INTERVIEWING AN AGENT:

1. Commissions and fees are important; don't choose an agent with the lowest fee and highest valuation.
2. Know what you want, be prepared in questions.
3. Ask for an agents information kit, re: company background etc.
4. Observe the  knowledge, speciality and presentation.
5. Length of time in industry.
6. Procedure on contacting and following up buyers.
7. Does the agent have a Vendor Checklist?
8. Experience of agent with similar property in district.
9. How will agent promote property?
10. Does agent give realistic appraisal based on comparable sales?
11. Ask about their company (number of agents working on property).
12. Where we advertise - exposure.

PREPARING THE HOME FOR SALE:

1. Neat and tidy the gardens - mulch if necessary, up to date trimming and mowing.
2. Clean the windows especially ones with views to the garden and views, remove cobwebs.
3. Remove unnecessary furniture/items to create space.
4. Complete any renovations/half-completed jobs.
5. Ask agent tips on presentation, ie: cleanliness and tidiness, no smoking inside, air-freshener, carpets to be steam cleaned and fresh flowers etc. (presentation is everything!)
6. Tell agent to go around with you and point out what they can see needs improvements. Don't take it personally.
7. Have all permits, evidence of work done available.

NEGOTIATING OFFERS:

1. Listen to agent's advice re: purchaser feedback.
2. Trust agent to do necessary work to present best offer.
3. Don't be too greedy; you'll scare off the purchaser.
4. Consider all expenses and build them into the price charged decide the value of your home stick to it.

COMMON MISTAKES:

1. Believing your property is worth more than purchasers are prepared to pay (or a bank will lend for it).
2. Buying up and putting value on to get next home when it's not worth it!
3. Your agent is employed by you, remind them!
4. Taking an offer by phone the agent should see you in person.
5. Perceived lower offers can often be the last offer.
6. Choosing an agent on, rate or commission (low commission doesn't necessarily mean top level service).
7. Over pricing from over capitalisation.
8. Taking the offers personally and making it a pride issue.
9. Thinking the $2000-$5000 more you want will change your life forever.
10. Focussing on the $5000 more you want and not focussing on the $350,000