Question 1

What is a Home Report?

Accepted Answer

To be able to put your property onto the market for sale here in Scotland, you will require a Home Report.  This is something that Stewart Watt & Co can arrange as part of the pre-marketing process.  The Home Report is split into three sections:

1. Single Survey & Valuation 
This section, based on a visual inspection by a chartered surveyor and details information about the property, its condition, its accessibility and any repairs that a prospective purchaser may need to carry out.  It also gives a valuation (an expert opinion on how much the property is worth).

2. Energy Report
This section of the Home Report gives information on the property's energy efficiency in the form of an Energy Performance Certificate.  It details energy use and roughly how much it'll cost on average for heating, lighting and hot water.
It also rates the house's environmental impact in terms of carbon dioxide emissions and gives contact details for advice on how to make the property more energy efficient and save fuel costs.

3. Property Questionnaire
This section of the Home Report is a questionnaire covering different categories. This is designed to give a purchaser more information about the property.

These categories include:
 • the home's council tax band
 • any issues that may have affected the home in the past, like fire or storm damage or asbestos
 • any alterations or extensions that have been made to the home
 • details of any specialist works or guarantees
 • details of any notices that might affect the home

Question 2

What websites do you advertise my property on?

Accepted Answer

Stewart Watt & Co currently advertise properties on our website, ESPC, Primelocation, Zoopla and via social media.  Each website offers access to different buyer demographics in order to provide a wider reach on advertising online.

Question 3

What is the Home Selling process here in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

It can be daunting thinking about what to do and when if you're considering selling your home here in Scotland.  Thankfully, we are on hand every step of the way with regular feedback and high standards of customer service.  We also provide you with a copy of 'How to Sell a Home' booklet which is also available free, online here:

Question 4

Why do you need my ID?

Accepted Answer

Stewart Watt & Co Solicitors are regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, and must obtain clients' ID to comply with the anti-money laundering regulations.  We ask for proof of ID such as a valid passport and/or driver's license, proof of address such as a council tax bill or a utility bill dated within the past 3 months.  We also ask for your National Insurance number.

These need to be provided by each owner of the property.

Question 5

What paperwork do I need?

Accepted Answer

We will ask you about any alterations to the property, such as double glazing, extensions, new heating systems when you are looking to put your property onto the market.  Please have a look for any paperwork relating to this, including any guarantees for specialised work.

We'll also ask you where your title deeds are located and your mortgage account number if applicable.

Question 6

How much will it cost to sell my home?

Accepted Answer

As an ESPC Charter Member, we want to make sure we provide you with a full and transparent estimate of fees, from conveyancing to estate agency, bank fees, Home Report survey and, of course, an expectation of what to achieve as a sale price.  That's why we offer you a free pre-sale valuation, it helps us gather the information relevant to your property and send you a detailed estimate tailored to your sale.

The pre-sale valuation is free and without obligation.  We will then send you a detailed quotation which will help you plan your move.

Question 7

What is the ESPC Charter?

Accepted Answer

The ESPC Charter is a quality standard that Stewart Watt & Co have signed up to and details the level of service that you can expect as we provide a top-quality service to our clients.

Encompassing all aspects of the property transaction, the Charter details what service levels you can expect: from clear, transparent pricing, to regular feedback and consistent points of contacts. Additionally, it helps firms prioritise training and development to ensure that we can stay in a market leading position, offering high quality, customer focused service.

The ESPC Charter promotes a higher standard of service levels for both buyers and sellers. Chartered firms have voluntarily signed up to these higher standards which encompasses all aspects of your property journey, from estate agency through to the legal process and highlights exactly what you should expect at all points of the journey.

• At all stages of the property transaction, home sellers can benefit from using a Chartered firm like Stewart Watt & Co.
 • In the initial property marketing stages, you can expect to be updated quickly and efficiently on what is happening and what you need to provide and an individual will be assigned to guide you through the sale.  
 • Full transparency on the valuation, fees, and services that the solicitor estate agent firm will provide will be detailed as standard.  
 • The extensive ESPC past sales archive is uniquely available to solicitor estate agents who are part of our network, and this detailed wealth of information is vital in providing accurate valuations by our firms to their clients. Chartered firms have committed to ensuring this is utilised fully in your sale and that the archive is fully up-to-date.
 • The conveyancing team (who handle the legal process of transferring a property from one person to another) will be introduced and you’ll be asked about documents that will make your sale  progress more easily, such as building warrants, alteration documents etc.  
 • Enquiries will be handled promptly, and feedback will be provided regularly to keep you up to date with how your sale is progressing.  
 • In addition to the high level of service you can expect with your property marketing, when it comes to the legal transfer of the property, the sale conveyancing will be completed to a high standard. You’ll be provided with full transparency on fees from the outset and have clear timelines provided with regards to accepting offers and transferring title deeds.

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