Tips on Selling Your Property
Selling by Private Treaty
Sale by private treaty requires the seller to set a price from the beginning of the campaign. Your agent and our tips on Property Value can help you with this process. Many sellers have a tendency of initially setting a higher price as they think buyers are likely to negotiate the price down. Doing this can be counterproductive, so this is when an experienced agent becomes a vital source of information. Ask for their guidance when establishing your asking price and refer to comparable sales in your area.
In general, sale by treaty gives the seller greater control over the sale, more time to consider offers by potential purchasers and the ability to extend the time the property is listed on the market (although this often leads to potential purchasers wondering why the property is not selling). Plus potential purchasers must make offers on your property 'blind', this means without knowing what other buyers are willing to pay.
Generally, private treaty sellers can negotiate the price and sale terms with the buyer. This means that once a price has been agreed between buyer and seller, the sale may still be subject to conditions. For example the buyer may have requested a building inspection or may require finance approval.
Selling tips
A quick checklist to consider
R.E.D provides the following list to guide you through the process of selling your property.
How does the outside of your home present, is it worth a second look? An inviting entrance creates an important first impression!
Check that things such as roofing, guttering, paint, woodwork and paving are all in good condition. Spending money to fix these things can potentially mean extra money in your pocket come sale time.
Clean windows or any glass balustrades you may have. Also consider giving your house a thorough clean, this is an inexpensive way to instantly lift its appearance.
Mow the lawn regularly, particularly before an open home, trim hedges, rake up the leaves, if you have a pool make it sparkle and hide away any pool equipment.
If you are selling a tenanted property, consider offering the tenant a cleaner to come once or twice a week. It is money worth spending and a good way to keep your tenant on side.
Bathrooms and kitchens are the most scrutinised by buyers, ensure they are pristine and remove any personal items. Soap scum, mould, old shower curtains and dirty bathroom mirrors should be cleaned, removed or replaced!
Make all the beds, fluff the cushions, vacuum floors, dust shelves and remove cobwebs that may be lurking inside and out.
Ensure your home maximises light no matter what time of the day it is. Open the windows and curtains and check all light bulbs are working. If you’re holding an evening inspection, light up your garden and consider using a few candles inside to further enhance the ambience.
Selling your home is a great time for a spring clean, less clutter creates an impression of space so remove anything you don’t want to take to your new home. An option is to consider giving your unnecessary household items to a charity, such as The Salvation Army or place it on your local auctions.
Pet odours and hair can be a big turn off for buyers so ensure there is no trace of your pet during inspections. This may mean steam cleaning carpet, hiding away their food and water bowl, toys and bedding.
Selling Style Checklist
Make An Entrance - Front Yard
Add interest to your doorway with potted plants
Pave a pathway to your front door
Spruce up your front door with a coat of paint
Consider improving privacy by adding a low wall at the front of your house
If your hallway is narrow and dark paint it a light colour and add a broad floor runner to make it seem wider
Invest in a new front door mat
Living Style - Lounge Room
Use neutral colours in your living space
Use receding colours like blues and greens to make the small space seem larger
Find a focus in your room. If you don't have a natural focus, add a feature wall
Ensure your carpets are cleaned. Marked or damaged timber floors are re-sanded and polished
Layout your living area to show how you live there
The Room That Sells - Kitchens
Fix the floor by lifting old vinyl and replacing it with new vinyl , polished floorboards or tiles
If your benchtops are scratched or stained, replace them with new laminate benchtops - it is not that expensive
New cupboard and drawer handles will add life to an old kitchen
A fresh coat of paint will cover cooking splatters and add life to a drab kitchen
Kitchen clutter must be cleared
Soak Up a Sale - Bathroom
Your bathroom must be spotless and tiles clean
Fix or replace cracked basins, toilets or tubs
Air your bathroom before inspections - bad smells are a buyer turn off!
Add a little luxury with plump towels, handmade soaps, a plant or flowers and some boutique bath products
Sleeping In Style
Reduce the amount of furniture in small bedrooms to give the impression of space
Storage is important - consider adding built-in wardrobes
Add a little luxury with fresh linen, puffed pillows and extra cushions
Dimmer switches create atmosphere in a bedroom
De-personalise your bedroom but add little touches like candles and perfume bottles
Step Outside - Garden
Trim your lawns and weed your garden beds
Defining your garden bed borders
Add a focal point
Give the illusion of space in a courtyard by using large pavers
Introduce colour with pots of whatever is in flower
Finishing Touches
Ensure all areas have been dusted, vacuumed and place new light globes in all rooms
Add colour to neutral rooms through accessories
Keep window treatments simple
Disguise small windows by hanging curtains from the top of the wall rather than the top of the window
Add elegance by extending your curtain drop so it pillows on the floor
Don't go overboard with patterned accessories as they create a cluttered feeling