Benefits of real estate agents for buyers and sellers
Selling a property can be an emotional time, especially if the seller needs a certain price, or feels that it is worth a lot more than what a real estate agent might advise. This makes it tempting for the seller to try and sell their own home, especially if they believe it is as simple as listing it online.
Do it yourself home selling, or “for sale by owner” as it is commonly known may appear easy, but in reality, it comes with many pitfalls, according to Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group.
In reality, there is a lot more to selling a property than what most people realise, especially in view of the many regulations and laws in place. Aspects such as building, and installation compliance are just some of the challenges.
Ensuring you are dealing with serious buyers, and not chancers is another challenge for owner-sellers, he says. The end result is often that after trying for a few weeks, and even months, the seller ends up having to call in the help of an estate agent.
By now, some time has lapsed without success for the seller. The property might already have been seen online, and if the price was too high, or it was not presented in the best condition, potential buyers may already have been put off.
Time is also money, and Seeff says that if you need to, or are motivated to sell, then it is best to call in the professionals. If you are selling for financial reasons, it is always advisable to be open and upfront with the agent. That way the agent can ensure that you are given the best advice.
Working with an estate agent will save you time, and will reduce the stress of selling. Selling a property is essentially a full time job. It is not just about listing it online, there are calls and buyer enquiries to deal with. The agent will also vet potential buyers so that there is no time wasting with chancers or someone who does not qualify for a home loan.
Estate agents have a lot of experience with selling properties and dealing with buyers. They are able to spot fake buyers and problems, and will know when they are dealing with a serious buyer and a potential sale. They too would not want to waste their time with chancers as their commission depends on a successful sale.
It is also important that a seller makes the property available for viewings as that is still the best way to really hook a buyer. The property should be clean and decluttered, and all maintenance done, so that the buyers can find no fault. A well-presented, and corrected priced property always sells faster and tends to achieve the best price for sellers.
Getting the approved plans and all the ownership and FICA documents ready upfront, and getting the compliance certificates done as quickly as possible can also greatly speed up the sale of a property.
Sellers should ensure they appoint a good local agent, give them enough time to get the property sold, and trust their negotiation skills to get the best deal and price.
Claude McKirby, Co-Principle for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs and False Bay, in a recent article shared some of the most important do's and don'ts to guide homeowners, here is a look at those tips:
Do's of Home Staging
- Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove personal items, family photos, and excessive decorations. This helps potential buyers envision their own belongings in the space. Less clutter makes rooms appear larger and more inviting.
- Clean Thoroughly: A spotless home suggests that the property has been well-maintained. Pay attention to details, such as cleaning windows, carpets, and even the inside of appliances like ovens.
- Neutralise Colour Schemes: If you are going to give the place a fresh coat of paint, use neutral colours for walls and remove any décor that is too bold or quirky. While bold colours may appeal to some, neutral tones have a broader appeal and create a blank canvas for buyers' imaginations.
- Highlight Key Features: Draw attention to the property's best features, such as a fireplace, large windows, or hardwood floors. Use furniture and décor to frame and highlight these elements even if it means moving around some items to better highlight these features
- Improve Kerb Appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Ensure the lawn is mowed, hedges are trimmed, and the entrance is welcoming. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door and planting flowers or even placing attractive pot plants next to the entrance.
- Create a Cohesive Style: If you are going to bring in furniture or décor to fill up empty spaces and improve the overall effect or semi-furnish an empty property, choose a consistent style for furniture and décor that complements the home's architecture. This creates a harmonious look that is pleasing to the eye.
- Light It Up: Ensure all rooms are well-lit. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light and also use lamps and light fixtures to brighten darker areas. Good lighting makes spaces feel larger and more inviting.
