Where are you on your selling journey?
Selling a property isn’t a decision made lightly, and often it’s a journey involving a series of stages that range from pondering the prospect of selling through to researching the state of the market and then listing your home for sale.
It begs the question, where are you on the selling journey and what’s the next step?
Considering selling
Long before you list your home for sale, you’ll be weighing the pros and cons of whether to sell or whether now’s the right time.
In some instances, the decision to sell will be clear, in others it might be a tough reality based on changes in your life, and in further circumstances still, it might be a move you make when you feel the time is right.
Market research
If you are leaning towards selling, it’s important to educate yourself about the state of the market in your local area.
This involves online research using portals like realestate.com.au, as well as speaking with your trusted agent or even attending open homes in your local area.
All this reconnaissance helps you understand the types and volume of homes currently for sale as well the prices that properties like yours command.
Preparing your home for sale
If it’s clear you’re ready to take the leap and sell, you’ll need to ensure your property puts its best foot forward.
This involves a general tidy, as well as undertaking any required repairs in order for it to appeal to as many prospective buyers as possible.
Selecting an agent
When your home is ready to present to buyers, it’s time to select a real estate agent to help you with your journey.
And it’s a big decision to make, with a great agent being the key difference between a stress-free and successful sale, and an experience that’s only average.
Take the time to research agents in your local area, and interview a few who pique your interest to see how they would approach the sale of your home.
Setting the price and sales method
Once you’ve selected the agent who will represent you, it’s time to decide on how the property will be sold, and the price you hope to achieve.
Your agent will guide you through the sales methods they believe best suit your property – whether that’s auction, expression of interest, or private treaty sale.
They will also offer guidance on the price point they believe your property will achieve.
Marketing your home
Next, attention turns to marketing the property, including listing it on websites and real estate portals and advertising it to prospective buyers.
At this stage, the property will need to be photographed and a number of different advertising assets will be created by your agent, such as brochures, signboards, newspaper ads, Facebook ads and more.
Open homes
Once your property is advertised, it is officially ‘on the market’, which means it’s time to schedule open homes.
Your agent will work with you to determine whether these will be private viewings or inspections that will be open to the public.
They liaise with you to decide the best times and days for these inspections.
Offers and negotiation
With any luck, your property will quickly attract the interest of prospective buyers who may even put forward an offer to purchase your property.
This is when the skills of your agent come into their own as they work with interested parties to negotiate and close the sale.
Under contract and settlement
Once you’ve accepted an offer, your property is under contract and the countdown to settlement begins.
At this stage a series of milestones will need to be met by the buyer as the clock ticks down to settlement day. And once that date arrives, your property officially changes hands.
How we can help
If you’re considering buying or selling a property, why not chat with one of our friendly agents on 1300 438 439 to understand the state of play in your local market?
We’re not just about property, but the people and the stories behind it. You can also view our list of currently available properties here.
