What most people do not realise in Queensland is that it is not only legal to sell your own home, it is fast and very very simple. The market is changing in Australia with websites like buyMyplace.com.au which make selling your own home easy and simple.
The best part about selling yourself is you can do all it all yourself or you can get it all done for you. Just ask the guys at buyMyplace.com.au on 1330 289 697. Either way you save thousands of dollars in commissions and get a fast result.
The choice to selling your own home, without using an agent, is a fast growing revolution in Australia. BuyMyplace.com.au figures show that the market has already grown by almost 800%. Research shows that over 75% of people who sell themselves get a better price than an agent quotes with 100% ending up with more money in their pockets than if they had sold through an agent.
So how do you do it? Selling privately is a simple 10 step process that anyone can do. And for the small cost around $270 you could save up to $20,000 or more.
Here are 10 steps to selling your home
1. Choose a package suitable for your property on buyMyplace.com.au
When you use buyMyplace you get tips, hints and telephone support 7 days a week. There are three packages available, Standard Package best for selling land, Professional Package which comes with a for sale board and a professional photographer with a report on house prices sold in your area. Finally the Premium Package for those properties that want that bit extra with a photo for sale board with a description, professional photographer, suburb sale information and additional photographs online to maximise your homes potential.
2. Determine a sale price.
There are a number of ways you can get and idea of how much your house is worth if you are unsure. One thing you should never do is contact an agent. Once an agent knows you could be selling they will tell you whatever you want to hear price wise to get you to sign a contract. So how do you establish price?
- Online price estimate reports. There are a number of really good price estimate reports you can obtain online.
- Professional valuation. There are a number of professional valuers who can visit your house and estimate price for you.
- Your local papers. There is seldom a paper (local or national) that is giving price estimations on your area.
Keep in mind that if your price is not realistic it may take you longer to sell your home.
3.Prepare your property for sale.
There are a number of inexpensive things you can do that will add value to your home.
- A fresh coat of paint will always make a property look like new
- Clean and un-clutter your property
- Minor maintenance (squeaks, leaks, globes etc)
You can see a full list of tips in our Knowledge Centre.
4. Select the services you need
If you want someone to do it all for you simply choose from our list of service providers anythign you want done. BuyMyplace offers services from Photography and painting right through to property valuers and builders. Here is a list;
- One stop shop - all the services you need in one central location
- Full customer support available
- Photographers
- For Sale boards
- Interior designers
- Lawyers
- Landscapers
- Conveyancers
- Valuers
- Furniture hire
- Builder
5. Prepare you Sustainability Declaration Form
In Queensland you are required to prepare and have available a Sustainability Declaration form. It is a necessity in Queensland when selling a home that this is available before listing your property for sale or advertising your property.
If you don't feel like you can fill the form out yourself simply call us at buyMyplace.com.au and we will arrange a qualified sustainability auditor to complete the from for you. Simply call us on 1300 289 697.
6. Photography
What most home sellers don't realise is that the photographs of your home are probably one of the most important part of your marketing campaign. When people search on the web they look at photographs first and if these don't appeal they will generally not proceed further. It is therefore important that your photographs present your home in the best possible light. If you want to be sure contact our customer service team and organise for one of our professional photographers to come and take your photographs.
Remember you can take your own photos and advertise your property before millions of potential buyers for just $249 or Professional photography is available for best results for just $349 in our Professional package.
7. Create brochures
Property brochures can be very effective in your marketing campaign when selling your own home. It is generally understood that over 80% of property buyers look for property within 10 km of their current home, suburb or family. Therefore marketing to your local community is a very effective way of reaching potential buyers one on one. You can letter drop your own suburb with the brochures which is very cost effective.
Brochures handed out at your open for inspections are also a very good way of keeping your property top of mind for prospective buyers when they come to see your home. It adds a level of professionalism that you mean business and know what you are doing.
You can get brochures professionally printed through buyMyplace by simply call our customer service team on 1300 289 697 or you can print your brochure located on detailed property page on the buyMyplace website.
8. Open for Inspection
Open for inspections put you face to face with the prospective buyers giving you the best chance possible to sell your home to them. You can schedule regular open for inspections, like every Saturday from 11 to 12pm or you can hold inspections by appointment requiring all prospective buyers to contact you to arrange a time.
Here are some further tips.
- Have some printed brochures ready which include your contact details
- Prepare answers to standard questions about rates, local parks, public transport, schools etc.
- Take contact details of all visitors using their drivers license. Don't admit access without it.
- Always conduct inspections with a friend or partner. Make sure you space out through the property because no one likes approaching a group
- Give visitors space to view the property at their own pace, but be attentive to them
When you purchase a package through buyMyplace.com.au we send you a Welcome Package that contains all the tips you need for holding successful and professionally organised inspection.
9. Price negotiations
Negotiating is relatively simple. Agents claim that they are professional price negotiators and while this can be questioned it is important to note that an agent is always negotiating for 2 people. You as the vendor and them as a business who prefers a quick sale so they can get paid. Its not in their interest to see the negotiations extended for long periods of time.
Here are some tips for negotiating.
Asking price
If asked about your sale price, what will you say? How much or how little you disclose is up to you, but it's a good idea to have a sound reason why your property is priced higher than a similar one up the road. A property report is always good for helping set the price and reasons.
Compromise
How low will you go? Are you willing to go below your asking price? If so, by how much? Consider your absolute lowest price before entering negotiations.
Settlement
How long do you wish the settlement period to be - 30, 60, 90 days? Longer? Why? It is always better to get a short settlement period. If a buyer wants a longer period of settlement make sure you consider that every month you delay could be an interest payment on your property. You should build this into the price.
Negotiating tips
Talk less, listen more - You'll find the more you listen, the more you will find out about your buyer. Maybe the buyer has been looking for a long time? Perhaps they really like the view from your front window? These are triggers for you to really start selling.
Only accept written offers - You may have a pesky prospective buyer wanting to grill you about your price at the inspection. Politely say you are happy to accept written offers, and move on. An offer isn't a legal offer until it's on paper.
Think - In all the excitement, you may say something rash, or not completely consider all your options. Give yourself time to reflect and ponder the offer. Don't be afraid to say "let me think and get back to you".
Always be prepared to walk away - Haven't got the price you want? Are you willing to wait? Don't hesitate to walk away.
10. Deposit and Settlement
- Buyer pays a 10% deposit to be held in your solicitor or conveyancer-s trust account
- Consult with your buyer to select a suitable time in the final week
- Complete list of things to check is available in our Knowledge Centre
- Select one of our legal partners, or your own, to execute settlement
Celebrate
An important part of any process where you have sold your own property is the celebration. You have just saved enough money to furnish your new home or buy a brand new car. Saving thousands is easy and fast just ring buyMyplace.
Download our FREE two-page 10 Steps to Selling Your Home Professionally guide here
