Your Spring Selling Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home

Thinking about selling your home this Spring?

Spring can be a busy time for the Australian property market, with buyers searching for houses, units, townhouses and investment properties. Before the photographs are taken and the first open home is booked, work through this simple Spring selling checklist for property owners in NSW and Queensland.

1. Decide Why You Are Selling

Understanding why you are selling can help establish your timeframe and priorities. Are you:

·         Upsizing?

·         Downsizing?

·         Moving interstate?

·         Selling an investment property?

·         Moving closer to family?

·         Looking for a lifestyle change?

2. Speak With a Local Real Estate Agent

Ask an experienced local agent about:

·         Recent comparable sales

·         Current buyer demand

·         Competing properties

·         Recommended improvements

·         Marketing strategy

·         Auction versus private treaty

·         Expected selling timeframe

3. Declutter Your Home

Remove unnecessary furniture, personal belongings and excess decorations. Pay particular attention to:

·         Kitchen benches

·         Wardrobes

·         Garages

·         Spare rooms

·         Outdoor areas

4. Give the Property a Spring Clean

A thorough clean can make a noticeable difference. Focus on:

·         Windows

·         Floors and carpets

·         Kitchens

·         Bathrooms

·         Outdoor entertaining areas

·         Driveways and garages

5. Improve Street Appeal

The exterior matters too. You do not need expensive landscaping. Focus on:

·         Mowing lawns

·         Trimming overgrown plants

·         Removing weeds

·         Cleaning paths and driveways

·         Making the entrance look welcoming

6. Complete Minor Repairs

Walk around your property and deal with obvious maintenance issues such as:

·         Dripping taps

·         Broken cupboard handles

·         Damaged fencing

·         Minor visible damage

7. Organise Your Contract and Conveyancing

Do not wait until you have accepted an offer to start thinking about conveyancing. If you are selling property in NSW, the contract of sale needs to be prepared before the property is offered for sale. Queensland has its own seller disclosure and contractual requirements.

8. Gather Your Property Information

Locate any information you have relating to:

·         Renovations or extensions

·         Pools

·         Building approvals

·         Solar systems

·         Guarantees and warranties

·         Tenancy arrangements

·         Other improvements

9. Think About Settlement

Before listing, consider:

·         Where will you live after settlement?

·         Are you buying another property?

·         Do you need to coordinate two settlements?

·         What settlement timeframe would work best?

10. Choose Your Conveyancer Before You Find a Buyer

Having your conveyancer organised before an offer arrives means the legal side of your sale is already underway. Your conveyancer can assist with the contract, communicate with the buyer's representative and help manage the transaction through to settlement.

Your Spring Property Selling Checklist at a Glance

·         Property cleaned and decluttered

·         Garden and street appeal ready

·         Important minor repairs completed

·         Real estate agent chosen

·         Selling timeframe considered

·         Conveyancer chosen

·         Contract and property documents being organised

·         Settlement and moving plans considered

Ready to Sell Your Property This Spring?

A successful Spring property campaign starts before the first open home. By organising your property presentation, selling strategy and conveyancing early, you give yourself more time to deal with unexpected issues.

If you are preparing to sell property in NSW or Queensland, contact SL Conveyancing. We can guide you through the conveyancing process from preparing for sale through to settlement.

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