Selling Tips

Trusting someone to sell your property really is a big deal, both financially and emotionally. If you choose your consultant with the toss of a coin, you will end up tossing and turning all night, but with some consideration, you should find one with whom you'll achieve a good result.

• Choose a consultant you can trust. Your consultant will spend a lot of time in your home, and will be responsible for looking after your possessions and representing your interest in negotiations. It is important to find a consultant with good references and a strong track record - or one from a reputable company with strong management.
• Your consultant's negotiating skills are critical so choose very carefully. Ensure they understand the principles of negotiating and have enough experience to back up the theory.

When's the best time to sell?

Buyers for good properties can be found all year round:

• Houses often look better in the summer, however, there will be less competition during the winter. It really is about your circumstances and what timing suits you, not the seasons.
• Allow a fortnight to prepare your property for sale.
• A certificate of compliance should be obtained from your local council if you have undertaken any major building work.
• Ensure your sales consultant can register your property, free of charge on Trademe, as well as at least three other web sites. This is a free property service with Western First National.
• Note all the things to be included in the purchase price such as light fittings, curtains, blinds and specific whiteware. If you decide to exclude them, make sure this is noted.

Judy says:

• 'For Sale' signs really do work.
• Quality photographs attract attention.
• Advertisements that don't mention price are risky and you could waste money.
• Don't throw away money doing up your house for sale. Inexpensive cosmetic work is fine, but leave the major renovations for the next owner. (It can take as much as 3 years for the market to catch up with the expenditure).
• Price you home realistically, based on advice from a reputable and successful consultant.
• Dull homes attract dull prices. Buyers don't like animal odours or hair, cigarette or strong food smells, cracked windows, doors or windows that stick, signs of damp in the walls or ceilings, stained carpets, neglected gardens or clutter. A clean and tidy property (inside and out) adds value and saleability to your home. It shouldn't take much effort, nor cost much.
• If the property is empty, you might consider getting some expert advice and even hiring furniture for the sale period - this can really help.

Remember:

• Choose a consultant you can trust
• Have input into the marketing plan
• Treat the selling process as a partnership
• Expect and demand regular communication
• Never agree to an exclusive agency for more than 12 weeks. If you are satisfied with the relationship, you can always extend near the end of this term.
• Don't select according to commission rate - a cheap agency may mean a cheap job. An agency who can negotiate a higher price can justify their fee. After all, any agency prepared to give away their income will also be prepared to give away your home.