First time seller

monaymadlol

Hi, I'm due to have my property valued by a local estate agents who's sold many properties in the area.

I'm wondering how to prepare for this visit and any questions I should ask?

I've tidied up😂

The properties in the area are in demand and sell quickly, so would I be able to negotiate on fees?

It's an apartment, so would viewings be done on one day because I can't be doing with dozens of different days.

Anything else I should do to my property to get it ready for valuation, photos and viewings?

Thanks 

Racky_Roo

As it's a flat it would be useful for the EA to know how long the lease has left, service charge and ground rent costs and whether it's share of the freehold.

I would also let your management co know you're putting the flat on the market so they can start to gather the info for the pack needed (which you will need to pay for) and avoid delays as sometimes they take weeks. As soon as you have an offer, get it ordered, so many threads on here with people waiting months for them and holding up exchange.

monaymadlol

Can the pack be ordered on listing the property or only on accepting an offer? Thanks 

DE_612183

"The properties in the area are in demand and sell quickly, so would I be able to negotiate on fees?"

Not usually as the fee is a % of the sale price, however if the EA has people lined up it may be worthwhile not jumping when they do the valuation and saying you'll think about it, and mention the fees of xx% seem quite high - most EAs build in a bit of fat so they can drop down especially if they have buyers in mind.

AlexMac

Good advice above but when we last sold a flat, in a warm, rather than hot sellers market, we took valuations from three local agents and were surprised by the spread; about 12-15%.  So I’d try more than one. 

We also negotiated 1% as fee, which was still worthwhile for them on a £600k + sale; you might have to go higher. 

We sold £10k under the top valuation; within days! Let’s hope you do as well

thegreenone

It should be your solicitor who requests the management pack once an offer has been accepted but I don't see why you couldn't give them a heads-up.

When I sold my late Mum's flat, the man. co. were very efficient but I don't know if they just were or it was because the flat directly opposite had just sold!  The pack was £500 and I paid the Solicitor upfront.  Obviously this will vary.

As a first time seller, make sure you have all your paperwork ready ie receipts and guarantees for any new electrics/plumbing/bathroom/kitchen/windows.  It might sound a bit daunting (it was for me as it wasn't my flat!) but gather everything you can.  As above, it will mean you can fill in paperwork and answer EA questions quickly.

Good luck!

monaymadlol

Thank you to all commentators ☺️