Things to avoid when selling your home

Selling your home can be an exciting yet daunting process, with a mountain of improvements to consider. Don’t get bogged down by these. Spending time and effort to show off the best version of your house and reach your ultimate selling price may not be the only way to achieve your desired result. Instead, consider the following when selling your home.

1. Avoid selling without an agent

If you decide to sell without an agent, you will need to do extensive research for each stage of the sales process. This can be difficult for someone unfamiliar with the process. If you do decide to take this route, you will need to consider the following risks:

• Valuing your property;
• Deciding the right sale price;
• Knowing the best way to market your property and;
• Exchanging contracts and settling the property without guidance from an expert.

Note that you will still need to hire a conveyancer or solicitor to draw up contracts once you have sold the property.

2. Choosing the right agent

If you decide to go with an agent, you must choose wisely. Shortlist at least three agents based on:

• A valid real estate licence;
• A full list of the fees, charges and services they cover;
• They have professional indemnity insurance;
• They have enough knowledge about the property market in your area and; • Their service and promotion of your home.

Once you have made your choice, make sure you have understood and read through the agency agreement before you sign on the dotted line.

3. Make sure your agent doesn’t underquote

Your agent must include an estimated selling price of your home in the agency agreement. This can be either a price range or a single figure. You may also tell your agent to not reveal the estimated price of your home to any genuine buyers. Additionally, make sure you revise the estimated price, if your agent has not provided reasonable evidence of their estimation. If you do suffer losses because your agent failed to give you the correct value of your property, you may be eligible for compensation.