Selling Guide

When choosing an Estate Agent, there are many things to consider, their opening hours, how they market the property, do they use a professional photographer and videographer. But most importantly, will you be able to get on with them, will they be available to you, and communicate with you. You should also check if your agent will organise your government-required Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on your behalf or if you need to arrange this yourself? London Estates can arrange this for you. You must have a valid EPC so we can check the energy efficiency of the property before it can be marketed.

The successful sale of your property can be reliant on the instruction of an efficient and experienced solicitor. It is a good idea to do some research and make a decision before you put your property on the market as this will help to avoid delays. We can offer recommendations if required.

First impressions count, making the presentation of your property critical to a successful sale. Consider addressing any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done, add a fresh coat of paint where necessary and try to declutter to make rooms appear larger.

To find your perfect buyer, you need to give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media. When you instruct London Estates to sell your property, you will automatically benefit from our comprehensive marketing package, including exposure on our website, full-colour property details, the major property portals, and our Social Media channels.

Our opening hours are tailored to your potential buyers needs to maximise viewing opportunities for your property – Accompanied viewings also mean we can use our expertise to help sell your property. Our office is open from 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-2pm Saturdays, and by appointment for any time that a perspective buyer wishes to view.

As soon as an offer is received we will notify you both verbally and in writing. Any special conditions of the offer will also be stated in writing and we will check the buyer’s ability to proceed before you decide whether to accept the offer.

Once you accept an offer we will do the following:

• Prepare a memorandum of sale
• Write to all parties to confirm the agreed price
• Ask you to confirm your solicitor’s details

Your solicitor will send out a draft contract to the buyer’s solicitor who will then carry out preliminary enquiries. At this stage you will also be able to agree on dates for the survey on your property, exchange of contacts and proposed dates for completion. We will advise you and negotiate on your behalf throughout this process, keeping you informed every step of the way.

There are no legal obligations until contracts are signed.

Exchange of contracts occurs when the following have been confirmed and agreed:

• Preliminary enquires following receipt of draft contract
• Evidence of a good title
• Specific issues highlighted in the Lease, if applicable
• Local search queries
• Fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale
• The buyer’s mortgage offer

Once the contract has been signed by both parties and deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) will be telegraphically transferred or paid in the form of a banker’s draft by the buyer’s solicitors to your solicitor. The completion date is then set by mutual agreement.

Completion is when the residual monies (usually 90%) are transferred from the buyer’s solicitor to your solicitors account. Your solicitor will call you when the money has cleared in your account and will inform us to release the keys. Congratulations; your property is now sold!