Selling Tips

Selling your biggest asset can be a stress free, rewarding and even an enjoyable experience. The outcome depends on a number of factors which are all within your control. When selling your property, you have the luxury of choice. Here are some simple steps to help you achieve the best result;

Timing

Ensure you are clear on when you need to move or sell and what your next move may be. Are you going to sell, then buy? Or would you rather buy, then sell? If you are selling an investment property, do you sell with the tenant occupying the property?  Or do you sell when the property is vacant?  Your Fitzpatricks Sales Consultant is here to assist you with your options and discuss the effects of any of those choices in today’s market.

Presentation

A critical ingredient in achieving the highest possible price for your property is the presentation.  Please click here for our easy to follow checklist that will ensure prospective purchasers have nothing but praise for your home.

Choosing an agent

Agents vary in many ways, from the cost of commission to the amount of communication to the end result achieved. The choice of your agent can leave you with a feeling of absolute delight or bitter disappointment and frustration. So the question remains, how do you choose? Here are some variables between agents to look out for, before making your decision;

1. Do they have good market presence? 

Whilst it’s not the be all and end all, it does make sense that the agency with the most signs up, has the trust of many sellers. Look for SOLD signs, this illustrates results.

2. Do they know the area? 

Sounds basic but you would be surprised how much more an agent can achieve for you if they are familiar with the sales in your immediate suburb. It also demonstrates that they are talking to a lot of buyers in your area.

3. Can they demonstrate a negotiation for you? 

There is a big difference between a messenger going back and forth between buyer and seller and someone who is trained in the field of negotiation. Ask any fitzpatricks agent and they will happily demonstrate the entire negotiation process. This is one of the biggest points to keep in mind when selecting an agent. The other is...

4. Marketing

Ever heard of the two fishermen who went out to catch some fish on the same night.  One went out with a single fishing line; the other went out with a trawling net.  Who do you think caught the most fish in the shortest amount of time?  Marketing your property for sale needs to be just as appropriate. To catch the attention of more buyers you need more than just one marketing source. The days of just putting a sign up, loading onto the website, including an editorial over the newspaper ad are gone. You need to attract retirees, generation Y & X, investors from in and out of town and downsizers or up graders. That diverse range of buyer capturing, requires a lot more skill than previously utilised in the real estate industry – and Fitzpatricks Real Estate is leading the way.

5. Fees

Yes we are happy to mention fees on our website.  You can employ an agent for as little as 2.2% in Wagga Wagga or on average around 3.3%.  At Fitzpatricks Real Estate we are not the highest nor are we the lowest when it comes to fees. What we believe we offer is the best value. Like everything in life “you get what you pay for”. What will you receive for your investment in an agent? Do you get communication? Will you receive the best advice? Will the agent know how to best negotiate a deal for you? Are they going to be reactive or proactive on your behalf? How many buyers do they have in their database? How often do they contact those buyers? 

At Fitzpatricks Real Estate we will provide you with peace of mind knowing you have the largest number of agents proactively working for you than any other agency in our postcode. Yes there will always be a cheaper option but it often comes with a cheaper result. (At the end of the day – nearly anyone can sell your house.  It really comes down to the “how” and for “how much”!)

Why not invite us out for an appraisal and we can show what we offer as part of our services?

The two most common methods of selling Real Estate are Private Treaty and Auction.

Private Treaty

When a property is offered for sale by Private Treaty, a price is set on the property and the property is then marketed by your agent at that price. Potential buyers make offers on the property and the vendor has the ability to accept, reject or negotiate on these offers. Private treaty is the most common method of sale in Wagga Wagga.

There are many advantages to selling your property by Private Treaty:

• You set the price
• You have control over the sale process
• There is no ambiguity for purchasers
• The marketing of the property begins quickly
• The marketing program can sometimes cost less

Auction

When a property is offered for sale by Auction, it will go through an intensive marketing campaign over a short period of time, usually 4 weeks. The vendor has the right to set the reserve price, below which the auctioneer is not permitted to sell. On the day of the Auction, if the highest bidder reaches or exceeds the reserve price the property is sold and the auctioneer will conclude a binding contract between buyer and seller. Fitzpatrick’s has three qualified and licensed Auctioneers to carry out all Auctions, so that we can control the entire process. Properties most likely to benefit from the Auction process are usually properties where demand is greater than supply; unique properties, particularly if located in Central Wagga or Turvey Park; or where a quick and definite outcome is required, for example, an inherited estate.

There are many benefits to selling your home by Auction

• The market sets the price, so there is no upper limit set to the value of the property during marketing
• Buyers compete directly to purchase the property
• It involves a short, intensive marketing campaign on a set calendar

Quick Tip:
Information brochures on methods of sale are provided to our Vendors, and are included in your Vendor Information Pack. Our agent will be able to advise you on the best Sale Method for your property.

Pricing your Home

There are four areas you need to consider when pricing your home. These are:

1. What features does my property have?

For example:

• Location
• Bedrooms
• Car accommodation
• Living space
• Age and style of bathrooms and kitchen
• Heating and cooling
• Block size
• Rear yard access
• Age, condition and maintenance of the house

By identifying all the features of your home you will be able to enhance the attractive ones and improve any limitations. Our agent will assist you in this process commencing your marketing programme.

2. What comparable properties are currently for sale?

Our agent will supply you with the details of other properties currently for sale with similar features to your own property. This will indicate both the level and quality of the activity in the current Wagga market. This list is comprehensive, recent and accurate and will help you to place your property competitively in the market place.

3. What comparable properties have recently sold?

Our agent will supply you with the details of other properties recently sold. This will indicate the market range for successful sales.

4. What is the current market doing and how will this affect me/us?

Our agent will provide you with a synopsis of the current market trends. It will cover the important features of your home, current properties for sale, recent sales of comparable properties and the effect of other forces on the sale price of your home such as government policy or regional developments. The synopsis may also include a recommended price range.

Remember, it is not the agent who sets the value of your home, the market sets the price. However, an experienced agent can assist you in promoting your home in the right way to the right people to maximise the success of your sale.

Quick Tip
Information videos and brochures on pricing your property are available to all our vendors, and are included in your Vendor Information Pack.

Presenting your Home for Sale

As a general guide consider some of the following things.

The Garden

If the garden is neat, tidy and well kept, it makes a great first impression - and a prospective buyer's first impressions are very important.

The Outside

If it's possible, give the outside of your home a good "Spring Clean". Clean the windows, clear the gutters, wash the paint work, hose down the porch. It all helps create the right image.

The Inside

Keep the house light and airy. When purchasers inspect, draw the curtains, open the windows and let the sun shine in! If it's a dull day or raining, turn on a few lights, as they arrive. Keep the temperature comfortable- cosy in winter, cool in summer. If the buyers are comfortable they'll stay longer and give your home more attention.

Pets, Children & Noise

While we love our children, our pets and our radio all these things can interfere with the buyers inspection of your property. It is important to remove, restrain or turn off anything that could distract the buyer during their inspection.

Quick Tip
Information videos and brochures on presenting your home for sale are available to all our vendors and are included in your Vendor Information Pack.

Presenting Your Home for Inspection Checklist
Presenting Your Home for Photography

As a Fitzpatrick's Real Estate client you will benefit from a variety of different marketing strategies. We provide a customised range of promotional tools to ensure that your property receives maximum exposure aimed at the right people. To view our marketing packages click on the pdf link below.

Fitzpatricks Real Estate $595 Marketing Package