Important tips for selling your home

The property market is looking good. Most Wakefields Real Estate branches report a shortage of good well priced stock and have waiting lists of clients looking for suitable properties that offer value for money. The result is that prices are edging up.

If selling your property has been in the back of your mind now would be a reasonable time to put your home on the market.  As there is a lot to think about for a successful sale outcome, Wakefields has put together some guidelines.

Your first important decision is which agent you would like to sell your property. You want someone who is professional, knows your area well and who you can trust to handle your biggest asset astutely to realize your investment potential.

Ask several different agents to value your property and to provide you with a comparative market analysis and marketing plan to ensure you get the right price for your area, the condition and size of your home. The valuation process is not a tender and it is advisable to give your property, with a sole mandate, to the agent that provides the best marketing plan.

Understand the market and do not over price your property. This is one of the biggest selling mistakes people make that result in properties remaining for sale for an extended time and selling below market value.

There are several other things you can do to assist your agent and ensure a smooth selling process.

It’s good to know where your important documents are kept. You will need your property’s title deeds, your marriage certificate, anti-nuptial contract, if there is one, and identity documents which are required for FICA. If you have installed gas appliances you need a compliance certificate. Electrical compliance and pest control certificates are needed only once the property is sold.

It helps to make a list of everything you know about your property and what you love about your home. Things like the sunniest or coolest rooms, the types of birds that visit. All these things help your agent to sell your house.

You should also check the financial health of your property. Are the rates and levies, if you live in a sectional title unit, up-to-date? Arrears in these will need to be resolved prior to registration of transfer. Also give your bank 90 days notice of cancelling your bond as you’re selling your property.

Refresh the look of your house. Objectively assess your house as if you were a buyer. Simple things make a difference. When the lights are turned on do they all work? Are the taps dripping? Fix minor cracks, wash walls or repaint your home if necessary. You don’t want potential buyers to get a sense of needing to spend time and money on the property as this will affect the offers and your price.

Interior décor does count. A clean line look is important. Get rid of the excess furniture, clutter, toys and piles of books. Put out the family photographs or lovely collectables. A lived in look is fine but it should not be dirty or untidy as you want people to imagine themselves in your home. Keep your garden tidy, the grass cut and flower beds looking their best. Your house is going to have several interviews with prospective buyers and needs to be presentable.

If you are thinking of selling give the Wakefields Real Estate branch nearest you a call and let our qualified professional agents guide and assist you in this important process.

29 May 2012