Sellers: Your Guide to a Seamless Sale

Whether you've owned your property for a year, a decade, even a lifetime, selling up and moving house can be a big job. It can also be particularly stressful if you're on the clock to make a quick sale. 

So, how can you minimise stress, maximise your selling price, and streamline the whole process for a seamless sale?

Here is your step-by-step guide to selling your property:

1. Get Ready... 

Sort and declutter

Getting your property sale-ready is one of the more time-consuming steps in the sale process. But a thorough spring clean is an excellent motivation to finally purge your property of items you no longer need or want. Clear away all junk, and anything you don't want to end up on the moving truck. Clear and organise your cupboards, wardrobes and storage spaces. Start packing and sealing boxes of items you're not using well in advance so that they're ready for moving day.  

Repairs, renovations and maintenance

Take a slow walk through your property and note down all areas that need attention before you set your asking price. The better your property looks, the more you can add to the sale figure. Conduct any final renovations before you list. A renovated kitchen and bathroom can make a big difference to a buyer's perception of the property.

Here are a few areas to consider fixing up if they need attention:

• Overflowing gutters and drains
• Paint cracks
• Damaged water pipes
• Weeds, moss, overgrown lawns
• Broken fixtures, like lights, curtain rails and door handles
• Mould or mildew in the bathroom
• Broken tiles and damaged grouting
• Damaged window and door frames
• Old taps or toilet seats
• Floors and carpets
• Walls and ceilings

Compliance

Making sure your home is compliant with all pest, water, plumbing and electrical requirements and standards is essential. Arrange a call-out from a qualified and certified compliance company to inspect your property, advise on any necessary fixes, roll out fumigation, electrical or leak repairs, and issue compliance certificates.

2. Get Set...

Recruit an agent

A knowledgeable, professional property agent is key to a successful sale. Sure, you could do the sale privately and save some money, but the value and expertise of an experienced agent is worth it. Choose one that has been working the area for a good few years, who knows the climate and will prioritise your requests as far as possible. 

Set your asking price

Time to give it a number! What price are you hoping to walk away with? Your agent can bring great value to this part of the sale, and will help you set an optimal (and realistic) asking price for your property. They will list all factors to consider, including economic climate, the current market, the value of the area, and so on.

Set the stage

Taking quality, high resolution photos of your property will help generate interest and attract the right buyer. Make sure your property is looking spick and span. Put away all clutter and keep surfaces as clear as possible. Be sure to take realistic daytime photos from several angles, with lots of natural light and without a wide lens.

3. Sell!

List your property

Time to take your listing live! There are a number of great property portals available that receive lots of online traffic, where you or your agent can list your property for sale, for free. Potential buyers can view your listing and get in touch with your agent directly to arrange a private viewing.   

Market your listing

You don't need a big marketing budget to tell people about your property. Share your listing link with friends, family and colleagues and ask them if they wouldn't mind spreading the word. You can also share it on your social media profiles to generate interest. 

Consider your offers

Once you've had a few viewings and your agent has handled the initial interest phase, hopefully you'll start to receive some offers to purchase. Once you've chosen the right buyer, your agent will help get the ball rolling with the banks. If everything is in order, you will sign the offer to purchase and the buyer's bank will conduct a home inspection and appraisal.

Schedule your move

Now that the big stuff is out of the way, you can finally move your belongings out of the way too! Part of the final paperwork will entail an agreement around the moving date. Set your date, book the movers and a post occupation clean, and you'll be on your way!

Selling is a breeze with the right property agent - contact us today!

Whether you are still considering if the time is right to sell, or you're already starting your preparations, we are here to help. With SAproperty.com, your sale is in excellent hands. Our experienced property agents come armed with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Contact us today to set up an introductory meeting.