Roderick Thomas , Castle Cary

Having decided to sell, your first decision is whether to sell your property yourself or through an agent. A good agent more than justifies his fee. So how do you find a 'good agent'? Experience is important but so is a commitment to the job and to getting the right deal for each client. This includes not only agreeing the best terms but ensuring the sale goes ahead in accordance with a projected time frame; the long delays associated with property sales are usually unnecessary and avoidable.As an Estate Agent and Surveyor, I have been selling properties for over 30 years. I, and everyone in my business, appreciate that all properties, buyers and sellers are unique and treat them accordingly. We stay in continual contact through the marketing stages and the actual sale process. We will meet you to agree the details of the sale. We negotiate the sale and will be available to you for ongoing discussions through to completion. With our experience we understand that buying and selling property can be both stressful and exciting at the same time! We are happy to explain all the details, procedures, legal and financial matters. 
Valuation - Our valuation is entirely without charge or obligation. We will visit your property and discuss its current value, marketing, Home Information Packs (Hips) and costs. 
Instructions and Marketing - When you instruct us to sell your property we will prepare fully illustrated sale particulars highlighting the properties advantages and selling features. Once you have approved these they will be printed.The property will be advertised both locally and nationally. Viewings are arranged to suit the prospective buyer and yourselves.All offers received will be put to you for your decision. We will negotiate with the prospective buyer to secure the best possible deal for you.

Sale Agreed - Having agreed a sale and settled all the details, we will monitor it closely to the exchange of contracts (when it becomes legally binding) and to completion. The long delays associated with property sales are mostly unnecessary and avoidable. We will take prompt action to clear problems, keeping the sale to the time forecast. This is particularly important when your sale needs to be tied in to the purchase of another property. We will keep you up to date and informed at all times.

Instructing Solicitors - When you accept an offer you will need to instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. Your solicitor will handle all legal aspects of your sale. Being independent we will happily introduce you to local or national solicitors. 
Survey and Valuation - If your Buyer needs a mortgage, the lender (usually a Bank or Building Society) will arrange a Mortgage Valuation which is normally carried out by a Chartered Surveyor. To support the agreed price we will provide the Surveyor with evidence of comparable sales 
Draft Contracts - The draft contracts, based on the title deeds, are drawn up by your solicitor and sent to the buyer´s solicitor for consideration. Queries on certain points such as boundaries, fixtures and fittings, furnishings, construction and planning consents may well arise; we are here to clarify and help . Once the queries are settled and the draft contracts approved, they can be signed by both parties. 
Exchange of Contracts - Once the contracts have been signed by both parties and exchanged, a deposit (normally 10% of the purchase price) is paid to your solicitor. At this stage, the sale is formalised and is legally binding. 
Completion - Completion usually follows a few days or weeks after exchange of contracts. The balance of the purchase price is transferred to your solicitor and the keys released - Congratulations! You have now sold your property!