Spring is the ideal time to put your home on the market in the central west, with a new finder’s guide listing everything homeowners need for a stress-free selling journey.
The “LocalAgentFinder” guide outlines seven essential tips covering everything from market insights and valuations to choosing the right agent and prepping a home for sale.
A key takeaway is how an agent's expertise and strategic approach can help effectively navigate the property market and significantly impact the property's time on the market.
A knowledgeable agent can assist with accurate pricing and innovative marketing techniques, enabling you to effectively navigate the property market and help achieve maximum outcome.
1. Understand the market conditions
Australian dwelling values continue to rise, with the national Home Value Index increasing by 0.5 per cent in August, marking the 19th consecutive month of growth. Whilst these market changes suggest the opportunity to make solid gains, it’s important to get the most accurate read on market conditions specific to your location and property.
2. Get a professional valuation
Accurately pricing your property is key to attracting serious buyers and achieving the best outcome. While professional valuations provide a baseline estimate, your real estate agent offers deeper, practical insights. By analysing recent sales of comparable properties, buyer demand, and shifts in the local market, agents provide a more dynamic and up-to-date perspective on your property’s value.
3. Choose the right real estate agent
Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial for a successful home sale. Agents with a strong local track record, negotiation skills and positive client reviews are key. When evaluating agents, consider their sales history and performance, local market knowledge, marketing strategies, communication style and responsiveness, and commission rates and fee structures
4. Preparing your home for sale
To attract potential buyers, it’s important to present your home in the best possible light. Start by addressing visible wear and tear, such as repairing leaky taps, replacing outdated fixtures, and fixing wall imperfections to create a well-maintained and modern look. That’s the view of Cameron Way who is Managing Director of Woodwards Blackburn and part of the LocalAgentFinder network.
“It’s also important not to ignore garden maintenance, as a well-presented exterior sets the tone for potential buyers from the moment they arrive,” Mr Way added.
5. Setting the price and negotiating
Price your property competitively, based on valuation and market conditions, to avoid deterring buyers or undervaluing your asset. Prolonged market presence can raise concerns about potential issues with the home.
“Timing is everything and can be the difference between success and failure. Selling too soon could mean underselling, and waiting too long can have a similar outcome.
6. Accept an offer and sign the contract
Once you accept an offer, the next step is to sign the contract of sale. Ensure all terms are clear, and both parties understand their obligations. The contract should include details like the sale price, deposit amount, settlement date, and any special conditions.
7. Prepare for settlement
Settlement, the final step in the selling process, involves transferring ownership to the buyer and typically takes 30 to 90 days. Having a conveyancer on board from the beginning – ideally when you appoint your real estate agent – ensures you are well-prepared to accept offers and can streamline the entire process. Early engagement allows your conveyancer to organise key documents in advance, minimising delays and keeping everything on track.
Principal Solicitor and Director of Dott & Crossitt, Jared Zak, underscores this point.
“Getting all the documents sorted well in advance is key. We’ve seen that taking the time to do this properly can avoid last-minute problems and make the handover smooth and hassle-free,” Mr Zak said.
“It not only saves time but also gives both sellers and buyers peace of mind,” he concluded.
