Luscombe Maye, Newton Ferrers

Preparing your property correctly can make a big difference to the final selling price and the speed of sale.

- Tidy the lawn and garden, try to make it look as large as possible.

- Make sure the front door and any path/driveway are immaculate, as first impressions count.

- Clear away any clutter and if possible store some things off-site. Make the rooms look as large and light as possible.

- De-personalise by removing items such as most family photos and 'nick-nacks'.

- Choose the correct lighting for each space. This can improve the mood of the rooms.

- Organise rooms so that their purpose can be seen clearly

- Carpets and windows should be cleaned, surfaces dusted.

- Air the property by opening windows and perhaps purchase a few air fresheners.

- Remember, some buyers may not appreciate pets.

- Complete any outstanding DIY jobs.

- If any of the rooms have very bright colours or carpets, you might neutralise them.

- If your bathroom or kitchen looks tired then you might re-paint the doors, ceiling and walls, clean or re-grout any tiled areas that are going black.

To sell your property, the asking price is critical in attracting potential buyers.

Too low and you could lose thousands of pounds, too high and nobody comes to view. Luscombe Maye have the experience and expertise to advise you.

With Luscombe Maye your property will receive comprehensive marketing on the internet, in the press and high profile magazines and through our South Hams offices.

We will undertake accompanied viewings and provide feedback.

When an offer is made we will inform you as soon as we can by telephone and by letter. We will discuss with you the purchasers' position and expectations so that you have enough information to make the right decision. We aim to get you the best possible price from the best purchaser.

When you see this outside your property it means that you have agreed to sell your property to a purchaser at an agreed price and that solicitors have been instructed.

Once an offer has been accepted and solicitors instructed, you know that the buyer is serious, as they have to start paying out money. The types of survey that may be asked for vary from a simple mortgage valuation, to a homebuyer's survey, to a full building survey.

This is when all enquiries have been raised and answered, all searches (if needed) are in and the mortgage has been agreed. The purchaser will also have provided the deposit, which will be held by the solicitors until completion. Both parties will have signed the contracts and they will be exchanged. At this point the completion date is agreed, and if the purchaser pulls out then there is a penalty which will be paid to the vendor as compensation for costs incurred etc. This rarely happens and generally once contracts have exchanged everyone can breathe a sigh of relief!

Now the deal is finally sealed. On completion the money is transferred and the new owners can start moving in. The time taken from exchange to completion varies greatly. Usually there is at least a week between them to allow time to organise removals and obtain the money from the mortgage company etc.

Selling costs include cleaning, decorating, storage costs, EPC and solicitor's fees, estate agent's fees, conveyancing fees and any removal costs. Buying costs include stamp duty, survey fees, conveyancing and removal costs.

At the appointed hour, Luscombe Maye will be instructed by the vendors' solicitor that we are allowed to release the keys, which can then be picked up by the purchaser, and everyone can move into their new home!

Please contact your local Luscombe Maye office when you are ready to begin your move, and move with us.