Selling your home is a big step — and we’re here to make it simple. Our expert seller guides walk you through every stage, from preparing your property and setting the right price to marketing, viewings, offers, and completion. With local knowledge, proven strategies, and personalised advice, Thompson Wilson helps you achieve the best possible sale, stress-free.
Selling your home for the first time can feel overwhelming, with many steps and decisions to consider. At Thompson Wilson, we make the process straightforward by guiding you through each stage so you know exactly what to expect.
Our First-Time Sellers Guide outlines the key steps, costs, and timelines to help you prepare for a smooth and successful sale.
The first step in selling your property is understanding its current market value. A professional valuation should be carried out by an experienced local estate agent who can:
Provide an accurate market appraisal
Discuss recent sales of similar homes
Advise on current market conditions
Outline a tailored marketing strategy
Explain selling fees clearly
At Thompson Wilson, we take time to understand your goals, timelines, and priorities to ensure we achieve the best possible price for your home.
Once you have a valuation, create a budget for the selling process to avoid surprises later. Common costs include:
Estate agent’s selling fees
Conveyancer’s legal fees
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Removal company charges
Royal Mail redirection
If you’re buying or renting your next property, be sure to factor in those costs too.
When you’re ready to sell, your agent will arrange:
Professional photography
Floorplans
EPC (if required)
Marketing brochures
Tip: Before photography day, declutter, clean thoroughly, and make small repairs to ensure your home looks its best.
The way your property is presented can have a huge impact on the speed and success of your sale. Thompson Wilson’s marketing approach includes:
High-quality professional images
Floorplans and property descriptions
Listings on major portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla
Social media promotion
A “For Sale” board (if applicable)
Our goal is to showcase your home to the widest audience possible.
When buyers arrange to view your property, we’ll handle the scheduling and hosting. After each viewing, we’ll share feedback with you so you know exactly how your property is being received.
If a buyer makes an offer, your dedicated sales negotiator will:
Communicate all details clearly
Advise you on whether to accept, decline, or negotiate
Keep you informed at every stage
Once you accept an offer, you’ll need to appoint a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal work. We’ll liaise with them to ensure the process moves forward smoothly.
Every sale is different, but most take between 8 to 20 weeks from offer acceptance to completion, depending on factors such as the property chain and legal processes.
On completion day:
The buyer’s solicitor transfers the agreed funds to your solicitor
We hand over the keys to the new owner
You officially complete the sale and can move on to your next chapter
At Thompson Wilson, we know that every homeowner has different priorities when selling — whether it’s achieving the highest price, securing a quick sale, or moving forward with your next purchase. Our goal is to deliver the sale you want, with a process that’s transparent, efficient, and tailored to your needs.
From our first meeting, we take the time to listen to your moving goals, understand your priorities, and present your property exactly how you envision it.
If you’d like to start your journey, visit us in branch, give us a call, or arrange a free expert valuation.
We’ll provide a detailed market appraisal, including:
Local and national market insights
Comparable recent sales in your area
Local selling statistics and estimated sale timelines
Strategic price positioning for your property
Together, we’ll agree on a guide price and marketing plan designed to attract the right buyers.
Our marketing package includes:
Professional photography
Measured floorplans
Compelling property descriptions highlighting key features
Optional 3D virtual tour or video presentation
We ensure your property is presented at its absolute best to capture buyers’ attention.
Once you approve the marketing materials, we’ll launch your property across:
Leading property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla
The Thompson Wilson website
Our extensive buyer database
Social media channels for maximum exposure
Where appropriate, we’ll also install a For Sale board outside your home.
We’ll instantly match your property with qualified buyers from our database and reach out to anyone whose criteria align with your home.
We’ll arrange and host viewings at times convenient for you, then follow up with viewers to gather honest feedback so you can gauge buyer interest.
When an offer is made, your dedicated Sales Negotiator will:
Verify the buyer’s financial position and chain details
Negotiate to secure the best possible price
Keep you informed at every stage
Once an offer is accepted, your For Sale board will be updated to Sold.
After accepting an offer, you’ll appoint a conveyancer to handle the legal work. We recommend instructing them within the first 10 days to keep the process moving.
Key early steps include:
Returning all solicitor forms and payments for searches
Submitting your full mortgage application (if applicable)
Our Sales Progressor will work alongside your conveyancer to ensure a smooth transaction.
We’ll stay in regular contact with you, the buyer, and both solicitors to minimise delays and resolve any issues quickly.
Once contracts are signed and the buyer’s deposit (typically 5–10%) is transferred to your conveyancer, the sale becomes legally binding. At this stage, a completion date will be agreed, allowing you to finalise your moving arrangements.
On completion day:
The buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining funds
We release the keys to the new owner
You officially complete the sale and can move into your next chapter
First impressions matter. The way your home looks when buyers first see it — whether in photos or in person — can make all the difference. A well-presented property not only attracts more interest but can also sell faster and achieve a higher price.
At Thompson Wilson, we offer expert guidance to help you prepare your home for market. Whether you choose an open house or private viewings, we can recommend trusted maintenance contractors and share proven tips to ensure your property shines.
Remember: Buyers often assume the way a home looks reflects how it has been maintained. A clean, tidy, and well-kept property suggests that essential maintenance — such as electrics, roofing, and heating — has been looked after too.
Below are our key recommendations to get your home market-ready before photography begins, and to maintain throughout the selling process.
First impressions start before a buyer even steps inside.
Clean or repaint your front door
Keep the front garden neat and tidy
Maintain communal entrances or hallways if applicable
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and remove washing from outdoor lines
Move cars off the driveway for viewings
Store bins out of sight
A sparkling, clutter-free home instantly feels more inviting.
Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms — polish taps, clean tiles, and make fixtures shine
Clean windows inside and out
Air out the property to remove any lingering odours
Declutter surfaces — especially in the kitchen and hallway
Pack away items you don’t need before the move
Store shoes, coats, and bikes out of sight
Hide wires and chargers where possible
Replace any blown lightbulbs
Straighten artwork and decorative items
Create calm, tidy spaces that buyers can imagine themselves living in.
Clear tops of wardrobes and space under beds
Make beds daily with fresh linen
Store clothes neatly
Clean showers, baths, and toilets thoroughly
Put away toiletries to keep surfaces clear
Set the stage so buyers can see your property’s full potential.
De-personalise where possible to help buyers imagine their own belongings in the space
Give each room a clear purpose (e.g., bedrooms as bedrooms, living rooms as living rooms)
Arrange furniture to maximise space
Plump up cushions and pillows
Add fresh flowers for colour and fragrance
Consider lighting fireplaces during colder months for a cosy feel
For a smooth viewing experience:
Arrange for pets and small children to be looked after elsewhere to avoid distractions
Keep your home at a comfortable temperature
Remember the little touches you noticed when you first viewed your home — they can make all the difference to buyers too