Your Spring Selling Checklist

Spring has long held its place as when seller activity heats up. Between September and November, the property market is known to emerge from hibernation and pardon the obvious pun, spring back to life, with improved curb appeal, more comfortable weather, and a greater choice of properties for buyers.

This year may see even more activity, with recent cash rate drops and high property prices are likely to add incentive to those looking to maximise on their investment, or make a move.

If you’re looking to sell this spring, here are the steps we recommend you take.

1. Prepare your Property.

Your home may have been home for at least a decade, but it’s time to treat it as an asset. This means decluttering excess belongings, making repairs to any niggling broken amenities, or dodgy doors, leaks, plumbing, etc. The home needs to be pristine for anyone looking to move in.

Additionally, try to remove personal touches in the home, especially as you get closer to hosting inspections. People need to be able to envision themselves living in the property. This can be an emotional time, as you separate yourself from a space that’s taken care of you and your family, but it sets you up well for a future sale.

It also helps to stage the property for inspection. This can include hiring a professional interior designer to maximise the attractiveness of your home.

Fulfill repair and maintenance works.

Remove personal effects.

Declutter

2. Research the Property Market

Look at similar properties in your area that have recently sold to see what return on investment you may be in store for, as well as what competition you may be facing in the area. Spring is a great time to sell, but with its attractiveness comes competition.

Look at the trend of your suburb in previous years, knowing that this year will likely be impacted by lower interest rates and higher property prices. Look at the curb appeal of the properties that are successful for inspiration, and consider getting a valuation on your home to know what you should expect. If you feel your home is undervalued, go back to step one and think of ways you can add value.

Research the market.

See what other properties are selling for.

Conduct a property evaluation.

3. Get Sale Ready

When it comes to selling your property, you aren’t doing it alone. You’ll need the support of professionals, particularly real estate agents. Enlist the service of at least two real estate agents to provide you with a selling plan. An estate agent should also assist with a valuation of your existing property. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a competitive commission rate with your agent.

Review documents provided by your agent thoroughly to ensure you agree with everything listed, including sales authority, as well as what items are and aren’t included in the sale of the property.

This is also when to decide what offers will satisfy you. Look at what properties in your area are going for and settle on what number you’ll accept. Once that’s settled, your agent can get to work on marketing and selling your property.

Enlist a real estate agent.

Negotiate commission.

Review documentation provided.

Decide on a selling price.

4. Provide a Smooth Sale

Once an offer has been accepted, you should make the process as seamless as possible to ensure you and the new owner get the most out of it. Discuss with your agents the details of the sale before formally accepting, and ensure that the deposit has been paid by the buyer.

Now is the time to work with a Conveyancer. Conveyancers help facilitate the transfer of the property from one party to the other. The buyer may have their conveyancer, but your conveyancer should be different to theirs, as your conveyancer will prioritise your needs in the transfer.

You can also purchase a conveyancing kit, and do it yourself, but be aware that navigating the process without a Conveyancer can put you at risk, particularly if there are unrecognised discrepancies with the property that haven’t been flagged.

Meet with your agent for confirmation of the sale.

Receive the deposit.

Work with a Conveyancer.

5. Plan Your Next Move.

If you’re moving house, you’ve hopefully already worked with your MoneyQuest broker to secure your new property.

The most common finance issue that people selling their homes run into is that their funds are tied up in the property they’re selling. Bridging loans are a finance solution that allows you to access funds tied into your existing home when purchasing your new home. Once your home has been sold, you can use the funds available to pay back what’s required on the loan.

It’s important to remember you’ll be repaying what’s owed on your existing home loan alongside the bridging loan, so be sure to contact your MoneyQuest broker to ensure this is the right solution for you. If you’ve sold your home before buying a new property, reach out to your local MoneyQuest broker. We can help determine your borrowing capacity and secure preapproval, and assist your from application, settlement and beyond.

Contact your local MoneyQuest broker!

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