:: Tips For Buyers and Sellers ::
FIRST IMPRESSIONS...
First and foremost your home needs to look appealing from the street. Initial impressions maybe the difference in attracting the right buyer through your property. Prune your garden, rake up leaves, clean gutters, weed and edge gardens, clean out the garage and remove anything that is not appealing to the property before the “for sale” sign goes up. It is then time to concentrate on having your property looking at its best.
Outside
Repair fences, clear out sheds, remove cobwebs, clean the home exterior and if there’s a pool, make sure it is looking pristine. Buyers don’t want to see a pool as a hindrance.
Maintenance
Repair leaky taps and toilets, tighten door knobs and cupboard latches, replace burnt or blown light bulbs and oil squeaky doors.
Cleanliness
Clean and freshen all rooms. Steam clean carpets, clean windows, curtains and cooking facilities. Polish all tubs, basins, toilets, and wet areas.
Odours
Pets, smoking, dampness and cooking can all contribute to undesirable odours inside. Open your home and let the fresh air flow through before inspections. Fresh air is always best.
Pets
Most of us love our pets, however buyers may not. Keep pets restrained during inspection times.
Clutter
Clear halls and stairs of clutter. Store surplus furniture and clear out excess “junk” in cupboards. Remember, the less they have in them, the bigger they look. De-clutter bench tops, window sills, cabinets etc.
Creating a buying mood
Let as much natural light in as possible, create ambience… flowers on the table,
maybe some tunes – not too loud.
Arrange to be absent, but available to contact during inspections.
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BEFORE YOUR HOUSE GOES ON THE MARKET...
1.Have your home looking it’s best
2. Have your solicitor or conveyancer prepare a SECTION 32 (Vendor’s Statement) before or at the time your property goes on the market. Being a legal document, a property cannot be marketed without a Section 32. A section 32 requires a vendor (seller) to provide certain information to a purchaser pertinent to the property before a contract note is signed.
3. If there is a current lease on your property, check the expiry date of the tenancy, along with the termination requirements and advise your solicitor and real estate agent.
4. See your bank manager or mortgage broker. Make sure there are no hidden costs when it comes to paying out your mortgage.
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CHOOSING AN ESTATE AGENT...
Selling property is not just a matter of “putting an ad in the paper”. Remember for most people, your home is your biggest asset! To get top dollar and know that you are in the very best hands you need to do some homework on choosing an estate agent.
1. Choose an agent who you are comfortable with and who you believe will achieve the best sale price for you.
2. Check that your agent is an experienced estate agent with good qualifications.
3. The way your property is marketed is super important. An astute vendor will look at the way different agents advertise and promote properties within their business. Look at the quality of the advertisements, photo’s, location of the real estate office (eg high profile position), internet advertising, signboards or for sale boards etc.
3. Presentation of the estate agents business premises.
4. Presentation of staff within the company.
5. Don’t just go to one estate agent. Have a look around. Generally you should look at two or three agencies and compare all of the above.
6. Commission is an important factor when it comes to selecting an agent to sell or manage your property. Commissions are negotiable, and it is wise to compare commissions, however it is also extremely important that you have an agent that can offer the very best of everything. Again, remember this is likely to be the biggest asset you will ever own. Don’t take shortcuts.
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BUYING TIPS
1. Work out what area of town you would like to live in. Remember to check out the proximity to schools, transport, nightlife, shops and other services. These areas can affect your lifestyle.
2. Speak to your local estate agents to gain knowledge of the value and trends of real estate in your preferred area.
3. Contact your financier or bank manager to work out your financial requirements or capabilities before you set your heart on something.
4. If you are looking to purchase an investment make sure you have done sufficient homework on buying an investment property and know what you are after.
5. It is often wise in certain situations to have a building report and/or pest inspection report done on a property before you start negotiating.
6. Arrange for a solicitor or conveyancer to look at the appropriate documentation before you sign an unconditional contract.
7. Ask questions. If you are unsure about something then get the facts. Buying a home is a huge decision, questions are invaluable in helping you make an astute decision. Back to Top
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