Your home is probably your biggest asset, and if you’re thinking of selling, you need to make sure that you’re getting the best result for you and your family. If you need to sell in a rush, the quick house sale market might be best for you, but as with every major decision, there are things that you should consider before you commit yourself:

• DO talk to more than one company. The quick house sale market is a growing one, and you need to make sure you have some basis of comparison between companies.

• DO think about how much you want for your house before you invite a company to make an offer. Quick sales are usually cash sales, which means that you’ll get less for your house than you might with an estate agent. Work out exactly how much you’re prepared to accept for your house in order to get the quick sale you need.

• DO ask to talk to previous customers to make sure you’re using a company that has treated clients well in the past.

• DO hire your own solicitor to look at the offer paperwork and the contract. You may have to pay for your own legal advice, but it’s better to do so than to be caught out.

• DON’T sign anything without getting it checked first. Once you’ve signed a contract you are legally bound by whatever it says. Make sure you’re happy with what you’re signing and that you or your solicitor has read it through carefully.

• DON’T be too scared to ask for more time or more information. If a company wants your business, it will be prepared to give you whatever you need in order to make your decision. If you’re feeling under pressure, perhaps it would be better to talk to someone else.

• DON’T take the first offer you’re given. Another quick house sale market company may be able to do better. Remember that this is your money tied up in your property and you need to get as much out of it as you can.

• DON’T forget to ask if the company offers a rent-back scheme, so that you can stay in your home if you want to. Some companies don’t offer this option, so you should check this at the beginning of your negotiations.