TIMING

Buyers for a property can be found all year round however it's not often that a purchaser for your home is out there, just waiting for you to put your home on the market. Timing, presentation and marketing are the key components required to bring buyers and sellers together for the best result.

Spring is often considered to be the best time to sell. It's a time of optimism and with the weather clearing, more potential buyers will be out and about. It is also a time when more sellers will put their homes on the market so there will be more competition.

Winter usually presents fewer buyers, but the buyers are usually more focussed on purchasing and traditionally there will be fewer homes on the market to choose from thus pushing prices up. Prior to placing your home on the market, allow an additional two weeks to prepare both the property and the marketing material.

PRESENTATION

A tidy home says "Welcome". Your home should be kept neat and tidy during the period of inspections. It is not necessary to be an "exhibition home" but appear a comfortable home in which to buyers can imagine themselves living.

Fresh flowers or indoor plants always brighten up a home. While you're cleaning, think about each room and what furniture really needs to be in it. Rooms look smaller when they are cluttered. Clear out anything that's not needed to allow the space to work.

Make sure that all minor repairs are completed. Sticking doors and windows, loose door knobs, faulty plumbing, or peeling paint may affect your sale. Let plenty of light into your home. Nothing improves atmosphere more than brightness. And on a dull day switch on the lights prior to arrival of prospective purchasers.

Another tip is a warm comfortable heated home on cold days adds a feeling of cosiness; on a hot day don't forget to turn on any air conditioning or fans (or simply let the breeze flow through).

MARKETING AND METHOD OF SALE

The two main methods of marketing your home are offered for sale by private treaty or alternatively for sale by public auction.

Sale by Private Treaty means that you set a price at which your property is to be marketed to the public through the marketing plan agreed to by you and the agent. Properties can be offered at a set asking price i.e. $499,000 or alternatively offers over $499,000 or even a buyer's guide $475,000 - $499,000 ask your agent which is best suited to your home.

If you offer your home for Auction this means that prospective purchasers will bid against one another publicly at a date and time suitable to you. You can set a reserve price, which is the minimum you will accept, and once bidding has passed that level you know the property is what the term "on the market" meaning it will be sold on the day of auction once the reserve has been met and it will be unconditional and a predetermined deposit must be paid on the day. 

With each method of sale there are different marketing options which are imperative to get right if you are to be successful in achieving the highest possible price.  Ask your agent today what marketing is required to attract the best buyers for your home.

PREPARING TO SELL – HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR RETURN

“What do I need to do to make my home look better”…is the question I am commonly asked.  A great way to create the right ambience in your home is to ensure you have the right furniture and furnishings for the right rooms. 

What we have done for you in the current issue of At Home with RGR Magazine is show you the same home dressed with different furniture and colour schemes to change the feel of the home.  This is a service that we offer our vendors at no cost, just because we want them to get the best possible price. 

We also believe it should all be part of the service …and we exceeded our vendor's expections each and every time.  This is just one of the services we provide to our vendors and we are happy to help you too.