Selling for the very first time

Selling…

for the very first time

First home buyers get a lot of attention and are regularly in the spotlight. This pays off handsomely by way of guidance and advice for those lost souls venturing into the property market for the very first time.

It’s time to give first time sellers a turn with a few tips to help them along the path to a sale!

Tip 1 Know your local market.

No two markets are truly the same, which means the selling price of a property you think is the ‘same’ as yours but in another location with a differently performing market is unlikely to be an accurate indication of what your property will sell for.

Rely on the real estate agent who is an expert on your local market. That agent should know what houses like yours are selling for and will understand that what works in one market may not work in another.

Attend open homes and auctions as part of your own research.

Tip 2 Choose the right agent.

There is too much at stake in a home sale for you not to sell with the help of a professional. The DIY seller is unlikely to have the connections or experience to market their home effectively and avoid costly mistakes.

Choose the agent who has evidence of recent and satisfied customers and can clearly demonstrate an understanding of the market. Ask about list and sales prices – how close have they been? Choose the agent who confidently explains the best method of sale for your property and can demonstrate their outstanding marketing skills. Remember, more than 90 per cent of all buyers find their home online. How will your home stand out? Choose the agent who impressed you at open homes and /or auctions. Choose the agent who engages with you and your home. Choose the agent you trust.

Tip 3 Price your property appropriately.

This will fall into the agent’s skill set and should come about through their comprehensive market knowledge. You’ve done your own research. Don’t choose the agent who gives you an unrealistic market value. For sure, you and your agent want to achieve the highest possible sale price but pricing a home too high may repel buyers and leave it sitting on the market way longer than necessary.

And get the price right from the start of the marketing campaign, whether you are selling by private treaty or auction.

Tip 4 Understand the costs involved in selling.

There are costs associated with selling a home so make sure you understand every cost that may be coming your way, including marketing costs – your investment in the sale of your property. Question your agent about anything you are unsure of at any point in the process.

Tip 5 Prepare for the market.

You are competing with other sellers so put some effort into making your home appealing to the buyer. Make your home stand out from the competition. Start with street appeal. And clean the home from top to bottom.

Tip 6 Be ready to act when the offer comes in.

When you accept an offer, be prepared to move quickly to finalise your relocation and get all your things out of your home. When the sale is complete and the paperwork is done, it is moving out time.