Selling your home? You probably have a lot of questions, and understandably so, because let’s face it … selling a property can be complicated. In this case, the ‘practice makes perfect’ concept doesn’t really apply since most people only sell a home once or twice in a lifetime. So, how do you make a complicated process easier? Donna Etchells and the McGrath team are here to help!
Having helped 1000’s of homeowners sell their property, we have been asked a million and one questions and have discovered that most home sellers tend to worry about the same kinds of things.
Read on for our top FAQs that we hope help you navigate what can be an overwhelming process.
When is the best time to put my house on the market?
Your personal and financial situation will always be the driving factors that influence your decision to sell.
But generally speaking, we can find buyers for a good property at any time of the year.
If you’re able to hold off on selling, other important considerations include the time of year (if your home has seasonal appeal) and how your local market is performing.
How long will it take to sell my home?
The time it takes to sell really depends on where you’re located and the conditions of your local real estate market. Your listing price, the condition of your home, and you (or your agent’s) marketing strategy can also play a role. On average, we find our properties take between two and six weeks to sell. You should add another two weeks to this for us to prepare your house and for your marketing campaign.
How can I make sure my house appeals to buyers?
A well-presented home usually sells faster, and at a higher price. Start by de-cluttering – put excess belongings and furniture into storage and you’ll make your home look bigger. Tidy up the garden and make sure the front of your home makes the right first impression.
What pre-sale repairs or renovations or repairs pay off and is it really worth paying for a home stylist?
If a room is dark, look for ways to create more light. Quality taps and door handles can make an immediate impact for little investment, and a fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour gives the impression your home has been well maintained.
You only get one chance to make a great first impression. Although there is no guaranteed return, investing a little in making your property look its best usually pays off with a higher sale price, however, this is your decision. If your house is empty, it’s a good idea to hire some quality furniture. Remember that many buyers are looking for a ‘move-in ready’ property. And you are selling a lifestyle, not just a home.
Is it best to sell at an auction?
We have found public auctions to be highly effective, especially when there are competing buyers. Emotional engagement and competitive tension can lead to a higher result. Your alternatives include a private treaty / private sale, or public tender. Donna and the team can advise you on the best method for selling your home.
How will you help achieve a premium price?
We’ve developed a proven sales system to maximise the return on your home. It starts with understanding your goals in our first meeting and discussing ways to increase your home’s value and present it in the best possible way. Every detail can make a difference.
What’s your secret to a successful property marketing strategy?
We know we can achieve the best price within the first 30 days of a home being on the market, so we focus our energies on achieving that. We also know more than 60% of record prices come from out-of-area buyers. So, it’s not enough to simply put-up a For Sale sign, we’ll identify the ideal buyer for your home and design the optimum online and physical marketing mix.
What is a property appraisal and what will I receive?
A property appraisal is an informal process that will provide you with an estimated market value of your property. We will provide you with a report including a comprehensive assessment of your property, its location, an overview of recent sales in the area, and a suggested price guide for your property.
What are the different ways to sell a property?
There are 3 main ways to sell a property in Australia; Auction, Private Treaty, and Tender/expression of interest. Visit the McGrath Selling a Property page for more detailed information about the different methods of sale
What is the best method of sale for my property?
We are here to help guide you on this question. We will assess the kind of property you are selling, its location, the condition of the local real estate market, how quickly you want to sell, and your personal preferences.
How do I prepare my property for sale?
Spending time preparing each room and space of your property for sale can make a big difference to how much you sell your property for. Check out our latest blog – Essentials for Selling your Home for some top tips to consider.
What are the agent’s fees/agent commission?
Commission is the agent’s payment for successfully selling a property. All good agents will ensure they work extremely hard to sell a property and secure their income.
One of the most important parts of selling your home is making sure you have a great agent that can get you outstanding results. As Principal of McGrath’s acclaimed Sylvania office, licensed agent Donna Etchells excels at being able to maximise a property’s potential and achieve the greatest possible outcome for her vendors.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 