1- Pick the right property agent
Picking the right property agent is the first and most important step. Fee structure and marketing styles aside, remember to choose a property agent based on the person’s individual skills, not based on the reputation or branding of the real estate agency that the person works for.
Also, try and find someone who has the necessary experience and skills to get you the best possible sale price, but who isn’t so busy with other clients that you’re just another box to tick. It’s a good idea to shortlist and interview several property agents before deciding.
2- Make your first impression count
As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. When it comes to the sale of your house, getting that first impression right is so crucial. Consider how your house appears to a prospective buyer, from the moment they lay eyes on it, as they walk up the driveway through your front yard, and as they enter the house, take in its interiors and begin to inspect each room.
You don’t have to do anything too drastic, but make sure you tidy up or landscape the front yard, paint the fence and gate if you have those, and check that your house is clearly numbered. If you can, also clean the windows, front porch, driveway, gutters, and maybe even your exterior walls.
3- Do your research on sale price
While your chosen property agent should be able to advise you on this, don’t leave it solely up to him or her. After all, a homebuyer would do their research on house prices before considering a purchase, so you need to do the same for the sale of your house.
Make sure that your sale price targets the right buyers by attending open homes and auctions in your local area, look into recent sales of similar properties in the neighbourhood, and take into account the general state of the economy and what interest rates are doing.
Ask your property agent about a realistic sale price for your home. Be aware that factors such as the style and age of your home, size, level of up-keep and general availability of homes for sale in your area will all affect your sale price. If you prefer, you can also pay a registered valuer for a formal valuation.
4- Have a plan
Finally, to help ensure a smoother process and better result, try to come up with a plan for selling your house. Make a to-do list in order of priority so you’re not overwhelmed by the amount of work involved. You might also want to ask yourself the following questions, as these will help you to formulate your plan:
- Who is your targeted buyer? Different demographics are interested in different aspects of a property that’s for sale, so knowing the type of people you want to sell to will determine how you present your home.
- Who is most likely to be interested in your home, and how can you appeal to that demographic?
- What does a prospective buyer see when they enter your home? How can you enhance that experience for them?
5- Hire a property stylist
When it comes to the interior of a house that’s for sale, home styling is an effective and sure-fire way to ensure that your home is being shown in the best possible light. In the same way that you would show up for a job interview impeccably groomed and well presented, every room in your house needs to look its very best, and there’s no better way to achieve that than with an experienced property stylist.
Preparing a house for sale is a major undertaking, and like all big projects, you will achieve much more if you have a clear idea of where you’re going and what you need to do. With a little effort and a lot of know-how, these tips will go a long way towards helping you to maximise the sale of your Melbourne home.