Should I stage my home when I sell it on the Gold Coast in Queensland?
The short answer is yes, the benefits of home staging are, that you could sell your home faster, get a higher asking price, make a good first impression, attract more buyers, highlight your home’s best features, it also depersonalises your home and makes it more neutral; let’s see how and why:
What is Home Staging on the Gold Coast?
Home staging is the process of preparing your home for sale to make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. It involves tidying up, cleaning and making minor repairs and updates. Home staging aims to create a warm and inviting space that buyers can imagine themselves living in.
The Potential Benefits of Staging a Gold Coast Property
The potential benefits of home staging are many. Here are just a few to get you started:
- Sell Your Home Faster: Staged homes tend to sell faster than unstaged homes. A 2021 survey of 4,600 properties in the U.S. has shown that, on average, 73% of staged homes sell 9 days faster than unstaged homes.
- Get a Higher Asking Price: In addition to a fast sale, the same study showed that staged homes also sell for an average of 7.1% more than unstaged homes. This is because buyers are more willing to pay a premium for a home that is well-presented and looks ready to move into.
- Make a Good First Impression: Buyers often form an opinion about a home within the first few seconds of seeing it. Home staging helps to make a good first impression on potential buyers by showing them that your home is well-maintained and ready to move into.
- Attract More Buyers: Staged homes are more attractive to potential buyers, so they naturally attract more buyers to view your home through your marketing photos. This gives you a better chance of selling your home quickly and for a good price.
- Highlight Your Home’s Best Features: Staging can help you highlight your home’s best features and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
- Depersonalises Your Home and Makes it More Neutral: Staging can help you depersonalise your home and make it more neutral, which in turn makes it easier for potential buyers to visualise themselves living in the space.
How to Stage Your Gold Coast Home
If you’re thinking about staging your home, there are a few things you can do to get started:
- Declutter. Remove all personal items such as family photos, religious symbols and political memorabilia. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so it’s important to remove any personal items that might distract them.
- Clean. Your home should be clean and tidy when you’re putting it on the market. This means a thorough deep clean of all rooms, including the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Make Minor Repairs. Repair any broken or damaged items in your home. This includes things like leaky taps, cracked tiles and holes in the walls.
- Update Your Home. Make some minor updates to your home to make it more attractive to buyers. This could include painting the walls, adding new hardware to the kitchen cabinets or updating the light fixtures.
- Accessorise. Add some finishing touches to your home, such as fresh flowers, throw pillows and blankets. This will help make your home feel warm and inviting.
- Lighting. Open blinds and curtains; turn on lamps that use warm-coloured bulbs (approximately 3000 kelvin) to help set the mood of your home.
- Use Neutral Colours. Neutral colours are more appealing to a broader range of buyers, so it’s best to use them when staging your home. Avoid using bold or bright colours as they may put some buyers off.
- Stage Your Outdoor Space. Your outdoor space is just as important as your indoor space when it comes to staging your home. Make sure your lawn is always mowed, your plants are trimmed, and your patio or deck is clean and inviting.
- Create Focal Points. Every room should have a focal point, such as a fireplace, artwork or television. This will help draw the buyer’s eye and make the room look more appealing.
- Make Your Home Smell Good. A fresh, inviting scent can significantly impact a buyer’s perception of your home. Bake cookies or use a pleasant scented diffuser before showing.
Hiring a Gold Coast Property Staging Company
If you don’t have the know-how, time or energy to stage your home yourself, you can hire a professional home stager, such as Gold Coast Property Styling. I’m not affiliated with them; take a look at their 5-star reviews. Home stagers have the experience and expertise to stage your home in a way that will appeal to potential buyers.
The Bottom Line: It Just Works
Staging your home can be a lot of work, but it can be worth it in the end. Staging your home is a great way to increase your chances of selling it quickly and for a higher price. If you’re not sure how to stage your home yourself, you can hire a professional stager. I am also available to provide valuable advice and assistance throughout the home-selling process for my clients.
Additional Tips for Selling Your Gold Coast Home
Here are some additional tips for selling your property on the Gold Coast:
- Price Your Home Competitively. One of the most important things you can do when selling your home is to price it competitively. If you price your home too high, it will sit on the market, and you may have to lower the price later. If you price your home too low, you could be leaving money on the table.
- Market Your Home Effectively. Once you have priced your home competitively, you need to market it effectively. This means listing your home on all the major property websites and advertising it in local newspapers and magazines. You should also hold open days and invite potential buyers to view your home.
- Be Flexible. Once you start receiving offers, be prepared to negotiate. You may not get the asking price for your home, but you should be ready to negotiate to achieve the best possible price the market is prepared to pay.
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:
Biggera Waters
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
