Selling Tips

How a good real estate agent can help

Agents understand that buying or selling property is as much a matter of the heart as the head. Drawing on their vast property expertise and knowledge of your area an agent will:

• Provide a realistic indication of the value of your property.
• Help you decide which selling method to choose: whether to list the property for sale, commence the marketing with a Prudential Property Launch or go to auction.
• Organise and attend open homes and record prospective buyers.
• Manage enquiries about your property.
• Provide access to more potential buyers via their own prospect database.
• Handle sale negotiations on your behalf and strive to achieve the best possible result.
• Advise on and coordinate the marketing of your property, including preparation of flyers, floor plans and photography.
• Prepare a professional online advertising program.
• Provide guidance on conveyancing, legal and financial services.

Questions to ask when choosing an agent

You're making a big financial decision and it's essential that you develop a good partnership with your real estate agent.

Don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to, such as:

• How long has your company been active in this area?
• How long have you been licensed to sell real estate?
• How much experience have you had in selling properties comparable to ours?
• How much did these properties sell for and when?
• What is your top and bottom estimate for the sale of our property?
• How much commission do you charge?
• Can you provide the details of past clients for us to contact?
• Can you provide an example of what the marketing schedule might look like?
• How much will advertising in newspapers and online cost?

Advertising your property

Advertising is crucial to maximising the number of enquiries you get for your property and therefore the eventual sale price. A well-balanced marketing schedule exposes your property to the widest possible audience, generating more enquiries and therefore more competition that will often result in a higher sale price.

However, as advertising is usually the biggest single expense in the sales process, it's important you understand the components of a marketing schedule and your agent's advertising proposals.

We can also assist you if you are unsure how much to spend on your advertising.

Did you know that your real estate agent can increase the number of times your property is viewed on property websites? Ask your agent for details about Feature Property and Guaranteed Top Spot advertising.

Presenting your property

They say in property that location is everything, but when it comes to making a successful sale and maximising your property's value, the name of the game is presentation.

From creating a welcoming ambience on open days, ensuring your photography presents your property in the best light as well as a preparation checklist and everything in between, we'll show you how it's done.

Good photography is as important as presenting your property well. A photo will often be the first impression a potential buyer will have of your house, and it can influence their decision to view it.

Checklist - Presenting your property

First impressions count, so it's important to make sure your property looks its best from the moment it goes onto the market for sale.

And that doesn't just mean a clean and tidy interior, it means ensuring the exterior is as presentable and attractive as you can make it, because many people will check a property out for the first time with a drive-by before deciding whether to inspect it on open days.

From fresh coffee brewing on open days to little touches like fresh flowers, there's no shortage of ways to present your property in its best light and maximise your selling price.

Our free booklet 73 Quick and Easy Fix-ups to sell your home fast and for more money provides a detailed checklist to ensure both your interior and exterior are presented at their best prior to listing your home for sale. Just fill in the form on the right to receive your own copy.