Real Estate Selling Tips.
INTERVIEWING A REAL ESTATE AGENT:
- Commissions and fees are important; don’t just choose an agent with the lowest fee and highest valuation.
- Know what you want, be prepared with questions.
- Ask for an agents information kit, re: company background etc.
- Observe the knowledge, specialty and presentation.
- Length of time in industry.
- Procedure on contacting and following up buyers.
- Does the agent have a Vendor Checklist?
- Experience of agent with similar property in the district.
- How will agent promote property?
- Does agent give realistic appraisal based on comparable sales?
- Ask about their company (number of agents working on property).
- Where/how they advertise – exposure.
PREPARING THE HOME FOR SALE:
- Tidy up the gardens – mulch if necessary, mow lawns and trim edges.
- Clean the windows especially ones offering views to the garden and more, remove cobwebs.
- Declutter.
- Complete any renovations/half-completed jobs.
- 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!)
- Tell agent to go around with you and point out what they can see needs improvement. Don’t take it personally!
- Have all permits, evidence of work done available.
NEGOTIATING OFFERS:
- Listen to agent’s advice re: purchaser feedback.
- Trust agent to do necessary work to present best offer.
- Don’t be too greedy; you’ll scare off the purchaser.
- Consider all expenses and build them into the price.
- Decide the value of your home, but be prepared to adjust according to the market.
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Believing your property is worth more than purchasers are prepared to pay (or a bank will lend for it).
- Buying up and putting value on to get your next home when it’s not worth it!
- Your agent is employed by you, remind them!
- Taking an offer by phone the agent should see you in person.
- Perceived lower offers can often be the last offer.
- Choosing an agent on, rate or commission (low commission doesn’t necessarily mean top level service).
- Over pricing from over capitalisation.
- Taking the offers personally and making it a pride issue.
- Thinking the $2000-$5000 more you want will change your life forever.
- Focusing on the $5000 more you want and not focusing on the $350,000 offered.