We are asked a lot about how the process of selling a property works and where to start!? It’s not something most of us do every day so it’s understandable that knowing exactly what’s what isn’t high on our agendas. Moving house can not only be a very stressful experience but it can seem a little overwhelming too. To relieve some of that stress and fear of the unknown (we believe knowledge is key) we have come up with a list of things to do (not definitive) once you have made the decision to put your house up for sale.

It all starts in preparing your legal paperwork…

Solicitor

Appoint a solicitor. If you don’t have one yet it’s always a good idea to speak to friends or relatives who have bought or sold a property to get advice or recommendations on finding the solicitor that’s right for you.

Title Documents

If you have a mortgage on the property, contact your solicitor so they can request your title deeds from your bank. This will help avoid any undue delays from day one. Without the deeds your solicitor can’t issue contracts and it can take a number of weeks to get this document.

Planning Documents

Ensure all planning documents are in order for any extensions or alterations that have been made to the property. These are needed to show that everything you have done with your home meets all rules, regulations and planning applications.

BER

All properties must hold a BER Cert (Building Energy Rating). The BER certificate indicates your homes energy performance. It is similar to the energy label for household appliances. The certificate rates the energy performance of your home on a scale of A-G. G rated are the least energy efficient. A rated are the most energy efficient. If you have mislaid this document you can download it from www.bercert.com. You will need your MPRN (found on your electricity bill). If you don’t have a BER cert yet, check out BER assessors on www.seai.ie

Property Taxes

Ensure your Local Property Tax is paid up to date. It might seem like an obvious one, but it’s always good to make sure you’re up to date!

NPPR (Non Principal Private Residence)

If the property you are selling is your private residence you will need to apply for a Certificate of Discharge from your local County Council office. Once you have this you can pass it on to your solicitor.

Take a look at the costs (all of them)

There are a number of costs when it comes to moving house. You should take a look at what applies whether you’re buying or selling, just to avoid any surprises!

Solicitors Fees.
Auctioneers fees.
Valuers Fees (if you are getting a mortgage).
Surveyors Fees.
Stamp Duty (this is 1% on a residential property up to €1m and 2% in excess of €1m).
Removal Costs (Some people choose to hire a van/truck and do this themselves but there are numerous companies that specialise in this and will reduce the stress of moving).

There are a number of factors you can’t control which might add extra costs to the equation. Whether you are buying a new home or second hand home. You will have a rough indication of the closing date when you are signing the contract, but there are often some last minutes hitches. Drawing down a mortgage or other delays might leave you in a position that you have to pay an extra months rent or find alternative temporary accommodation. The majority of transactions go smoothly but it is always best to have arrangements in place if there is a delay.

Top Tip: Running through the legal paperwork and outlining the costs involved with your move are a great place to get you up and running for selling your home. There are other factors involved. But with these two ready you should have no surprise expenses and be able to get to the final signing of documents that little bit faster.

If you need any extra advice on where to start in selling your home then get in touch on 045-433550 or at info@jordancs.ie. We’re happy to help.

I want to sell my house… where do I start?