Planning to sell your home sooner rather than later? Perhaps you need to relocate for work, or have already found the next house of your dreams and would like to secure it before someone else snaps it up.
Whatever your reason for it, here are some expert tips* to help you sell your home as quickly as possible in any market.
If there are time constraints to take into account, what house price are you seeking? Are you willing to compromise in order to move on quickly?
Before starting your home selling process, understanding what you’d like to achieve with it – your needs and wants – is crucial. Keep in mind that even a quick sale involves a time commitment, so be prepared for an intense few weeks.
With so many emotions and factors involved, putting a price on your home can be a difficult decision. Generally speaking, a property is worth what a buyer is willing to pay, but if you’re looking for an estimate, there are several ways to get one.
You can find free online property valuations on websites like TradeMe.co.nz, Homes.co.nz and OneRoof.co.nz. These are usually based on recent sales in the area and other algorithms, so you may want to take them with a grain of salt.
For a more detailed assessment, you can enlist the help of a professional property valuer or get an appraisal from your real estate agent (if you’re using one). And don’t forget to keep up-to-date with the latest property news in your area.
According to Trade Me, 6-8 per cent of vendors choose to sell privately. While you can save money on agent fees by going alone, there are also some potential downsides to consider – one of which is that your sale may take longer.
A 2019 Trade Me study found that the median sale time for a private vendor was 58 days, whereas the median sale time for agents was 28 days. The market has changed quite significantly since then, but if selling quickly is your priority, a good agent may still help you sell faster than you could do on your own. Not only do they have valuable market knowledge, but they can also do most of the heavy lifting for you.
And real estate agents aren’t the only professionals who can support you through this fast-moving process. Think of lawyers, valuers, accountants, insurance advisers and of course, mortgage advisers like us. You don’t have to go it alone – there’s expert help available.
According to settled.govt.nz, depending on how fast you’d like to sell, time-bound methods of sale like auction, tender or deadline sale may be a better option than selling by advertised price or by negotiation. A real estate agent can help you choose a sale method that’s aligned with your needs and goals, and of course, the local market.
Selling property is a complex legal process that entails a lot of paperwork. To ensure that your home selling journey flows as smoothly as possible, it’s a good idea to get title documents, LIM report, and other property files ready for buyers.
Besides the real estate agent’s commission (which is usually paid from the buyer’s purchase deposit), there are several costs involved in selling a property, including any renovation and repair costs, advertising costs, property reports, lawyer’s or conveyancer’s fees, and moving costs.
Plus, make sure you check the tax implications with a tax professional. The IRD website has some information to get you started.
As mortgage advisers, we can help you understand the key financial considerations of selling your house and buying a new one. Depending on your situation, you may be considering the following options:
Lastly, it’s time to get your home ready to sell. If there are time constraints, you may not be able to do major renovations, but it’s still worth completing outstanding repairs. Some repair issues may put buyers off and slow the selling process, so it’s a good idea to fix as much as possible ahead of your open homes. If time allows, even a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in presenting your home in the best light possible.
This is just a quick summary of some key steps to a smooth (and hopefully fast and profitable) property sale. As we’ve seen, this process can be complex and time-consuming, so seeking expert help is likely to make a significant difference all along the way.
Need quality mortgage advice? Please don’t hesitate to contact us: we’re just a quick phone call away.
*Sources: Trade Me Property, Settled.govt.nz
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
Best Mortgages has over 20 years’ experience in the finance industry and we help clients with home loans for new purchase or new build.