Sales

SELLING YOUR HOME

Selling a property can be a highly rewarding experience and can reap substantial rewards. Alternatively, it can be a dreadfully disappointing event that will probably include the loss of money and lots of heartache. For most people, the family home or investment property is often the biggest asset they own. Yet, it is surprising that when it comes time to sell that asset, how often the price is not maximised through selecting the wrong real estate group.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGENT.

What to look for in an agent.

1. A professional image and established reputation within the community.
2. A qualified and enthusiastic team of consultants that you like and trust.
3. Competitive fees, but not necessarily the lowest, look for value for money on what is being offered.
4. Good communication and feedback.
5. Good negotiators that will negotiate the highest possible price.
6. A company that leads the way in technology and innovation.
7. A proven track record
8. A guarantee of service.

MARKETTING OPTIONS.

All homes are different. All homes have different buyer types. The type of marketing option you choose will depend on this.

There is no right or wrong way to market and sell your homes. You should choose the option that you feel is going to achieve the highest possible price for your home based on its features and the demand. Look around the area and examine some of the results being achieved by different methods.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE.

It can be as simple as creating a "homely" atmosphere that people want to live in. This starts by using two of our senses.

Sight - Everything should look as good as it can.
Smell - Everything should smell as good as it can.

Some ideas about presenting your home are:

1. Steam clean carpets.
2. Remove extra furniture, ornaments, fridge magnets etc. The less clutter, the larger the home may appear.
3. Ensure that lawns are trimmed and gardens pruned.
4. Create pleasant smells
5. Re paint flaking or peeling paint. Presentation accounts for a lot. Purchases will scrutinise.

Pretti's Handy 9 Tips For Home Sellers

1) DON'T OPEN LIST YOUR PROPERTY.

Most home sellers think by listing their property with several agents it will increase their chance of selling and receiving a high price. In fact it decreases their chance of selling, as some agents will not promote the property, as they feel reluctant to spend money on advertising the property as another agent might sell the property. Therefore the property can sit on the market for a long time and buyers will think there could be something wrong with the property as it is listed with many agents. Open listings can also decrease their clients chance of receiving a high price as all agents aim is to sell the property before another agent does and their main focus will be on the sale and not on the price. Buyers will call up all the agents to see who will get them the lowest price.

2) DON'T AUCTION YOUR PROPERTY.

Auctions are too expensive and buyers who go to auctions go to buy cheap and to get a bargain. Most buyers who buy at auctions openly admit they would have paid more. Less than 50% of properties put to auction, sell at auction. Agents who promote auctions lack courage and skill to be able to discuss the current market price with the owner for the fear of losing the seller to another agent.

3) DON'T LET THE AGENT BUY YOUR BUSINESS.

Some agents are telling lies about the sale price of your property, only to buy your business. If you select an agent based on the selling price they quoted you, you may be extremely disappointed. Get the agent to quote the price in writing and insist to the agent they charge you nothing if they sell for less than the price they estimated, this will determine the unethical agents from the rest.

4) OPEN INSPECTIONS.

Open for inspection homes are only an invitation to thieves to inspect what security and locking devices you have on your doors and windows, they may return later to steal your valuable belongings. Make sure all buyers are identified and are generally interested in buying your home. Top agents will always screen their potential purchasers first before they take them out to view a property. Do not restrict buyers to one or two hours a week, allow these people to inspect your home at any time. 24 hours a day.

5) FOR SALE SIGNS A MUST.

Not having a sign on a property can mean No Sale. A sign works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can attract buyers who might not see your property in the newspaper or the office window and these buyers could be the ones who pay the highest price for your property. Some buyers will knock on your door. Insist they call your agent as if you try to negotiate the sale yourself it could cost you thousands of dollars, leave it up to your agent as they are the experts and have negotiated hundreds of times. Beware of other agents that approach you offering they have a great buyer who will pay top dollar. These agents are too lazy to find their own homes for sale and lack ethics, send them packing. Or send them to your agent, as a top Agent will always offer a conjunction in the event that this agent has a buyer who will pay top dollar. Most likely the other agent will have no one. Don't speak to unethical agents.

6) NO BUYER RECORDS.

Most agents receive dozens to hundreds of enquiries a week either by way of the telephone or by most people walking in. But how many of these agents keep buyer enquiries? The answer is not many. That's the reason why agents want the sellers to pay for advertising so these agents can find buyers. Do not pay for the incompetence of these agents. Select an agent that keeps records of genuine buyers, so there is less need for advertising.

7) CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED AGENT.

When selecting a real estate agency always choose an agency that has high profile, a good reputation, an excellent window display and has experienced staff who listen. Negotiation skills are vital to ensuring the seller will get the highest price possible. A good negotiator can mean an extra ten to fifteen percent on your selling price. Work it out, it can mean thousands of dollars. Be very careful, as most agents are poor negotiators and often don't listen. Choose an agent who is a skilled negotiator.

8) DON'T SELECT A CHEAP AGENT.

When selecting an agent do not choose an agent purely on their selling fees. If the agents give away their own money what do you think they will do with your money. It is better to pay an extra one percent for the selling fee than receive ten percent less on your selling price. If they get you the best price, they are worth every cent. Choose an agent who offers you no charge for no sale.

9) TRUSTING THE AGENT.

If you don't trust the agent who has just come out to give a market opinion, don't sign with the agent! A major part in any type of relationship either being business or personal is trust. If you do not feel comfortable with the agent, do not enter an agreement with the agent. Once you decide on the agent, give the agent your trust and confidence. Let the agent do his job of selling your property. The top agents are worthy of your trust and they won't let you down.