When someone makes an offer on your property try to get it in writing if possible. Make sure you get their contact details and if they are in a position to proceed with the purchase or if they have a property that they need to sell first.

If they are offering less than the asking price then you should note their reasons. Making clear notes will avoid any confusion if you receive other offers.

Always remain calm and polite and thank them for their offer, telling them you will consider it and get back to them quickly with your decision. If you accept an offer too readily they may think they have offered too high and seek to reduce the amount.

If the offer is too low to accept - you should tell them there and then that it is too low, saying you will get back to them will suggest you are considering their offer and any further offers will probably only be slightly higher. If you think an offer is too low then try to justify why (eg 'there are 3 other houses in the street at the same asking price as mine, so it seems a fair price'). Most buyers will make an offer that is lower than the asking price to see if you will accept it.

Once you have received an offer you should consider it as soon as possible - these people want to buy your house - it is an anxious time waiting for your decision. There is a saying that 'your property is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it'.

Most offers made will be 'subject to survey'. This means that the buyer is happy to pay the agreed price so long as a survey doesn't highlight any defects you haven't clearly mentioned already.

In a 'Sellers' market buyers may offer you more than the asking price because buyers need to do everything possible to secure the one they want. On the other hand if it is a 'Buyers' market then the very same house could well attract offers below the asking price, because buyers know you have a lot of competition.

If you turn down an offer made on your property try to keep the negotiations going and ask them to consider making a higher offer (based on the justifications you made) or maybe asking them what is the highest price they are prepared to go to.

You don't have to accept any higher offers but if they mention a price close to what you will accept then there are means of reaching an agreement such as meeting them halfway on any final difference.

Once you agree a price you should ask for details of their solicitor and provide them with details of yours. Your Solicitor can then make contact with the buyers solicitor and start the legal process of selling your house.

For more information on selling a property on your own download our property guide

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