Selling your property is a major decision and it is important that you choose a selling agent in which you have confidence and feel you can trust. There are many issues that must be considered when selecting an agent but few as important as their track record and reputation. Our view is simple - results count!

Alex Neil was established in Docklands and East London in 1984 and as such our knowledge of the market and properties is unrivalled. We have seen Docklands grow from a derelict wasteland into the most exciting and dynamic part of London, and are looking forward to more growth in East London with the Olympics in 2012. We have a strong team of experienced sales and lettings professionals who understand the markets in which they operate.

We conduct surveys requesting feedback from vendors and purchasers who have bought and sold through Alex Neil. Over 96% of those who responded indicated that they would use us again and that they would recommend us to their friends and colleagues. We have the highest customer review rating of any agent in Docklands according to an Ombudsman for Estate Agents Customer Survey (Source: OEA website - correct at time of printing).

As founder members of the Ombudsman Scheme for Estate Agents and members of the National Association of Estate Agents you have peace of mind in knowing that you are dealing with a responsible, professional, regulated agent. All NAEA and NALS members have Client Money Protection Insurance cover and are bound by a strict code of practice. NALS is supported by ARLA, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Government.

You only get one chance to make a first impression, a cliché, but great advice nonetheless. It always helps to plump up cushions, clean and tidy, and add finishing touches such as flowers.

Look at your property from the buyer's perspective. Start at the front door. If this is chipped and dirty, it creates the wrong impression. Clear away any clutter and personal effects. You want to create a spacious feel which buyers can identify as somewhere they could live.

Have a close look at each room. Make sure its function is its key selling point and that other uses are hidden away. A second bedroom used as a study can give the impression of being cramped.

Any maintenance issues should be addressed and décor should be of a high standard. We generally recommend a choice of neutral colours. Alex Neil has a number of approved contractors who can provide quotes free of charge for cleaning, decorating, general repair and supply of furnishings upon request. These should be of a quality and style in keeping with the property. Remember, clean and tidy homes are much easier to sell.

When it comes to selling property, experience counts. Alex Neil has been selling property in Docklands and East London since 1984 and much of our success has been built upon repeat business and recommendation.

Marketing is the key issue. Alex Neil uses traditional advertising in a wide and varying range of publications. Our website ensures that all properties are displayed within 24 hours of an instruction being received. Additionally, all properties are advertised with an increasing number of property portals such as Rightmove, Findaproperty, Primelocation, Vebra, Propertyfinder, Evening Standard and many others, ensuring continuous worldwide marketing. Our prominent office locations ensure significant 'walk-in' enquiries and our years of acting for a large number of prominent financial institutions generate a huge number of recommendations.

Additionally, we use state of the art software to keep all buyers up-to date with progress whilst allowing us to effectively and accurately report back to you. Text messaging, emails and daily mail-outs have been proven as key marketing tools.

Leave the viewings to us! All viewing appointments are accompanied by an experienced member of the sales team wherever possible. Alex Neil believes that accompanied viewings are essential - after all, that's what you are paying for. We get to know your prospective buyer and gauge both their commitment and ability to proceed. It can be awkward discussing prices and offers, so it is best left to one of our trained negotiators. We also realise that many people worry about the security aspects of allowing people into your home unaccompanied. Again, we have safeguards in place to ensure problem free appointments.

We always try to provide candid and constructive feedback on viewings as soon as we are able in order that we can identify any common issues which may affect the sale of your property.

We strongly recommend that you instruct a solicitor as soon as you decide that you are going to sell your property. This will save time once a buyer is found. We are happy to recommend a leading local company familiar with all the idiosyncrasies of the local authority, management companies and environmental issues. If you mention that we have recommended them, you may even receive a discount!

All offers received will be discussed with you at the earliest possible opportunity and confirmed in writing together with any recommendations.

Any offer received will be 'subject to contract' and is not legally binding on either you or the prospective purchaser. We have a legal duty to submit all offers, even the really low ones, so please, don't shoot the messenger!

We do our best to provide as much information as possible about your buyer and their ability to proceed. We will check the details of any chain and use our best endeavours to verify deposit and mortgage details so that you can make an informed decision.

Once you have decided to accept an offer, we will require you to confirm your further marketing instructions. Specifically, we need to know whether you want to take the property off the market whilst the sale is proceeding, or whether you want to continue marketing the property. We are of course bound to inform the prospective buyer of your instructions.

Once all is agreed, we will issue a Memorandum of Sale to all parties. This document informs everyone who is buying what, from whom, for how much and which solicitor is acting for whom.

The most common question we are asked is 'How long does it all take?' The answer is that it takes as long as the slowest element required to facilitate the sale.

Once the sale is agreed and in the hands of the solicitors, we will actively monitor progress and keep you informed.

Alex Neil has a dedicated Sale Progressor who is fully experienced in the conveyancing process and who has developed an excellent working relationship with local law firms. All progress is recorded on our networked database so that you can find out what is happening at any time from either the Sales Progressor or the negotiator who agreed your sale. Communication is vital between all parties.

We will chase and arrange the buyer's survey and liaise with the solicitors, management companies, freeholders, local authority and anyone else who will help us to achieve a speedy and efficient transaction.

Additionally, where required, we will arrange any specialist reports which may be requested and obtain any estimates for any suggested or essential works. We have a network of contacts who can provide timber and damp reports, wall tile inspections, drain surveys, structural surveys and gas and electrical inspections - in fact after 25 years in Docklands and East London there aren't many people we don't know!

Once you near exchange of contracts, we will assist in arranging for a mutually convenient completion date and even help find a removal company should you so require.

On the day of the move, we can collect keys from you and release them to your buyer once we have confirmation that monies have been transferred and received by your solicitor.

You are now required by law to provide a Home Information Pack to your applicants upon request for all properties placed on the market.

Alex Neil has been more instrumental than most in the HIPs implementation process with one of our Directors sitting on the HIPs Marketing Sub-Committee advising the Department of Communities and Local Government on the effect of policy and implementation. Whilst this may not have influenced the legislation, it has offered a unique perspective on the implementation and a detailed knowledge of the mechanics involved.

The process is very simple and transparent. When you place your property on the market, you must provide a Home Information Pack before exchange of contracts. The key issue is that you must be able to show that you have commissioned this pack as soon as the property is marketed.

Alex Neil has a simple solution. We can recommend a local solicitor, Alexander JLO, who will provide the pack for you at an extremely comepetive rate.

We have no hidden costs and do not receive any commission from the HIP's providers. You pay what it costs and not a penny more. We do not believe that an Agent should make a profit from providing a Home Information Pack and feel that this should form part of the service.

A note of caution: Beware free offers. There is no such thing as a free HIP. The HIP is owned by the person commissioning it and whilst it may be incorporated with the agents fee, it remains their property. You should check to see how much you will be charged in the event you wish to change agents or simply change your mind. If you do not re-imburse the original Agent, you will have to commission a new HIPs

There are very few exemptions form the requirement to have a Home Information Pack and a lack of understanding in the industry has created a number of situations where incorrect information has been given. Alex Neil is one of the few agents who really understand the law and as such we are able to provide accurate advice for all situations due to our unique involvement in the HIPs implemention process.

For more information, contact your local office.

You may be interested to read the Ombudsman report issued recently concerning satisfaction ratings for Alex Neil. This report has been generated independently by Referenceline and is indictative of those who chose to respond.

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