SELLING YOUR PROPERTY, THE PROFESSIONAL WAY

Timing

If you have a choice, sell at a time that favours sellers and in the season that shows your particular property to its best advantage (houses with outdoor living facilities in Summer, with indoor features and fireplaces in WInter).

Cosmetic

Almost any home can benefit from some cosmetic treatment.

• Paint your home if it is in a state of neglect, white being the most popular colour.
• Get rid of all junk, empty out cupboards and tidy up the entire house.
• Clean up the interior, walls often only need washing down. Get carpets cleaned.
• See that your garden is neat and attractive.

Choosing an Agent

• Interview a few agents and establish what they know about the market and what they can do for you.
• Make sure, the agent of your choice is in possession of a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate.
• Does the agent of your choice work from presentable business premises?.
• Will the agency be able to display your property at their offices.
• For more information on the Company of your choice it might be advisable to phone the Institute of Realtors.
• Above all, are you comfortable with the agent of your choice?.
• Giving sole selling right to one good agent for a reasonable period may be more productive than having your home flogged about by all and sundry.

Setting the Price

Setting the price is of vital importance. A house with an unrealistically high price makes a poor impression in comparison to other houses, gets shown to the wrong buyers and stays on the market too long, leaving possible buyers with the impression there might be something wrong with it. The right price is what a keen buyer will pay to a willing seller in free negotiation. Getting to know the market by visiting show-houses in your area is a good idea. However, remember not to confuse asking prices with selling prices as these obviously differ.

A good agent will be able to help you set a realistic price by providing you with a competitive market analysis.

Choosing your Attorney

Appoint an attorney in good time, so he will be forewarned and in a position to give good advice when needed.

Ready to Sell

Your house and garden is looking its best, agent and attorney have been appointed, you are ready to sell! Here are yet a few more hints to achieve the highest possible price.

• See that your house is always in a presentable condition.
• Make sure that curtains are drawn to create maximum light.
• Do not accompany the agent with their buyers through the house. Buyers tend not to air their views and thoughts in front of the seller.
• Leave the selling to the agent. Every time the seller joins the negotiations the price goes down.
• Make sure that your agent can show your property at all reasonable times. Many sales have been lost because the agent did not have access.

To wind up - most good sales are a result of good strategy. We wish you a smooth selling experience and the best deal that the market offers.