If you need to coincide your sale with a purchase, the neverending question is do you go to the market first, or find a suitable property first? The obvious risk of finding first is that there are other buyers in a better position than you. The risk of selling first is that you cannot find your next home and feel pressured into a decision.

With White Horse acting on your behalf, we would have an open relationship with your prospective purchaser, who would be informed at the outset of the circumstances. In doing so, there are no surprises over expected timescales thus giving you, the client, the opportunity to secure your dream home.

Contact a local estate agent to ensure you maximise the value of your home. Such agents will be experts in their local areas and will have unrivalled knowledge of the local marketplace.

Once you have put your current home on the market, make sure it is well presented. Remember, it is your home – you live there, but do remember to clear last night’s dishes. The marketing of your home should cause the minimum of change to your usual routine - viewers are not necessarily expecting to see a show home, but they will not be impressed by untidy clutter. Take the dog for a walk and let your agent do the rest.

Consider all offers on their merits, but do try to make a swift decision as protracted negotiations do not bode well. Agree to exchange contracts as soon as possible. This is the point that you have a legal commitment.