Striking A Property Deal

My buyer has dropped out - what do I do next?

There's not much you can do about the situation if someone drops out of buying your house, but it does highlight how important it is to continue showing the property even when you agree to a sale. 40% of buyers will drop out. This is the best you can do.

How long should I wait for a prospective buyer to come up with the finance once a deal has been done?

Once you've agreed your price with a buyer, the buyer should be able to come up with proof of funding within two weeks absolute maximum. If they haven't come up with proof of funding by then, and the solicitor is not providing it, pull out. Look for another buyer.

What does an estate agent do once a deal has been agreed?

Your estate agent's job once you've agreed a sale is to liase with your solicitor, the buyers surveyor, and the buyers mortgage company. All of those three things are incredibly important jobs for an estate agent, and that is what your estate agent is meant to do. The estate agent should pull all those strands together after a sale and keep you up to date with information as you go along, so you know exactly where you are in the process.

I've sold my house - why won't my agent take the sales board down?

Estate agents' boards are an incredibly cheap way of advertising their presence in the area, so agents aren't keen to take them down after a sale. They cost about £6 each and they have an incredible impact. They're also, as far as I'm concerned, a blight on the landscape. If I had my way, I'd get rid of all of them, frankly. If your estate agent doesn't come and take down their boards, take it down yourself.