FAQ’s – Selling

Is it best to sell by private treaty or auction?

This often depends on market conditions. In very ‘hot’ markets, an auction can produce results above market value, but many buyers prefer to have a cooling-off period and it’s for this reason that private treaty sales are the most common.

How do I know if my agent will get me the best price?

Your agent should have a reputation that you can trust and a history of achieving results. Most reputable agents act honestly to achieve the best prices for their vendors.

What commission should I pay my selling agent?

Commissions in most sales are negotiated. You should get quotes from at least two agents to compare. This will help you determine if you are getting value for your money in terms of service and price achieved.

What is the best time of the year to sell?

Spring is considered the best season to sell a home. The weather is nicer, flowers are blooming and Christmas is still a few months away, which means homebuyers can be settled before the festive season. The key is to plan at least 6 months ahead from when you would like to sell and take into consideration market conditions including interest rates and recent sales in your local area.

How do I maximise my selling price? What can be done to make the property more desirable?

There are a lot of things you can do to achieve a higher asking price for your home. Many people set a budget of between $500 and $5000 to make their house more presentable. Common changes include repainting the interior and exterior, adding new landscaping features in the gardens, updating the kitchen and bathrooms (even if it just changing the hardware on cupboard doors –  small things make a difference too). Little things like washing windows and making sure paths and the driveway are tidy can add value to your home.

View our Tips for Selling your Home page for more options.

Can I sell my property and live in it for a period of time after the sale?

This depends on the buyer. Home buyers generally purchase with the motivation to move in straightaway. Investors, however, will be more open to renting the property to you if you meet their terms.

How much should I spend on advertising my property for sale?

Your agent will give you an idea of advertising and marketing costs as well as the best places to run your ads. Ad costs can depend on the size, location and frequency that the ads appear. Most agents have package options available which are also negotiable.

How often is the property open for inspection?

The number of open inspections will depend on the price of the property and the state of the market at the time of listing. Your real estate agent will be able to provide you with more information however it’s generally 2 per week. Things can move very fast when the decision is made to put the property on the market, so make sure your home is in a show worthy.

What costs are involved to sell my home?

There are a number of fees that are associated with selling a property. The most common are:

• Commission
• Marketing/advertising
• Contract/Solicitor fees

Commission is paid for the labour involved with selling your home. It is generally a percentage of the sale price. The commission will vary depending on property price and location.

Marketing refers to the methods ParkTrent uses to sell your property and includes things like signage, internet advertising and advertising in newspapers. Again, the actual cost for marketing varies depending on property price and the marketing plan chosen.

What websites will you list my home on?

There are several major websites we’ll list your home on, including www.domain.com.au and www.realestate.com.au. We also target sites specific to your location. We will provide you with a complete list when we present you with our marketing plan.

How long are homes taking to sell in my area?

One of the most important pieces of information we’ll give you at the start of our partnership is a comprehensive market study, including information about sale times in your area. This information is important for identifying a competitive market price.