Looking to sell your house and follow your dream ???

 Some advice based on our recent experience.

1: Never, ever, believe what you are told by a) the purchaser; b) your estate agent; c) solicitors acting for your buyer

2: Your house is not sold until the deposit is in the bank - even then you could be on dodgy ground

3: No matter how flexible you are as a seller - yes we will wait all summer until you are ready to move / yes we can be flexible as far as completion dates go / yes you can visit and measure up etc etc -  don't expect any payback (karma) it just doesn't happen.

4: Get used to waiting around for all of those important calls and waiting then waiting some more.

5: Never lose sight of exactly why you are doing this!  It is so easy to get lost in the brain maze of who is supposed to be doing what, when.

6: Very early on, make a list of who needs to know you are moving. At least this will give you something to do while you are waiting - see 4 above.

7: Be prepared to prove your identity so many times that you can answer all of the questions in your sleep. (I am sick and tired of proving who I am and that I have the right to live / work in the UK)

8: Remember that you are not your agent's / solicitor's only client. Therefore you will only receive priority attention if you nag them just a bit and chase them relentlessly to do the job you are paying them to do.



Otherwise, all is going well!!

The removals lorry and men are booked, we are dismantling the house around us, B&B booked for the night of 5th October, made arrangements to meet with the chap from the lettings agency to get the keys to our rented house, all non essential stuff either recycled, given to charity or binned, last hair appointment made ( new hairdresser one of the important issues to be resolved) and change of address messages drafted ready to be sent.

On a more positive note - we will be spending a couple of days on Skye to see and stomp around on the plot, meet with Mary at Dualchas and discuss what we could build. (The purchase of the croft and house site is proceeding at Skye pace with a couple of issues remaining outstanding) We also have a week in the Lakes to look forward to in mid-October then a final few days of rest and relaxation before I  enter the world of work once again.


It's been an interesting experience and, compared to some, a relatively easy process I suppose. However, I am so pleased that we won't be doing it again for some time.


Exchange finally expected tomorrow with completion due on 7th October - everything crossed.
Very therapeutic writing this.