Deciding to sell your home is a big decision that comes with a long list of jobs and responsibilities.

Along with decluttering and last-minute DIY, you need to find a good agent (we can help you with that) and speak to a broker if you require a mortgage to fund your next move.

But there’s another critical aspect of the process that often gets overlooked: the conveyancing.

So, to avoid unnecessary hold-ups that could make your buyer lose patience, it’s worth getting ahead of the curve and following these five conveyancing tips.

Find a good solicitor

Do this at the start of the process; don’t wait. Ask friends and family for recommendations and get three quotes before you decide. Always check fee proposals thoroughly and remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best. If a solicitor is sluggish at responding to your initial call, it doesn’t bode well.

Be cautious

Consider going with a solicitor who communicates via a secure client portal. There have been cases – albeit they’re rare – where scammers have hacked into emails and used the information they glean from sales correspondence for fraudulent purposes. Be safe rather than sorry.

Get your ID together

You’ll need personal identification, such as a passport or driving licence, along with proof of address, such as bills or bank statements.

Organise your paperwork

Along with locating the title deeds, you’ll need all documentation relating to changes you’ve made to the property under your ownership. The list includes:

• Planning permissions and building approvals (if relevant)

• Gas safety checks

• Energy performance certificates

• FENSA certificates if you’ve replaced the windows and warranties for things like damp-proofing

You never quite know what information your buyer will ask for, so do the legwork early on to prevent a last-minute panicked search.

Respond promptly 

Your buyer’s solicitor may have some queries about the property; respond to them quickly. When one party goes quiet during the process, it can breed mistrust and ramp up everyone’s stress levels.

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, contact us here at Sarah Mains Residential on 0191 487 8855 for a free valuation.