Should I consider hiring a real estate agent, or can I sell my property on my own?
When it comes to selling your property on the Gold Coast, you have the option of using a real estate agent or selling it yourself (known as For Sale by Owner or FSBO).
Each option has its pros and cons and your decision will depend on your experience, time, resources and comfort level with the selling process. Here’s a breakdown of the two options:
USING A GOLD COAST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Pros:
Expertise: Selling a property can be a complex process. Real estate agents bring valuable knowledge to the table to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Their in-depth understanding of the local market goes beyond simply knowing current prices. They can analyse trends and tailor pricing strategies specific to your property. Additionally, their industry experience equips them with effective negotiation techniques that can secure the best possible outcome.
Network: Reaching the right buyers is crucial to a successful sale. Real estate agents have an established network of potential buyers who are actively looking for properties like yours. This network extends beyond individual buyers and may include connections with relocation companies, investors and other industry professionals. By leveraging these connections, agents can significantly increase the exposure of your property and attract qualified buyers.
Marketing: In today’s digital age, effective marketing is crucial for reaching a broad audience. Agents have access to a variety of marketing resources and platforms that go beyond basic online listings. They can use professional photography and videography, targeted social media campaigns and strategic online advertising to showcase your property in the best possible light. This multi-pronged approach ensures maximum exposure to serious buyers, increasing your chances of a quick and profitable sale.
Time saving: Selling a property can be a time-consuming and stressful process. There’s a multitude of tasks involved, from organising viewings and managing paperwork to negotiating with buyers and liaising with legal professionals. Estate agents take care of these tasks on your behalf, freeing up your valuable time and minimising stress. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your life while your agent handles the complexities of the selling process.
Negotiating skills: Negotiating a favourable sale price and terms can be a tricky business. Experienced agents have honed their negotiating skills, which can significantly impact the outcome. They understand market values, buyer motivations and negotiation tactics to ensure you get the best possible price for your property. They can also negotiate crucial terms such as closing dates and contingencies, protecting your interests throughout the process.
Cons:
Cost: Real estate agents charge a commission, a percentage of the final sale price. These costs vary but should be factored into your decision.
SELLING YOURSELF aka FSBO | For Sale By Owner
Pros:
Cost savings: By selling yourself, you avoid paying a real estate agent’s commission, which can be a significant saving.
Control: You are in complete control of the selling process, including pricing, marketing and negotiations.
Direct communication: You interact directly with potential buyers, which can add a more personal touch.
Cons:
Limited exposure: Reaching the right buyers is key to a successful sale. However, selling on your own often means relying on basic online listings that may not reach a large enough audience. Without an agent’s established network of potential buyers and access to various marketing resources, your property’s exposure can be significantly limited. This can lead to longer sales times and potentially lower offers, as qualified buyers may simply miss your listing altogether.
Time-consuming: The process of selling a property can quickly become overwhelming when tackled alone. Tasks such as marketing your property, scheduling viewings, responding to enquiries and managing paperwork can take up a significant amount of time and energy. Juggling these responsibilities with your regular commitments can be stressful and leave you feeling stretched thin.
Lack of expertise: Property transactions involve various legal and financial complexities that can be confusing for someone without experience. Negotiating a fair price, understanding legal documents and navigating potential challenges requires a certain level of expertise. Selling without an agent leaves you exposed to these complexities and increases the risk of encountering unforeseen problems or making costly mistakes.
The Bottom Line: Using a real estate agent can offer many benefits, especially if you’re looking for professional advice, a wider market reach and a smoother selling process. However, if you are experienced in property transactions, have the time to manage the process and are familiar with the legal and financial aspects, selling yourself may be a viable option.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. It’s a good idea to consult with local property professionals to understand current market conditions, potential selling strategies and whether using an agent or selling yourself is a better fit for your goals and resources.
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:
Coolangatta
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
