Six steps to a successful sale

You will need an estate agent to market your property on the major web portals. Think Rightmove and Zoopla. Without access to the property portal websites you are going to struggle to find a buyer for your property. A good estate agent will offer a free valuation of your property along with the opportunity to have a good conversation, so that you can gain a feel for their level of expertise.

Arrange a visit with an estate agent to value your home and advise you on the best way to market the property to potential buyers. Getting this element right is vital; generating the right level of interest from buyers who have the funds to buy is key.

Once the viewings have been arranged by your agent it is very beneficial to have your home in a presentable condition that appeals to would-be buyers. Ensure you keep rooms clean and try to de-clutter, the goal is to showcase your home to potential buyers as a place they can see themselves living happily.

A good estate agent will work hard to achieve the best price for your home on your behalf, but you of course have the final say on what price you are willing to sell for. Take into consideration the position of the potential buyer. If they have sold their property already, or if they are a first time buyer or cash buyer this will help speed the process along.

Once the sale is agreed, it's time to employ a solicitor to deal with the legal aspects of the sale. The legal process of selling and buying a home is called Conveyancing. If you are buying and selling, try to use the same solicitor for both - it will save time.

Once the legal aspects of the sale are all tied up, the solicitor will provide you with a 'Completion date'. This date is the day you will hand over keys and money is transferred for the sale/purchase. The ownership of the property will then be in your name.