Have you been looking into selling your home or investment property?  Selling a property can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be.  There are many aspects involved in selling your property and we would like to outline below our tips and tricks that will help you find the right agent and progress to a successful sale.

When is the Best Time to Sell?

As with most markets, the property market moves up and down in cycles.  Depending on multiple factors including the economy, mortgage interest rates and importantly supply and demand.  There is no hard and fast rule as to when is the best time to sell as every seller’s personal requirements are different.  If you keep a regular eye on the market and want to maximise on your investment with no personal attachment, then when supply is low, that is usually the best time to sell as property is low in stock and buyer’s will react accordingly.  This then drives prices up because supply is low.

Finding the Right Agent

Choosing the right agent is a critical factor when deciding to sell.  There are numerous real estate agents in the area and all are able to help you sell your property, but finding the right agent may take a little investigation on your part.

When choosing your real estate agent:

  • Search for an experienced agent who understands local trends and market characteristics.
  • Learn about their marketing techniques and their suggestions on how best to sell your property.
  • Always look for testimonials to ensure you are dealing with an honest and ethical agent
  • Trust your instincts and remember, you will be communicating on a regular basis with your agent. So make sure it is someone who will be working with your best interests at heart.

Determining Sale Price

This aspect is of paramount importance when putting your property to the market.  Every seller has a different reason for selling and some are more driven to sell than others.  If your property is correctly priced according to the current market, you will attract buyers and the interest in your property will then create a sale.  If the property is priced too high, it will sit and may become “stale”.

Determining a listing price is a joint decision to be made between you and your chosen real estate agent.  At Homes4U, we will provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) of the current market.  This CMA will give a seller an insight into what property has been sold in their area (versus the listing price), what properties are currently on the market and ultimately a price guide as to where a seller’s property sits in that comparison.

Presenting Your Property

Ask this question of your agent.  What should you do to ensure the property presents to its best ability during the sale process?

It sounds fairly obvious but it is crucial your home looks its very best before you put it to the market.  First impressions are extremely important, especially initial street appeal, so make sure your property is clean and tidy for all inspections.  We recommend the following:

  • Carry out minor repairs that you have been putting off – these may include replacing torn flyscreen mesh, patching and repainting of damaged walls.  A cheap and simple improvement are door handles – you would be surprised at how much this can change an appearance by replacing to something more modern.
  • Give your home a good “spring clean” – ensure windows and walls are at the top of this list.
  • Have your carpets professionally cleaned.
  • It’s only when you move house that you realise how much “stuff” you have. Go through each room and remove everything you don’t need. Not only will this help make your property look neater and the rooms bigger but it will also make packing easier.
  • Open window furnishings to let in as much natural light as possible.  Nobody likes walking into a dark property.
  • Remove personal effects.
  • Ensure your towels are always fresh – this includes your bath mat.
  • Neatly pile the kids toys (this is also a good opportunity to cull the items they no longer play with!)
  • Fresh flowers are a great way to fill a house with lovely fragrances and colour. They add ‘life’ to the property.
  • Don’t forget outside – mulch your gardens and ensure all hedges are tidy.
  • To give a feeling of home – bake bread, play soft music, spray a mild fragrance – things that appeal to a buyer’s sense.