Selling a Property - FAQ'S
This is a comprehensive list of the most commonly asked questions when selling a home.
When is the best time to put my house on the market?
Buyers for a good property at the right price can be uncovered and secured throughout the year. However, if your home has seasonal appeal (common on the Gold Coast), such as beach access in summer or a beautiful garden in spring, it may be worth waiting for those months, get your agent to look at the statistics and competition to guide you on this.
How long will it take to sell my home?
On average, properties are taking between two and six weeks to sell in this current high-octane environment. This does depend on the area you live in and the property type, it is important to allow for a week or two to have the property fully prepared for sale and to allow time to prepare all the necessary material for a fully effective and efficient marketing campaign.
What are the different ways to sell a property?
There are 3 main ways to sell a property in Australia, Auction, Private Treaty and expression of interest. We are introducing a new way to add to these common 3 methods, and it has proven to be an insanely effective method, it is an online offer communication system, we would be happy to guide you through the ins and outs of this, it is a game-changer in how Australian real estate is transacted and the success stories are wide-ranging and very impressive.
How can I make sure my house appeals to more buyers?
A well-presented home usually sells faster, and at a higher price. Start by de-cluttering – remove all excess furniture and wall coverings, perhaps place them in storage or try selling on marketplace, there is a shortage of new furniture in warehouses and things are selling quickly online. Have a handyman come in and tie up loose ends, if there is an opportunity to apply a lick of paint, please do. Also, pay attention to the gardens and street appeal, a first impression is lasting.
What pre-sale repairs or renovations really pay off?
Light, if a room or space is dark, use all the tools in your toolkit to bring light into the room, this is of critical importance. Quality tapware and handles can make an immediate impact for little investment, these can be picked up from Bunnings, again we stress that a fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour gives the impression your home has been well maintained and can also deodorise.
What is a property appraisal?
A property appraisal is an informal process that will provide you with an estimated market value of your property. A Sales Agent will provide information about current market trends and conditions, local property values, the appropriate method of sale for your property, results-oriented advertising strategies, and a detailed timeline of the selling process.
Why should I get a property appraisal if I am not selling?
Even if you are not looking at selling, understanding the value of one or more of your most valuable assets can help ensure you better understand your net worth and allow you make plans for the future, real estate is not a game of overnight returns so keeping up to date with the valuation changes is of paramount importance. A good agent will be happy to provide an update on your properties to build and then forge a relationship, so they are your go to professional of the future. This knowledge can help you make smarter financial decisions. Get a property appraisal.
Is it worth paying for a home stylist?
You only get one chance to make a great first impression. If styling is a consideration, please refer to our more in depth article HERE
Is it best to sell at auction?
We have found public auctions to be highly effective, especially when there are competing buyers and at the minute QLD is seeing auction clearance rates of 80%+, this is normally reserved for Sydney and Melbourne, so it is definitely a more appealing option in this market. Emotional engagement and competitive tension can lead to FOMO (Fear of missing out), which in turn can lead to a higher result. Your alternatives include a private treaty / private sale, expressions of interest or the new age digital method we touched on previously. Your Smyth Real Estate agent can advise you on the best method for selling your home.
How does Smyth Real Estate achieve a premium price?
We have developed a proven sales system to maximise the return on your home and fine-tuned this over the last 5 years. It starts with understanding your goals in our first meeting and discussing ways to increase your home’s value and present it in the best possible way. Every detail can make a difference. Our passion really shines through when it comes to marketing your property and negotiating on your behalf, the passion is tangible from the moment you meet us, try us.
What’s your secret to a successful property marketing strategy?
We know we can achieve the best price within the first 30 days of a home being on the market, so we focus our energies on providing accurate and engaging market campaigns whilst applying speed and ease of use to all our operations, i.e. online offer systems and digital contracts are a must. We also know more than 60% of record prices come from out-of-area buyers so we use social tools to reach those buyers. So it’s not enough to put up a sign, we’ll identify the ideal buyer for your home and design the optimum online and physical marketing mix.
What is the best method of sale for my property?
Your real estate agent is the best person to help guide you here. They will assess the kind of property you are selling, its location, the condition of the local real estate market, how quickly you want to sell and your personal preferences.
How do I prepare my property for sale?
Spending time preparing each room and space of your property for sale can make a big difference to how much you sell your property for. Please complete the contact form HERE and we will send through a step-by-step guide.
What are agent’s fees / agent commission?
Commission is the agent’s payments for successfully selling a property. All good agents will ensure they work extremely hard to sell a property and secure their income. At Smyth Real Estate we charge a performance related commission which is tailored to your situation and property, get in touch today to find out more HERE
