Selling Your House in Ramsbottom and Bury: FAQs

Thinking about selling? These are the questions sellers in Ramsbottom, Bury and the villages ask us most, with straight answers from our team.

Can I sell my house without an estate agent?

Yes, you can sell your house privately, as there's no legal requirement to use an estate agent. You'd handle the pricing, photos, viewings, checking buyers can afford it and chasing the sale to completion yourself. Private sellers can't list directly on Rightmove or Zoopla, which only take listings from agents, so you'll reach fewer buyers. If you go it alone, line up a solicitor early and ask for proof of funds before accepting an offer.

What do I need to do before putting my house on the market?

Before you put your house on the market, get your paperwork, your EPC and your solicitor sorted. Gather ID, guarantees, building regulations certificates and any planning documents. You'll need a valid EPC before the house is marketed. Fix the small jobs buyers notice, like dripping taps or scuffed paint, and clear surfaces before the photos. Instructing a solicitor at the start, rather than once you've found a buyer, can save weeks later on.

What is the best time of year to sell a house?

Spring and early autumn are usually the busiest times to sell, but buyers in Ramsbottom and Bury look all year round. A well-priced home with good photos tends to do better in a quiet month than an overpriced one in a busy month. The weeks around Christmas are quieter for viewings, though serious buyers are still about. If you're thinking about moving, get a valuation early so you're ready to go when it suits you.

Why is my house not selling?

A house that isn't selling usually has a problem with price, presentation or marketing. Plenty of viewings but no offers normally means buyers think the price is wrong for what they're seeing. Very few viewings points to the photos, the description or where it's advertised. Rightmove found homes that needed a price reduction took more than three times as long to find a buyer, so an honest second opinion early on is worth having.

How can I sell my house fast?

The quickest way to sell is to price it right from day one and be ready to move once you have a buyer. Get the photos right, make the house easy to view, and have your solicitor instructed and your paperwork ready before the first viewing. Pricing slightly high 'to test the market' usually slows things down. If you need a guaranteed quick sale, cash buyers exist, but expect to accept less than open market value.

Should I sell to a 'we buy any house' company?

Only sell to a quick-sale company if speed matters more to you than price, because they usually buy below market value. Some will also reduce their offer late in the process after a survey, which can leave you worse off than expected. Get an open market valuation from a local agent first so you know the gap. For probate or problem properties, a cash buyer found through the open market is often a better middle ground.

Should I sell my house before I buy another?

In most cases, yes, or at least have your home on the market before you start making offers. Sellers who have already agreed a sale are taken more seriously, because they're ready to proceed. If you find somewhere first you can still offer, but expect it to be weighed against buyers who are chain-free or already Sold STC. Selling first also tells you exactly what budget you're working with, which stops you overstretching.

Can I sell my house if I still have a mortgage?

Yes, most people selling still have a mortgage, and it's paid off from the sale money on completion day. Your solicitor gets a redemption figure from your lender and pays them directly, then sends you what's left. Check with your lender whether you'll pay an early repayment charge, and whether you can port the mortgage to your next home. If you're in negative equity, speak to your lender before you put the house on the market.

Can I sell a house with tenants in it?

Yes, you can sell a rented house with the tenant staying put, and the buyer simply takes over as landlord. If you want it empty, you have to end the tenancy lawfully. Under the Renters' Rights Act that normally means Ground 1A, which needs four months' notice and can't take effect in the first 12 months of a tenancy. Selling with a tenant in place usually means selling to an investor. Speak to us before you serve any notice.

Do I need an EPC to sell my house?

Yes, you need a valid Energy Performance Certificate before your house goes on the market, unless it's exempt. Buyers must be able to see it, and it appears on the listing. An EPC lasts 10 years, so check the government's EPC register first, as you may already have one. If it has expired, you'll need a new one before the house is marketed.

Can I sell an inherited house before probate is granted?

You can market the house and accept an offer before probate is granted, but you can't exchange contracts or complete until the grant has been issued. Many executors start marketing once they've applied, so no time is lost waiting. Tell buyers at the start that it's a probate sale so nobody is caught out by the timings. If several family members are involved, agree who makes decisions before the house goes on the market.

What home improvements add value before selling?

The improvements that usually pay back before a sale are the cheap ones: fresh neutral paint, fixing obvious repairs, a tidy garden and a deep clean. Big projects like a new kitchen rarely return their full cost if you're selling soon, and buyers often want to choose their own. Deal with anything that could worry a surveyor, such as damp, loose roof slates or old electrics. We'll tell you honestly at the valuation what's worth doing and what isn't.

Does home staging help sell a house?

Yes, staging helps because buyers make up their minds from the photos before they ever book a viewing. Staging doesn't have to mean hiring furniture. Most of the time it's decluttering, moving furniture to open up rooms, letting in more light and giving each room a clear purpose. A spare room full of boxes looks smaller than it is. We give home staging advice as part of preparing a home for its photos.

What fixtures and fittings do I have to leave when I sell?

You have to leave fixtures, the things attached to the property like the boiler, built-in wardrobes and fitted kitchen units, unless you agree otherwise. Fittings, such as curtains, freestanding appliances and lampshades, are yours to take or sell. Your solicitor will send you a fixtures and fittings form, known as the TA10, to fill in. Be clear and accurate on it, because the buyer's offer is based on what they think is staying.

Got a question we haven't answered?

Call us on 01706 310171, email sales@bowmanestatesltd.com or pop into the office at 88 Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom. If you're thinking of selling, you can book a free, no-obligation valuation.