Your ultimate guide to a stress-free property journey

Selling your home is often described as one of the most stressful experiences in life. Between preparing your property for market, managing timescales, and handling the legal side of the transaction, there’s a lot to think about.

Fortunately, working with an experienced solicitor estate agent like Gilson Gray can take much of the pressure off your shoulders.

In this article, we’ll explore how our teams help sellers to navigate the process from start to finish; efficiently, professionally, and with confidence.

How do Gilson Gray manage simplify the process?

Our teams boast a wealth of experience in local property markets across Scotland, providing professional and thorough advice at every stage. With strong legal expertise in-house, we ensure your move from A to B is as efficient and stress-free as possible.

From preparing your home for sale to handling the conveyancing process, our solicitor estate agents work together seamlessly to keep things moving and minimise delays.

What are some common things that sellers forget to prepare?

It’s easy to overlook a few key steps when you’re getting ready to sell. Some of the most common things clients forget include:

• Preparing the home for marketing – decluttering, deep cleaning, and addressing minor repairs
• Addressing snagging issues – such as cracked tiles, worn grout, or peeling paint
• Setting a clear budget – understanding your financial position early helps you plan your move confidently, particularly in upsizing

We recommend speaking with an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) or Mortgage Advisor at the very beginning to ensure your finances are aligned with your goals. Gilson Gray can support and provide recommendations for this.

What are the benefits of a solicitor estate agent?

Having a solicitor estate agent like Gilson Gray on your side means you have everything under one roof. Our clients benefit from:

• Legal assistance from day one, ensuring all documentation is handled correctly.
• Access to the ESPC network, with over 250,000 registered buyers actively searching for homes.
• A fully integrated team, combining marketing, legal, and financial expertise.

This one-stop-shop approach provides reassurance and consistency throughout your selling journey and minimises stress.

How long does the selling journey take?

While the median time to sell is often referred to as being around 21 days, activity levels are usually clear within the first two weeks of marketing. However, timescales can vary depending on market conditions and chain complexities.

Once a sale is agreed, the legal work typically takes around eight weeks to complete – though our team works diligently to keep things progressing smoothly.

Post-Sale Considerations

Once the sale is complete, many sellers overlook a few important follow-up steps, such as:

• Updating or reviewing their Will to reflect new property and financial circumstances
• Arranging home insurance for their new property
• Setting up mail forwarding and updating important contacts

At Gilson Gray, our Private Client team is on hand to help you update your Will and other personal documents, ensuring your affairs remain in order after your move.

Supporting you beyond the sale

Our service doesn’t stop once the sale is finalised. Gilson Gray offers ongoing support through our Financial Management team (GGFM), providing expert advice on financial planning, mortgages, and investments.

We also assist clients with buying their next home, ensuring a smooth transition from one property to the next. From initial discussions to final handover, our setup makes us truly unique in the market.

Top tips for first-time sellers

If you’re selling your home for the first time, preparation and presentation are key. A few key things to pay attention to include:

• Keep décor neutral but inviting; pastel shades of navy, green, or grey add character without overwhelming a space.
• Maintain cleanliness and tidiness throughout viewings.
• Address minor issues before marketing, such as worn grout, silicone seals, or exterior maintenance like the garden. A quick wipe down of your front door goes a long way!

A well-presented home not only photographs better, but also leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers when they come to view your property.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and the guidance of a trusted solicitor estate agent like Gilson Gray, you can move confidently through every step of the process.

Whether you’re selling, buying, or planning your next move, our integrated team is here to support you from start to finish – making your move simpler, smoother, and more successful.

Find out more about our service offering and how we can help you, here.

Arran Lovell
Senior Valuer