Selling Steps and Tips

STEPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME

As a seller, it’s very easy to forget things and to feel a little overwhelmed at times.
While you should always feel comfortable asking questions, the following ‘event roadmap’ might help you keep track:

STEP 1 – TO LIST

• Select an agent
• Sign a listing agreement with your agent

STEP 2 – LISTING YOUR PROPERTY

• Agent prepares marketing campaign & advertising materials
• Prepare your house for buyer inspections
• Agent conducts buyer inspections
• Agent negotiates a sale price to your satisfaction

STEP 3 – ACCEPTING THE OFFER

• Offer is accepted
• Deposit is paid
• Contract is sent to both party’s solicitors to process

STEP 4 – SETTLEMENT

• Property becomes unconditional
• Move out
• Settlement occurs

PREPARE FOR THE BEST

Every seller wants the best possible price for their home, below are some tips designed to maximise appeal and achieve this.

Put Yourself In The Buyers’ Shoes

Start outside and take yourself through your own “Open Home”. Note what appeals to you about the home and what could be done to make it more appealing. Take a look through some builders’ display homes to see the way they are presented.

DE-CLUTTER

You’d be amazed how much unwanted ‘stuff’ people have lying around their homes. Start by packing away all knick knacks, books etc. The less clutter, the larger the rooms will appear. Potential buyers imagine themselves living in your home, this is a lot easier if there are not lots of personal items and pictures on show. If you have too much “stuff” consider short term storage.

Kitchens

Clear everything off kitchen counters. Tidy up and rearrange all cupboards, stack all dishes neatly, turn all cup handles the same way, stack all tins in order, this way when buyers peek they’ll get the message that this home is looked after.

Bedrooms

Tidy up wardrobes, fold and arrange everything neatly. Hang shirts all facing the same direction, line all shoes up together. Now may be the perfect time to buy that new bedspread.

Make sure the furniture in each room is just enough to describe what the room is used for, and not too much that the buyer can’t move around easily. Seemingly dead spaces can be turned into something more appealing with strategic placement of furniture.

CONSIDER A STYLIST

If the house is empty it is worth employing a stylist to furnish the property, to enhance appeal and give a little warmth.

MAKE MINOR REPAIRS

Replace cracked tiles, repair damaged walls, fix doors that don’t close properly, ensure all drawers work smoothly, ensure all lights are working. Consider repainting any bright walls a neutral colour.

GIVE THE HOUSE THAT JUST CLEANED LOOK

Wash windows inside and out. Remove cobwebs, clean stains from around taps, baths, and showers. Dust ceiling fans and fixtures. Bleach stained tile grout. Hang out fresh towels in bathrooms. Consider plug-in air fresheners, or brewing coffee prior to open homes.

STREET APPEAL

This is the first impression a buyer gets, so make sure its a good one! Mow lawns, tidy paths, wash down eaves and remove cobwebs, repair damaged window frames/glass, ensure blinds and curtains are hanging neatly and in good order.