RESIDENTIAL SELLERS’ GUIDE
LOCAL BRANCHES ACROSS THE MIDLANDS
STAFFORDSHIRE
SHROPSHIRE
LEICESTERSHIRE
WORCESTERSHIRE
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
WELCOME
Founded in Shipston-on-Stour in 1843, the Sheldon Bosley Knight business was built on auctions and on-site farm sales. In the years since, our business has survived two world wars, seen seven monarchs, successfully navigated recessions and depressions, and watched in awe as men landed on the moon. Very few UK independent businesses have the heritage we do.
Our business has also grown and developed significantly since we started in 1843, into an estate, land and property agency, with a team of more than 250 and trusted by thousands of happy customers.
We now have 10 specialist departments - residential sales, residential lettings, commercial property sales and lettings, block management, strategic land and development, rural land agency, valuations, planning and architecture, new homes and auctions and it’s rare we meet someone we can’t help with their land and property needs. With offices across the Midlands, we are proud to be embedded in the local communities we serve.
Mike Cleary Custodian / Co-Owner
07714 745683
mike@sheldonbosleyknight.co.uk
NORFOLK
SUFFOLK
ESSEX
WHY TRUST US?
Your home is likely to be your largest financial asset and so when it comes to selling it, you need an agent you can trust, who understands the emotions associated with buying and selling homes and who will treat you and your home, with respect.
At Sheldon Bosley Knight we do just that. Our award-winning estate agency teams have more than 400 years’ combined experience in selling homes – whether that be a classic three-bedroom semi or a grand country house, a city flat or a cosy cottage – and they know the local property landscape inside and out.
We know what it takes to get your property noticed and believe we are the best placed agent to achieve you the best price from the best buyer. Our experienced agents will advise on giving the right first impression, what feature(s) to highlight to potential buyers or how to add value with minimal cost. As such, we know how to celebrate your property and will market it to make sure it stands out from the crowd.
We know what buyers are looking for, how to answer any awkward questions they may have and how to negotiate to get the best price.
But perhaps more importantly, our teams also know and understand the emotional side of it, the things that attracted you to the property in the first place, the reasons why you wish to move on and the relationship you have with your home.
We therefore fully understand how important the sale is to you and so we give you our guarantee of a highly professional, dedicated, hand-holding service, making sure we will be with you every step of the way, to help, guide and support you, from instruction to completion.
WHY SELL WITH SHELDON BOSLEY KNIGHT?
When it comes to selling homes not all estate agents are the same and with a multitude to choose from it’s not an easy task to find the one who is going to work best for you. But choosing the right one can make all the difference in the price you achieve. Indeed, we believe it’s essential you work with a local, experienced agent who understands all the emotions involved in a property sale. Our multi-award-winning agents do just that and pride themselves on delivering an exceptional professional and personal service, putting our clients first every step of the way.
PERSONAL SERVICE We aren’t just another estate agent. At Sheldon Bosley Knight we pride ourselves on being with you every step of the way, from our initial conversation through to completion, by delivering an exceptional, honest, professional and personal service. Simply put: A service you deserve from people you can trust.
BEST IN CLASS MARKETING We have 180 years of marketing excellence under our belts. Moving with the times and our clients’ expectations, we are the only local agent to have their own in-house marketing team to support our branches, maximising your property’s exposure across digital and print media. We understand no two homes are the same which is why each of our sellers gets a bespoke strategy for sale and marketing plan.
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE
With Sheldon Bosley Knight we guarantee maximum exposure for your property. We use major internet portals and social media outlets along with Rightmove and Onthemarket and our own website. Alongside this, using our distinctive branding and proactive sales advisors, we will reach more potential buyers and secure the best possible price in a timescale that suits you.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE We take pride in the fact we are embedded in the local communities we serve. It gives us an unrivalled understanding of the local market and an ability to advise clients on any detail – whether it’s about local planning applications or developments, schools, which cafés serve the best coffee, shops, culture and leisure facilities or even where to get the best pub lunch.
EXPERIENCE Our residential sales teams have more than 400 years’ combined experience. It means there isn’t a marketplace we haven’t seen, experienced and successfully navigated. When you choose Sheldon Bosley Knight you are in safe, experienced hands.
ONE STOP PROPERTY SHOP
All our branches offer a full end-to-end service in residential property. From sales agents to mortgage advisors, surveyors to conveyancers, we have every aspect of the sale covered from start to finish. We also have a specialist lettings division managing more than 5,500 properties, a commercial department, rural, planning and auctions. We are yet to meet someone we can’t help with their land and property needs.
LOCAL EXPERTS
EMBEDDED IN YOUR COMMUNITY
HOW DO WE MARKET YOUR PROPERTY?
Sheldon Bosley Knight has always been a pioneer of exceptional marketing. Our teams know the importance of this when it comes to selling a property in any market. Your property is unique so our approach should mirror that. Our marketing campaigns are designed to highlight the unique features of your property through a combination of stunning professional photography, compelling copywriting and effective promotion across multiple channels. This approach will increase the visibility and desirability of a property, leading to a quicker sale and a higher price achieved.
PROPERTY VIDEO TOURS
We specialise not only in tours but also agent-led videos, humanising your home and giving the viewer the details of the best person to speak to at our offices. These videos will be promoted across all digital and social channels.
DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY
We recognise sometimes a different perspective of your property is what is required. We only use registered drone operators to capture ariel photography and video helping potential buyers understand how the position and location makes your home unique.
SOCIAL MEDIA STRENGTH
Digital advertising with specific focus on targeted age groups and demographics. With 4,700+ existing followers across social media platforms, we can also reach a larger demographic within paid advertisement.
PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY
Your property deserves the best photographs which will help attract more buyers. Sheldon Bosley Knight employs professional photographers specialising in architectural photography to get the right images with the right angles and lighting to showcase your home.
LOCAL EXPERT
Our offices are looked after by local people from your communities so are ideally placed to keep you updated on market conditions and effective strategies to get sold. Upon instruction each person in our office will arrange to see your home, so they can confidently and competently promote to our registered active buyers list.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING
It is never too early to start thinking about the progression of your sale, even if you’ve not yet had an offer accepted. The momentum for the entire sales process is set within the first few days, so by getting your affairs in order early, there should be fewer delays down the line.
SHOWCASING YOUR CURRENT HOME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS Now is a great time to make sure your home is sale ready. This will also help our photographer get the best shots of your home. Most buyers make up their minds within a few minutes of arriving at a property, so keep it clean and tidy and free from excess clutter. No one who comes to see your home wants to see dust, dirty dishes or clean laundry on the radiators so make sure you keep on top of it. By de-cluttering now there is less to do in the run up to your move.
SETTING THE SCENE Some buyers are looking for a lifestyle as well as a home. Setting the table with the best china, pretty napkins and fresh flowers and creating a luxurious feel to your home will appeal to those wanting the wow factor.
FINISHING TOUCHES Plump up cushions, pull back the curtains or blinds, make the beds and ensure everything is neat and tidy. Freshly brewed coffee, bread, a cake or freshly cut flowers will all add to the appeal of your home. Pet aromas won’t, so remove all traces if you can! Also, a roaring fire in winter and a well-ventilated home in summer will add to the buyer’s overall experience of your property.
BEING SALE READY?
SOLICITORS AND CONVEYANCERS
You should instruct your chosen conveyancer at the same time as your agent. There will be a lot of paperwork to complete so by doing this now, you could take two weeks off the sale transaction period and minimise buyer remorse. At Sheldon Bosley Knight we have access to excellent solicitors and conveyancers at local firm, Jephson Legal, who we can recommend to you. With our exclusive agreement with Jephson Legal you will be legally prepared, but also kept up-to-date with progress once the sale is agreed.
MORTGAGES
Our advice to all sellers is to always seek independent advice on financing the move. There can be hidden costs with your current lender if you sell before a certain date. Our mortgage advisors can help you navigate this and help source the best product for you. Mortgage products are constantly changing and by using an independent advisor you will unlock access to more products and exclusive deals possibly not available by going direct to the lender.
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
For a sale, the essential documents are gas safety, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and window Fensa certificates as well as any building regulation certificates and warranties. Your buyer’s solicitor is going to ask a lot of questions that can be answered and evidenced by these essential documents. It can save time and reduce stress by locating these prior to marketing.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
THE SELLER’S JOURNEY
Your home is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s the place where you feel safe, relax, unwind and make memories. Therefore deciding to sell it is a big decision. There are also lots of things to consider from knowing when the right time is to sell, to thinking about an asking price, getting the right buyer and understanding the whole legal process from start to finish. At Sheldon Bosley Knight we understand how important it is to get things right for our clients. This is why we will be with you every step of the way to help, guide and support you.
Instruct Jephson Legal as your conveyancer In-house digital brochure created and signed off by seller
Agree strategy for sale, sign contract, complete property information form and evidence identity
MOST INTEREST OCCURS IN THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS
OF MARKETING YOUR PROPERTY
THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION IS SETTING YOUR PRICE RIGHT
When it comes to selling a property, the most important factors to consider are the price you ask and your agent’s strategy to sell. Getting either of these wrong could have a significant impact on the time taken and success of a property sale. Pricing a property correctly is crucial for attracting potential buyers, minimising time on the market and avoiding issues with mortgage valuations once a sale is agreed.
As part of the Property Ombudsman code of conduct for residential estate agents, any opinion on value given by an estate agent must be supported by evidence.
MARKETING PRICE: The price you are advised or agree to market at will have a direct impact on how long the property could take to sell. The longer a property sits on the market, the more likely it is potential buyers will start to wonder why it hasn’t sold and may assume there is something wrong with it. This can lead to it becoming stigmatised, making it harder to sell. Buyers usually spend weeks if not months researching your area and understanding values. If the property is priced too high, buyers may vote with their feet and not bother to view it.
MARKETING STRATEGY: Most properties get the maximum amount of interest in the first four weeks of marketing. With the majority of buyers starting their property search on portals, their searches will be governed by the key price points the portals use. The agent you choose should understand how these work and advise as part of their strategy to sell which price point will encourage the most buyers in a timescale that suits you.
WE CAN ALSO HELP WITH...
We don’t just do sales. We have several specialist departments – read on to see what else we offer.
Lettings
Managing in excess of 5,000 residential rental properties across the Midlands, our lettings and property management teams always deliver an exceptional, professional and personal service. So whether you are a landlord needing expert advice, a rental valuation or property management services, or if you are a tenant looking for the perfect rental home, we can help.
Rural
Our heritage is firmly rooted in the local rural and agricultural communities. Our rural teams are highly experienced with an intimate knowledge of local and regional markets and a firm grasp of relevant trends and emerging opportunities. They provide an unrivalled range of specialist services, skills and support in all matters relating to agriculture, horticulture, equestrian property, diversification, land and estate management.
Commercial
Our commercial teams are highly qualified and knowledgeable chartered surveyors with many years’ experience in the retail, industrial, office, development land and horticultural sectors. So whether you are the owner of a single lock-up shop, or a large, mixed-use investment portfolio, they will always provide the very best professional guidance, support and expertise.
Planning and architecture
Our award-winning planning and architecture team offers a full planning solution, including in-house architectural capabilities, all under one roof. Their specialisms include barn conversions, new agricultural buildings, removal of occupancy conditions and other diversification projects. From initial informal planning advice, through to the preparation, submission and monitoring of planning applications and appeals, they can help.
Survey
Whatever your professional valuation or survey needs, our dedicated team of qualified, experienced valuers and building surveyors at Sheldon Bosley Knight are here to help. They provide clear, impartial advice for residential, agricultural and commercial property, on a wide range of services across the Midlands.
Auctions
Sheldon Bosley Knight was built on auctions and farm sales, establishing itself as a specialist in the region. Today our team uses the best of the traditional methods of auction combined with the latest technology to ensure we provide a bespoke service to fit with our clients’ aims and objectives. Selling your land or property by auction – whether in-room or online – is a fantastic way to ensure you achieve not only the best price but also transparently, quickly and securely.
New homes
As well as our detailed working knowledge of the local market, we have many years’ experience and expertise selling developments ranging from single units and bespoke developments to large estates. Our team can help you with design, property specification, market research, valuations, marketing and sales strategy, promotional events, qualifying leads and negotiating sales.
SHELDON BOSLEY KNIGHT IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Sheldon Bosley Knight was built and is embedded within the communities we serve. As such we are passionate about sponsoring and supporting local individuals and organisations making a difference to the lives of others.
We see the importance of sponsoring sports teams, supporting schools with their fundraising events, raising money for causes close to our hearts or encouraging and supporting our staff to volunteer their time for charities and organisations they care about.
During the past 12 months our staff have been involved in many charity and fundraising initiatives such as walking the entire Cotswold Way, sponsoring and taking part in a 10k fun run, coffee mornings, prizes for schools, music festivals and summer fete competitions and raffles, raising money for Christmas Jumper Day and a walk/run/cycle relay between all our current office locations.
We are a proud sponsor of many local clubs and community services including Leamington Rugby Club, Evesham 10K and Dumbleton Cricket Club.
Here is a taste of what we get up to!
Dumbleton Cricket Club at Lords
Leamington Rugby Club
Dumbleton Village Fete
Loveitts’ Charity Golf Day
Evesham 10k Run
Mike’s Last Leg Charity Walk
Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Morgan’s Three Peaks Challenge
Cancer Charity Relay
Shipston Rugby Club
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Tasha’s Myton Hospice Abseil
For more information about our services please scan the QR code to visit our website or see our social media channels
