Top 10 Tips for a Lucrative Home Sale
Selling a house is a big deal. That’s why it’s important to do your homework and preparation before you list it. This way you have the best chance of a fast home sale and getting the most money.
Ive out a list together of 10 things you can do to improve the chances of a fast sale where you get top dollar for your efforts. I know some of these have an upfront cost involved, but if you can afford to do them, they will be worth the effort and investment.
Selecting the Ideal Agent
Choosing a real estate agent is an important decision in the home-selling journey. Unfortunately not all agents are created equally, and the way an agent performs their job has a significant impact on the success of the sale of your home. Try to find an agent who is knowledgeable on the area, market and style of home you’re selling, so they can then highlight the features and benefits to potential buyers. An agent who is super busy isn’t necessarily the one to go with. If you can find a boutique agency, they often deal with a capped number of homes to sell, which keeps their focus and energy on your home, rather than you becoming a number to them. When interviewing an agent, enquire about their track record of results, asking specifically about the difference between the initial listing price and the actual sales price achieved. This information provides insight into their honesty and integrity because in some cases an agent will tell you what you want to hear in order to lock in the listing, but then can’t deliver so will lower the price back to something more realistic which then opens up the thought to buyers that there must be something wrong with the house.
Method of Sale Matters
Understanding different sale methods is crucial for a successful home sale. Whether opting for an auction, private treaty, or another method, each comes with its own set of rules and protocols. Engage with your agent to discuss the pros and cons of each method, a choose an approach that will work for you house style, price range and your local market. While there may be myths surrounding auctions, research shows that homes failing to sell on the day often find success shortly afterward. Although there is a cost involved, even an unsuccessful auction is actually beneficial because it will provide invaluable market feedback without inflating the property’s price.
Prioritise Maintenance
Presenting a well-maintained home is fundamental to attracting potential buyers. Before listing, ensure all necessary repairs and maintenance tasks are completed. Buyers frequently devalue properties with visible issues, making a pre-sale revamp essential. This not only enhances the property’s aesthetic appeal but can also attract multiple buyers.
Enhance Street Appeal
The street appeal of your home is the first impression potential buyers will have. A tidy garden and an aesthetically pleasing exterior set the stage for a positive viewing experience. Investing time in enhancing street appeal can significantly contribute to capturing the interest of prospective buyers from the outset.
Create a Lasting First Impression
Beyond street appeal, the interior presentation of your home is equally as important. De-cluttering and de-personalising spaces help potential buyers envision themselves living in the house. Consider a pre-sale professional styling service to highlight your property’s key features, presenting it in the best possible light.
Effective Marketing
Crafting a robust marketing strategy is a cornerstone of a successful home sale. In today’s digital age, potential buyers often initiate their property research online, underscoring the importance of a strong online presence. While considering marketing costs, it’s essential to recognize that quality marketing is an investment in achieving broader visibility. When selecting an agent, keep in mind that not all may offer the same level of marketing service. It’s worth asking about any discounts or promotional opportunities your agent can pass on to maximise your property’s exposure.
Embrace Open Homes
Open homes play a pivotal role in generating interest and creating a sense of urgency among potential buyers. Embrace the opportunity for prospective buyers to explore your property. It’s natural to be concerned about an open home being filled with nosey neighbours, or people who have no intention of buying, but just remember the real buyer will see them as competition and could create a higher, more urgent offer than if the buyer was the only one who showed up.
Accurate Pricing
Setting the right price for your home is a delicate balancing act. Emotional attachment and personal needs may influence subjective pricing, but it’s crucial to anchor your decision in the property’s objective value. Avoid the pitfalls of overpricing by seeking a professional valuation. While it incurs a relatively small cost, a valuation provides an independent benchmark, offering peace of mind in the pricing strategy. Realty Road offer free, accurate, unbiased appraisals. Contact us for more information.
Understand Your Motivation behind your home sale
The success of a home sale is not solely determined by the property itself; the motivation of the seller plays a significant role. Sellers who approach the process with genuine motivation tend to put more effort into presentation, allocate appropriate resources for marketing, and set realistic price expectations. Assess your motivation for selling – whether prompted by personal or financial considerations – and align your approach accordingly.
Building and Pest Inspection
This is one of more favourite little tips. Before listing your property it’s a great idea to pay to have a comprehensive building and pest inspection done, particularly for older homes. Unpleasant surprises discovered during the sales process can lead to the buyers pulling out of a contract, lowering their price, or lacking confidence from the start, thinking there will be too many issues. Providing a pre-inspection report to potential buyers not only instills confidence but also contributes to a smoother transaction process. Consider it a proactive measure to address any potential concerns before they become obstacles to a successful sale.
If you’re ready to sell, think about the tips above and see if you can implement any or all of them to get the most successful sale of your property.
If you’re in QLD please reach out to us and we can help you get the ball rolling towards a successful, stress free house sale.
