Find a solicitor

One way to speed up the sale of your property is by having a solicitor on board from the very start.

Solicitors know their way around the process, where the pitfalls lie, where problems may arise, and can provide you with the expert advice and support you need to make the whole process run as smoothly as possible.

Your solicitor will help you by:

• Giving you a copy of their Terms of Engagement and a Section 150 Notice of Costs that sets out

• their fees, VAT and anticipated outlays.

• Explaining how the property selling process works and the timelines involved.

• Telling you which documents you will need to find.

• Explaining title searches and review title documents to identify any potential difficulties.

• Communicating with the buyer’s solicitor.

• Resolving any legal issues.

• Drafting closing documentation.

• Closing the sale.

• Dealing with matters after the sale, including paying off any loan or mortgage and getting a deed of release/discharge from your bank to confirm that the loan has been repaid.

Find an estate agent

It’s a good idea to choose a local SCSI estate agent with experience of selling homes like yours.

Here are some points to follow before you make a decision:

• When getting your property appraised by different agents, bear in mind the highest figure may not be the most realistic. The appraisal provided by the agent must be accompanied by a ‘Statement of Advised Market Value’ form as specified by the Property Service Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

• It is a good idea to check the residential property price register to compare the agent’s appraisal with the sale prices achieved for similar property types in your area. This register can be located at psr.ie.

• Find out exactly what you are paying for – how and where the agent will advertise your property.

• Agree a maximum selling time. If you’re happy with the service, you can always extend it – and if you’re not, you can change agents when the time’s up.

• The terms and conditions you agree with your agent should be stated in the PSRA ‘Letter of Engagement’ form. The Letter of Engagement is an extremely important document and must be signed by both parties before any sales instruction.

• Last but not least, try and choose an agent you like and trust – selling a house can be a long process, so it’s important you get on.

 Useful links

• Find a practising solicitor in your area

• Find an estate agent - (select ‘residential surveyor’ from the search engine)