting the work completed before you market the property.

Dig Out All the Important Paperwork

If you have had work done on your property at any point, there will be paperwork for it. As part of the selling process, you will be asked to fill out forms from your solicitor, which ask for details on things like window replacement, extensions, loft conversions, etc. If you don’t have the relevant paperwork, it could cause a delay or even the collapse of the sale. 

Big home improvements like loft conversions must have been checked by the local building inspector, to confirm the work meets building regulations. While it is possible to obtain insurance to protect the buyer in case the local authority takes action at a later date, it is better to have the paperwork in place. The same applies to electrical work. 

Have all your paperwork ready, such as FENSA certificates for new window installations and HETA certificates for log burners. Scan them so you email them to your solicitor. 

Book a Boiler Service

Buyers will want to see proof that the boiler has been serviced in the last 12 months. If you haven’t had it serviced or can’t find an invoice to prove it has been done,  book a gas boiler service with  a local gas engineer. It is also sensible to have a gas fire checked at the same time. 

Have the Chimney Swept

Solicitors will also want to know if the chimney has been swept (if there is an open fire or solid fuel appliance like a log burner). Book a chimney sweep and ask them for a certificate or invoice to prove the work was done. 

Start Decluttering

Don’t leave it until the last minute to start tidying and decluttering. This is best done before photos are taken and buyers come to view the property. 

The more organised you are, the easier selling your property will be. Tackle the things on the list above and look forward to a stress-free transaction.