Selling your own house in Victoria has never been easier with buyMyplace.com.au. Victorians are ditching real estate agents and selling their homes themselves in record numbers. And in many cases they-re getting better prices and selling faster - within hours for some properties.
The average home owner in Victoria is discovering that real estate agents spend less than 10 hours selling their homes and as a result are paid, in some cases, more than $3,000 an hour. It's rates like this that are helping fuel a wave of change through the Victorian private sale property market.
At buyMyplace we call it a real estate revolution, a dramatic paradigm shift in how to sell homes. We show you that selling it yourself is easy and completely legal. BuyMyplace.com.au is Australia-s No 1 private home sale real estate business.
However the proof is in the pudding - BuyMyplace figures show Australians have saved in excess of $6 million in real estate commission and advertising fees by selling it themselves rather than allowing a real estate agent to sell it on their behalf. Our advertisers show that 52% of people who sell their own home privately sell within one month, 72% sell for more than quoted by an agent, 100% end with more cash in their pockets, 80% save more than $10,000, 40% save more than $14,000 and 100% would prefer to sell it themselves again.
On the flip side most buyers prefer to deal directly with the owner.
So how do I sell my own home online?
Using the tools and advice at buyMyplace.com.au you can sell your own property and stay in control. It's fast, legal and easy. We help every step of the way to help you get sold. Here are 10 steps to selling your home
1. Establish a sale price.
This is relatively easy as most people have a good idea of what homes in their areas sell for, however if you don't check your local newspapers and look at the sold properties and pricing or you may wish to consider purchasing any number of professional online price reports, such as RP Data (myrp.com.au).
Never ever consider speaking to a real estate agent to determine you property price. Agents are trained to 'close the deal' and 'secure the listing' by telling you want you want to hear. If you want a personal approach you can consider hiring a professional valuer who will visit your home and do a sworn valuation.
2. Prepare your home.
It is important that you get your property looking its best. In most cases this can mean a general tidy up inside and cleaning or manicuring the garden. These two simple tasks can add thousands of dollars to your home. Consider what photographs you will have taken and make sure that these areas are addressed first as they will appear online well before you have your first open for inspection.
Here are a few tips that could add considerable value to your property;
- Cut the lawns and trim the edges.
- Cover your flower beds with mulch (saves water as well)
- Give your fence a fresh coat of paint
- Sweep up around the house before your first open
- Remove anything on top of bench-tops
- Vacum and dust lightly inside the house
- If you have a fireplace fill it with logs and a plant
- Keep the curtains drawn and bring as much natural light into a room as possible
There are a number of additional things that can be done simply visit our knowledge centre and get more valuable tips.
3. Select the services you need
If you have too much to do simply ring our customer service team on 1300 289 697 and we will arrange some service providers for you. Here is a simple list of some of our affiliate partners who can help you get things done.
- 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
4. Prepare your contract (& section 32)
In Victoria you should have a contract of sale (or at least a section 32) available for prospective buyers when the request it. We would recommend that you check all your contractual requirements with your solicitor or conveyancer.
When a prospective buyer wants to put an offer in on your property you can use our "letter of intention" to assist in the sale process. It is not a legally binding contract however it does add some professionalism to the whole process. Check with your solicitor or conveyancer for something similar.
5. Photography
The Photographs of your property are one of the most important elements of your marketing campaign. The majority of people look at the photos first and if they do not reflect the correct perception they will be unlikely to look further. Keep in mind that your home photographs may also appear on you for sale board.
BuyMyplace can provide you with a professional photographer as part of our packages or we can allow you to organise your own photographs. Its your choice, because you are in control.
- Take your own photos and advertise your property before millions of potential buyers for just $270
- Professional photography available for best results for just $349
6. Create brochures
Brochures are a inexpensive way to communicate to your neighborhood that your property is for sale. With the majority of property sales originating from surrounding suburbs this is an effective tool for marketing your property and a great way to get fit.
- Convert your advertisement into a printable PDF brochure
- Print as many brochures you need to distribute in your local area
- For professional brochures ask your buyMyplace customer service person and we will get them arranged.
7. Open for Inspection
Open for inspections are a great way to meet potential buyers face to face. Most agents spend less than 15 minutes at a property which is convenient for them, but not so convenient for the buyers who are rushing around to see as many properties as possible. Give yourself the best chance possible by keeping your property open for inspection for a reasonable time period (1 hour).
It may be that you do not wish to have your property open at specific times. You do have the option of having an open for inspection by appointment only. This forces the potential buyers to call you and flag their interest. Either way once you get to speak to a buyer face to face your chances of a sale increase dramatically.
You will get all the tips you need in our Welcome Package when you sign up with buyMyplace.
8. Negotiations
Price negotiations can seem a little scary, however the process is very simple and easy. Here are some tips than can help you negotiate the right terms and price for you.
- 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.
9. Deposit and Settlement
When you accept an offer you should get at least 10% deposit to be held in your solicitors or conveyancers bank account. Consult with your buyer to set a settlement day and remember that before you sell the buyer will be entitled to a property inspection to ensure all is as it was the day you sold the property.
We have prepared a check list of things for you to consider before settlement. It is is available in our Knowledge Centre. Don't have a legal partner or conveyancer ring us on 1300 289 697 and we will recommend some to you.
10. Celebrate
The final step in any sales process is celebrating your success. The good thing about selling your own house is that you have also saved thousands of dollars in fees and commissions. What will you do with the savings? New car, new furniture, holiday?
Choose the level of support you want - talk to our friendly local customer support staff. For more information, contact Buy My Place Customer Support on 1300 289 697. Download our FREE two-page 10 Steps to Selling Your Home Professionally guide here
