Choose Your Agent Wisely
Your choice of agent sets the tone for your entire selling experience. Look for someone with proven results in your area, strong negotiation skills, and a marketing approach that makes sense for your property. Take time to interview a few agents – ask about their recent sales, marketing strategies, and fee structure.
The right agent should feel like a partner, not just a service provider. They should understand your goals, communicate clearly, and have a genuine strategy for achieving the best price. Here at The Geelong Agency, we know local knowledge matters – your agent should know your suburb inside out.
Prepare Your Property for Market
First impressions matter enormously in real estate. Before listing, invest time in presenting your property at its absolute best. This doesn’t mean expensive renovations – often it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference.
Start with a thorough declutter. Pack away personal items and excess furniture to help buyers envision their own life in the space. Fix those minor issues you’ve been meaning to address – dripping taps, squeaky doors, chipped paint. Consider professional styling or at least get advice from your agent on presentation. A fresh coat of paint in neutral tones can work wonders. Don’t forget the gardens – neat, tidy outdoor spaces significantly boost appeal.
Set the Right Price Strategy
Pricing strategy can make or break your sale. Price too high and you’ll sit on the market, eventually selling for less than you could have achieved initially. Price too low and you leave money on the table. Your agent should provide a detailed market appraisal based on recent comparable sales, current market conditions, and your property’s unique features.
Consider your selling method too. Auction can create competition and urgency but doesn’t suit every property or market. Private sale offers more control but requires strong negotiation skills. Your agent should recommend the approach most likely to maximise your result.
Launch with Impact
When your property hits the market, you want maximum impact. Professional photography is non-negotiable – buyers scroll past poor photos without a second thought. Your online listing should tell a story, highlighting not just features but the lifestyle your property offers.
Time your launch strategically. Avoid holiday periods when buyers are distracted. Consider the season – gardens look best in spring, but winter sales face less competition. Your agent should coordinate print advertising, online listings, and database marketing to create a coordinated launch that generates immediate interest.
Manage the Sales Campaign
Once live, your campaign needs active management. Regular open homes at convenient times. Private inspections for interested buyers who can’t make opens. Quick responses to online enquiries. Your agent should provide weekly updates on inspection numbers, buyer feedback, and any market changes affecting your sale.
Be prepared to adjust if needed. If inspection numbers are low, you might need to revisit pricing or marketing. If feedback points to specific concerns, address them quickly. The best campaigns evolve based on market response.
Navigate Offers and Negotiation
When offers arrive, emotion and excitement can cloud judgment. Your agent’s role is to assess each offer objectively, considering not just price but conditions, settlement terms, and buyer capability. In multiple offer situations, skilled agents create competitive tension to push prices higher.
Don’t be afraid to counter-offer or reject offers that don’t meet your objectives. But also stay realistic – perfect offers are rare, and sometimes a bird in hand really is worth two in the bush. Trust your agent’s market knowledge while making decisions aligned with your goals.
Close the Deal Smoothly
Once you’ve accepted an offer, the work isn’t over. Contracts need reviewing, conditions need satisfying, and settlement needs coordinating. Stay responsive during this period – delays in providing information can risk your sale.
Work closely with your conveyancer or solicitor. Be prepared for building and pest inspections. Have your paperwork organised. The smoother this process runs, the more likely you’ll reach settlement without issues.
