Selling your home is a major decision, and it’s essential to make sure everything is in order before hitting the market. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re prepared.

The first step is knowing what your property is worth. A professional appraisal gives you a clear idea of your home's value, setting realistic expectations.

Before deciding to sell, it’s essential to understand how the property market changes over time. Start by researching when the market conditions are most favourable to get the best possible price. Checking recent sales in your area will give you an idea of your home’s potential value. Attending open homes is also a smart move, as this allows you to see how similar properties are being presented and priced, offering a more realistic view compared to online listings or newspaper advertisements, which usually show asking prices rather than final sale figures.

To get a clearer sense of your home’s worth, it’s wise to arrange an appraisal with a local real estate agent. Their knowledge of your neighbourhood and experience with recent sales will provide a more accurate estimate of your property’s market value. For a broader perspective, you can seek multiple appraisals, though remember that the highest offer may not always reflect what buyers are actually willing to pay.

 

2. Time Frame 
Choose a time frame in which to sell. 

First impressions matter. Consider minor repairs and cosmetic updates to enhance your home’s appeal. Declutter, clean, and stage your property for potential buyers. Professional photography can make a big difference in generating interest.

This stage is likely the most critical when selling your home, as it’s the moment buyers will assess whether the property is worth their investment. It’s important to remove any clutter and ensure all maintenance tasks are completed. Unfinished areas should be finished, cracks in walls repaired, and the garden tidied or landscaped. If needed, consider repainting the exterior. Even minor issues, like a visible crack or untidy exterior, can easily turn buyers off, as purchasing a home is often driven by emotion.

We strongly advise selling the home fully furnished, as this helps potential buyers visualise living in the space. Well-staged rooms often leave a lasting impression, unlike empty homes, which can feel cold and unwelcoming. Timing is also crucial, as homes have a limited window in which to attract serious offers. Delaying improvements until after buyers have visited can cost you valuable time and may reduce the chance of early offers.

When it comes to marketing, professional photography is essential. It's not enough to take photos on a smartphone; properties that stand out online are typically captured by experienced photographers who understand lighting and composition. Leave this to the professionals to ensure your home is presented in the best possible light.

 

Once you’ve made the decision to sell, one of the first things you’ll need to do is hire a real estate agent to handle the marketing and transactional process of selling your property.

Choosing a real estate agent is a big decision, so it pays to be thorough and do your due diligence to ensure the agent you select is the right fit for you.

There’s often debate around whether to sell your property privately or to enlist the help of an estate agent. It’s easy for sellers to be drawn to the idea of managing the sale themselves, thinking they’ll save on agent fees and still get the same result. However, while this may seem appealing, be prepared for the amount of work involved. An estate agent's fee can often be worth it, given their expertise and the time they save you.

An agent brings an objective perspective to how your home is presented and knows what local buyers are seeking. They’ll advise on necessary repairs and staging to help maximise your sale price. Additionally, estate agents work with trusted professionals, so tasks like photography or marketing can be completed swiftly and often at lower rates, thanks to their established connections.

Beyond marketing, agents handle negotiations and prepare the formal offer and acceptance documents for you. Even experienced property experts, such as Andrew Winter from Selling Houses Australia, opted to use an agent when selling their own home. Remember, selecting the agent who values your home the highest may not always be the best strategy. Instead, focus on finding an agent with a proven track record in your area who can attract the right buyers and price your home appropriately.

 

You’ll know exactly how much money you’ve made from the sale, giving you clarity on your financial situation.

The funds from your property sale can be directly used towards purchasing your next home.

With the sale proceeds in hand, you’ll have a clear idea of how much you can borrow from the bank for your next property.

You may be able to negotiate a longer settlement period, allowing more time to find and purchase your next home.

You avoid the financial strain of paying interest on two home loans at the same time.

Selling first puts you under pressure to vacate the property by the settlement date.

Property prices may increase between the time you sell and when you’re ready to buy again, potentially making it harder to find an affordable next home.

You might need temporary accommodation if you haven’t yet secured your next property.

Buying first works well in a seller’s market, allowing you to secure your next home without feeling rushed.

If you’re financially able to manage a second loan, buying first can give you flexibility in moving out on your terms.

Equity built up in your current home can be used to help finance your next purchase.

Your current home may take longer than expected to sell, leaving you with the burden of two mortgages.

Market conditions could change while your home is on the market, meaning you may sell for less than originally anticipated.

Managing two home loans can be financially straining, especially if your borrowing power is reduced.

An effective marketing campaign is vital to reaching potential buyers. From online listings and social media to professional signage and brochures, a multi-channel approach ensures your property gets noticed.

As a seller, collaborating with your estate agent on the marketing approach is key to a successful sale. While your agent will offer professional advice and present their recommended strategy, the final decision on both the marketing plan and the sales method—whether auction, digital auction, or private treaty—rests with you.

Beyond the overall marketing plan, you can also discuss and refine the advertising strategy with your agent. You have the freedom to set your advertising budget and select the platforms you think will showcase your property most effectively. Whether you opt for online listings, print ads, or social media campaigns, your input will help ensure the strategy aligns with your goals and expectations.

When offers start coming in, it’s crucial to understand the terms beyond just the price. Conditions such as finance approval, settlement dates, and contingencies can significantly impact your final decision.

Selling your home can be a smooth and successful process with the right preparation. By following these steps, you’ll be well-positioned to achieve the best outcome.

You’ve received an offer! Now, the next step is to negotiate the finer details such as price, conditions, and the settlement date. Once you and the buyer have reached an agreement, it’s documented in the Offer and Acceptance Contract. If you’re working with an estate agent, they’ll handle this using standard contracts and conditions, ensuring that all agreed-upon terms are met on time.

If inspections reveal any issues—such as building or termite concerns—your agent can step in again to negotiate any repairs or adjustments. They will also manage the buyer's deposit, holding it securely in their trust account, and will liaise with the conveyancer to prepare for settlement. Once the legal paperwork is signed and finances are arranged, the final settlement takes place, and with the handover of keys, the sale is complete!

When selling a property, transparency is crucial to ensuring a smooth transaction. It’s important to be upfront with your estate agent about any factors that could impact the sale.

As a seller, your obligations include:

1. Disclosing relevant facts: You must inform buyers of material issues that could affect the property, such as planned roadworks that could reduce your frontage or if the property contains hazardous materials like asbestos.

2. Council approvals: If any parts of your property, such as pergolas or outdoor spas, were added without council approval, this must be disclosed to potential buyers.

3. Accurate representations: You must provide honest information about the property, including details like local planning zones or the condition of facilities. Misrepresenting any aspect of the property could lead to legal complications.

4. Avoiding misleading behaviour: You cannot hide faults, such as concealing a structural issue by placing furniture in front of it. Full disclosure is vital to avoid accusations of deceptive conduct.

5. Being transparent with your real estate agent and potential buyers will help avoid legal issues and foster trust throughout the selling process.

Once you have accepted an offer you will need to select a settlement agent. Your agent will liase with your chosen settlement agent throughout the entire settlement process, until the keys are handed over to the new owner (and beyond if required).