Selling your Home: We Are Here to Help!
Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to make the process as smooth and as stress-free as possible. With our wide range of services, we will guide you through every step of the way. Plus, our straightforward approach ensures your property gets in front of the right buyers.
Getting Your Home Ready for Sale
Selling your home is a big decision and it deserves a bit of thought and planning but it does not have to break the bank! You have probably seen plenty TV shows and advice about prepping your home for sale, most of which boils down to simple common sense. Remember, first impressions are key!
Some say that buyers make up their minds about a property before they even step through the front door!
What You Need to Do
If you are selling in Scotland, you will need to arrange a Home Report. This is a legal requirement and is prepared by a Chartered Surveyor. The Home Report has three parts:
- Single Survey: A detailed report from the surveyor about your home’s condition and its value.
- Energy Report: The surveyor also provides an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and tips to boost your home’s energy efficiency.
- Property Questionnaire: Filled out by you, this gives extra details like any alterations made to the property, council tax banding, and other important info.
Setting the Right Asking Price
We will help you find a realistic asking price based on the surveyor’s valuation from your Home Report. Once that is done, you are nearly there!
Fresh Eyes, Fresh Ideas
When you have been living in a house for a while, it is easy to miss little things that might put off potential buyers. This is where we come in! We will give you honest advice on how to present your home in its best light to help you get the best possible price. Generally, it is about depersonalising and decluttering, so buyers can easily picture themselves living there.
Making a Great First Impression
Start by thinking about the basics: is there a safe place for visitors to park? Is your house number easy to spot? A ‘For Sale’ sign helps buyers find your property easily and lets passers-by know it is on the market.
Once they are inside, make sure your home feels bright and welcoming. Keep curtains open to let in as much light as possible and clear your hallways to make them look more spacious. In the living areas, remove excess furniture and clutter and make sure the kitchen is spotless – no dishes in the sink! A vase of fresh flowers can really brighten up the dining area and tidy bedrooms always leave a good impression. Bathrooms should be clean and minimal and yes, keep the toilet seat down!
If you are thinking of redecorating before selling, go for light, neutral colours like magnolia, which appeal to most buyers. When it comes to flooring, simple and plain is best.
Finally, do not forget to greet your potential buyers with a smile. They might just be the ones who make you the offer you have been waiting for!
Ready to sell with us?
Home Reports: What You Need to Know
From December 1st, 2008, all homes for sale in Scotland require a Home Report. It is the seller’s responsibility to provide this report to any interested buyers, so it must be ready before your home goes on the market.
The Home Report includes:
- Property Questionnaire: This is completed by you, the seller, and covers details like any home improvements, council tax banding and more.
- Single Survey: A surveyor assesses the condition and value of your home.
- Energy Report: The surveyor also provides an energy rating and practical tips on saving energy.
You will need to provide the Home Report to genuine potential buyers within nine days of them asking for it. We will help gather everything together and ensure it is ready for anyone who wants to see it.
Exceptions
New builds, homes sold ‘off-plan,’ or properties needing complete rebuilding or demolition do not require a Home Report.
Costs
The cost of the Home Report varies depending on your home’s value. We are happy to provide details of local surveyors who can assist.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
An EPC is included in the Home Report, but it is also a legal requirement on its own for any house marketed for sale after January 4th, 2009. If you are planning to rent out your home for a long-term let, an EPC will be needed too.
If you have any questions about Home Reports, Energy Performance Certificates, or anything else, feel free to reach out to us. We are always here to help!
Get Legal Advice
Via our sister firm, FMS Law we can provides access to trusted legal advice, ensuring a seamless property transaction. They can help guide you through all legal steps, making buying or selling a stress-free and straightforward process.