Step 1: Property Valuation
The first step in selling your property is arranging a valuation with a local estate agent.
During the valuation visit, the agent will assess your property and provide an estimated price based on several factors, including the condition of the property, recent local sales, market demand, and the overall location.
At SAB Estates, we usually provide two pricing indicators:
- Marketing price – the price your property will be advertised at
- Achievable price – the realistic price we expect to secure from buyers in the current market
We also review recent comparable sales in the area to support our valuation. This helps ensure the pricing strategy is competitive and aligned with your preferred timeframe for selling.
The valuation appointment is also a chance to discuss:
- Any questions you may have about selling your property
- The full selling process
- Our marketing strategy
- Our fees and services
Step 2: Listing Your Property
Once you decide to proceed, the next stage is preparing your property for marketing.
Professional presentation plays an important role in attracting buyers and generating strong interest.
This stage usually includes:
- Professional property photography
- A detailed floor plan
- Writing a compelling property description
- Preparing the full property listing
Your property will then be promoted across major property portals, our website, and directly to buyers registered with us.
Before marketing begins, your property will also need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you do not already have one, we can arrange this for you.
Step 3: Choosing a Solicitor
A solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal side of the transaction and plays a key role in ensuring the sale progresses smoothly.
It is often best to choose and instruct your solicitor early, ideally before your property goes on the market. This helps prevent delays once an offer is accepted.
When selecting a solicitor, consider:
- Their experience with property conveyancing
- Their communication and responsiveness
- Their familiarity with the local property market
If needed, SAB Estates can recommend trusted solicitors we regularly work with.
Step 4: Preparing for Viewings
First impressions matter when buyers visit your property.
Before viewings take place, it is worth spending a little time ensuring your home looks welcoming and well-presented.
Some simple steps include:
- Tidying the front garden or entrance area
- Clearing clutter from hallways and main living spaces
- Opening curtains and allowing natural light in
- Turning on lights if viewings take place later in the day
- Fixing any small maintenance issues
Even small improvements can help buyers imagine themselves living in the property.
Our team is always happy to provide advice on how to best present your home before viewings begin.
Step 5: Property Viewings
We will arrange and manage viewings at times that are convenient for you.
You can choose whether to:
- Be present during viewings, or
- Provide us with keys so we can conduct the viewings on your behalf
Many sellers prefer the agent to conduct viewings. Buyers often feel more comfortable giving honest feedback to the agent rather than directly to the owner.
After each viewing, we gather feedback from buyers and keep you informed of interest levels. This feedback can sometimes help adjust the marketing strategy to maximise interest.
Step 6: Receiving Offers
When a buyer decides to make an offer on your property, we will communicate it to you in writing, along with any conditions attached to the offer.
Before presenting the offer, we will also verify the buyer’s position, including:
- Whether they have a property to sell
- Whether their property is already under offer
- Their mortgage arrangements or proof of funds
This information helps you assess the strength of the offer and decide how you would like to proceed.
Step 7: Negotiation and Agreement
Negotiating the sale price is an important stage of the process.
Our role is to act as an intermediary between both parties and help secure the best possible outcome.
We aim to:
- Achieve the highest possible sale price
- Manage negotiations between buyer and seller
- Resolve any issues that arise during the process
Once a price is agreed, we prepare a Memorandum of Sale, which confirms the agreed terms and is shared with both solicitors so the legal process can begin.
Step 8: Exchange of Contracts
At this stage, the solicitors carry out legal checks, property searches, and enquiries related to the property.
Once everything has been agreed and all conditions are satisfied:
- Both parties sign the contracts
- A completion date is agreed
- The buyer provides the agreed deposit
The solicitors then formally exchange contracts, making the transaction legally binding.
Step 9: Completion Day
Completion day is when the sale is finalised.
The buyer’s solicitor transfers the purchase funds to your solicitor. Once the funds have been received, your solicitor confirms that the transaction has completed.
At this point, the keys can be released to the buyer and ownership of the property officially transfers.