Buying and selling your house

Experts think it's best to sell your existing home first. You'll then have cash in the bank, no chain and can rent in your chosen area, on hand for early viewings of new properties.

Estate agents

Most people use estate agents to buy and sell their homes. For valuing, advertising and selling your house you'll pay around 2-3% commission on the sale price, plus VAT. When buying, rural estate agents should also be the starting point. Make face-to-face contact, sign up to mailing lists and call in regularly to find out if anything new has come in. Let them know you're ready to move; they'll work harder for you if they think it will be a quick sale.

Newspapers

The DIY approach to selling can save an average of £4,500. From erecting a `For Sale' sign to placing ads in the national press, you'll have to put effort into promoting your property and showing buyers round. Local newspapers offer houses to buy and an accurate view of the property market.

Property finders

If you haven't got time to search for your dream house, consider using a relocation agent. For a fee of about 1% of the purchase price, they'll help you sell and buy, organise viewings, finance, negotiations and paperwork.

Part exchange

Like cars, you can part-exchange your old house for a new one. New housing developments often come with the option of an `assisted move scheme'. If time is of the essence and you want a new build, this option speeds up your house move and takes away the pressure to sell your own home.

Auction

For a quick sale and completion you can't beat buying or selling through an auctioneer. You'll pay 2-3% commission to put your home under the hammer but if it doesn't sell you don't pay a penny. People who buy houses at auction are expecting a bargain - the pay-off is having to fork out 10% of the selling price immediately, with completion in 28 days.

Internet brokers

Essentially a matchmaking service, online property brokers don't ask for a percentage but charge a small fee to advertise your property (between £50-£300) to potential buyers. Use this in conjunction with an estate agent and you'll double your chances of selling without double the commission. Buyers can also view a large amount of properties in one go - great if you're looking at a wide geographical area.

Getting the best price

Dream country homes don't come cheap so follow our checklist to help you maximise the selling potential of your property.

Sell at the right time

The time of year plays a big part in achieving your asking price. Christmas, New Year and late summer tend to be slow so aim to sell in spring or autumn when demand for property is high.

Do the little jobs

Small repairs and DIY jobs-to-do will put off a potential buyer so deal with any peeling wallpaper, dripping taps, chipped or flaking paint and badly fitted doors.

Keep colours light

Buyers like light neutral colours. They make a house seem bigger and are least likely to clash with any potential buyer's furniture.

Get instant appeal

Housebuyers decide within the first few minutes whether they like a property or not. Paint the front door and mow the lawn to make a good first impression.

Create an atmosphere

A house needs to feel like a home. Make potential buyers a cup of coffee, have fresh flowers in the key rooms and always clear away the clutter. Send the pets to friends or family if possible.

Bathrooms and kitchens

These rooms sell a house more than any other. If your kitchen is looking tired, new cupboard doors or worktops will add impact but won't break the bank. Bathroom suites should always be white and most buyers will expect a shower.

How to make an offer..

• Know your limit and stick to it

• Clarify your buying position

• Understand the house market

• Find out how long the property has been for sale

• Don't tell the vendor or estate agent how much you like it

• Always make your offer subject to contract

>>> Step FIVE: Make sure it's the right house for you

Essential Information Group - www.eigroup.co.uk
Find a Property - www.findaproperty.com
Houseweb - www.houseweb.com
Loot - www.loot.com
National Association of Estate Agents - www.naea.co.uk
Office of Deputy Prime Minister - www.odpm.gov.uk
Plotfinder - www.plotfinder.net
Property Broker - www.propertybroker.co.uk