Guide to selling in Scotland.

7/10homes in the region are marketed with us.

8xmore buyers start their search with ESPC.

No.1 across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife.

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1. Details of your current mortgage

It is best, before you do anything else, to determine your financial position. This may make a difference when it comes to what offer you would accept on your property and what your next steps are likely to be. If you have a mortgage on your property you’re best to contact a financial adviser or your mortgage lender to find out the specific details of transferring your mortgage to another property. In addition to this they will also advise on what you can afford when purchasing your next property.

Selling

ESPC’s property experts can help with simple, straightforward advice on every aspect of the moving process.

We’ve produced this ten-step guide to help you secure your next home.

Instruct a solicitor to handle the sale of a property from start to finish - marketing, selling and conveyancing. This may be the same one you used to purchase the property, or you may wish to instruct a new firm. When it comes to the local market and pricing your property for that all important sale, ESPC solicitor estate agents are the experts. With access to ESPC’s powerful database of archive sales, they can offer well-informed guidance on setting the right price and whether it is best to set the price at Offers Over, Fixed Price or Offers Around.

Only an ESPC solicitor can provide exclusive access to ESPC’s three marketing channels - espc.com, The ESPC Paper and the ESPC showrooms which offer great exposure to the widest audience helping you sell your home. Your solicitor will also offer advice and carry out the legal side of the sale.

2. Instruct a solicitor

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3. Marketing your property

Your solicitor will prepare all your marketing materials, including schedules and For Sale Boards for you, as well as instructing your ESPC registration. In addition to this you’ll need a Home Report before you can market your home. It is created by a surveyor but you solicitor will arrange this for you.

A Home Report is required for the majority of Scottish properties for sale. They were introduced to the Scottish property system by the Scottish Government in an effort to encourage a fairer and greener housing market.

4. The Home Report explained

The Home Report comprises three documents:

1. The Property Questionnaire: Completed by the seller of the property, usually with the assistance of their solicitor. It contains information about the home that will be useful for buyers and surveyors.

2. The Single Survey: Contains an assessment by a surveyor of the condition of the home, a valuation and an accessibility audit for people with particular needs.

3. The Energy Report: Contains an assessment by a surveyor of the energy efficiency of the home and its environmental impact. It also recommends ways to improve the energy efficiency of the property.

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What you need to know about Home Reports

7. There is no set shelf life for a Home Report, however if a property has been on the market for some time the mortgage lender may request an updated version.

8. A Home Report can be obtained by clicking the Home Report link on espc.com next to property details or by contacting the seller’s solicitor.

9. If requested, a copy of the Home Report must be provided to a prospective buyer within nine calendar days.

10. Most properties require a Home Report, however there are a small number of exceptions. Contact your solicitor for details.

1. A Home Report is commissioned by the seller and is completed by the seller, their solicitor estate agent and surveyor.

2. A surveyor will complete the Single Survey and the Energy Report.

3. A Home Report must be prepared before a property can be marketed for sale.

4. The Home Report cannot be older than twelve weeks when the property starts to be marketed.

5. The cost of a Home Report will vary depending on the type of property.

6. The seller is responsible for the cost of the Home Report.

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5. Preparing your house for sale

Presentation is everything. It doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune getting your home ready for the market but it does mean you should take time and care to ensure there are no loose ends around the house. A simple freshen up inside and out may be all that is needed to make sure your property is well presented and tidy both for photographs and for viewings. Kerb appeal is important so don’t forget to tidy up the garden too.

One way to ensure your home is looking its best is to think of the photographer as your very first viewer. Opt for open, neutral space rather than lots of furnishings or clutter. The photographs are what’s going to get viewers through the door so it is vital that you take the time to get this part absolutely right.

6. Viewings

Meeting and greeting complete strangers is not always quite as simple as it seems but your ESPC property expert will help with useful hints and tips on how to make every viewing count. Some solicitors offer a viewing service so if you are not comfortable with this part of the process, ask them for details.

For viewings make sure your property is always tidy, switch on lights to make the space feel brighter and create a welcoming environment by putting out flowers or brewing some nice fresh coffee to make the viewer feel right at home!

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7. Negotiating offers

Your solicitor will negotiate the selling price and other matters, such as date of entry, on your behalf. There are two main circumstances which can happen when offers are submitted.

A potential buyer will submit an offer on the property. You can either choose to accept the offer or go back to the buyer and negotiate on the price.

If there has been a note(s) of interest on the property a closing date will be set. This means that if any potential buyer is interested they should also note interest, rather than make an offer just yet. The property cannot be sold without the buyers with noted interest having the opportunity to make an offer. At the closing date any offers should be submitted. It’s a blind auction: buyers won’t know what other people are bidding, or even if they’re making an offer at all. It is then up to you if you wish to accept any of the offers.

8. Offer accepted

Your property has almost sold! Following a successful negotiation and once missives (the binding contract between the buyer and the seller) have been concluded, there are further checks that your solicitor estate agent must do before drawing up new title deeds and transferring ownership of the property.

“Missives - the binding contract between

the buyer and the seller”

The money from the sale will be collected and arrangements made to discharge and repay your existing mortgage (if you have one) on the agreed date of entry when the property is officially sold.

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by ESPC firms than all other agents in the

area combined

9. Moving day

Make sure you are prepared! There are a number of things you need to think about in advance of the actual moving day such as cancelling any telephone or internet connections and booking removal help so that everything is in place to ensure that all your belongings are out of the property for the agreed date of entry.

Do you want to use a removal company or do you have a good bunch of friends who can help with the move? A DIY move could be the most cost effective option but it can be hard work.

10. Tell everyone

Once you’re in the comfort of your new home remember to inform everyone such as your doctors, bank and DVLA that you have moved as you don’t want to miss out on any important information which is going to the wrong address. It is also advisable to set up a redirect for a period of time through the Royal Mail.

Then sit back, relax and enjoy your new home!

“There are a number of things to think about

in advance”

Removal firms are the most popular option. Don’t necessarily go for the cheapest. Remember you are entrusting all you own to these people, so make sure it is a reputable firm.

Enjoyyour new home!