Principal of McIntyre Property, Col McIntyre shares his top tips to lock in the best sale price for your home. Photo: McIntyre Property.
Selling your home can be a daunting task, but securing a great sale price doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right preparation, you can maximize the value of your property and attract plenty of eager buyers.
Col McIntyre has been in the real estate game for more than two decades, establishing McIntyre Property alongside his wife Jo in 2007. His best pieces of advice for sellers hoping to get a great sale price on their home are:
1. Research your market (and your agent!)
Canberra has more than 130 suburbs across 19 districts, each with its own demographic and market trends. It’s important to tailor your sale price and strategy to your audience – first home buyers generally won’t be in the same price bracket as a professional family.
“Research your suburb profile, take a look at recent sales nearby and above all, choose the right agent,” Col says.
“People think agents are all the same, but we’re not. An experienced hand will build a relationship with you and your potential buyers based on trust, and walk you through the sales process smoothly.”
Don’t be afraid to get an appraisal on your home before thinking about your asking price – and when it comes to deciding between private treaty or auction, trust your agent’s advice.
2. Freshen it up
One of the simplest ways to add value to your property is to freshen things up. Carry out any essential repairs or maintenance, do a deep clean and, depending on your budget, consider hiring a painter, landscaper or stylist to really make your home stand out.
“If your home is in good condition, you may not need much more than a paint job,” Col says.
“But you’d be surprised how much of a difference some landscaping, new carpet and LED lights can make. You should also take the time to declutter, make sure there are no leaky taps and absolutely scrub that bathroom.”
3. Invest in good advertising
The first place potential buyers are likely to see your home is online, so getting professional photos taken is a must.
“You have to make those photos pop,” Col says.
“Most buyers will look through your photo gallery before reading the property description and if they like your online listing, they’re 50 or 60 per cent over the line before they even speak to the agent.”
Attractive street-side signboards and advertising on socials or printed media can also increase interest in your home.
4. Go with an open home
Col suggests scheduling an open home over private inspections. As the most popular way Canberra buyers view properties, it’s a great way to get as many warm bodies through the door as possible and increase competition.
“Buyers notice each other,” Col says.
“They pick up very quickly who their competitors are, especially when they run into them at multiple homes on the same day or in the same area. Fear of missing out is a great motivator that can lead to quick, easy negotiations.”
5. Take your time
On that note, make sure you keep your cool when it comes to negotiating. Col says it’s pointless to rush in – you could even run the risk of turning an interested buyer away.
“For many buyers, this will be the biggest purchase commitment they make in their life. It’s obviously exciting for them, but it also comes with a sense of trepidation,” he says.
“I also like to offer a second or even third inspection, and encourage them to bring along a friend or family member for a second opinion.
“If your buyers feel rushed, they can back off very quickly. They need a confident yet relaxed agent to hold their hand throughout, communicate calmly and give them room to think.”
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