Thinking of selling your first home? Here is what to expect.
Selling your first home feels exciting and daunting at the same time. There are lots of moving parts and most owners only discover them once they are already on the market. This guide walks you through the journey in plain language so you can plan properly and stay in control from day one.
Selling your first home is very different from buying your first home. When you bought, the focus was on your mortgage, your deposit and finding a place you loved. As a seller you become the one who has to make decisions that affect everyone else in the chain. That makes it more stressful but also gives you more power if you understand the process.
At Keys & Lee we like first time sellers to see the whole route from instruction to completion before they choose an agent. Here is what the journey really looks like.
Step 1 Decide why you are moving and what you need
Before you talk to any agent, be clear on your true reason for moving. For example
- Do you need more space
- Do you want a different area or school
- Are your finances driving the move
Your reason will influence your timescale, the price you need and the type of buyer you want to attract. If you share this with your agent at the start they can shape the strategy around you instead of simply quoting a figure and fee.
Step 2 Valuations and choosing your agent
Most sellers invite two or three agents out. The default approach is to compare the highest suggested asking price and the lowest fee. That is the quickest way to create stress later on.
Instead, ask each agent to explain
- How they arrived at their suggested price
- What their marketing plan looks like in the first four weeks
- What contact you will receive every week
- How they handle price reductions if the first strategy does not work
You are hiring a professional partner, not buying a product off a shelf. Notice which agents talk about a clear process and which simply try to impress you with a big number.
Step 3 Getting market ready
Once you choose an agent, there is a period where your home is prepared for launch. This includes paperwork, photos, floor plan, video, description and marketing plan.
A good agent will guide you on simple changes that make a big difference such as
- Decluttering certain rooms
- Finishing obvious minor repairs
- Improving kerb appeal at the front
- Tackling strong smells such as pets or food
You do not need to spend thousands on refurbishments. You do need a property that photographs well and feels cared for.
Step 4 Launch and early viewings
The first 10-14 days are crucial. Motivated buyers who are already looking will see your listing the moment it goes live. You want to launch at a price and in a condition that encourages them to book straight away.
Agree with your agent
- When you will receive updates on enquiries and viewings
- How quickly viewers will be contacted for feedback
- How feedback will be shared with you
If you sell through Keys & Lee you can expect structured feedback and honest conversations. Sugar coating helps nobody when you are trying to move home.
Step 5 Offers and negotiation
When offers start to arrive you will suddenly feel very aware that every decision affects your future. A strong agent will not simply pass on figures. They will help you compare
- Amount offered
- Buyer position and funding
- Likelihood of survey issues
- Buyer flexibility on dates
It is common for first time sellers to be tempted by the highest figure and ignore everything else. Often the best move is the buyer who is organised, committed and able to work to your timescale, even if their offer is slightly lower.
Step 6 Sales progression
Once you accept an offer the work is not over. In many ways it is only just beginning. Your agent should stay involved with both sets of solicitors, the buyer, your onward purchase and any other links in the chain.
Ask your agent in advance
- Who will handle sales progression
- How often they will update you
- What they will do if the chain starts to wobble
Handled well, this stage can be smooth and predictable. Handled badly, small problems become big ones.
Step 7 Completion and moving day
Completion is the day your buyer’s money reaches your solicitor and the keys are released. Good preparation earlier in the process makes moving day much less stressful. That includes early discussion with removal firms, clear communication about timings and realistic expectations.
If you are thinking about selling your first home and would like a clear view of what to expect, Keys & Lee can visit to give you some advice and chat about your plans. Just click the link below.
If you understand these stages before you go on the market, you will make better decisions at every step. That is why agents like Keys & Lee spend time on education not just on valuations.
Make sure you follow Keys & Lee on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for regular content and information for homebuyers and sellers in Romford.
