🏡 The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Sellers: Everything You Need to Know
Selling your home for the first time? We know it can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. At Browns Estate Agents, we’re here to walk you through every step of the process with confidence, clarity, and expert support.
Here’s our step-by-step guide for first-time sellers. From deciding to sell, to handing over the keys, we’ve got you covered.
1. 📍Decide if Now is the Right Time to Sell
Before anything else, think about why you're selling. Is it for more space, a new job, or a lifestyle change? Evaluate the current market — our team at Browns can offer a free, no-obligation valuation and local market insight to help you decide if now is the right time.
2. 🧾 Get Your Finances in Order
Selling your home comes with costs you may not expect. Here are a few to budget for:
Estate agent fees
Conveyancing/solicitor fees
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Removals or storage
Mortgage exit fees or early repayment charges
💡 Tip: Speak to a mortgage adviser if you're planning to buy again — you may be able to port your mortgage.
3. 🏠 Prepare Your Property
First impressions count. Make your home as appealing and welcoming as possible:
Declutter and deep clean
Touch up paint or minor repairs
Enhance kerb appeal (clean windows, tidy garden)
Neutralise decor so buyers can imagine themselves living there
📸 At Browns, we provide professional photography and advice on staging your home to attract more interest.
4. 💼 Choose the Right Estate Agent
A trusted, proactive estate agent makes all the difference. Here’s what to look for:
Local knowledge
Transparent fees
Proven track record
Excellent marketing strategy (online, social media, portals like Rightmove and Zoopla)
✅ Why choose Browns? We combine modern marketing with good old-fashioned customer service — and we’re proud of our reputation for going the extra mile.
5. 📈 Get Your Property Valued
Your agent will provide a market appraisal, suggesting a realistic and competitive price to attract buyers — without undervaluing your home. Overpricing can slow down your sale, while the right pricing strategy creates urgency and interest.
6. 📑 Legal Side: Instruct a Solicitor
Once your home is on the market, you’ll need a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal side. It’s a good idea to instruct them early so paperwork like title deeds and property information forms are ready as soon as you accept an offer. Not sure who to choose? Don't worry, we can recommend a trusted solicitor!
7. 📣 Market Your Property
Marketing matters. Your estate agent should:
List on the major property portals
Use high-quality photos and floorplans
Promote on social media
Organise viewings professionally
Keep you updated regularly
At Browns, we tailor a bespoke marketing plan for every client.
8. 🤝 Receive Offers & Negotiate
When offers come in, your agent will negotiate on your behalf to get you the best price and most reliable buyer.
Consider:
The buyer’s financial position (e.g. cash buyer vs. mortgage)
Their chain situation
Timescales
9. 🔍 Accept an Offer & Move to Exchange
Once you accept an offer:
Your solicitor will send out contracts
The buyer will arrange surveys and searches
You’ll negotiate completion dates
🏃♂️ This stage can take several weeks — your Browns agent will chase updates and keep everything on track.
10. ✍️ Exchange Contracts & Complete
When both parties are happy, contracts are exchanged, and the sale becomes legally binding. A completion date is set — this is when the keys are handed over and you receive the proceeds of the sale.
🎉 Congratulations, you’ve sold your home!
Final Tips for First-Time Sellers:
Stay organised — keep track of documents and dates
Be flexible with viewings
Communicate openly with your agent
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Ready to Sell? Let's Talk.
Whether you’re curious about your home’s value or ready to put up the ‘For Sale’ sign, Browns Estate Agents is here to help make your first sale smooth, successful, and stress-free.
