How to sell your house: The step-by-step guide

Everything starts with knowing what your home is worth. We'll assess your property and compare it with similar homes and current demand to give you an informed valuation. A realistic asking price is one of the biggest factors in attracting serious buyers and keeping your sale on track.

• Book a valuation with a local agent who knows the area
• Think about your timescale and your next move
• Check what you owe on your mortgage and any early repayment charges
• Consider the costs of selling, including agent and legal fees

First impressions matter. Tidy and declutter, make small repairs and make sure your home feels bright and welcoming. You'll need a valid Energy Performance Certificate, and it helps to gather paperwork such as guarantees, certificates for any building work and details of your boiler and heating. Having this ready makes the legal process smoother later.

We plan how to present your home to the right buyers. That usually includes professional photography, floor plans, a well-written description and exposure on the major property portals and our own channels. We'll also confirm the information buyers need to know so your listing is clear and accurate from day one.

Once everything is ready, your home goes live. We promote it to buyers actively searching in the area and anyone already registered with us. A strong launch helps generate early interest, and we'll keep you updated on enquiries as they come in.

We arrange and, where appropriate, accompany viewings, so you don't have to. We show your home at its best, answer buyers' questions and gather feedback to share with you. Honest feedback can help us fine-tune the approach if needed.

When offers arrive, we pass them to you promptly and give you our advice. A good offer isn't just about price. We also check the buyer's position, including their funding and whether they're in a chain, so you can weigh up how likely it is to go through. The decision is always yours.

Once you accept an offer, we confirm the details in writing and notify both sides' solicitors. We'll carry out identity checks, as required by law, and you'll instruct a conveyancer. The sale isn't legally binding until contracts are exchanged, so we stay in touch with everyone to keep things moving.

After contracts are exchanged, a completion date is set. On that day, the buyer's funds are transferred, you hand over the keys and the sale is complete. We'll stay involved through the final stages to help everything go smoothly, and we'll be there to answer any questions.