Seller Questions
Selling your home, without the guesswork.
Clear answers about valuations, preparation, marketing, viewings and what happens after an offer is accepted.
Every sale is different, but understanding the process before you begin makes it easier to make confident decisions when the important moments arrive.
Thinking of selling?
Explore the complete selling service, from the initial strategy through to exchange and completion.
Selling your home01 How do I choose the right estate agent?
Look beyond the highest valuation or lowest fee. Ask who will personally handle your sale, how the property will be presented, how viewings and feedback are managed and who will remain involved after an offer is accepted.
The right agent should be able to explain the proposed pricing and marketing strategy clearly, rather than relying on broad promises. You should also feel confident that they understand both your property and your plans.
02 What happens during a property valuation?
I will visit the property, look carefully at its condition, layout, setting and individual features, then discuss your circumstances and likely timescale.
The valuation is supported by relevant comparable evidence, current competition and local buyer demand. We will also discuss preparation, presentation and how the home could be positioned when it reaches the market.
03 How is the asking price decided?
The asking price should reflect more than previous sales alone. We consider current competition, buyer demand, market conditions, the property’s presentation and the strategy most likely to create meaningful interest.
The objective is not simply to advertise the highest possible number. It is to position the home in a way that protects its value while giving the launch the strongest chance of success.
04 How should I prepare my home for sale?
Preparation does not necessarily mean major renovation. Often the greatest difference comes from decluttering, improving light, addressing obvious maintenance issues and presenting each room with a clear purpose.
I will give you practical advice tailored to the property before photography is arranged, focusing on improvements that are proportionate and likely to strengthen the first impression.
05 What marketing is included?
The marketing strategy is tailored to the property and may include professional photography, carefully written details, property portals, floorplans, film and social-media exposure.
The important point is that each element works together as one launch rather than feeling like a collection of unrelated materials. You can read more on the Premium Marketing page .
06 Who will conduct the viewings?
I personally remain involved in the viewing process and ensure prospective buyers receive a knowledgeable introduction to the property.
Accompanied viewings also allow me to understand the buyer’s reaction, answer questions properly and provide more meaningful feedback than a simple list of brief comments.
07 How long will it take to sell my property?
The time required to secure a suitable buyer depends on the asking price, property type, presentation, local demand and wider market conditions.
Once an offer is accepted, the legal process is influenced by the chain, surveys, searches, mortgage arrangements and the speed at which each party provides information. I remain involved throughout to maintain communication and help identify delays early.
08 Should I sell before finding somewhere to buy?
You do not necessarily need to complete your sale before beginning your search, but being on the market—or preferably under offer—usually places you in a stronger position when you find the right onward property.
The best sequence depends on your priorities, financial position and tolerance for risk. We can discuss the practical options during the valuation so the sale and purchase are planned together.
09 What happens after I accept an offer?
The buyer’s financial position and chain details are confirmed, the memorandum of sale is issued and both solicitors begin the conveyancing process.
I continue communicating with you, the buyer, solicitors, mortgage advisers and other agents in the chain. The aim is to maintain momentum, resolve misunderstandings quickly and keep everyone informed through to exchange and completion.
10 How much does it cost to sell with you?
The fee depends on the property and the marketing strategy agreed. My standard residential sales service is generally provided on a no sale, no fee basis.
The fee, marketing inclusions and any relevant third-party costs will be explained clearly and confirmed in writing before you decide whether to instruct me.
Landlord Questions
A clearer way to let your property.
Answers about service levels, preparation, tenant selection and the support available after move-in.
Whether you are letting for the first time or already own a portfolio, the right service depends on how involved you want to remain and which responsibilities you would prefer to place with an agent.
Explore landlord services
Compare Let Only, Rent Collection and Fully Managed services and see how the lettings process works.
Lettings & property management01 Which lettings services do you offer?
I offer three levels of service: Let Only, Rent Collection and Fully Managed.
Let Only covers the front-end process of preparing, marketing and setting up the tenancy. Rent Collection adds ongoing rent administration, while Fully Managed provides the most comprehensive day-to-day support after the tenant moves in.
02 Do you work with first-time landlords?
Yes. I will guide you through the process from the first rental appraisal through to preparing the property, launching the marketing, selecting a tenant and setting up the tenancy.
I will also explain the differences between the three service levels so you understand which responsibilities remain with you and which are handled through the service.
03 Will you personally value and market the property?
Yes. I personally visit the property, discuss your objectives, advise on likely rental value and help prepare the property for launch.
I also remain closely involved in the marketing, enquiries, accompanied viewings, feedback and applicant-selection stages. This means the person presenting the home understands both the property and your plans.
04 What does my property need before it can be marketed?
The property needs to be appropriately prepared, safe and supported by the relevant documents and permissions before a tenancy begins. The exact position depends on the property, how it is owned and the type of tenancy being created.
I will review the practical readiness of the property with you and identify anything that appears to require attention before launch. Specialist legal, tax, licensing or safety advice should be obtained where appropriate.
05 How are prospective tenants selected?
Enquiries and applications are considered individually rather than simply accepting the first person who expresses an interest.
Relevant information about each application is gathered and presented clearly so that you can make an informed decision. The selected applicant then proceeds through the appropriate referencing and tenancy administration before the move-in is agreed.
06 Is rent and legal protection included?
Rent and legal protection is included with the Rent Collection and Fully Managed services. It is not included with Let Only.
Protection remains subject to successful referencing, insurer eligibility, policy acceptance and the applicable terms, conditions and exclusions. The precise cover will be explained before you select a service.
07 Who deals with repairs and maintenance?
This depends on the service selected. With Let Only, the landlord takes over the ongoing relationship and management once the tenancy has been set up.
Rent Collection focuses principally on the financial administration of the tenancy. Fully Managed includes ongoing tenant communication and the reporting and coordination of maintenance through the property-management support structure.
The landlord remains responsible for approving relevant work and meeting the cost of repairs unless a different arrangement is expressly agreed.
08 What happens to the tenant’s deposit?
Where a tenancy deposit is taken, the arrangement must follow the applicable deposit-protection requirements and the required information must be handled within the relevant timescale.
The exact deposit arrangement, responsibility for administration and end-of-tenancy process will be confirmed as part of the selected service and written agreement.
09 How quickly can you find a tenant?
Timing depends on the readiness of the property, the proposed rent, local demand and the availability of suitable applicants. Referencing and tenancy administration also need to be completed before move-in.
The aim is not simply to create the fastest possible tenancy. It is to launch the property properly and identify a suitable tenant on an appropriately prepared agreement.
10 How much does the lettings service cost?
Fees depend on the service level selected and the requirements of the property. Let Only, Rent Collection and Fully Managed involve different responsibilities and therefore different charges.
The service fee, inclusions, ongoing responsibilities and any relevant third-party costs will be explained clearly and confirmed in writing before you instruct me.
Service Questions
A personal service, by design.
What to expect when you choose to work with Stan Heeks.
My business was created to offer something more personal than the traditional high-volume agency model: one familiar point of contact, considered marketing and proper attention throughout.
More about Stan
Read more about my background, experience and reasons for building a different type of estate agency service.
Meet Stan01 Will I deal directly with Stan?
Yes. I remain your primary point of contact from the first conversation onwards.
For sellers, that includes the valuation, strategy, preparation, marketing, viewings, negotiation and sales progression. For landlords, I personally lead the rental appraisal, launch, viewings and applicant selection, with specialist operational support available behind the service.
02 Which areas do you cover?
My principal area is Stourbridge and the surrounding communities, including the Old Quarter, Wollaston, Pedmore, Norton, Hagley, Kinver and nearby parts of the West Midlands.
I may consider properties slightly outside these areas where I am confident that I can provide the right level of service and represent the property properly.
03 What makes your service different?
The service is built around personal accountability. The person who values the property remains involved rather than passing the instruction between departments.
I also deliberately represent a manageable number of properties, allowing more time for thoughtful preparation, communication, follow-up and negotiation.
04 Do you limit how many properties you represent?
Yes. I deliberately maintain a manageable client list rather than trying to become the largest agent by volume.
This allows me to understand each property, remain available when decisions need to be made and provide meaningful attention after the initial marketing launch.
05 How will you keep me updated?
Communication is tailored to your preferences and the needs of the transaction. This may include telephone calls, email, messaging and planned review conversations.
I aim to provide useful updates rather than contact for the sake of it. That includes meaningful viewing feedback, changes in buyer or tenant interest, important developments and clear advice when the strategy may need reviewing.
06 Do you use professional photography and film?
Professional presentation forms an important part of my approach. The precise marketing package depends on the individual property and agreed strategy.
Photography, written presentation, floorplans, film, social-media content and portal exposure are considered together so that the launch feels consistent and purposeful. More detail is available on the Premium Marketing page .
07 Are you part of eXp?
I operate as Stan Heeks, powered by eXp. This allows me to provide a personal, independently led local service while using the systems, technology and wider operational infrastructure available through eXp.
Your relationship remains directly with me, while the supporting infrastructure helps provide the reach and systems expected from a modern estate agency.
08 Can you help with both sales and lettings?
Yes. I provide residential sales services alongside Let Only, Rent Collection and Fully Managed landlord services.
This can be particularly helpful when you are deciding whether to sell or retain a property, purchasing an investment, or moving from one type of ownership strategy to another.
09 Can I speak to you even if I am not ready to move?
Absolutely. A valuation or initial conversation can help you begin planning without committing to an immediate move.
I will give you an honest view of the property, the current market and the options available, allowing you to make decisions in your own time.
10 How do I get started?
Start with a conversation. Tell me about the property, what you are considering and any questions or concerns you already have.
You can arrange a property valuation , call me directly or send a short enquiry through the Get in Touch page .
Still have a question? Ask me directly.
Every property and every set of circumstances is different. Leave a few details and I will come back to you personally with a straightforward answer.
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