TIMING 

Although spring and summer are our peak selling periods, buyers for good quality property can be found all year round.  With the marketing process having become more sophisticated than in previous years the peaks and throughs are less noticeable making the issue of timing is less critical than in the past.

The time required to sell a property that is competitively priced will typically vary between 2-8 weeks.  Prior to placing your property on the market, allow an additional week or two to prepare both the property and the marketing material.

PRESENTATION 

Appealing property presentation is a critical factor in achieving the highest possible price.  It is similar to detailing your car before you sell it.  The emotional appeal required to stir the spirit of buyers is unlikely to be generated by a poorly presented property – a neglected building sends out “warning signals” to prospective buyers. 

SO…..it is VITAL to have your property looking its very best on inspection day!  Some major “turnoffs” for buyers include: 

• Animal odours in the house
• Evidence of damp or moisture in the walls
• Cigarette or strong food odours
• Doors, windows and gates that stick
• Too much “clutter” – furniture or possession that dominate a room
• Stained carpets
• Leaking taps, plumbing and gutters

Street appeal – is critical to creating a great first impression for potential buyers visiting the home.  Lawns should be neatly mowed and edges, trees and bushes trimmed.  Garden should be weeded and a trailer-load of rich, dark mulch can add immeasurably to the lush appearance of gardens.  (Hint – Whangamata Transfer Station provides mulch by the trailer load at no cost to residents at certain times of the year…)  

METHODS OF SALE 

When it comes to selling your property, our most popular methods of sale are:

• Sale by Private Treaty (“For Sale”)
• Buyer Enquiry Range Selling
• “Set Sale”

Each has it’s own advantages and it is advisable to speak with your Agent about the benefits of each method.

Our company has successfully utilized all these methods, with Sale by Private Treaty and Buyer Enquiry Range selling proving to be the most effective forms for selling most types of properties in our core business area. 

We utilize ‘Set Sale’ more specifically for unique properties and homes for which there is likely to be a higher than usual level of competition between prospective purchasers.

Each has its own advantages and, again, it is advisable to speak with your agent about the benefits of each method.

CHOOSING YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT 

The most important element in achieving the highest possible sale price for your property , will often be the choice of Agent that you select to represent you.

An experienced and skilled negotiator can make the difference of many thousands of dollars in the eventual sale of your home. 

When selecting your agent, take the following points into consideration to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money: 

• Profile of the company in the local area
• Experience and skill of sales team
• Length of operation of the company
• Reputation of the company
• Effectiveness of property advertising
• Knowledge of local real estate market
• Location and profile of company
• Membership of Real estate Institute of NZ
• Database of potential purchasers
• Punctuality and presentation
• Reliability, honesty and integrity
• Access to accurate information and sales data
• Recent sales in your local area
• How do you get along with them?
• Empathy and a caring attitude to your needs
• Skilled support staff to back up the sales team
• Willingness to provide frank, honest and regular feedback.

SALE PREPARATION CHECK LIST

• Get the property detailed thoroughly
• A small investment in sprucing up the property will increase the saleability and more than likely increase the eventual sale price
• Seek independent advice to improve the appeal of your property – a third party opinion will often provide beneficial input.
• Remove and store personal items and clutter and consider holding a “Garage Sale” before marketing begins.  This way, the proceeds of the sale can offset the cost of pre-sale improvements
• Ask your agent for a copy of a “Sale and Purchase Agreement” so that you can familiarize yourself with the contract that will be used in the sale of your property
• If the property is currently tenanted, check the expiry date and termination requirements of the lease and provide a copy of the lease to your agent
• Make a note of all the inclusions – that is, everything that will be included in the purchase price and remaining at the property after settlement.  Standard items include – light fittings; floor coverings; curtains and blinds; TV aerial.  If there is a dishwasher, ensure that your agent is advised as to whether or not it is included in the sale.
• Items such as “family heirloom” light fittings should be removed and replaced with another suitable fitting prior to marketing.
• Ensure pet food and water bowls are put away prior to inspection.