Common worries about selling, answered honestly
It is entirely normal to have concerns before selling a home. Here are some of the questions we hear most often, answered as plainly as we can manage.
What if my home does not sell?
Well-prepared, realistically priced properties are still attracting genuine interest and selling within a sensible timescale. If a property is not attracting interest, it is almost always down to pricing or presentation, both of which can be adjusted. We would rather have that honest conversation with you early, looking at real viewing feedback and comparable evidence, than let a property sit indefinitely and hope things change on their own.
What if I sell but cannot find anywhere to buy?
This is a genuine, common worry, and it is worth discussing with your associate before you commit to anything. Depending on your circumstances, there may be ways to manage timing, including negotiating a longer completion date, or exploring short-term rental as a bridge if the right onward property has not turned up yet. None of this needs to be figured out alone.
How much will it actually cost me?
We will always be upfront about our fees and what they include before you commit to anything, and what happens to that fee if a sale does not go ahead. It is worth asking any agent this question clearly and in writing, and being wary of anyone who is vague about it.
What if the market changes after I commit?
Markets do move, gradually rather than dramatically in most cases. This is exactly why we recommend keeping your valuation reasonably current if a lot of time passes between deciding to sell and actually listing, so your pricing reflects genuine, present conditions rather than an outdated figure from months earlier.
What if my chain falls apart part way through?
This is one of the more stressful things that can happen during a sale, and it is genuinely rare rather than typical. If it does happen, our sales progression team works to understand exactly what went wrong and, where possible, helps find an alternative buyer quickly rather than starting entirely from scratch. We would also rather flag a chain that looks fragile early, so you have time to consider your options before it becomes a crisis.
What if I get a low offer?
You are never obliged to accept an offer you are not happy with. We will always give you our honest view on whether an offer is reasonable, based on genuine comparable evidence, and help you decide whether to negotiate, decline, or simply hold out for the right buyer. A low first offer is also not unusual, and does not necessarily mean it will stay that way.
What if I change my mind partway through?
You are entitled to withdraw from a sale at any point before contracts are exchanged, though it is worth understanding that this can involve costs already incurred, such as survey or search fees, depending on how far things have progressed. If your circumstances change, talk to your associate as early as possible so your options can be properly explained.
What if I just do not feel ready, even after everything?
That is a perfectly good place to land, and it is not a failure of the process. Plenty of people go through some or all of this thinking and decide the timing is not right yet. We are happy to stay in touch for whenever it is, without any pressure to act before you feel ready.