Selling your property involves some important decisions about a hugely valuable asset. It also requires a great deal of hard work and organisation, so it really pays to talk to the right people from the outset.

 

As one of Dublin’s leading estate agents, Beirne & Wise have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the changing face of the residential property market over the last 25 years.  We understand how a vendor can maximise the value of their property and how careful preparation can make the whole process run more smoothly.

 

 

Preparing to sell

  

 

1. Paperwork

 
The following documentation will be required:

 

 

For all properties

 

 

• Proof of any remedial works carried out to the property.

 

 

• Copies of planning permissions for alterations/extensions.

 

 

• The title deeds for your solicitor to prepare a contract.

 

 

• A Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER).

 

 

For leasehold properties

• Lease – we will need to know the length of the lease.

 

• Multi-Unit Complexes:  Service charge – the amount payable per annum and who is the management company.

  

 

2. Solicitor

 

We advise that you instruct a solicitor when you first put your property on the market. This is so that when you accept an offer, they are already in possession of your title deeds and can promptly send out a draft contract. Failing to instruct a solicitor can lead to delays due to lack of information being readily available for the purchaser’s solicitor. This is particularly frustrating if you require a fast exchange of contracts.

  

 

3. Money Laundering

 

In order to comply with money laundering regulations, we are required by law to hold ID verification on record for all our clients

  

 

4. Maintenance checklist

 

Ensuring that basic and essential maintenance has been carried out on your property can make a big difference to a buyer’s surveyor’s report.

 

Where to make investments in your property? Redecoration may be a good idea in some instances, but not so profitable in others, your Beirne & Wise agent can advise.   We can also help with small repairs, organising furniture rental and interior staging, if required.

 

 

5. Decluttering

 

In order to present your property at its best, it is a good idea to tidy and perhaps even remove some of your possessions to give your property a spacious and airy feel. Think “less is more”!

  

 

Presenting your property for viewings

 

We suggest you consider the following when showing your property to prospective buyers.

  

 

1. First impressions Kerb appeal

 

A clean front door and a litter-free entrance, manicured lawn, the driveway clear of stains, and weeds gives an excellent first impression.

 

 

2. Lighting

 

Clean windows and drawn back curtains are essential in maximising natural light. In the winter months, good lighting is equally important — consider using lamps to add extra warmth and charm to a room. If the property is empty, ensure that the mains power is on and all light bulbs are working.

 

3. Temperature

 

Appropriate temperature for the season helps prospective buyers imagine themselves in the home. Open windows in the summer and use a working fireplace or regular bursts of central heating in the winter.

 

 

4. Garden

 

Gardens, front and back, should be kept tidy and attractive, with well-mown lawns, neat hedges and seasonal plants and flowers emphasised where possible.

 

 

Viewings

 

The most successful vendors ensure their property is looking its best throughout the viewing process.  Finishing touches such as fresh flowers and good lighting can make a real difference.  We will always provide you with details and feedback from each viewing.

 

“Finishing touches such as fresh flowers and good lighting can make a real difference.”

The Sale process…

 

The offer

 
Receiving an offer for your property is an exciting moment. Beirne & Wise will always handle this carefully, fairly and ethically.

 

• We are bound by law to inform you of all offers as soon as is reasonably possible.

 

• We will advise you on the position of all buyers who make an offer.

  

 

Accepting an offer

• Once you have accepted an offer you will receive a Memorandum of Sale. This confirms to you, your buyer and both solicitors, the terms of the sale. This will include any special conditions including time frames for exchange and completion. 

 

• Your solicitor will send a draft contract to your buyer’s solicitor who in turn starts the conveyancing process. This will include surveyors / bank valuers visiting your property on the buyers behalf.

 

• Negotiations can occur throughout the conveyancing process and we will be on hand to advise you from start to finish. Remember, there are no legal obligations until you exchange contracts.

 

 

“Close communication and teamwork are key for a successful outcome”

 

 

Exchange of contracts

 
Prior to you exchanging contracts, a number of points will be discussed and agreed by both solicitors:

 

• Enquiries: these are any questions that the purchaser’s solicitor may have about your property.

 

• Lease: if your property has a lease and/or is share of freehold, there might be specific questions that need to be raised. Often leases were written many years ago and don’t always comply with modern interpretation of the law or wordings.

 

• Title: the purchaser’s solicitor will have checked that you have good title to the ownership of the property.

 

• Local searches: these will have been received and checked. 

 

• Fixtures and fittings: any fixture that you plan to take (i.e. wall lights) need to be replaced with an equivalent product.

 

• Mortgage offer: the buyer will have received their mortgage offer.

 

 

At exchange

 
At this point the buyer should pay a non-refundable deposit, usually around 10% of the sale price, and sign unconditional contracts and return them to your solicitor. Some solicitors may exchange on less than this. It is normally telegraphically transferred and held in your solicitor’s account.

 

This is when you become legally committed to the sale. You will then counter sign the contracts and a closing date will be agreed.

 

 

Between exchange and closing the sale

 

• Buildings insurance: both you and the purchasers (because they now have an insurable interest) will need to keep building insurance running on your property.

 

• Removals: you will be surprised how early you need to book a removal company.

 

• Utilities: you must inform these companies of your sale and completion date.  Meter readings  must be taken on the day of completion.

 

• Post: all mail will need to be redirected to your new address

 

 

Closing the Sale

 
This is where you finally hand over the keys to your property.

  

The buyer’s solicitor will send over the completion funds. Your solicitor will call you and your agent to release the keys to your buyer.

 

 

Congratulations, you will have now sold your property!