Trusting someone to sell your property is a big deal. Financially and emotionally. If you choose your agent with the toss of a coin, you’ll end up tossing and turning all night but, with some consideration you should find one with whom you’ll achieve a good result.
• Choose an agent you can trust. Your agent will spend a lot of time in your home, and will be responsible for looking after your possessions and representing your interests in negotiations. It’s important to find an agent who comes recommended – with good references and a strong track record – or one from a reputable company with strong management.
• Your agent’s negotiating skills are critical so choose very carefully, to ensure they understand the principles of negotiating and have enough experience to back up the theory. Then check that your agent can offer all the selling options (auction, tender & fixed price), and has practical experience in them all.
• Make sure your marketing budget is spent promoting your property, not the agent. Remember – if Open Homes are their sole marketing strategy, you might as well sell the property yourself.
• Realistically, you won’t get to know your agent until the marketing programme begins – so make sure you have an agency cancellation option, just in case the relationship doesn’t work out. Check out their previous marketing efforts as there’s a lot of property advertised and it’s important yours stands out.
• Don’t select according to commission rate – a cheap agent may mean a cheap job. An agent who can negotiate a higher price can justify their fee. After all, any agent prepared to give away their income may also be prepared to give away your home.
• Your reasons for selling should be kept confidential. Buyers who know you need to sell get an immediate advantage, which may affect their offer – to your disadvantage.
When’s the best time to sell?
Buyers for good properties can be found all year round:
• Houses often look better in the summer, although there’ll be less competition during the Winter. It’s really about your circumstances and when suits you not the seasons.
• Allow a fortnight to prepare your property for sale.
• A certificate of compliance should be obtained from your local council if you have undertaken any major building work.
• Note all the things to be included in the purchase price such as light fittings, curtains, blinds and whiteware. If you decide to exclude them, make sure this is noted.
Ray White Cairns South says:
• For Sale signs really do work.
• Quality photographs attract attention.
• Don’t throw away money doing up your house for sale. Inexpensive cosmetic work is fine, but leave the major renovations for the next owner.
• Price your home realistically, based on advice from a reputable and successful agent.
• Dull homes attract dull prices. Buyers don’t like animal odours or hair, cigarette or strong food smells, cracked windows, doors or windows that stick, signs of damp in the walls, stained carpets, neglected gardens or clutter. A clean and tidy property (inside and out) adds value and saleability to your home. It shouldn’t take much effort, nor cost much.
• If the property is empty, you might consider getting some expert advice and even hiring furniture for the sale period – this can really help.
Remember
• Choose an agent you can trust
• Have input into the marketing plan
• Treat the selling process as a partnership
• Demand regular communication