Are you thinking about selling your property in the Southern Highlands?
Before you take the plunge, it’s worth knowing exactly what will set you up for a smooth, successful sale. Local property expert Suzi Bryant has pulled together the key insights she’s learned from years of helping buyers and sellers navigate the Highlands market.
Here are the 8 essential things every homeowner should understand to sell with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and give yourself the best chance of achieving a strong result.
1. When Is the Best Time To Sell?
There are benefits to selling in In the Southern Highlands, spring and summer bring more buyers due to seasonal moves. On the other hand, selling during winter might feel like a slower period, but with fewer properties on the market, there’s less competition. The end of year, the new year, the end of financial year, and even easter, are all compelling events for buyers, who want to be able to “tick a box” and buy a property before a given timeframe so it’s good to position your property before these times as there is usually a spike in sales.
2. How To Prepare Your Property For Sale
The rise of real estate reality TV shows has raised expectations for property presentation. To achieve a quick sale, make sure your property looks its best. This often includes decluttering, removing unnecessary furniture, and, if needed, staging rooms with furniture. Ensure that personal items like family photos are put away to help potential buyers imagine themselves in the space.
3. What’s The Best Way To Sell?
When selling, you have several options:
- On-market vs Off-market: On-market listings appear on popular property websites like Domain, allowing wide visibility to potential buyers. Off-market listings are often sold privately, keeping your home off public websites.
- Open Homes vs Private Inspections: Open homes allow anyone to visit, ideal for attracting casual buyers. Private inspections offer a more personal experience, especially for acreage properties.
- Auction vs Private Treaty: Auctions create urgency and allow the market to set the price, but they work best for properties with multiple potential buyers.
4. Choosing The Right Agent And Conveyancer
Selecting an agent you trust is crucial for a smooth sale. Ask for market appraisals from multiple agents to get an idea of the property value and marketing costs. Additionally, find a reliable conveyancer to draft the Contract of Sale and guide you through the legal process.
5. How To Set The Right Price
Get in contact with your agent and they’ll compare your property with recent sales in the area and consider current market trends. Remember, pricing your property too high can discourage buyers, so aim for a price that reflects its true market value.
6. Negotiation Tips
Negotiation is key in securing a good deal. If you receive an offer in writing, your agent is legally required to present it to you. Don’t be afraid to counteroffer, but always aim for a price both you and the buyer can agree on. Understanding the small percentage differences in offers can give you the perspective needed to make the right decision.
7. The Exchange Process
Once you accept an offer, your agent will prepare the Sales Advice which leads to the exchange. The exchange is the formal agreement between buyer and seller, and once completed, it’s legally binding. A conditional exchange has a cooling-off period so the buyer can change their mind and only lose a small deposit, whereas an unconditional exchange means both parties are committed. Always stay on top of this process, as small delays can derail the sale.
8. Preparing For Settlement
Once your property is exchanged, there’s a settlement period – usually six weeks – before the buyer takes ownership. Ensure your property is ready to go, with no unfinished business or remaining items. If any issues arise, work with your agent and conveyancer to resolve them before the final handover.
A Note From The Author
The insights in this guide are based on my personal experience and represent my opinion. As a real estate professional with expertise as both a buyer’s and seller’s agent in the Southern Highlands, I’ve worked across various towns and with nearly every agent. This unique perspective allows me to understand what drives buyers and how they react to homes and the overall selling process. Over the years, I’ve seen more properties than most agents will in their careers, giving me a thorough understanding of the market.
This guide offers tips, key questions, and a step-by-step breakdown of the selling process to help you make the best decisions for your sale.
About the Author
Suzi Bryant is a Property Partner with The Agency Southern Highlands, bringing years of experience in both buying and selling homes in the region. Known for her integrity and knowledge of the local market, Suzi helps homeowners navigate the selling process smoothly and successfully.
