Guide to Selling

The importance of an accurate valuation

The first step to selling your property is arranging a market valuation. We will make a mutually convenient appointment to meet you at your home and take the time to discuss the selling process, the property market, our marketing as well as your key objective's, and the value of your property. An accurate valuation will be formulated taking into account similar properties which have sold in the same area, and we are on hand to offer expert advice on how to get the maximum price for your property.

Why choose Guardian Residential Sales?

We aim to sell your property swiftly, at the maximum price to a genuine buyer in a position to proceed. We have a fantastic local reputation, having served the Harlow community since 1994 providing an outstanding well renowned estate agency service.

We employ an experienced team of property professionals who regularly undertake training to ensure standards are high, and exceeded where possible. Our team of local people have an in depth market knowledge and can offer guidance to potential buyers, whether they be local or looking to relocate to the area.



Marketing your property

We use a mixture of classic marketing methods as well as up-to-the-moment technological internet based marketing for your property. We will take measurements and photographs that will present your property in the best possible light. We can arrange a floorplan, at no additional cost, if you require.

We will ask that you check our advertising information on your property by sending you a link to the details. If you have any changes or adjustments you would like us to make please feel free to notify us and we will do so.

The marketing of you property will include the following:

  • Property particulars sent to existing applicant base/ potential buyers looking. Follow up telephone calls are made at the earliest possible moment to ensure maximum exposure and immediate interest.
  • Advertising on national property portals, Rightmove, Zoopla etc
  • Advertised on our website and social media.
  • Advertising in local media, Harlow Star newspaper and other locally targeted press releases.
  • Erecting a ‘for sale’ board to catch the eye of local buyers, if you choose.


Accompanied viewings

We will endeavour to accompany all viewings. If you would prefer to host the viewings for a personal touch, please advise us at the point of putting your property on the market. Once the viewings have taken place we will contact the applicants to gain feedback and collect offers, reporting back to you at the earliest possible moment.

Property presentation


When marketing your property it is imperative to present it in the best light possible to attract buyers and gain the highest price. We can suggest small improvements when we value the property to aid the marketing process. In brief, to improve first impressions we would recommend the lawns are trimmed, windows are clean and the exterior of the property is tidy. Please ensure the interior of the property is clutter free, clean, tidy and presentable. That any outstanding repairs are completed to ensure would be buyers are not discouraged to make an offer.

Offer negotiation leading to sale agreed


We will handle negotiations between yourself and the potential buyer when an offer is placed. We will explain the position of the buyer as this may have a positive impact on your decision as well as the initial figure offered. We will qualify the buyer to ensure they have a mortgage agreed in principle, obtain chain details if the buyer has sold their property via another estate agency to ensure they can work to your desired timescale. If you have a completion date in mind we can begin discussing this at this early moment to enhance the chances of meeting it and ensure all parties are working together. We will do everything we can to achieve a satisfactory sale agreed with a clear time scale suitable to both parties. Sometimes we suggest that the seller and the buyer meet over a cup of tea after the sale has been agreed. This can help cement the relationship and sale through the conveyancing process.

Conveyancing


Once you have agreed a sale you will need to instruct a solicitor to coordinate your sale, please see our solicitors page. Your solicitor will send out a draft contract to the buyer's solicitor who will then answer initial enquiries. Your buyers will be arranging their mortgage (if required), applying for searches and preparing for exchange of contracts. You may wish to read our guide for buying a property to familiarise yourself with the process if you have not purchased a property recently. We will advise you throughout this process, keeping you fully informed every step of the way. We do not wish for any sales to collapse due to lack of communication, understanding and reassurance between yourself and your buyers.

Exchange of contracts


The exchange of contracts is the legally binding moment of the home buying process. The buyer will transfer the deposit to their solicitor (usually 10% of the purchase price) and both solicitors exchange contracts of sale once all legal matters are satisfied. A completion date will be set and both parties are legally bound to complete on the transaction on that day.

Moving day


Congratulations! This is the day when you complete and the remainder of the purchase funds are transferred from the buyer’s solicitor to your solicitor. You will be required to drop a set of keys to the office once the sale has completed for the buyers to collect. Our fee will be paid by your solicitor from completion funds.