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10 TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE FOR THE BEST PRICE

By Trish Willis | Member of the Property Institute of NZ (IPAC)

These 10 real estate tips for selling your house will help you to sell fast for the best sale price.

Everyone wants the best price they can possibly get for their home, and they usually want to sell their property quickly and avoid the problem of it lingering on the market.

Disappointment can be avoided by giving yourself the optimum chance for success by starting here.

Tips for Selling your house

1. Property presentation - Either home stage your empty property or restyle with your existing furnishings. (The estate agent you use should be able to advise on home staging tips and costs so it's important to compare real estate agents and choose the right one at the outset - don't be rushed.)

Borrowing or buying new decor items such as a duvet cover, cushions or objet d'art all of which you can take with you when you go, can add a visual lift to rooms for minimal cost if any.

2. Improvements - If you are thinking of spending some money on home improvements in the hope of selling your house for the best possible sale price, find out which areas add the most value.

3. Real estate agent choice - Make sure you get quality information to help you choose the very best licensed real estate agent. Industry experience, conduct, service standards and client care cannot be underestimated. Agent Finder NZ can do all this for you for free - a nationwide service.

5. Choose the most effective method of sale for your property, for example, by tender, auction or perhaps, pricing your property. Your real estate agent should explain each option for you, specific to your property. They will generally make a recommendation which should explain why it is a worthy recommendation but the decision is yours ultimately.

Find out more about methods of sale

6. Approve the marketing and advertising plan - Check thoroughly and request your sign off and approval of the marketing material (and costs) your estate agent will use before any advertising goes live. If the agent wishes to make any changes to the marketing you have agreed to, they must get your approval, in writing with your signature which is a requirement by the REA.

7. Do not sign an agency agreement under pressure by any real estate agent. There is a process that should be followed and any deviation of this may not comply or it may compromise the fate of your property sale. Setting the foundation of your property sale project is paramount and underestimation of this often leads to vendors wanting to change real estate agents. Find out more about changing real estate agents.

8. Agency agreement - Get informed about signing an agency agreement before you interview agents. The Real Estate Authority has consumer advice freely available and asking the right questions can make a big difference. Find out more here.

9. Think outside the square - Apply an entrepreneurial approach to marketing that includes highlighting local community, proximity to amenities and natural environment. Buyers are purchasing a lifestyle, not just a house. If the real estate agents providing appraisals are not on the same page about this, consider others that are. Here is a checklist for getting a real estate appraisal.

10. Property Packs - Ensure your agent has a property information pack ready to email immediately upon request. The beginning of the marketing campaign is the time when the majority of buyers are at their most enthusiastic about buying a property. The additional information contained in the property pack can help to elevate their interest and the speed at which they move.

Be informed about each step of the decision making process - ask why? That simple question will ensure there are no wrong assumptions being made and that the sale proceeds along the direction you expect - no surprises.

Got a question? Send an enquiry or call 0800 789 532.

Wise Up NZ Awarded Most Reputable Property Advice Hub NZ 2021

Page updated October 30, 2024 by Trish Willis | Member of Property Institute of NZ (IPAC) & Awarded Property Advisor of the Year 2023.

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