Selling your home is a major life event. Getting the process right can save huge amounts of time and stress. It's also a one-off opportunity to maximise your net worth. Use these tips to increase your chances of securing a positive result.
The real estate professional you select is critical
Many owners make the mistake of listing with the cheapest salesperson to save on costs, while relying on their fixed price expectations to protect against the possible downside. The line of thinking might be "We won't accept anything less than X for my home. We'll turn down anything less."
Keep in mind that you can only turn down the offers that your salesperson is good enough to bring you. Listing with a discount operator can provide a false win at the start of the process. It might feel like you are saving money, but in the long run, it could cost you big time if they don't have the skills, experience or processes to get the job done.
Viewings aren't predictable
Someone might walk down your driveway unannounced while doing a drive-by of your home. Another buyer might ask to view your home with 15 minutes notice. Sometimes buyers will want to view your property 4 times before making an offer.
Open homes can be quiet as a ghost town one week, and busy as a train station the next week. The process is unpredictable, so when you go on the market, be ready for anything and don't give up! Try to accommodate short-notice viewings when you can. Sometimes they are the most motivated buyers. Visitors don't mind if your dishes aren't done or the toys are still out. They are more interested in the overall feel of your home.
Selling can take time
Finding the right buyer for your home can be a drawn-out process. When you go on the market, be prepared to wait weeks and sometimes months to secure a sale. If viewing numbers are low, talk to your salesperson about ways to keep your marketing fresh. This could include changing your price, advert script, photos or overall marketing strategy. It may also be worth investing in extra marketing throughout the process to attract new buyers.
Buyers will come in low
Owners can get offended easily when buyers don't see value at the same level. Prepare yourself right from the outset that buyers are cautious, especially in a balanced market. When they do finally make offers, they may come in well below your expected price. Take each offer as a positive sign of buyer interest and negotiate where you can, even if it feels like you are miles apart with little chance of finding agreement. The buyers might surprise you with their ability to move up in price. But if you choose not to negotiate, there is a good chance they will simply walk away.
Competition is key
One key reason we want to encourage buyers to stay focused on your home, even when their offer is below expectations, is to encourage competition. The best way to secure a premium price for your home is to have multiple groups competing to buy it at the same time. Consumers crave social proof. It reassures them that your home is a smart investment. Every time you get an offer that seems offensively low, be thankful that this buyer is helping your sale process by encouraging other buyers to take action.
Here to help
You deserve an experienced guide to help you through the selling process. A team that knows your local market inside and out, has a database of serious buyers looking in your area, along with a proven strategy to generate maximum interest in your property.
Call today to book your free consultation and learn how we help owners just like you secure the best possible price in the current market.
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