Your checklist for a low-stress home sale

Moving house is right up there as one of the most stressful things you can experience. Couple that with selling a house and the prospect can start to feel daunting.

While research from Allianz has indicated that the process of buying a home affects people’s mental wellbeing, going through the steps to sell can be intense as well. There are decisions to make and meanwhile, the market around you is moving very quickly. Here’s what you can do to sell with confidence.

Start planning early

Think about the timeline of your move. Will you buy first then sell? Or does it make sense to sell, rent for a while then buy another place? This will depend on your goals but if you’re clear on what you want you can work with a real estate agent to make it happen.

Work with your agent on a task list and timeline. What do they suggest you fix up or repair around the house? Put together a list of what needs to be done and work steadily through it. This will keep you focussed, and help you to see your home as a product.

Start this process as soon as you decide to sell so you aren’t trying to book last-minute repairs just before you hit the market. Here at Home Property Agents we have many local, trusted contacts and can advise you on what is worth doing if you are selling.

Outsource what you can

Got lots of time on the weekends? Feel free to scrub, paint, declutter and repair what you can around the home.

If you’re busy, it makes sense to call for backup. From professional declutterers to repair people, they’ll check off your to-do list so you don’t have to. We usually recommend outsourcing to a stylist who can have your home looking picture-perfect, but there are many things you can do to make your home look more polished.

As the sale gets closer, remember to make life easier for yourself, whatever that looks like for you. For example, a frozen meal delivery will mean you don’t have to clean up and cook when you are opening your home to buyers, or you might need someone to look after your children or help with cleaning before open homes.

Selling your home is a big undertaking. Try to limit your commitments during this time so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Prepare for the unexpected

Many sellers find moving on from their home difficult because they have a set figure in mind and a picture in their head of how and when the home will sell.

While most places in Neutral Bay and surrounding suburbs are listed for auction, you may receive an offer ahead of auction day that’s worth considering. We will always talk through your options when this happens so you can make the best decision. Similarly, you may not get the result you want when the hammer falls. In this case, have a clear ‘Plan B’ that will save you from feeling as though the sky is falling in.

During your campaign, you may also be asked to accommodate last-minute inspections. Have a plan for where you will go while people are viewing your home.

Do your sums

Sydneysiders love to talk about house value and say things like “It sold for $4 million!” but they don’t take into account things like stamp duty, the cost of sales campaigns, capital gains tax etc.

You’ll save yourself from stress if you can be aware of the cost of selling upfront so you don’t end up with less cash from the transaction than you were expecting.

With that being said, we will always negotiate hard on behalf of our clients, and ensure that the property’s true market value is achieved, every time.

Talk to us

We have many former clients who have left us reviews praising our responsiveness, our ability to go over and above, and the simple fact that we get the job done.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Neutral Bay or surroundings, please give us a call.