Selling a property isn't as simple as calling up your local estate agent anymore. The world has changed, and so has the market - buyers are more cautious, regulations are tighter, and the difference between a smooth sale and a drawn-out mess often comes down to preparation.
That’s where Rocket’s Sales Facilitation Service comes in.
It starts before the agent gets involved
Most sellers don’t realise that before your property even hits the market, you need to be prepared. That means:
· Understanding your lease (if leasehold) - including the remaining term (especially if it’s under 90 years). Once you hit 80–85 years, lease extensions become costly, and mortgage providers may refuse to lend. We recently saw an 84-year lease given a zero valuation.
· Checking for an EWS1 certificate - required if the building is over 11m, but sometimes still requested even below that if cladding is involved. This is arranged by the block management company.
· Looking into Section 20 notices - Are any major works planned? Will the buyer be expected to cover them? Surprises later in the deal can cause sales to fall apart.
We help sellers gather this information, contact block managers, download documents from the Land Registry, and liaise with solicitors. Sellers can simply introduce us to the relevant parties - we do the rest.
Choosing the right agent (and keeping them on track)
Not all estate agents are created equal. Some specialise in ex-local flats, others in high-end central properties. And fees can vary wildly - from 1% to 2.5% for sole agency.
We speak to two or three agents suited to your property and area, assess their fees, and negotiate terms. We also:
· Review their contract length (we advise avoiding long tie-ins)
· Help decide on a pricing strategy, considering portal price bandings.
· Evaluate marketing quality - great photos and presentation matter more than ever
We’ll also advise on staging and make sure the first image is strong enough to stand out in search results. The goal? Maximum interest from the right buyers.
Once the agent is instructed, our work continues
Most sellers assume the estate agent will now handle everything. But many agents lose momentum after the first few weeks if there’s no early interest.
That’s why we:
· Monitor agent activity weekly or fortnightly
· Review portal stats and ask the right questions
· Push for better exposure - are they using social media? Local networks? Schools, businesses, mums’ groups?
We also track viewings and make sure feedback is gathered, and that they are following up promptly. Buyers often need chasing - they’re interested, but life gets in the way.
Solving problems before they cost you a sale
Sales fall through all the time over small issues. We had a buyer request a £1,000 service charge retention - our seller was ready to walk. We negotiated a £150 contribution instead, and the deal went through.
Agents often don’t handle these roadblocks well. We do.
Transparent fees. Real value.
Our service starts with a £600 commitment fee. Then we charge 0.5% + VAT of the sale price, payable on exchange.
We no longer take a cut from the estate agent’s fee - we negotiate lower agent fees for our clients instead (often saving 0.25% - 0.5%). It’s more transparent and keeps us fully focused on what’s best for you.
A second set of eyes. A steady hand. A better result.
Selling a home is a big decision - often the biggest financial move someone makes in a decade. Most people only sell every 10 years. We do this all the time.
We help you avoid common mistakes, understand your options, and stay in control of the process. And in many cases, we help sellers secure a better price, faster sale, and lower fees.
Selling with Rocket means having someone by your side who knows what matters - and who’s there from prep to completion.
Want to talk about selling your property? Get in touch. We’re ready when you are.
