The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home: Steps Every Seller Should Know

Owning a home is one of life’s biggest achievements. But as families grow and personal circumstances change, many find themselves outgrowing the home they once cherished. Thankfully, selling the old property and buying somewhere new and exciting is a very possible option. But how do homeowners get started on selling their beloved home? This guide walks you through just that, and how the experts at Wright & Co are here to help homeowners in Hertfordshire sell their home for the best possible price.

Get a Professional Valuation

The first crucial step is understanding the true value of a property. At Wright & Co, one of our knowledgeable estate agents can come out to complete a thorough, realistic valuation. A carefully researched appraisal, incorporating recent sales of similar homes in the area, sets homeowners up for an effective sale. Pricing the house right from the start is essential. If the price is too high, the property can sit on the market and people lose excitement. Too low, and homeowners risk underselling. Be open to expert advice, as the agent will have a clear perspective on local trends, buyer behaviour, and competition.

Review Finances and Plan Ahead

Before putting up the For Sale sign, take time to look at the numbers. Calculate how much is outstanding on the current mortgage, and add in moving costs, agent fees, legal expenses, and any repairs or upgrades that may need to be made first. Find out if the lender allows the current mortgage to be transferred to a new property, or if a new arrangement needs to be made. Notifying the mortgage provider early helps avoid unwelcome surprises down the line. Clarity on your financial position, especially for those buying another home, allows homeowners to make confident decisions as the sale progresses.

Prepare Your Property for Market

Presentation is everything when marketing a home. Start by decluttering every room to make spaces look as big and welcoming as possible. Attend to small repairs, fix that dripping tap, replace burnt-out bulbs, or give walls a fresh coat of paint in neutral shades. Deep cleaning, sparkling windows, and a tidy front garden instantly boost first impressions and kerb appeal. When professional photos are taken, stage key rooms to maximise light and showcase their potential. Help buyers imagine their new life in the home by keeping décor understated, but warm and inviting.

Gather Essential Paperwork

Efficient sales are built on good admin. Begin collecting important documents before listing a property. Title deeds, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), planning permission or building control paperwork, warranties, and servicing records for boilers and appliances. Ask a solicitor or conveyancer which forms need to be completed, typically TA6 and TA10 for fixtures, fittings, and property information. Having paperwork ready from the outset helps avoid unnecessary delays when a buyer is found, keeping the sale on track.

Manage Viewings and Offers

Once your property is listed, ensure it’s clean and tidy for every viewing. Be flexible with times, buyers often want to see homes in the evenings or at weekends. Let the agent manage appointments and gather feedback; their experience will help homeowners respond to both compliments and concerns from viewers. When offers start coming in, weigh more than just the price. Think about the buyer’s position, for example, whether they’re chain-free, have a mortgage approved, or are a cash buyer ready to proceed. The agent will present offers and advise on negotiation to secure the best possible outcome.

Accept an Offer and Instruct a Solicitor

Once you’ve chosen the best offer, formally accept it and appoint a solicitor or conveyancer if not done already. The legal representative will prepare contracts, liaise with the buyer’s solicitors, and handle all the legal intricacies of the transfer. During this process, surveys may take place and questions about the paperwork can arise, so stay in regular contact with both the estate agent and solicitor. Prompt responses can help keep things moving swiftly and smoothly, while transparency reduces the risk of misunderstandings or last-minute surprises.

Exchange Contracts and Complete the Sale

Exchange of contracts is the moment when the deal becomes legally binding. Both sides agree on a completion date, and a deposit is paid. Leading up to completion, make arrangements for removals, inform utility providers, cancel or transfer direct debits, and take final meter readings. On the big day, the solicitor receives the buyer’s payment and the estate agent will hand over the keys. A smooth completion is the result of careful planning in the steps above.

Want to Sell Your Home? Speak to Our Advisors

The process of selling property in Hertfordshire is nuanced, but with the right support, it can be a positive and even enjoyable journey. At Wright & Co, our local expertise, attention to detail, and expert guidance give homeowners the confidence that their home is being sold for the right price to the right buyer. For those thinking about selling or just need reliable advice on the market, our door is always open. Contact us today to book a no-obligation valuation, and let us show you how working with the experts can make all the difference.

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