Selling your home, especially your first, can be a time filled with uncertainties and stress. Having sold millions of dollars' worth of property over the years, the sales consultants at Maple Real Estate pride themselves in their expertise and knowledge when assisting with the sale of your property. With years of experience we aim to always achieve a stress-free, rewarding, and memorable sale process. 

Taking the time to improve the value of your biggest asset is a promising step. Our aim is to limit your expenses and maximise your profit. From presenting your home to choosing the right agent, below are some essential tips to ensure a smashing result.

 

Great First Impressions

Outside

The exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer will see. As most buyers are prone to window shopping, something as simple as a clean and attractive front yard can make all the difference. 

• Paint/Repair any small damages: Gates, fences, letter box, render, windows, roof.
• Landscaping: Mow, trim, de-weed, sweep away dead leaves/plants and rubbish.
• Deep Clean: Washing the driveway and outdoor features, removing cobwebs, cleaning windows.

Inside

• Professional Clean: Whether you choose to hire or DIY is up to you! Steam clean carpets, remove stains on walls, dusting, wiping surfaces, removing grease from stovetops and ovens, deep cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, mopping, and polishing floors.
• Declutter, Declutter, Declutter! Having an excessive amount of items and furniture can create the illusion of a smaller space, which isn't an enticing factor when most buyers are looking for a spacious interior.
• Paint or Repair: Cracks, holes, leaking taps, damaged doors, stained walls and ceilings, broken windows, replace any lights that don't work.
• Odour: Scented candles, flowers, or air fresheners create a beautiful and welcoming aroma for a more pleasant buyer experience.

Staging

An optional step that many vendors do consider. Placing an empty property on the market will still attract buyers, however having a professional observe and design your home will not only increase presentation but attention too. It's a small expense that is guaranteed to capture a purchaser's eye. If this is something you as a vendor are interested in, our contacts are here to assist you.

 

How to Choose the Right Agent

In an industry that employs thousands of real estate agents in your area, it may be difficult to decide which agent or agency is suitable for you. Knowledge, experience, professionalism, trust, work ethic, and fees are some things to consider. 

Referrals, particularly from a trusted friend or associate, can be used as a reliable indicator. A common error is choosing an agent based on fees and prices quoted, rather than the right person who can deliver and achieve the best result for you. 

• Take the time and do your research. Every estate agent's statistics are found online. With fantastic tools such as RateMyAgent and RealEstate you're able to find recent sales, median sold prices, the average days a property is listed online for, as well as testimonials from vendors and purchasers. 
   
• Local Expert. An agent with expert knowledge of your local area is vital in accurately valuing your property. By keeping up with recent market trends in your neighbourhood, it's essential the agent can determine the right time to sell.
   
• Judge of Character. Just like your home, first encounters are impressionable. Is the agent approachable? Friendly? Professional, experienced, with exceptional communication skills? Are they able to confidently answer your questions? Trust your instinct. The right agent will work toward achieving your goals and meeting your needs and requirements, over their own. 
   
• Observe the little details. Prior to signing to any authorities ensure you know exactly what you're agreeeing to, what services you're paying for including advertising and commission. Having a second and third opinion can work in your favour, however it's easy to be attracted to the agent offering the highest valuation. Homes that are reasonably priced attract the most buyer attention.

 

The agent you choose should negotiate with multiple buyers to ensure the highest selling price possible for your home. At Maple we work alongside our vendors and purchasers by providing feedback and maintaining constant communication for a desirable outcome. Your home isn't just another building on a block, it's a place of security and warmth, that holds past and future memories. We're here to turn Maple into a household staple.