Whether you’re a first-time seller, a seasoned investor or just looking to take the next step in the property ladder, here we’ve summarised the most frequently asked questions. We hope it can provide you with a better insight and help you decide on the next step.
Do you charge to provide a property valuation?
No! This service is entirely free.
What do I need to do to start selling my property?
The first step to selling your property is arranging an accurate property valuation. MAK Estates can provide you with a free, no obligation appraisal, from our local, experienced property valuers. Getting an accurate initial price from a property valuation is essential when marketing your home, as interest is at its highest when your property first goes onto the market.
We advise completing any home improvement projects and making your house look its best before you even get your property valued. However, we always take into consideration current improvements/projects when valuing a property.
Do I need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Yes. This is a legal obligation that has been in place since January 2013. It must be made available within 7 days of putting the property on the market.
Are you a member of any associations of governing bodies?
At MAK Estates, we take the quality of service very seriously. That's why we are proud to be members NAEA Propertymark and The Property Ombudsman. This allows us to ensure complete peace of mind and to focus on guaranteeing an excellent service.
Where will my home be advertised?
With a high percentage of buyers starting their property search on the web, we focus on ensuring maximum online exposure for your home. Our database of numerous buyers waiting is our biggest asset amongst various methods we will utilise in selling you property.
When do I need to instruct a Solicitor?
As soon as your property is on the market, we advise you to instruct a solicitor. This will allow your solicitor time to prepare all legal documents before a buyer is found and help them prepare for you sale, shortening the process between agreeing a sale and completion.
Will I get a 'for sale' sign outside my property?
We provide a high quality ‘For Sale’ sign, as we’ve found that this will assist in raising awareness of your property to the market and may lead to additional buyer enquiries. However, it is not a situation and should you prefer, you do not have to display one.
How are viewings arranged and conducted?
We will liaise between you and the potential buyer to find a mutually convenient date and time. We will, whenever possible, be available to accompany a viewing so you don't have to worry about meeting prospective purchasers. It may be that you would prefer to take any children or pets out of the house to leave purchasers uninterrupted time to view your property, along with one of our experienced sales agents.
How are Offers dealt with?
We will let you know about all offers by phone and in writing. If the offer is not acceptable to you then we will do everything we can to negotiate an offer you are happy with.
It is in both our best interests that we obtain the maximum sale price and we work hard on your behalf to achieve the maximum price possible. We qualify all potential purchasers, so that you can make an informed decision regarding any offers put forward.
Will there be more viewings once I have accepted an Offer?
This depends on the conditions of the offer that you accept. Neither the buyer or the seller is bound to the purchase or sale until the contracts are signed. At MAK Estates we usually stop viewings once an offer has been accepted and solicitors instructed to handle the sale. We will however, discuss this with you and can keep options open.
How long can I market my property with you for?
We will market your property until it is sold, or until you ask us to take it off the market. We have no minimum tie-in period; we just ask for two weeks' notice.
Will my property be surveyed?
It is not mandatory to have a survey when purchasing a property in England however there are a number of reasons why one may be required. Commonly this is because your buyer is purchasing the property with a mortgage. If this is the case, the lender will require that a survey is carried out on your property. The likelihood is that they will need to attend but you may find that a “desktop valuation” is carried out, removing the need for a visit. We will be unable to influence this. If the buyer is using all cash, then it will be their decision if they wish to carry one out. You may also find that a buyer who is obtaining a mortgage may wish to have a more thorough survey undertaken. This will depend on their personal preference and the type/condition of the property which is being sold.
How long will it take to complete my sale?
Every sale is different. Both your position and the buyer’s position need to be taken into account before this question can be answered accurately. If your home has been realistically valued, you should expect to receive offers within the first four weeks. Then, assuming your buyer has to apply for their mortgage, the exchange of contracts normally takes between 4 and 6 weeks and then completion is normally within the next few days or between 2 and 4 weeks later. So, in total you should expect 12-14 weeks to complete the sale.
Do I have to pay Capital Gains Tax on the property?
If you are selling a property that is your main home, you won’t have to pay tax on it as long as you satisfy certain conditions. However, if you are selling a property that is not your main home, it is likely you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax.
Do I have to pay Stamp Duty?
Only buyers pay Stamp Duty – so you won’t need to pay it as part of the sale of your property.
What happens at sale completion?
The sale completion is the moving day! All monies are paid to your solicitor, who handles the deduction of fees, the redemption of any outstanding mortgage payments, and so forth. They’ll also transfer the balance of the sale to your account. At this stage, you will move out of your property and pass the keys to us, so we can give them to the buyer.