1.) Choose a sales consultant

The first step to selling your home is to engage the right sales consultant for you who is going to achieve the best result possible for your property. Take a look at Understanding the Selling Process for some key questions to ask potential sales consultants.


2.) Prepare your home for sale

The next step to prepare your home for sale. This means it’s time to make sure the home is neat and tidy, and free of clutter. It’s also a good time to make any necessary repairs on the home that could detract from the sales price. You may also like to have your home professionally styled for open homes, so that potential buyers can see exactly what can be done with the space.


3.) Price your home for sale

The most difficult task for most sellers is determining the value of their home. This is where your sales consultant can really add value for you. Sales consultant are armed with local knowledge, as well as market data and sales history which can help you to determine the best price for your home.


4.) Choose a method of sale

The four most typical methods of sale are:

  • Exclusive listing
  • Auction
  • Tender
  • Open listing

    Your local Harcourts agent is able to talk you through all of these options and which would suit your needs the best.


    5.) Discuss marketing with your sales consultant

    Your Harcourts sales consultant will prepare a personal marketing plan tailored to your specific needs. Marketing your home for sale forms part of Our Promise, a written assurance that we will strive to deliver the best result possible for your property.


    6.) Accept an offer

    At Harcourts, our commitment to you is to bring you each offer formally in writing. We will do this by providing interested buyers with a contract, and will give both you and the potential buyer the opportunity to add conditions when negotiating the sale of your property.


    7.) Complete the sale

    Settlement generally takes place between you and the purchaser and your legal/financial representatives. Officially, it’s where ownership passes from you to the purchaser, and the balance of the sale price is paid to you or your financial institution. Settlement then usually occurs 30-90 days after the contract has been signed, depending on what has been agreed upon.


    Dress your property for success

    Harcourts would like to share some simple presentation tips with you, which may help to present your property to its best advantage. It is often the little things that can make the biggest impact.

    For example, first impressions really do count because it is estimated that over 50% of properties are sold even before the prospective buyer steps through the front door! These are just a few practical ways in which you can make an instant, positive impression, which will go a long way towards making a successful sale.

    Outside appeal
  • Remove bikes, tools, and any clutter.
  • Keep lawns mowed, paths edged, hedges trimmed and gardens weeded.
  • A few well-positioned flowering potted plants can create a welcoming appearance.
  • Having the exterior washed and windows cleaned can make an enormous difference.
  • Paint or wash fences, gates, screens, steps and the front door.
  • Ensure your pets are secured so that they won’t pose a threat or annoy visitors.
  • Outside lighting is a must for evening inspections.

    Positive first impressions
  • Your front door and entranceway can be powerful first impression areas.
  • A newly decorated front door with attractive topiary shrubs either side can be effective.
  • Properties yet to be renovated can visually show buyers the potential of the property by decorating the walls, ceiling and floor of the front entrance.
  • Position an attractive plant or piece of art to add that final touch.

    It’s the little things that count

    Attend to any small maintenance jobs such as sticking doors or windows, dripping taps, squeaking hinges, loose door handles, blown light bulbs or faulty switches.

    Create a feeling of spaciousness
  • Ensure your kitchen is spotless, the working areas are uncluttered with tidy cupboards and pantry.
  • Make sure wardrobes are tidy – they’ll look larger.
  • Mirrors in smaller rooms can convey the feeling of more space.
  • To enlarge room size appearance, perhaps store some furniture and ornaments.

    Lastly

    Allow your buyers the time and relaxed atmosphere to become emotionally involved in your property by leaving the premises during inspections. Your sales consultant will maintain security at all times.

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