Sellers Guide during Covid-19

Welcome to Alexander Reid & Frazer Seller’s Guide

Thinking of Selling in Downpatrick area?

We understand that selling a house can seem a long and confusing process, particularly if you've never done it before! That's why we have created this easy-to-understand guide, dealing with the steps involved in selling your property.
From choosing an estate agent to exchanging contracts and receiving the keys, we've broken down each step of the process, giving you a complete overview in our seller’s guide.

Getting Started

Arranging an Accurate Valuation

Your aim should be to achieve the best possible price for your property – and that’s our aim too! Alexander Reid & Frazer's experienced valuers have an unparalleled knowledge of property values in the Downpatrick area and a track record of achieving great results for our clients. You can arrange a valuation by calling our offices on 028 4461 9966 or completing our online valuation booking form.

Choosing an Estate Agent

Following a valuation, choosing the right estate agent to sell your home is crucial to achieving a successful sale. At Alexander Reid & Frazer, as a family-run business, we understand the importance of finding an agent who you feel comfortable with, and who has the expertise to get you the best possible price for your property. It’s tempting to go with the highest valuation, however, there are crucial factors you should consider when choosing an estate agent:
• Local Knowledge: Look for an agent with a strong track record of selling properties in your area. They will have a good understanding of the local market and the types of buyers looking for homes like yours.
• Marketing Expertise: An effective marketing strategy is essential for reaching the right audience of potential buyers. Ask about the agent's marketing plan and how they will showcase your property to its best advantage.
• Communication Style: It's important to find an agent who you can communicate effectively with. Choose an agent who is approachable, professional, and keeps you informed throughout the selling process.
• Fees: Estate agent fees vary, so be sure to compare fees from different agents before making a decision. However, don't just focus on the cheapest option – the cheapest is rarely the best!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get a feel for their personalities and approach. At Alexander Reid & Frazer, we are confident that we tick all the boxes when it comes to choosing the right estate agent. We have a proven track record of success in Downpatrick, a comprehensive marketing strategy, and a friendly and professional team who are dedicated to getting you the results you deserve.

Instructing a Conveyancer

It is crucial to instruct an efficient and experienced legal representative. We recommend doing some research before you put your property on the market as this will help to avoid delays. Alexander Reid & Frazer are happy to recommend a legal representative if required.

Presenting Your Property

First impressions count! Presenting your property correctly will help lead to a successful sale, and we have some tips to help you.

• Address any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done
• Add a fresh coat of paint where necessary
• Do a thorough deep-clean of your home (inside and outside!)
• Clean your windows
• De-clutter to make rooms appear larger
• De-personalise your home so that prospective purchasers can more readily visualise themselves living there
Marketing Your Property
To find your perfect buyer you need to give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media. When you instruct Alexander Reid & Frazer to sell your property you will automatically benefit from our comprehensive marketing package, including:
• Exposure via our website plus a presence on all the major property portals
• Full colour photographs and property details
• Floorplans
• Display in our well-sited Downpatrick High Street office
• Access to our large database of prospective buyers

Before your property can be marketed, you will need an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Alexander Reid & Frazer can arrange this for you.
Accompanied Viewings

Once your property is on the market, Alexander Reid & Frazer will conduct accompanied viewings with all potential buyers. This is an opportunity for them to ask any questions they may have and get a feel for the property.
Offers

Once you receive an offer from a potential buyer, Alexander Reid & Frazer will negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible price for your property.
Selling Your Home

Once an offer has been accepted, your conveyancing solicitor will handle the legal side of the sale. This includes carrying out searches on the property and ensuring that the buyer's mortgage is in place. Clear communication between you, your conveyancer, and us is key at this stage and throughout the process of selling your home to ensure a smooth and successful sale.

Sales Progression

Once you've accepted an offer, things move into the sales progression phase. Here, Alexander Reid & Frazer will act as your dedicated sales progressor, working to keep things moving smoothly towards completion. We'll liaise with your solicitor, the buyer's solicitor, and any mortgage lenders involved, chasing up queries, paperwork, and deadlines to ensure a swift and efficient sale. We'll keep you informed throughout the process and are always on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Exchanging Contracts
Exchanging contracts is a pivotal moment in the house-selling process. It legally binds both you and the buyer to complete the sale on a pre-agreed date. Once contracts are exchanged, both parties become legally liable for the sale to go through. Your solicitor will handle the exchange of contracts and ensure that all legal requirements are met. We'll be there to guide you through every step and answer any questions you may have.

Completion

Congratulations! Completion is the legal term for the day that ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. On the day of completion, you will be required to vacate the property and hand over the keys to the buyer.


Selling a house is a big decision, but it can also be a very exciting time. At Alexander Reid & Frazer, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Our experienced sales team has a wealth of knowledge about the local property market and will be able to guide you through the selling process from start to finish.

If you are thinking of selling, please contact one of our friendly sales team on 028 4461 9966 or email info@alexanderreidfrazer.com or speak with us to arrange a free valuation.