There are many factors to consider when selecting your agent and there is no system that is best for all people and all types of property.

Choosing Your agent
Your home is likely to be your most valuable asset, so professional expertise and assistance with the sale is worthwhile. Consider these questions when choosing an agent:
• Are they experienced?
• Are they good negotiators?
• Do they come recommended?
• Will they keep you regularly informed?
• Do you feel comfortable with the agent?
• Are they members of the REI or other industry bodies?
• Are they licensed?

Ask Your Agent the Right Questions
• How long have you been a Real Estate Agent?
• How familiar are you with the suburb in which our home is located?
• How many homes have you sold in our suburb in the past year?
• How did you arrive at a price you suggest we should sell our house for?
• What marketing plan would you envisage using for our house?
• Will you provide weekly sales progress reports?


Working with the right agent should offer you the following advantages:
• Access to market appraisal data
• Advice on the most appropriate method of sale
• Development and implementation of a marketing plan
• Advice on how to present your home
• Access to a large database of buyers
• Screening of potential buyers
• Effective administration of all legal and financial requirements

You will also need to address the following matters:

1. Preparing the paperwork.
Your solicitor or conveyancer will prepare a contract of sale for your property. You will need this contract prepared prior to commencement of marketing your property.

2. Preparing your Property
You should keep in mind that first impressions count. You should try to display your home in it’s best possible condition. The following tips are useful:

• Front of the House
Paint, fix or wash railings, steps, screens & front door.

• Entrances, Halls and Stairs
Remove any clutter to give a wide appearance.

• Bedrooms
Tidy and made up.

• Built Ins
Untidy, overcrowded cupboards suggest inadequate storage space.

• Kitchen
All appliances and sink should be spotless, all benches cleared.

• Bathroom
Neat, clean and fresh. Remove all toiletries, toothbrushes, etc.

• Furniture
Store unnecessary furniture so rooms feel spacious & uncluttered.

• Heating/Cooling
Have the unit on to show warmth in winter, coolness in summer.

• Lights
Replace all burnt out bulbs, repair faulty switches, place light shades on any uncovered bulbs.

• General Interior Condition
Dust all areas, clean walls, particularly around light switches, remove scuff marks, paint where required, fix defects as required.

• Lawns & Yard
Remove rubbish, mow lawns, edge paths, trim hedges, weed gardens, remove any objects such as children’s toys to give an uncluttered appearance.

• General Exterior Condition
Clean gutters, wash windows & clean timberwork.

• Garage
Clean up, paint, wash doors & windows.

• Hardware
Oil hinges & tighten door knobs.

• Plumbing
Repair any dripping taps and other leaks.