HOUSE MOUSE

Real Estate Feature

So the ideal is that you have the key to one of these….the door….a door….maybe not one that looks exactly like this, but you understand what I mean. The mere mention of owning your own home will evoke thoughts of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, decor, what size TV can go on the wall and not forgetting the all important front door that you get keys to.

But the truth is there needs to be a few steps that need to be made before we get the keys or anything else for that fact. And I’m going to walk you through them and clear up a few myths while we are on the subject. Let’s start this episode by explaining the job of a realtor.

As a realtor, my job is to walk purchasers through the buying process, sellers through the selling process, and act as a go-between for attorneys and loans officers. To be honest, you really have to be a people’s person and have a passion for being part of probably the biggest investment that people will make in their lives. So a huge helping of patience and understanding is required…and then add some more patience.

SELLERS/LANDLORDS

Choosing a realtor to sell or rent your property is simple , choose one that you feel comfortable with and one that you feel has your best interest at heart. Once you follow this one simple step, finding a realtor will be a lot easier. Now I never said it will all be smooth sailing or that you won’t be frustrated by the process, but your realtor will advise you on the selling/rental price, advertise your property, screen purchasers/ tenants, organize viewings, make follow up calls, find out information, negotiate on your behalf, keep all parties updated on progress and generally make the rough roads smooth.

Now I’ve had a few (in fact hundreds) of people ask me why the realtors do not clean up properties when showing them to people. Let’s just say, for arguments sake, that I have 15 properties that I am selling on someone’s behalf and 10 of those properties need cleaning up. Many a time, I’ve purchased garbage bags and taken my broom and swept through a house or discarded items left by the seller/landlord. However if I have to de-bush 10 properties from my own pocket (as has been suggested by a client, and not necessarily a client who is purchasing said property, but just someone who “came to look”), I would have no business. De-bushing can cost anything upwards of $500. So I hope that clears that up. If it hasn’t, sellers and landlords should ensure that they have their property looking its best, both inside and out to attract purchasers and tenants speedily.

“WHY DOESN’T THE REALTOR CLEAN UP AND DE-BUSH THE PROPERTY THEY ARE SELLING?”

-INTERESTED PURCHASER

So if you are thinking of selling or renting your property, here are a few more tips that can help both you, the realtor and people who come to view your property:-

CLEAN & TIDY

Viewers appreciate a clean and tidy home. Make sure gardens are always free of debris and junk and the grass is cut. Ensure dishes are washed, clothes are put away and beds are made. This may seem like I’m stating the obvious, but you would be surprised at what a realtor walks into

Paint

If the walls need painting, paint them. If there are marks or mould on the walls, purchasers/tenants will immediately think ‘discount’

Land Tax

Ensure your land tax bills are up to date as unpaid land tax can hold up the sale process

Valuation

Have all the relevant paperwork to hand. It is always recommended that an up to date valuation is done as purchasers always want to know that they will have equity in the property once they own it. Also ensure that plot plans and house plans are available