When considering the sale of your home, it’s tempting to prioritise the agent’s commission in the decision-making process. However, selecting an agent should be about more than just the cost—it’s about finding someone who truly understands the intricacies of selling a property and the current market in order to deliver the best result. Let’s delve into how to choose the right agent for selling your home.
Beware of discounted commissions, as they might come at a cost. Opting for a lower commission could mean potential corners cut in the selling process. Agents offering reduced commissions might compensate by charging extra for advertising services later on. Some may even propose a tiered rate, where you pay more if the property sells for a higher price than initially anticipated.
Look for the whole package in an agent. Beyond commission, they play a pivotal role in selling your home. Seek someone motivated, well-acquainted with your local area, and armed with a proven track record of successful sales. During the interview process, discuss their marketing strategy and inquire about their network of potential buyers. A reliable agent will be transparent about the expected price and time your property might spend on the market.
A comprehensive agent contributes to the entire sales process. They offer suggestions for pre-sale improvements that can enhance your property’s value. They share feedback from potential buyers after inspections and maintain open communication. Post-sale, they ensure your satisfaction with the outcome and the overall process.
Effective marketing is a hallmark of a good real estate agent. They grasp the importance of technology in property marketing and invest appropriately in advertising strategies. This might include features like video walk-throughs or 360-degree 3D modelling to showcase your property. The goal is to tailor the marketing strategy to help you achieve your desired price within a reasonable timeframe.
Rather than fixating solely on the commission, prioritise an agent based on their holistic approach to selling your home and their commitment to supporting you throughout the entire sales process.
As life progresses, so do our housing needs. For those at the stage of downsizing, the prospect of parting with a family home often involves a mix of nostalgia and practical considerations. However, the transition need not be daunting. In fact, there are strategic approaches to ensure downsizers can keep the essence of the space they love, even in a more compact setting.
Prioritise Sentimental Items
When downsizing, it’s crucial to prioritise sentimental items that hold cherished memories. Consider what truly matters to you and your family. These could be family heirlooms, photo albums, or other keepsakes. Ensure that these items have a designated place in your new home, allowing you to maintain a connection with the past.
Optimise Storage Solutions
Effective storage is the key to maintaining a sense of space. Invest in furniture that serves dual purposes, such as ottomans or coffee tables with hidden storage. Utilise vertical spaces with tall bookshelves or cabinets to maximise storage without sacrificing floor space. This way, you can seamlessly integrate your possessions into the new, downsized environment.
Embrace Clever Furniture Choices
Downsizing doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. Invest in furniture that not only fits your new space but also complements your aesthetic preferences. Choose multi-functional pieces that serve your needs without overwhelming the room. Tailoring your furniture choices to the available space ensures a harmonious and comfortable living environment.
Digitise Memories
In the age of technology, digitising memories has never been easier. Consider scanning old photographs and documents to create digital archives. This not only frees up physical space but also ensures the longevity of your cherished memories. Digital frames and cloud storage solutions can be valuable allies in preserving the essence of your family home.
Create Purposeful Spaces
When downsizing, it’s essential to create purposeful spaces that align with your lifestyle. Evaluate your daily routines and activities to determine the optimal layout of your new home. Designate specific areas for relaxation, socialising, and hobbies. This approach allows you to maintain a sense of familiarity and functionality within a smaller footprint.
Seek Professional Assistance
Enlisting the help of a professional real estate agent who understands the unique needs of downsizers can significantly ease the process. They can assist in finding a property that aligns with your preferences and guide you through the logistical aspects of downsizing. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition to a more manageable living space.
Downsizing doesn’t mean letting go of the space you love; it’s about reimagining it in a way that suits your current lifestyle. Embark on a new chapter while preserving the essence of your family home.
Congratulations on successfully selling your house! This is undoubtedly an exciting accomplishment, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. What should you consider once the deal is sealed, and the keys have changed hands?
Firstly, it’s time to tie up loose ends. Notify the necessary parties of your change of address, including your bank, utility providers, and any relevant government agencies. This ensures that you won’t miss important correspondence and helps in the smooth transition to your new home.
Next, take a moment to reflect on your financial situation. With the sale complete, you may have funds available for various purposes. It’s prudent to consult with a financial advisor to explore investment options, clear outstanding debts, or perhaps set aside savings for future ventures.
Moving can be a daunting task, but careful planning can make the process more manageable. Create a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the packing and moving stages. Consider decluttering before packing, as this not only lightens the load but also gives you a fresh start in your new home.
When it comes to settling into your new place, prioritise the essentials. Ensure that utilities are connected, and familiarise yourself with the local amenities. This may include schools, medical facilities, shopping centres, and public transportation options. Embracing your new community will help you feel at home more quickly.
If you’re unsure about your next steps, it might be beneficial to reassess your property goals. Are you looking to invest in a new property, or are you considering renting for a while? Having a clear vision of your future housing plans can guide your decisions in the post-sale phase.
Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your achievement. Selling a property is a significant accomplishment that deserves acknowledgment. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a special meal or a small gathering to mark this milestone and usher in the positive energy of your new beginning.
In conclusion, selling your house is not just about closing a deal; it’s about embracing change and planning for the future. By addressing administrative tasks, managing finances wisely, and approaching the moving process systematically, you can ensure a smooth transition to the next chapter of your real estate journey. Get in touch with our team to know how we can help.
Congratulations on successfully selling your house! Now that the deal is done, it’s time to navigate the next steps in this exciting journey. First and foremost, take a moment to celebrate the achievement – selling a property is no small feat!
Now, let’s delve into what comes after the sale:
Remember, the real estate journey doesn’t end with the sale; it merely opens up new possibilities. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to assist you in every step of your real estate endeavors.
Finding a professional and qualified agent to sell your home may be a daunting process at first and it is essential to find the right agent to guide you through the selling campaign and beyond during your move.
While it can seem like a straightforward job, selling your home takes skill in sourcing qualified buyers and negotiating through the sale process. There are tasks that happen behind the scenes that you won’t see as a vendor to ensure that the stress is removed from you throughout the sale.
An experienced sales agent will have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in the local market and activity and will be able to pinpoint the type of buyers that would be interested in your home.
Someone who has had experience in your area and a history of recent sales will know how to price the property correctly and will be upfront with the reality of price expectations. A property that is overpriced in a tighter market can lead to possible significant price drops in some cases and a property not selling in the time frame that you may expect.
A great sales agent will have a community of contacts of those that are looking to buy and may be interested in your property. They will have nurtured these contacts over time and be familiar with buyers who have finance ready to go and move on a sale.
For buyers who are not finance-approved or just beginning their search, the process may take longer as they will need to ensure that they have finance ready. If not, they take a risk when purchasing that they may not be able to follow through with the sale if they are declined or affordability changes.
As a vendor, pre-qualified buyers can allow an extra level of certainty around the sale as there is more security in knowing that their finance is approved, and they are ready to buy.
Throughout a sales campaign, your real estate agent will spend time on the phone talking with potential buyers, pre-qualifying them and then showing them through your property. They will take the time to learn about what the buyer is looking for and determine the right fit.
A sales agent will show your home in its best light, demonstrating the major features of the property and highlighting the benefits of the home. They will then negotiate through to a purchase price depending on the method of sale.
They will also liaise with solicitors, conveyancers, trades and building inspectors throughout the exchange and settlement process to remove the stress of these tasks from your to-do list.
To find out more about what our sales team can do to help make it easier to sell your home, contact our office for more information.
Springtime is a popular season to sell your home, as the real estate market tends to be more active with potential buyers eager to find their dream homes. To ensure a successful sale, it’s essential to prepare and plan early. Conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s condition and identify necessary repairs and improvements.
Curb appeal is crucial as first impressions matter in the real estate market. Enhance your home’s exterior by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, planting flowers, and adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Adequate lighting can create an inviting atmosphere.
Before showing your home to potential buyers, declutter and depersonalise the space. Remove family photos and personal items to help buyers envision themselves living there. A clean and well-maintained home gives the impression of being cared for, so invest time in deep cleaning, including carpets, windows, and appliances.
Consider professional staging to highlight your home’s best features and create an appealing ambience. If your property has outdoor spaces, showcase them during spring and ensure the landscaping is well-maintained.
Natural light is crucial in making your home feel cheerful and spacious, so open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Work with a trusted real estate agent to determine the right listing price, considering current market conditions and recent comparable sales.
Use various marketing channels, including MLS, social media, online platforms, and professional photography, to reach potential buyers. Be flexible with showings, as spring is a busy season for buyers. Accommodate various times to ensure interested parties can see your home without inconvenience.
Highlight energy-efficient features, as more buyers are interested in these. Completing necessary repairs and conducting pre-listing inspections can prevent issues during negotiations.
Create a welcoming atmosphere during showings by offering refreshments and a pleasant environment. Emphasise the advantages of your property’s location, including nearby amenities.
Be responsive and communicative to build trust with potential buyers. Consider offering incentives like covering closing costs or providing a home warranty to make your property more appealing.
Negotiate wisely with the help of your real estate agent, being prepared to compromise while keeping your bottom line in mind. Prepare for the closing process by providing the necessary documents promptly.
Stay informed about market changes and remain patient throughout the process. Selling a home can take time, even in the busy spring market. Trust in your real estate agent’s expertise to guide you towards a successful sale. By following these tips, you’ll increase your property’s potential and attract motivated buyers in the vibrant spring real estate market.
Get in touch with our team to know how we can help.
Changes in the property market, increases in the costs of living and rising interest rates can all contribute toward mortgage stress and while repayments on loans or everyday expenses may rise, there are steps that you can take to help ease the pressures of increased expenses.
Before cutting costs, it is wise to sit down and look at your budget. It does not need to be a complex task but should involve noting down the income and expenditure of your household and analysing where your funds are being allocated.
You may find that it is a great time to renegotiate with your lender on your mortgage, or other providers for insurance, utilities, while trimming unnecessary other expenses. You might also discover that there are some lax spending habits that could be tightened to relieve some pressure.
If you are looking to purchase a new property, talk with your financial advisor about your affordability range and the impact that rising interest rates and expenses may have. A financial advisor can also talk you through various financial scenarios and negotiate deals for lending.
Knowing your affordability and having pre-approval will also mean that when you are ready to buy, the finance is arranged, and you have a limit for the purchase price of your new home or investment.
Should you need to refinance, talk with your advisor about your options and what is available to you based on the current market, equity in your home and investments, rates, and your income. They will be able to provide you with advice and search for the best deal for you.
Talk to your lender about your current repayments and if you are paying monthly, there may be more options to change to fortnightly loan repayments which can have the potential to save you interest in the future.
While you may not be considering selling, it is good to know how much your property is worth in the current market and learn about the trends.
Our sales agents can also assist you with advice on potential improvements that may be needed and help you to uncover potential equity in the home that can assist in refinancing or investment opportunities.
For a free market appraisal, contact our agents to learn more about where your property is positioned.
Most property owners receive offers for a market appraisal from one or more real estate agents on a weekly basis. While this offer is designed to be the first point of contact between property owners and agents and offered as a free service, the appraisal itself can be a valuable tool if handled correctly.
Ideally, property owners should seek at least three opinions on their property’s value before making any decisions. The median value of the three appraisals will likely be the most accurate indication of the property’s worth. If the figures quoted by the agents seem too high or too low, this may be due to flaws in the marketing or valuation processes.
Marketing, commissions, property sale methods, and gut instinct are all important factors to consider when choosing an agent to work with. Property owners should carefully assess each agent’s strengths and weaknesses before making a decision that will have a significant financial impact on their future.
An effective appraisal should include advice on how to present the property in its best light and whether any potential improvements are worth carrying out. The external appearance of the property is crucial, as most buyers instinctively look at it first. Maintaining the garden, the path leading to the front door, and ensuring the doorbell works can create a lasting positive impression.
Inside the property, property owners should create an invitingly lived-in look with the help of their agent’s advice on lighting, fragrances, pets, and general tidiness. Adding fresh flowers, brewing coffee, and a drop of vanilla essence on a warm hotplate for a just-finished cooking aroma can help to entice buyers.
It is important that property owners not be present during inspections. This is to protect the owners’ sensitivity as what they love about their own property may not be what a future owner may appreciate. It also creates a welcoming atmosphere that buyers will appreciate. Many agents suggest that homeowners be flexible about inspection times during the selling period to ensure the property is available to the widest range of potential buyers.
Market appraisals can be an invaluable tool for property owners. Seeking at least three opinions and carefully assessing each agent’s strengths and weaknesses can make a significant difference when selling a property. Maintaining the external appearance of the property and creating an inviting interior can help attract buyers. Finally, property owners should be flexible and not present during inspections to create a positive experience for potential buyers.
If you want to make sure you’re getting the best outcome for your property, get in touch with our team now and let us help you navigate the market to get the best price for you.
Selling a home involves various considerations ranging from repairs, finding the right agent, presenting the property well, to deciding where to move next. However, there are five additional areas that homeowners should take into account before or during the selling process. These include understanding the current market, building trust with the agent, checking tenant and property history, and providing access details for future owners.
One of the critical aspects of selling a property is researching the current market. Homeowners should have a good understanding of the property market in their area, including recent sales and pricing trends. They can investigate the real estate portals to get an idea of properties listed or sold in the neighbourhood before engaging an agent to sell. This knowledge can help them come to an agreement on the eventual list price.
Another crucial factor is building a good relationship with the sales agent. Homeowners need to trust their agent to assist them in making one of the most significant transactions of their lifetime. If they have questions or doubts about the agent’s experience or the process, they should not hesitate to ask for clarification. This way, they can feel comfortable with the process and satisfied with the final sale.
If the property being sold has a tenant, homeowners should check the tenant and owner obligations with their property manager. This information may include access to the property for inspections and notice periods required once the property sells. Depending on the circumstances, homeowners may choose to sell the property tenanted or provide the tenant with notice before selling. The lease terms and tenancy details should be communicated to the sales agent and solicitor before the sale as this may affect the type of buyer interested and the terms of the contract exchange.
Before settlement, homeowners should conduct a stocktake on keys and access devices such as garage remotes and alarms. This process will ensure that all keys and devices are handed over to the new owner, including any spare or duplicate keys. In some cases, homeowners may find that some keys do not fit the locks or are missing, requiring them to take action to replace or repair them.
Homeowners should check the property’s history and requirements before selling. There may be caveats or requirements listed over the property that may affect the sale or attract a different type of buyer. For instance, some properties may be heritage-listed, while others may have restrictions over potential development applications or renovations. It is essential to be transparent about this information before the sale so that potential buyers can make informed decisions.
Speak with one of our sales agents to stay up-to-date with the latest sales and trends in your area. If you’re unsure whether to keep or sell your property, our sales team can also provide you with the information you need in order to make the best decision.
There is no shortage of information and opinion about any real estate market and an abundance of advice on what the best options are in the market at the time.
If you are an investment property owner, there might be information relating to changes in legislation, potential tax benefits and dips and rises in the property market, all influenced by various local and world factors.
What is the most important aspect to consider when choosing to sell your investment is your individual circumstances and the strategy that fits your goals, rather than moving with the crowd.
Before making any decisions, analyse your investment plan and talk to your financial advisor about your current situation. They are likely to work through the numbers with you and advise if the conditions are right for you.
One of the reasons that you choose to sell could be that the property expenses and cash flow have consistently been in negative territory and with rising interest rates and costs associated with running an investment, you may find that making ends meet has become more challenging.
Your advisor can work through your finances with you and should you decide to keep the property, may recommend solutions like refinancing your current loans to source a better deal. Our sales team can also assist, by providing a market appraisal of the property so that you can gauge where the current value lies prior to refinancing.
The market is cyclical, and you may decide that with increases in prices achieved in your local area, that it is a great time to sell and invest in other strategies. Keep in mind that if there are considerable gains, you will be liable for capital gains tax after the sale.
Not all markets are the same and there are often micro-markets. While some are increasing, others could be decreasing or prices stabilising. The same occurs for rental properties and increases in rents achieved will depend on demand.
The best way to find out what is happening in your area is to speak with one of our sales agents who can provide you with an accurate update on recent sales and the trends that they are seeing.
Our sales team can also offer the information you need to start thinking about whether you should retain or look at the divestment of your property.
Selling your home during winter can have several advantages.
Firstly, there is typically less competition among listings compared to the warmer months. This means that the same number of potential buyers can have a better chance of seeing your property.
Secondly, selling in winter shows that you are serious about selling as you are not relying on the appeal of blooming gardens or sunny weather. This can highlight the unique qualities of your home, making it stand out to potential buyers.
Let’s have a look at some tips to help you sell your home quickly during the traditional season of hibernation.
One important tip is to clear your home of clutter. A clutter-free home creates the illusion of extra space and can help potential buyers imagine how they can use each room. Be ruthless when culling unnecessary items, and consider moving extraneous furniture and objects into storage.
You can also hire an interior decorator to help you decide what to keep and what to remove. They can even loan or lease additional items to suit your decor, which can be a worthwhile investment in your sale.
In winter, many trees have lost their leaves and gardens can look sparse without leafy greens or bright blooms. However, you can still present your garden in meticulous detail by trimming hedges, pruning overhanging branches, removing any brown leaves and regularly maintaining weed control.
If you have a swimming pool or outdoor spa, ensure that it is cleaned and covered at all times if possible. Mowing lawns and removing inappropriate outdoor furniture can also provide extra ground cover in your garden.
Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere inside your home is essential for both ambience and energy savings. Open fireplaces are a popular example of a feature that can inspire warmth, set the scene, and save on energy costs.
You can also add the aroma of winter spices such as clove and cardamom, the scent of freshly baked goodies, and gentle background music to create an irresistible atmosphere for aspirational buyers.
Before listing your property, ensure that any DIY projects are completed to a high standard. Decking, painting, and landscaping projects should all be finished to create a sense of quality, style, and aspirational value. A professionally finished deck, pristine garden, or freshly painted walls can all enhance your property’s appeal.
Finally, it is important to showcase your home’s best features in winter. With shorter days and reduced natural light, effective lighting is crucial for highlighting key selling points. Open-plan rooms can be staged with zoned lighting to create different areas within the space, such as home offices, libraries, and children’s play zones.
Large living areas and dining rooms can also be set up to show how they can be used for entertaining or relaxation. By shining a light on your home’s best features, you can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your property.
If you need help selling your home this winter, get in touch with our team and find out how we can get the best result when selling your home.