Selling Tips 

1. Select the Right Agent

There are many factors influencing your agent selection but it boils down to who is most likely to do the best job for you. 

Most importantly, select one agent to market your property on an exclusive basis.  Avoid the open listing trap where lots of agents know about the property but no-one is working for you.  History shows that exclusive listings sell quicker and for higher prices.  So our advice is to choose an agent with a track record, is professional and trustworthy, has the right attitude and an effective marketing plan, then appoint the agent to market the property on an exclusive basis.  Marketing your property is a joint exercise so look for someone you can work with and will provide regular and honest feedback.

2. Set a Realistic Price & Listen to the Market 

Be wary of agents who quote high prices in order to obtain the listing.  Base your asking price on a proper market analysis that your chosen agent should prepare for you.  If priced to meet the market, your property will sell quicker than if overpriced. 

We always like to commence marketing at the upper end of the price range. The earlier stages of marketing often finds buyers specifically looking for a particular type of property and therefore likely to pay a higher price, particularly if there is competitive interest in the marketplace. However there is a danger of losing potential buyers if left too long at the high price, so it is wise to listen carefully to the market feedback especially in the early stages.

3. Recognise the Importance of Marketing

There is a strong link between the marketing budget and the speed of sale and the eventual sale price.  The wider the net is cast the more likely it is to find the buyer(s) who are prepared to pay that little bit extra for the property.  If kept a secret the chances of a successful sale are drastically reduced.   

Marketing needs to be tailored to suit the property.  What might be appropriate for one property might be totally unsuitable for the next.  A professionally produced marketing plan will identify the likely buyers so any marketing can be targeted, minimising costs and maximising effectiveness.

4. Prepare Property for Sale

A well presented property will always attract more interest and achieve higher prices than one that is poorly presented.  Some helpful hints are as follows:

• Weed the gardens, mow the lawns, clean the pool, tidy up the yard and remove rubbish and general clutter.  First impressions do count.
• Think about a garage sale.  Take the opportunity to get rid of unused furniture, old toys, etc.  Clean your wardrobes of old clothes and shoes.  The aim is to create a perception of spaciousness.
• Do those minor and nagging repair jobs you�ve been putting off.  Your property needs to be presented in its best light.
• Prior to inspections, open curtains and blinds, turn on lights in dark areas, put on some soft music.  Create the atmosphere.
• If you have a dog or cat, keep them out of the way during inspections.
• Look for cosmetic improvements that you can do at minimal cost.  Avoid spending too much on these because you may not get it back in the sale price, but spending $1000 to make $5000 extra makes good sense.