Ten steps to selling a property

1. Estate agent, or private sale? 
   An average sale through an estate agent now costs £2,820 plus VAT in fees. Is this money well spent? A good estate agent can save you hassle and time, but it may be worth investigating a private sale.
   
   Which route is right for you? Read this article from Lawpack's 'Sell Your Own Home' Kit - Estate agent, or private sale?
   
   
2. The makeover
   Does your house have 'kerb appeal'? Which rooms should you concentrate on? Is it worth putting in a new kitchen? Should you spend money on the garden before you sell? 
   
   Read about getting property ready to sell.
   
   
3. Valuing your home
   What did the neighbours sell their house for? New services allow you to find the latest sale price of every property in your local area.
   
   Read our guide to Land Registry searches.
   
   
4. Property particulars and floorplan
   How should you describe your house to buyers? Should you include photographs - inside and out? What should you say, and what should you definitely not say? Are there any legal issues - what about the Property Misdescriptions Act?
   
   Our Property particulars section shows you how to write clear and accurate property particulars. The Sell your own Home Kit gives you drafts of standard templates, and a trial of one of the leading Floorplan software programs, so you can create a professional diagram of your home.
   
   
5. 
   'For Sale' sign
   If you have decided on a private sale, you will need a For Sale sign. A sign outside your home is the best way to attract attention.
   
   
6. Press advertising
   What will it cost to put an ad in the papers, and is it worth the money?
   
   Read how to advertise property in newspapers.
   
   
7. 
   Internet advertising
   If you want to reach a large number of buyers who are looking right now, the internet could be just as important as the press. Last year, over two million property buyers started their search online.
   
   Save money with Lawpack's Internet Property Service.
   
   
8. Conducting property viewings
   It is critical to present  your house or flat (and even yourself) in the best light when a potential buyer arrives at the door. The Sell your own Home Kit guides you through what can be a potentially stressful time.
   
   Read our guide to property viewing.
   
   
9. Negotiating the deal
   Once you have hooked a buyer, you may have to steel yourself for some tough and nail-bitingly tense negotiations before you arrive at a price you are happy to accept.
   
   For a head start, take a look at our tips on negotiating a price.
   
   
10. 
    Conveyancing - £50 discount offer
    Whether you take the private sale route or use an estate agent, you will almost certainly need professional help when it comes to the legal documents and completion. Lawpack has arranged a special deal for readers of the 'Sell Your Own Home' kit.
    
    Click for our Conveyancing offer.

• Room-by-room makeover tips to give your home the wow! factor and appeal to as many viewers as possible
• The dos and don'ts of producing impressive property particulars
• How to get the best out of online and conventional advertising
• Dealing with enquiries, handling viewings and concluding
• Introduction to conveyancing and what you need to know

Loose-leaf forms included:

Makeover checklist
Appointment & viewing record - to help you organise viewings.
Fixtures and fittings list - so the buyer knows what is and what is not included in the sale.

Includes Free CD containing trial floor-plan software