Selling a property
The selling process
A successful sale is the combination of choosing the right agent with excellent local knowledge, correct pricing and intelligent placement in the market. At W A Ellis we believe that a successful sale is where we achieve the best possible price for the property with the minimum of inconvenience and stress to our client. In order to ensure a successful result, it is vital that several steps are undertaken before you go to the market:
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Solicitors, Title Deeds and Contents
Easy to underestimate but crucial to the entire process. We would encourage every seller to take a few simple steps.
- Appoint a lawyer with a proven record and a good local knowledge. We can suggest a number of suitable firms that you may wish to approach.
- Instruct them to apply for the Title Deeds and prepare a draft contract with completed sellers information forms as soon as possible.
- Some vendors also obtain a Local Authority Search which can also be provided and help reduce time.
The more information that your lawyer can send to a prospective purchaser, the less time is wasted after you have accepted an offer.
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Presentation of your Property
Good presentation of your property is essential in obtaining its optimum price in the market. Often sellers overlook this simple but key part of the marketing process. At a basic level, the property should be kept clean and tidy. Curtains should be drawn to allow in as much light as possible and any unnecessary clutter put away. Walk around your home imagining that you are a buyer and you will quickly see the importance of keeping a tidy home.
Generally, you should review the overall decorative state of your property. Wherever possible, presentation needs to be consistent. It makes no sense spending a lot of money on a new bathroom when the roof is leaking. As a rule-of-thumb, unless you aim to renovate your home completely, the property should be sold in good working order. We will be able to assist on pointing out the areas that might need attention before selling, thereby saving you from spending a small fortune, where minor cosmetic improvement might be all that is required.
What you are trying to achieve is an overall atmosphere that is warm and attractive to a purchaser. The first and last impression you create is crucial in trying to attract a buyer. If it is a house, ensure that your property has an attractive frontage with a tidy garden and a newly painted front door, with clean door furniture. If it is a flat, do your best to ensure that the common parts are clean, tidy and free from any unwanted rubbish or obstacles. If you have a porter, try to ensure that he is helpful and courteous to all prospective purchasers - the purchaser should be left with the feeling that your home is comfortable, appealing and well cared for.
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Choice of Agent
Choosing the right agent and planning the most effective advertising campaign is the last step before launching your property onto the market. At W A Ellis we believe that with our in-depth experience and local knowledge we offer an unrivalled service to our clients. We are one of the few remaining independent partnerships in Central London and we conduct our business in a discreet and professional manner. We believe that agents should provide their clients with expert local advice, have a proven track record in handling high-value property and display a clear understanding of how to obtain the most from the marketing process. Lastly, they should have the enthusiasm and drive to promote your property effectively and successfully. At W A Ellis we take pride in offering this service to our clients.
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Valuation of your Property
The single most important factor in the sale of your property is its valuation. In order to achieve the best possible price for our clients, in every case we undertake a careful and thorough examination of comparable transactions before providing our valuation. W A Ellis have over the last twenty five years been accumulating extensive sales information and now have at our disposable an unrivalled database. In addition we maintain a computer link to the Land Registry database. With this facility, our experienced sales staff can advise you sensibly and accurately as to the correct asking price of your property to achieve the best results. -
Sales Particulars
We will produce detailed sales particulars of your property, complete with floor plans and various colour photographs as appropriate.
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Home Information Pack
It is a legal requirement to have a Home Information Pack before marketing your property. The Home Information Pack allows buyers to see important information about your proeprty at the start of the buying process and can help in reducing delays. The Home Information Pack includes a Property Information Questionnaire which has to be completed by the vendor, and Energy Performance Certificate, a Sales Statement, Evidence Title and local authority searches (including drainage and water searches). If the property is leasehold, the HIP also contains a copy of the lease. We will produce the HIP on your behalf and ensure tha tit is available to prospective purchasers and their solicitors. -
Marketing Services
We have an extensive computerised register of applicants and details of your flat/house will be sent to all appropriate purchasers. We deal with approximately 60 other Central London agencies and with all of the principal relocation companies practising in the area.
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Advertising
A suitable programme of advertising in the national and/or local press and marketing will be arranged. We would recommend advertising in various publications, all of which are extremely effective and in this instance we suggest an advertising schedule to include all or some of the following:
- The London Magazine
- Primelocation Magazine
- London Property News
- London Agents
- The Sunday Times
- The Financial Times
- Country Life
- The Cond Nast Group (Tatler, GQ, Vogue, House & Gardens)
- Fabric
- Belgravia Magazine
- Sloane Square Magazine
- Mayfair Times
- Mayfair Life
- The Resident
- The Hill
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Internet
We will promote your property on the Internet, through our own website, www.waellis.co.uk and www.primelocation.com. We are receiving an ever-increasing number of responses from the Internet and many sales have been achieved through this particular medium.
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Press Releases
We have excellent relationships with the leading property correspondents in the national and international press. We would attempt with your approval, to achieve some editorial coverage, as this type of free publicity is often invaluable. If we identify specific coverage that we feel may benefit your property, we will seek permission from you before we send out a press release.
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Viewing / Keys
We would ask for you to provide us with a set of keys to your property. All viewings will be accompanied by a member of W.A. Ellis staff or a reputable member of another Estate Agent when a sub-agent is involved.
Progress Reports and Offers
We will endeavour to liase with you on a frequent basis, in order to keep you updated with feedback from potential purchasers, as well as any changes in market conditions. We will report to you all offers received in respect of the property, and we will usually try to contact you by telephone in the first instance, but all offers will be confirmed in writing.
