What is The Most Profitable Way to Sell Your Gold Coast House?
The Gold Coast property market is competitive, so to sell your property for the highest possible price, it is important to follow the right steps.
Here are 10 tips for selling your property with a local Gold Coast Real Estate Agent
Find a Trustworthy Agent
When choosing an agent it is important to consider the following factors:
- Experience: Choose an agent who has experience of selling houses on the Gold Coast.
- Knowledge: Choose an agent who has a thorough knowledge of the Gold Coast property market.
- Reputation: Ask for recommendations from friends, family and colleagues. Read online reviews to see what other clients have said about the agent.
- Communication style: Choose an agent who communicates effectively and keeps you informed throughout the selling process.
Invest in Value-Adding Improvements
Some value-adding improvements you can make to your home include
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations: A new kitchen or bathroom may significantly increase the value of your home.
- Adding a deck or patio: A deck or patio can add valuable living space to your home and make it more attractive to buyers.
- Paint: A fresh coat of paint can make your home look more appealing and updated.
- Landscaping: Professional landscaping can improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more inviting.
Improve Your Curb Appeal
Here are some tips to improve your home’s curb appeal:
- Clean the driveway and gutters.
- Plant fresh flowers.
- Trim the bushes.
- Pressure wash the outside of your home.
- Add new outdoor lighting.
- Repair any broken or damaged features.
Get a Professional Home Appraisal
A Comparative Market Analysis home appraisal is a professional assessment of the value of your home. It is carried out by a licensed real estate agent who takes into account factors such as the size and condition of your home, its location and recent sales of similar homes in your area.
Obtaining a home appraisal can help you set a realistic asking price for your home. It can also help you identify areas where you may need to invest in repairs or improvements to increase the value of your home.
Here are some of the benefits of a property appraisal:
- It can help you set a competitive asking price.
- It can identify any potential problems with your home that need to be addressed before you put it up for sale.
- It can give you peace of mind knowing you’re getting a fair price for your home.
Stage Your Home
If you are considering selling your home, I recommend that you get a home appraisal before you put your home on the market. It is a wise investment that can save you time and money in the long run.
Staging your home is the process of preparing it for sale to make it as attractive as possible to buyers. This may involve removing clutter, rearranging furniture and adding fresh flowers and plants. The aim of staging is to make buyers feel as if they could move straight into your home.
Make Your Home Stand Out with Professional Photography
Professional photographs are essential for any property listing. As part of your marketing budget, hire a professional photographer to capture the best features of your home.
Set the Right Asking Price
Setting the right asking price is crucial to selling your home quickly and for top dollar. Setting the asking price too high will deter buyers, while setting it too low could leave money on the table.
To set the right asking price, consider the following factors:
- Comparable sales: Look at the prices of similar homes that have recently sold in your area.
- Condition of the home: Consider the condition of your home and make any necessary repairs or improvements before putting it on the market.
- Market conditions: The property market is constantly evolving, so it is essential to consider current market conditions when determining your asking price.
- I have a FREE mini-eBrochure available HERE on what happens when you try to sell above Market Value.
Remove Personal Items
Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so it’s essential to remove personal items, such as family photos, religious symbols, and political memorabilia.
Be Prepared to Move Quickly
The property market on the Gold Coast moves quickly, so be prepared to act quickly if you receive an offer. This means being prepared to negotiate and having all your paperwork in order, including your Verification of Identity. Also, anyone selling a property must complete an ATO Clearance Certificate.
Use Your Head, Not Your Heart
Selling your home can be an emotional process, but it’s essential to remain objective and make decisions based on your financial objectives. This means being prepared to negotiate the price and not getting too attached to your home, as you want to move on.
Following these tips will help you sell your property for the highest price possible with a Real Estate Agent.
THIS IS HOW YOUR JOURNEY TO A SUCCESSFUL GOLD COAST PROPERTY SALE STARTS
My simplified guide below will take you through a 20-step process for selling your property anywhere on the Gold Coast;
I proudly sell homes across the entire coast.
1. PREPARING YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY FOR SALE + SOME OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
- Tidying gardens and decluttering everything inside and out.
- All homes for sale, are legally required to have hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.
Non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarms can be installed as an alternative.
- By law, you are required to complete a pre-contractual seller’s disclosure statement: generally related to limitations, restraints, or defects in the property title, such as easements, covenants, leasing, zoning, etc.
- A pool safety certificate is also required if you have a swimming pool or if the property has a shared swimming pool (Body Corporate).
2. COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS REPORT FOR YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY
After showing me around your property, I will provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report. This is a detailed, legally required analysis of your home’s market value.
The CMA is based on recently sold and for-sale properties similar to yours in the immediate area. I will need to view your home to prepare this report.
3. SETTING A MARKETING BUDGET FOR YOUR GOLD COAST HOME
The third step in selling your home is to create a marketing budget.
By law, this must be based on actual costs.
There are various marketing options to consider, such as:
– Internal, External and Drone Photography.
– Property and House Plans show potential buyers the exact layout of your home and property.
– Internet Advertising on platforms such as RealEstate.com.au, Domain.com.au, Facebook.com, Instagram.com, etc.
– For Sale Sign on the street is still essential to attracting potential buyers. Even though many buyers start their search online, they often drive around neighbourhoods to see what’s available.
A simple fact: Not having a For Sale sign can significantly reduce the number of people who see your property and may be interested in buying it.
4. PREPARING AND APPROVING THE FORM 6 AGREEMENT WHEN SELLING A GOLD COAST PROPERTY
A Form 6 Agreement is a document provided by the Queensland State Government. It outlines all relevant details of the property sale, including the marketing budget.
Our administration team will prepare this form for you and send it for your review and approval.
5. PAYING THE MARKETING BUDGET FOR YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY
Once you have approved the Form 6 Agreement, the next step is to pay for the marketing budget that you have chosen.
6. STARTING THE ADVERTISING PROCESS
Once your payment is received, the advertising campaign will commence.
Advertising strategies will align with the choices you made within your marketing budget.
7. MONITORING MARKET RESPONSE
If your property hasn’t received offers within 30 days, don’t assume there’s no interest.
It often means the price isn’t aligned with what buyers are willing to pay at this time.
This is your signal to review and adjust your pricing strategy so your home remains competitive and receives the attention it deserves.
8. ARRANGING BUYER VIEWINGS
When buyers express interest in your property, viewings will be arranged to allow them to see your home in person; you need to be away from the property during these viewings.
This helps potential buyers feel relaxed and visualise themselves as the new owners, thereby forming a deeper connection with your property.
9. CONSIDERING A BUYER’S OFFER
When you receive an offer on your home, it means a buyer is serious and ready to move forward at a certain price.
This is a key moment in your selling journey. Take the time to go over the offer carefully.
Look beyond the price; check the terms, conditions, and settlement timeframes. Make sure it works for you before accepting, countering, or declining.
10. ACCEPT, COUNTER, REJECT
When an offer is presented, you will need to respond by accepting, countering, or rejecting it.
Accepting locks in the agreed-upon price and terms.
Countering proposes changes and initiates further negotiations. If countering, present revised terms clearly; open, respectful communication is key for a smooth sale.
Rejecting means the offer is unacceptable; in this case, respond promptly and professionally, explaining your reasoning for the decision.
11. YOUR LEGALITIES
When you finally accept an offer, you will engage your conveyancer or solicitor to facilitate the legal requirements to complete the sale.
If you are part of a Body Corporate, you will need to provide a Disclosure Statement from them.
Your solicitor will use PEXA to settle your property. Part of the process requires Verification of Identity. Also, anyone selling a property must complete an ATO Clearance Certificate.
12. BUYER’S DEPOSIT
The buyer’s deposit is a crucial step in the property purchase process; it will be held in the agency’s Trust account.
This is a tangible expression of the buyer’s commitment to purchase your property.
13. BUILDING AND PEST INSPECTIONS
Typically, a buyer will arrange for a building and pest inspection report to be completed, usually within 14 days of the contract date.
Additionally, they may have the contract subject to finance, which is generally applicable for 21 days from the contract date.
14. COMPLETING YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY SALE
Based on the outcome of the building and pest inspection report, as well as any finance being sought, the buyer will proceed with their offer or withdraw it.
At this point, the sale either falls through or becomes unconditional.
15. LOOKING FOR YOUR NEW PROPERTY
If the sale becomes unconditional, it is time to start looking for a new property. Remember, there is no need to rush.
It is essential that you take your time, as this needs to be a very considered purchase.
Your new home is of substantial value and can be costly if you change your mind. Something you may want to investigate is Short-Term Bridging Loans.
16. ALTERNATIVES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
An alternative to seriously consider when deciding where to live between selling and buying is renting while you look for a new property.
Renting for a short period gives you breathing room; it allows you time to clear your head, make a confident, considered decision, and ultimately buy where you truly want to live, with no pressure or panic.
17. TIME FOR YOU TO MOVE
Leaving your home opens doors to a new chapter full of new beginnings. Embrace the excitement of a fresh start and cherish the memories you’ve made.
Every box you pack brings you one step closer to a new adventure full of possibilities that lie ahead.
18. YOUR SALE CONCLUDES
The culmination of the property sale is settlement; it marks the transfer of the property to the new buyer.
As the final chapter concludes, this marks a sense of achievement: your property has now SOLD.
19. YOUR FUTURE OPTIONS
If you have chosen to rent, you will continue to look for and eventually purchase a property, apartment, or perhaps even buy land and build; now there’s something to consider.
20. TIME TO UNWIND AND MAKE YOUR NEW HOME YOUR OWN
As you unpack and furnish your new home, embrace the gradual process of creating your haven.
Enjoy the transformation, one room at a time.
Relax in the tranquillity of your surroundings and immerse yourself in the gentle sounds of your new neighbourhood.
Explore the nearby parks and cafes; enjoy the unique charm of your new community.
Remember, settling in is a journey in itself; it’s not a race. Embrace the process of creating a home that reflects your unique style and personality.
Whether you’re downsizing, relocating or just ready to move on, I’ll guide you through every step of selling your Gold Coast home with confidence and ease.
Navigating the intricacies of selling your property can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be.
My 20-step guide provides a simplified general overview; as you would naturally expect, your steps may vary.
Author – Craig Douglas
Are you ready for a conversation about selling your Gold Coast home?
Let’s get you Selling
LET’S GET YOU SOLD
Craig Douglas 0418 189 963
Professional | Knowledgeable | Experienced
You can find me working at a Boutique Real Estate Agency
These are just some of the suburbs that I proudly sell homes in:
Crestwood
Please Note: The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and regulations governing the sale of property in Queensland are complex and constantly changing. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer before making any decisions about the sale of your property. This document does not take into account your individual circumstances and may not apply to your situation. By reading this document you agree that you have not relied on the information contained herein and that you will seek independent legal advice before taking any action.
This page was proudly created by Craig Douglas, your local independent Gold Coast real estate agent, working for a Boutique Real Estate Agency. Selling residential and commercial properties, from those that are awe-inspiring, through to a diamond-in-the-rough, otherwise known as a “renovator’s delight“.
I negotiate and sell on behalf of property owners who want to get the best possible price with the least amount of hassle. Let’s talk about the process of selling your property over a coffee to get you started – 0418 189 963
