Residential Services

A GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR HOME

RESIDENTIAL SALES

WHY GFW?

Lindsay French Partner

With over 40 years of experience in sales, lettings and property management, you can trust GFW to bring you the very best in tailor made estate agency services.

Whether you are buying or selling, you will find us refreshingly different. From the moment your property goes on the market to completion - you will find our dedicated team of experienced property professionals friendly and helpful, providing you with peace of mind.

We will take the time to understand your requirements and provide the right services that make the whole property journey from start to finish a happy, rich, and ultimately fulfilling one.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

Buying and selling property is always an important decision. That’s why it pays to get the best advice from an estate agency that goes the extra mile.

Because we are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), you are assured that the highest professional standards are upheld.

If you are selling your home, our team of highly skilled, professional negotiators will be with you every step of the way. Using expert local knowledge, they will support you with detailed property appraisals, viewings, impactful property marketing materials and promotion, and expert advice and guidance on all related matters.

Equally, if you are looking to purchase a property, our team can act on your behalf, negotiating the best possible deal and guiding you through the acquisition process to ensure a successful outcome.

“We found the service provided at GFW excellent. The team were professional and very knowledgeable as well as friendly and approachable, nothing was too much trouble.”

N GARRATT

4

A good estate agent should be well informed, intelligent and be motivated to achieve a sale rather than simply promoting your property to the market

THE SALES PROCESS

Our team are knowledgeable of the regional market, skilled in a variety of sale methods and pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service.

We are members of several recognised national organisations and regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors giving you the peace of mind that you are working with a professional team.

Preparation for sale

We will conduct a physical inspection of your property and provide a recommended sale price. The details of our contract will be clearly set out and agreed along with our promotional plans. We will work with you to complete all the necessary statutory legal requirements before your property is offered for sale.

Marketing

Your property will be comprehensively promoted to potential purchasers across a range of channels including online property portals such as Rightmove and On The Market, our own website as well as more traditional methods such as matching your property against our extensive list of qualified purchasers, direct mail campaigns, social media and window displays where appropriate.

Viewings

You can either show people around your home yourself or if you prefer we can undertake accompanied viewings to take the pressure off.

We may recommend additional approaches such as block viewings or open days.

In all situations we will follow up a viewing with prompt feedback and recommendations where appropriate.

Offers

We will advise you immediately of any offers received for the property; we are legally required to submit all offers by law.

We take the time at the point of viewing to qualify prospective purchasers and when they submit an offer we make further investigations relating to the financial position of the buyer as well as the required steps to adhere to the appropriate legal checks and measures.

In the event of significant interest in your property we may discuss with you setting a closing date for what are known as ‘best and final offers’. When all such offers have been submitted we will review in detail with you and make recommendations on which offer you should consider and why.

Legal instructions

Offers will be collated and agreed and the information shared to seller, buyer and their respective solicitors.

From here the legal representatives will handle the conveyancing and searches, preparing and negotiating towards finalised contracts and ultimately the point when agreed contacts are exhanged and the buyers deposit taken.

Managing the sales process

GFW will provide assistance to you across aspects of the sales process; liaising with third party professionals; keeping an eye on matters and making sure you are kept fully informed of progress.

Completion and moving in

Usually at the time when contracts are exhanged a completion date is agreed and the final steps such as the booking of removals companies are undertaken by the respective parties.

GFW will continue to liaise with all parties up to the date of completion when upon confirmation buy the sellers solicitors we will release any held keys to the buyers.

MAKE A MOVE

We will work hard to market your property and attract potential buyers.

However, there are some simple tips you can consider that will ensure your property catches the eye.

Kerb appeal

“You were very professional and helped make my house look amazing, it didn’t take long and only a few viewings to get the right buyers for my property”

MRS MCPHERSON

It’s been said people form an opinion within seven seconds, so get off to the right start. Create an impression immediately about your property with great ‘kerb appeal’. Don’t put-off potential buyers before they have even stepped inside your front door - you want them to walk up the drive or path feeling impressed and excited to see more. Tidy the garden, clear away any litter and clean your front door.

DIY SOS

Getting any problems fixed before putting the house on the market is always a smart idea. Fix those small DIY jobs such as filling holes in walls and cleaning out the guttering. They are easy to do and quick wins - and one less thing your buyer needs to think about doing once they’ve moved in.

8 A GUIDE TO OUR PROPERTY SERVICES

First impressions

Making your home attractive to a buyer needn’t mean an expensive décor overhaul but refreshing rooms with a neutral lick of paint or a bunch of flowers can make an impact. Also, don’t underestimate the appeal of tidy rooms, as cluttered ones can be an immediate turn off for some people and prevent potential buyers appreciating the space available.

Kitchens sell

A kitchen is a big selling point, so make sure all the worktops are clear and that it smells fresh and clean. Have the coffee pot brewing for your viewers, maybe even some cakes to offer while you chat about the property, they will no doubt have questions about the property. Keep the lights on as this will brighten the place and accentuate features.

Pets

Pets aren’t always adorable. Dogs and cats can detract attention away from your property or potential buyers may be allergic so leaving them with a neighbour or family member will ensure buyers are kept focused on your home.

Think smart; think tech

Smart technologies such as Hive are increasingly important to buyers. Think about broadband too. Internet speeds are important and simply advertising the presence of fibre optic cables in your area could be enough to encourage buyers. Have facts to hand in case of questions about the age of your boiler or double-glazing.

Location

Point out if you live close to outstanding schools or transport links, this can often sway opinion.

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EXPERT SERVICES

Choosing the right estate agent is very important – it will have a big impact on how quickly you buy or sell your house, and at what price.

You need to feel confident that your agent will follow best practice. We are members of the Guild of Property Professionals, a prestigious national network of approximately 800 independent agent offices all of whom have been carefully selected on the basis they provide a high quality service, providing you with the reassurance that your property needs are in the right hands.

“I would highly recommend GFW to anyone looking to sell their property and if we ever decide to move again we will without doubt use GFW”

MR AND MRS PATERSON

When choosing an agent, you should look for one who operates to a strict code of conduct. Look for membership of industry bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or The Property Ombudsman, who can assist in any disputes.

Equally, it’s important to check the credentials and expertise of other parties your agent works with who are there to support you such as solicitors. Always make sure you are fully aware of all the conveyancing costs: our team will always be on hand to assist and advise you if necessary.