10-Step Guide to Selling Your Home

Selling a home is a major decision, whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of ten key steps to help guide you through the process.

Step 1: Check Your Mortgage Balance

If you currently have a mortgage, contact your lender to request a settlement figure (also called an outstanding balance). Avoid asking for a “final redemption statement,” as some lenders, like Halifax, may interpret this as you intending to immediately pay off your mortgage and could stop taking monthly payments.

The settlement figure helps you calculate your equity, the difference between what your home sells for and what you still owe, so you can work out your budget. If you’re also buying a new property, this will give you a clearer picture of how much deposit you can use for your purchase and what sale price you’ll need to aim for.

Step 2: Choosing an Estate Agent

A traditional route is to use a local high street estate agent. They’ll visit your home, measure rooms and garden space, suggest an asking price, and present you with a contract outlining their fees (usually a percentage of the sale price). Always read the terms carefully and factor the fee into your moving costs.

Ask how they will market your property, online listings, professional photography, video tours, aerial shots, or virtual viewings can all help attract buyers. Many agents can also arrange an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is legally required before marketing your home.

Get at least three quotes from different agents so you can compare valuations, marketing plans, and how well you connect with them. Once you’ve agreed on an agent and their fee, remember this will usually be paid from the final sale proceeds.

Step 3: Preparing Your Property

Before the agent arrives, take a critical look at your home. Complete any outstanding repairs that could affect the sale price. Declutter rooms and reduce personal items to help buyers imagine themselves living there.

Highlight attractive features like fireplaces or original details. Make kitchens and bathrooms spotless, keep storage areas tidy, and ensure the garden looks inviting, trim lawns, remove weeds, and store away toys or tools.

Small touches like fresh flowers or brewing coffee before a viewing can make the property feel more welcoming.

Step 4: Hire a Solicitor or Conveyancer

Once you receive an offer, you’ll want legal help in place quickly to avoid delays. Get a conveyancing quote early so you can budget. Your solicitor will send you forms to complete about the property and its fixtures and fittings, filling these in promptly can save time later.

Remember: until contracts are exchanged, the sale isn’t legally binding and either side can walk away.

Step 5: Hosting Viewings

Viewings are often handled by your estate agent. If you have pets, it’s best to keep them out of the way or have someone look after them. Vacuum thoroughly and make sure your home feels clean and fresh.

Step 6: Handling Offers

Offers will usually come through your agent. Before accepting, consider:

• Does the buyer need to sell their own home first?

• Is there a chain involved and how ready is it?

• How quickly do they want to move, and does that suit you?

• Is the offer subject to conditions or timelines?

• Do they already have a mortgage offer in principle?

  
  

If you’re satisfied, confirm acceptance with your agent and let your solicitor know the buyer’s details and any agreed conditions.

Step 7: Stay in Contact

Keep communication open with your buyer, agent, and solicitor throughout. If you’re going away, let everyone know so nothing gets delayed.

Step 8: Before Exchange

Your buyer’s solicitor will receive the draft contract from your legal team and may raise questions about the property. They’ll also carry out searches.

Once all queries are answered and finances are in place, your solicitor will give you an updated redemption figure and a draft completion statement showing all payments in and out.

Step 9: Exchange Contracts

When both sides agree on the terms and completion date, the solicitors will formally exchange contracts and the buyer will pay their deposit to your solicitor. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding.

Step 10: Completion Day

Completion is the day you hand over the keys, usually before lunchtime. Make sure the property is completely cleared, including any rubbish.

Your solicitor will confirm when they’ve received the full payment from the buyer’s solicitor. They’ll then settle your mortgage, pay the estate agent’s fees, cover legal costs, and transfer the remaining balance to you.

Congratulations, your property is officially sold!