The preparation you put into getting your property ready for sale can be the difference between getting a standard price and getting a great price. And, the best part is, it's not hard, time consuming or expensive.
The process of presenting your property for sale is an important one to master. For most, the sale of a property comes around every 5-7 years. For others it has become a more regular event, choosing to capitalise on the opportunity of upgrading the family home and make substantial tax free gains in the process.
Whatever your motive for selling, the process can either be stress free and lucrative or tense and disappointing. The good news is that you have the ability to choose.
As a service to our clients we have produced a series of helpful hints and frequently asked questions. free for you to download.
If there is any other professional real estate advice you need… just ask by calling our office on 08 9470 1620
Timing
Buyers for good quality property can be found all year round. With the marketing process having become far more sophisticated than in previous times, the issue of timing is less critical today than in the past. However, there are some important points you may wish to consider.
If your property is located in one of Australia’s beachside suburbs our research indicates that the Spring and Summer months produce superior results , particularly October and February. In major centres avoid the Christmas holiday period between 20 December and 10 January. In tourist destinations however, this same period can be the best time for the sale of property.
The time required to sell property that is accurately priced will typically vary between two and six weeks. Prior to placing your property on the market, allow an additional two weeks to prepare both the property and the marketing material.
Presentation
Presentation of your property is a critical factor in achieving the highest possible price. This is similar to detailing a car before you sell it. The emotional appeal required to stir the spirit of the buyers is unlikely to be generated by a poorly presented property. And a neglected building sends out 'warning signals' to prospective buyers.
So it is important to do whatever is possible to have your property looking its absolute best on inspection day. Some of the turn offs for buyers include:
Animal odours in the house
Evidence of damp or moisture in the walls
Cigarette or strong food odours
Doors, windows or gates that stick
Cracked glass
Too much furniture or personal belongings cluttering the space
Stained carpet
To improve the presentation, seek an outside opinion, as many of these problems can be fixed over a weekend for little expense. We believe the process is so important that we offer our clients the services of our agents to assist with styling your property.
For vacant properties, we would also recommend the use of decorator furniture for the period of the sale. Advice on the best type of furniture can also be offered by our agents, if required.
Method of Sale
When it comes to selling your property, these are the most popular methods to choose from:
Private Treaty (Sale)
Public Auction
Each has its own advantages and it is advisable to speak to your agent about the benefits of each method.
Most auction marketing periods run for about four weeks.
Sale Preparation Checklist
1. Get the property detailed thoroughly
2. A few hundred dollars spent sprucing up the property will increase the sale-ability and more than likely increase the sale price.
3. Obtain a building and pest inspection report. - This allows you to have necessary repair work done prior to sale. A 100% clear report can be used as a selling feature for buyers.
4. A certificate of compliance should be obtained from the Local Council if you have recently undertaken major building works.
5. It is advisable to have a survey of the land and buildings available if required when selling a property.
6. If there is a current lease, check the expiry date and termination requirements and advise your agent.
7. Make a note of all the inclusions. That is, everything that will be included in the purchase price and remaining at the property after completion. Standard items include
light fittings, floor coverings, curtains and blinds. These can also be excluded if you prefer but it should be noted in the contract for sale.