Are you ready to sell?

Thinking of selling? Make sure you have thought through what selling really means and what you will do once you have sold. The reality of selling often only hits once that first offer comes in.

The wrong reasons to sell

Testing the market 

Sometimes buyers put their property on the market wanting to ‘test it’ and are unwilling to sell unless they get a certain price, intending to put it on the market again at a later date. As a result, these properties can seem stale to potential buyers, who sometimes know everything that’s been on the market in the past 12 months. Once you pull the trigger to sell there should be no turning back.

Somebody said I should

Sellers can feel pressured into putting their property up for sale by a trusted friend or relative. In these cases, the seller often lacks the personal motivation to sell, which can negatively impact the sale.

Impulsive Decisions

If you’re selling because of short-term market fluctuations or media hype, you might miss out on future gains when the market stabilises. Selling in a moment of panic or stress will not be the best decision. The timing might not be right, and selling in haste could lead to missed opportunities in a recovering market.

Where to start

A great result starts with figuring out what’s important to you. Have the confidence to make the right decision by talking with your agent about your reasons for selling your property, what you want to achieve from the sale, what’s important to you in an agent and what you expect from them.

Know your property

Before contacting a potential agent make sure you have asked yourself these important questions:

• When are you thinking of selling?
• What do you think your property is worth?
• Why did you buy the property?
• What is the best thing about the location?
• What are the property’s most attractive features?
• What type of buyer do you think will like your home?
• What did you enjoy/ not enjoy about your past real estate experiences? 
• Do you have any special requirements for the sale?

Things to know before selling a house 

Even before you engage with a real estate agent, it’s crucial to prepare your home for market keeping in mind the power of the first impression.

1. Think about what buyers want:

Walk around your home with a critical eye. Look for any points of disrepair or issues a potential buyer might immediately pick up on.

2. Take photos:

Take photos of your home with your camera phone. They don’t have to be perfect. The aim here is to get an idea of what your home looks like from all different angles and if any repairs and/ or decluttering needs to happen.

3. Get a pest report:

When it comes to selling, the more information about your home you have, the better. This report will help you deal with any issues if there are some or improve your position by proving to potential buyers your home is pest-free.

4. Review your documents

Ensure that the property’s title is clear and free from legal disputes. If you owe any outstanding levies or taxes, make sure these are paid before the sale.

Make sure you have the necessary permits for any renovations or alterations you've made to the property. Real estate agents and buyers may ask for this documentation, especially if the property has had structural changes or extensions.

5. Preparing a house to sell

Preparing your house to sell is probably the most important step. It can be anything — from something as simple as decluttering to renovating parts of your house for sale. The experts at Independent Property Group encourage you to start by decluttering and decorating your kitchen and bathrooms. Fix any obvious issues, such as leaky faucets, broken tiles, or damaged paint. If you can afford it, consider minor upgrades (like a new carpet, fresh paint or landscaping) to make your home stand out.

Finding a real estate agent

Finally, you need to find an agent. We’ve got some great tips on what you should be looking for in an agent and what questions to ask your real estate agent.

Choosing a real estate agent is not easy. Remember the things that are important to you as this is someone you will be working closely with. Here are some common concerns:

• Agency size
• Negotiating skills
• Fee
• Marketing costs
• Exposure/ appearance
• Strategy
• Feedback & communication
• Trusted brand

It’s important to get your property listing right the first time. People who have been looking for a while tend to quickly pounce on new listings. With the right preparation and agent by your side, you can enter the market with confidence.

If you’re just starting to think about selling, head to our online appraisal page for a free, instant, online appraisal of your property.