Want to sell house...advice please

TerracedHouse

I want to sell my house, 3 bed terrace, to move to a larger semi. This house I have now was my first so the process will have been a whole lot easier than selling and then buying a new house.


What is the process of selling a house, what do you do first?
Do you contact a couple of estate agents to give a free valuation?
When do you contact a solicitor to do the legal stuff?
What forms do you need to complete?
Etc


I bought the house 6 years ago so the energy certificate will still be valid I presume?

Grenage

Get a couple of estate agent evaluations, then look at what's for sale in the immediate area and come up with a figure with which you're happy.

Generally you would get an offer on your property and then make an offer on your property. This seems easier if your house is a house likely to be purchased by first-time buyers. It's smart to be looking around while you're on the market - some sellers may be happy with waiting for you to find a buyer.

Contact a conveyancer once you have a buyer and are ready to sell.

EPCs are valid for 10 years, so you'd not worry about a new one unless it's you've made improvements that would change the rating.

The forms etc you conveyancer will guide you through.

Guest101

TerracedHouse wrote: »

I want to sell my house, 3 bed terrace, to move to a larger semi. This house I have now was my first so the process will have been a whole lot easier than selling and then buying a new house.


What is the process of selling a house, what do you do first?
Do you contact a couple of estate agents to give a free valuation?
When do you contact a solicitor to do the legal stuff?
What forms do you need to complete?
Etc


I bought the house 6 years ago so the energy certificate will still be valid I presume?

First get it photo ready, then contact some agents / look at reviews / check prices


Then keep the house show ready


Then once you have an offer, and they've done their bit (survey etc) you can instruct a solicitor.


Forms and contracts are later.


At the same time be doing what the buyers are doing yourself for your move


(check the EPC, it could've been 5 years old when you bought the house)

hazyjo

EAs' fees are usually slightly negotiable, and you can play one off against the other to some extent.


I've not paid more than 1% (not for years, anyway), and wouldn't now.


Jx

glasgowdan

If your house is in a desirable area I'd recommend looking for a new house first. This step can take a lot longer than you think! Then once you see something you like, get a verbal offer accepted and proceed to tidy your own and get estate agents in to value etc.

hazyjo

PS we're presuming it's England/Wales, not Scotland glasgowdan's username just reminded me!


Agree with if desirable, look too. I'm looking with a view to going next year. All the ones I've liked have gone within a week - I'd not have even started on selling mine. It's gonna be tough to know what to do first next year!


Jx

TerracedHouse

Thank you for your replies.


I think I can sell my house for £115,000. The houses I am looking at are around £150,000/£170,000. I am in the fortunate position to be mortgage free and will be taking a small mortgage or will able to cover the cost of upgrading from my savings.


So if my house did sell for £115,00 how much do you think would be taken in estate agent/solicitor etc fees?


Do estate agents ask for upfront costs for valuation, advertising etc?


Btw I live in the Merseyside area if that makes any difference.

Guest101

Well that depends on your skills as a negotiator...


But a guideline would be £1,500 in EA fees. £800-1500 in solicitors fees (depends on complexity of both sale and purchase) and about £500 moving fees.


So all in all about £3-3,500

TerracedHouse

Forgot to ask


re online estate agents good, or is it preferable to use high street estate agents as people can browse the advertising boards as well as online?

Guest101

TerracedHouse wrote: »

Forgot to ask


re online estate agents good, or is it preferable to use high street estate agents as people can browse the advertising boards as well as online?

Depends if you can fit in viewings around the buyer?

hazyjo

You can get boards with online agents. All you don't get is their 'shop window' (although that may be what you meant).


Housenetwork and eMoov generally get good reviews on here. I would only use them if in a desirable area with a standard property that's easy to shift. (I aim to try housenetwork when I sell.)


You can usually get a 1%-ish of sale price (plus VAT) deal on selling through an EA. Check the online sellers for their prices. EAs get paid on completion.


You'll prob also have to budget for any mortgage costs and a survey, and stamp duty.


Jx