First time sellers guide

If you’ve been settled in your first home for a while, you might be thinking about upgrading. You’ve already mastered buying a property – but selling?

Selling a home in Scotland is more straightforward than you might think, especially if you engage an ESPC solicitor estate agent.

Here’s everything you need to know about selling your home if you’ve never sold a property before (or just a handy reminder if it’s been a while!).

Find a solicitor estate agent

The moment you think about selling, find a solicitor estate agent. These things can take time, so don’t wait until you’ve already found a property you love.

Book a valuation

ESPC solicitor estate agents offer free property valuations, so book a few to get an idea of what you can expect your property to sell for. In-person valuations not only allow the agent to get a more accurate opinion of your property, but they also allow you to see if you have chemistry with them, which is very important for the journey ahead.

Get your home ready

Prepare your home for the valuation, not just for the marketing. Clean up, clear clutter, and touch up paintwork - valuations will be based on the property’s location and plot size, but also on its internal condition, so it’s important that everything looks its best.

Solicitor estate agents will examine the property and give you an idea of what your Home Report value is likely to be, as well as an expected sale price, based on current market trends. They’ll also advise on how best to stage your home for marketing and viewings.

Appoint your solicitor estate agent

Choose your preferred solicitor estate agent, then the marketing of your property can begin. This includes photography, floor plans and brochures, as well as the Home Report survey. You’ll usually get the opportunity to sign off on all the marketing materials so you’re happy with how your home is being presented.

Get the ball rolling

Once you’ve had your property’s market value confirmed via the Home Report, it’s important to get on the market quickly. Home Reports are only valid for three months, so book yours when you’re ready to list your property. Your solicitor estate agent will then discuss the best marketing strategy, looking at whether your property should be listed for offers over or around a certain price, or for a fixed price, depending on your circumstances and current market conditions.

Get ready for viewings

Once your home has gone live on espc.com, prepare for viewing requests to start rolling in! You can decide whether you’d prefer open days or appointments, and whether you want to host them yourself, or have your solicitor estate agent do it on your behalf. Asking your agent often means more flexibility for appointments, however, hosting yourself makes for a more personal, informative experience for prospective buyers. You can always divert uncomfortable questions (such as the price you’d be willing to accept) back to your agent to handle.

If you’re nervous at the thought of hosting viewings alone, you can ask the agent to assist you.

Weigh up the offers

You might receive immediate offers, or set a closing date. Your solicitor estate agent will update you with notes of interest or formal offers so you can decide on your next steps. Keep an eye out for offers made subject to any conditions – your solicitor estate agent can advise.

Remember that you are not obliged to accept the highest offer – or any offer at all, if they don’t meet your expectations. Accept the offer that suits you best, which might not always be the most money. In some cases, it’s better to accept an offer which promises a quicker or chain-free sale, or more flexibility with timelines.

The next steps

Once you’ve accepted an offer, your home will be marked as ‘under offer’ on espc.com and taken off the market, then conveyancing will begin.

Secure your next home

If you’re looking to buy another property, ideally you should secure a sale first. ESPC Unlock is designed to help sellers who haven’t yet found their next home. If you’re nervous about selling before buying, ESPC Unlock places a clause on the sale that allows you time to find your next home, and even to withdraw without penalty if you don’t find one.

Having a buyer for your current home makes your own offers more attractive, and ESPC Unlock means that you’ve got more security and transparency in your sale.

Ready to sell? Head to find a solicitor estate agent to get started.