OMD Estate Agents

The Seller’s Guide 1. Get an accurate valuation An agent like OMD will discuss the market in your locality and offer a quick estimate over the phone. Better still, we just call by, look over your property and give you an accurate valuation free of charge or obligation. Knowing the area, its amenities and results for similar properties, we can then offer an honest appraisal and suggest a realistic price. 2. Decide how to sell – private treaty or auction We can advise you. Most sales are by private treaty whereby you put your house on the market at an agreed price with your agent who negotiates with buyers on your behalf. If there is special interest or rarity value in your property, it may be worth putting it up for auction. 3. Be seen We then develop a professional marketing plan for your property and ensure its visibility on the open market: For Sale boards, photography, ads and brochures on all the main property websites, social media and word of mouth – every means possible to get you the right price. Our own online database of buyers speeds up our match-making. 4. Prepare to succeed Do your own survey of your property to determine what improvements are needed. Make sure you get an unbiased opinion from someone you trust. We’ll be happy to advise you on what needs to be done, in terms of décor and clean-up. De-cluttering and inexpensive touch-ups can make all the difference to a sale. 5. Viewing Viewing is by appointment only and always confirmed with you. Our key negotiators conduct each viewing personally so you don’t need to be present. We give you lots of notice so you can ensure your property is looking its best. After each viewing we will give you all the feedback. 6. How long does it take to sell a property today? Despite the recession and a very low-key market, most properties we sell are done and dusted in an average of 10 weeks. Although there are fewer buyers, those who show an interest are usually serious. And because sellers are waiting for the market to improve, there can be quite a shortage of the properties buyers want. 7. What happens when there’s an offer? If there’s a sufficiently interesting offer, we let you know in writing. There are no legal obligations until a contract is signed. As often as not, there will be a period of price negotiation which is our forte. 8. The legalities You will need a solicitor to draw up a contract and complete the sale. There are various documents your solicitor will require. Title documents or leasehold title deeds, utility certificates and receipts, a BER (Building Energy Rating) certificate and so on. 9. Sale agreed Once you accept a buyer’s offer, you agree what is to be included in the sale and settle on a completion dat. The buyer’s solicitor checks all the documentation and the buyer pays a part of the deposit to OMD Estate Agents. This is refunded if the sale falls through before contracts are signed. 10. Contracts exchanged. The buyer signs the contract and it is then counter-signed by you. The buyer pays the balance of a 10% deposit. 11. Completion A completion date is arranged and the remainder of the money is paid to your solicitor’s account of whom will pay your bank and your legal fee. You then vacate the property and hand over the keys.