Your Selling Tips

Answers to all selling questions & inquiries:

What is the role of a real estate sales agent?

Real estate agents are qualified professionals that can help you sell your property. They are experts in the local and wider property market and provide informed property appraisals. They help guide sellers on the best method of sale and ensure properties are actively promoted and marketed to reach the maximum number of buyers. Real estate agents will assist in the negotiation of property sales and ensure this is done with the utmost confidentiality.  Real estate sales agents work for the property seller and are focused on selling it for the most amount of money.

What is the sales agent's role at an Open Home?

An agent's job at an open house inspection is to listen closely and observe attendees to gauge buyer interest and motivation.

By engaging in conversation, the agent can learn more about a potential buyer's specific circumstances and requirements. This helps the agent to discuss the aspects of the property relevant to the buyer.

At the same time, buyers may need to view the property without pressure and talk about it with someone they have brought along. A good agent will be aware of this and only engage in conversation at appropriate moments.

Why should I be out during an Open Home?

Getting a buyer to picture themselves living in the property - sometimes referred to as 'mentally moving in' - is one of the most effective ways to generate serious interest.

For this to be achieved, it is essential that they feel relaxed and unhurried. Buyers do not wish to intrude on the current owner's space, so your presence can sometimes act as a deterrent for them to stay longer and continue to consider the property carefully.

Why is it important to declutter an Open Home?

Decluttering involves removing personal items as much as possible prior to an open house, in order to help the buyer imagine themselves living in the property.

A first impression often lasts and excessive belongings can make a home seem smaller, darker and less airy than it really is.

Modern homes and decor taste also tend to lean towards a more sparse presentation, while too much clutter can leave buyers with the sense that finding storage space might be problematic.

Can I sell my property while it is currently leased?

You are able to sell your property while it is being leased, but any potential purchaser must be told there is a current lease in place and that the property will not be sold with vacant possession.

The tenant has the right to occupy the residence until the end of the lease term unless both parties negotiate and agree to terminate the existing agreement.

In some cases, the fact your property has reliable tenants in place may actually be appealing to prospective investors.

Do I pay a commission if I sell the property myself?

If you sell the property yourself, whether or not you have to pay the agent a commission will depend entirely on the agreement you signed with them.

In many cases, you may still need to pay the commission as, for example, it is likely that the promotional activities undertaken by the agent exposed the buyer to the property on the market.

You should talk to your agent about this issue, or alternatively take a copy of the agreement to your solicitor or conveyancer for advice.

What is a Sales Agency Agreement?

A sales agency agreement is a document written to protect your rights. It includes details of the real estate agent who you have assigned to sell your property. It states what they promise to provide for you, along with an estimated sale amount or price range.

This arrangement outlines the number of fees or commission payable by you for the real estate agent's services. A commission is usually only due when the sale of the property is completed.

The extent of the real estate agent's authority to act on your behalf - such as to exchange or make changes on a sale contract - is also stipulated within this document.

You have the right to negotiate with the real estate agent about the terms and conditions of the agreement and to ask for any legally-permitted changes to be made.

The sales agency agreement usually involves a fixed term, which is a specific amount of time the sales agency agreement cannot be ceased unless accepted by both parties. An open-ended agreement with no fixed term must indicate an alternative method for being brought to an end.

If you are unsure about how to end an agreement you should seek legal advice.

In the event that you are unhappy with any of the real estate agent's services, it is essential to officially bring the sales agency agreement to a close before signing up with a new organisation - otherwise, both might be able to charge you a commission when the property is sold.