Prior to taking your property to market, ensure you wish to sell. Sellers who wish to “test the market” who don’t proceed to sale can be affected when it comes time to sell in future. With the information buyers have access to in this new-age market, they can easily access information such as list price, time on the market and that it did not sell. This can unfortunately negatively impact the future sale of the property.

Get to know your market. With a non-biased approach, do your own research on what has recently sold and what is currently listed. An agent can assist with a market appraisal but it is important to familiarise yourself with prices and list times to better understand what your property is worth in the current market. This will prepare you for your next step.

It’s imperative to have a proactive agent who you can trust. It is one of the most important decisions a seller should make. A great agent cares about getting you great results, the best result. Pick up the phone, meet in person if possible and choose the agent who will work best for you.

When it comes to selling, “free advertising” is rarely what you want to hear. In order to achieve the best price, you need to reach as many prospective purchasers as possible. To do that, the property needs to be presented in the best light, whilst working to the requirements and expectations of the market and style of the property, while also staying within budget.

Some items are essential, such as an appropriately sized ad for your market and style of property on your local online property platform, e.g., realestate.com.au / domain, professional photos and floor plans and basic marketing materials. Other things will depend on your budget, the target market and style of property as to whether you include additional marketing tools such as social media campaigns, property staging, etc.

Consider all options and work with your agent to decide on the right strategy for you.

As a homeowner who is selling, you may choose to live in during the marketing campaign or you may choose to leave depending on your circumstances. If you are a “homeowner” who is selling, clean the house paying extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Always present beds neatly made and de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. Less is more!!

If you’re an investor, it’s important for your agent to do their best to maintain a good relationship with your tenant. Your tenant decides how clean and/or tidy the property will be presented for inspections. They decide whether they are present during the inspection or whether they will leave for the duration of the inspection - allowing the prospective buyers a better chance at “picturing the home as their own”.

Tenants don’t typically enjoy a property being campaigned during their lease so it’s not always going to be possible to maintain a perfect relationship; therefore it is paramount that your agent understands the benefits of communicating, educating and working with your tenant during this process.

Don’t shoot the messenger!! It’s not always the case but most often, the 1st offer is the best offer. This is because the property is “hot” in the early stages of its life on the market. At this time, the marketing is usually attracting “ready buyers”. Assess the offer and decide with the help of your agent how to proceed.

From the start of this process to the finish, the aim is to achieve the best possible price and this could occur any time during the campaign. With the right agent, the right price and the right marketing you’ll be on your way to such offers.