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selling guide
Our expertise includes the following skill set – instant digital property estimates, in house property appraisals, pre-renovation consultations, pre-sale styling consultations, free property styling for ethico clients*, assistance & liaison of trades subject to property needs, legal and financial support, off market sales at vendor request, organic & funded buyer search, private & public buyer showings, strong offer extraction & contract negotiations, building and pest property value protection or renegotiations, bank valuation trouble shooting, vendor relocation & re-purchase assistance, pre-inspection conflict resolution, settlement arrangements, property investment guidance & letting.
1. WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO SELL MY PROPERTY
The best time to sell your property depends on several factors, including the property itself, its location, and external circumstances. For example, if you discover that your neighbour is about to start construction on a new build, the noise could be a significant issue for the next nine months to a year. Local events, such as elections, can also transform your typically quiet street into a busy parking area. Although many believe spring is the optimal selling season, it’s crucial to recognize that this period usually has the highest number of properties on the market, resulting in increased negative competition as buyers have ample choice.
To gain insight into your local market’s performance and assess buyer sentiment, schedule your free market appraisal here.
2. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SELL MY HOME
On average, our properties take between two and eight weeks to sell. The duration may vary based on the marketing campaign you choose and the scale of the property.
3. ON OR OFF MARKET
Broad marketing seeks to attract a wide pool of buyers, often leading to the highest possible sale price. However, you might consider an off-market offer if it exceeds recent comparable sales or meets a value you find satisfactory. This option allows you to skip the preparation for private and public inspections and avoid the inconveniences associated with public sales, such as nosy neighbours and marketing costs.
4. IS AUCTION ALWAYS THE BEST OPTION
Auctions can create a sense of urgency and competition among buyers, making them ideal for sellers seeking an unconditional sale or for properties that are highly sought after or unique for various reasons. Conversely, traditional private treaty sales may be viewed as less intimidating for some buyers and offer greater privacy throughout the process. Ultimately, the best option depends on individual circumstances and market conditions at the time of listing.
5. GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR MARKET
While the fundamental steps for preparing a home – such as decluttering, tidying, and spring cleaning – are similar across properties, the requirements for a $500K unit can differ significantly from those of a $4 million front row home. Many sellers often invest their time and money in areas that won’t yield a financial benefit in the sale price. To avoid this, consult a real estate agent several months before listing to identify where to focus your efforts for the highest return on investment at sale time.
6. IS IT REALLY WORTH PAYING FOR STAGING
In general, yes, staging can be beneficial, but not all homes require professional staging. We offer free property styling for ethico clients using their own furnishings as well as external décor. For properties that may need full-scale paid staging, we have a team of creative professionals we recommend. During our initial meeting, we will assess whether staging is a financially beneficial choice for your property.
7. HOW WILL MY PROPERTY BE MARKETED
Houses are our passion and profession, and after nearly a decade in the industry, we understand that each property has its own unique needs. Some may require custom marketing strategies with strong interstate reach, while others can be effectively sold on a small budget with local focus. To determine the best marketing approach for your property, you can schedule your free consultation here.
7. HOW WILL MY PROPERTY BE MARKETED
Your agent should start by providing a comprehensive market appraisal, which includes suburb statistics and recent transactions, along with evidence on how they established value for your property. From there, you can choose to list the property at the appraised value (suitable for both private treaty or auction) or at a price of your choice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the first few weeks of the campaign are critical. If the price is set too far from market value, it may hinder your chances of not only achieving your desired sale price and but could also result in a final price below market value. Extended time on the market can negatively affect your property’s reputation and overall value position.
9. HOW DOES ETHICO ACHIEVE THE BEST PRICE FOR MY PROPERTY
Ethico is made of small group of unorthodox agents who have all honed the best skills from past lives and a large range of real estate companies, some of those brands are seen as the ‘market leaders’ or the flagship companies. Combining many decades of what works and what doesn’t with our multifaceted digital reach, a human first stance and a uniquely creative approach to marketing ensures that you not only get noticed but also achieve market-leading price.
10. WHAT ARE THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SELLING
- Real estate agent commission
Typically, this can vary from 2% to 4% plus GST. The fee is based on the sale price of your property and is only payable upon settlement. Most agents work on a percentage basis; some offer fixed fees, while others provide a sliding scale structure where different percentages are payable for different milestones. Good agents with strong track records may charge more than average agents, as their reputation speaks for them, allowing them to maintain higher standards without lowering fees to attract clients. As a general rule, the focus should be less on what an agent charges and more on what it could cost you if you get the wrong agent to sell what is likely to be your most valuable asset.
- Marketing costs
These costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on the calibre of the property. Marketing expenses may include online advertising (such as on realestate.com.au), interstate campaigns, photography, signage, newspaper or letterbox advertising, and open house expenses.
- Legal fees for a solicitor or conveyancer
These typically range from $800 to $2,000.
- Property preparation costs
This varies based on the amount of work required. Costs may be minimal or reach several thousand dollars, covering services like cleaning, minor repairs, landscaping, staging, or renovations.
- Capital gains tax (CGT)
If the property is an investment and has appreciated in value since purchase, you may need to pay CGT on the profit. The cost should be determined by an accountant. This tax does not apply to owner-occupied homes.
- Transfer fees and charges
Includes any outstanding fees up to the settlement day, such as council rates, water charges, body corporate fees, etc.
- Removalist costs (if applicable)
These range from $300 to $2,000+ depending on distance and the quantity of belongings.
- Miscellaneous costs
This includes any additional costs such as title searches, insurance, and administrative fees.