6 reasons to sell & the best type of agent for each reason

Here are the most common reasons why people continue to sell homes in these somewhat uncertain times, and how a home sale can be turned into a positive move.

Life presents many reasons why people need to sell their home in any market.?So, if you need to sell right now and you don’t want to wait, it’s a good first step to know what traits to look for in the agent you choose for the job because that choice can either make or break the sale.

To sell successfully, it is essential to engage an agent who knows how to create the right levels of urgency and excitement required to sell a house under different circumstances in any market.

What are the main reasons for home sales in the current market?

1. Upgrading

Now could be a good time to upgrade because you can buy a larger home for a realistic price if you know what you’re doing. So, if your family is outgrowing your current home, or if you have made or inherited a decent amount of money, the current market presents some good opportunities to move into a larger property.?

TIP: Make sure you get an agent who not only sells your property for a great price but who also offers to negotiate the new purchase for you free of charge.?That way you avoid making basic mistakes in your purchase contract, it’s less stressful for you and you get the best deal possible at both ends of the transaction.?Most agents will only handle your sale, so look hard to find one that offers this extra service voluntarily. They are out there and they are worth their weight in gold! I also offer this extra service for free.

2. Downsizing

If your children have left home, or you are about to retire and want to free up some equity, you could consider downsizing. There are several advantages:

• You can release equity from your sale so you can afford to do the things you’ve always wanted to do, such as travelling or helping your child get onto the property ladder.
• If you’re tired of suburbia, you can be closer to amenities like hospitals and entertainment by moving into an apartment or unit closer to the city.
• You can enjoy more free time in a smaller and newer property which requires less maintenance.

What you do with your money is up to you, but in the current housing market there are bargains to be had if you know how and where to look.

TIP: Make sure you get an agent who not only sells your property for a great price but who also offers to negotiate the new purchase for you free of charge AND does background checks on your new purchase to ensure it’s the “perfect fit” for your wants and needs.?This will probably be your last purchase and your “forever home” and you need to get it right, so make sure your agent is willing to do this free of charge in return for you listing your property with them to sell. I also offer this extra service for free.

3. Debt

Debt instigates a large number of property sales. Perhaps your home is in negative equity, or you might have bought a property off the plan at a price that is not consistent with today’s market. Additionally, the banks’ lending conditions have become tighter and you may need to sell if repayments start getting too much for your pocket.

You can take advantage of the current market in Perth where housing stock for sale is low and competition between buyers is still strong, making it more likely you’ll sell for a good price.

Tip: Interview three agents and choose the agent who emphasises the importance of getting multiple offers from multiple buyers in order to squeeze every last dollar out of the sale for you.?A quick sale may be in the agent’s best interest but it may not be in your wallet’s best interest, so make this a priority!

When you interview each agent try not to prompt them, just see which one discusses the importance of getting multiple offers and that’s probably the agent who will work hardest to get you top dollar. This is a standard part of my service.

4. Sea-change / Tree-change

More and more people are choosing to move to rural or coastal areas to enjoy a more environmentally friendly, slower-paced lifestyle.?Such a move may also involve a career change and give you an exciting new start! Another key advantage of moving out of the city is that house prices in more rural areas are more affordable than in major capital cities like Perth so you get a bigger bang for your buck.

Tip: Try to find an agent who will not only sell your property for a good price but who will also be willing and able to advise you on the new purchase.?They probably won’t be an expert on rural properties, however they can at least point you in the right direction of where to find key information AND give you plenty of background information on the actual property you’re interested in buying including the last sale price, current ownership details and any property easements you need to be aware of. I also offer this extra service for free.

5. Divorce

Sadly, this is one of the more common reasons for people needing to sell a house in any market. There is no better reason to move than to continue forward with your life and regain your happiness.

Tip: Using an agent who is sensitive to the needs of both parties is of paramount importance.?They also need to be willing to take instructions on the sale from both parties AND keep both parties fully informed at all times.?This is key to keeping both sellers’ stress levels to a minimum at a time that is already challenging enough. This is a standard part of my service.

6. Death

A deceased estate property sale is an emotional time for the family and friends of the late owner.

If the deceased owner was a sole owner, the beneficiaries may need to wait for probate before settlement can occur (obtain legal advice).?However, there is no reason why the property cannot go to market immediately if there is an executor of the will who can to sign the listing agreement with the agent on behalf of the estate.

On the other hand, if there is a surviving partner, they may not want or be able to continue living in the “old home” for a variety of reasons and this will need to be dealt with separately.

You also might want to speak with your tax adviser to see where you stand on having to pay capital gains tax if you do not sell within a certain timeframe.

Tip: Using an agent experienced in handling all the delicate matters of a deceased estate, while still achieving the best results for the sale, is critical to achieving the best outcome for the surviving partner or beneficiaries of the will. This is a standard part of my service.

Choose an agent who has weathered many property cycles

If your agent knows how to market a house for sale AND knows how to negotiate a good deal (many agents excel at only one of these), the current property market can be made to work to your advantage. Whatever your circumstances, choose your agent wisely.

Final tips?

• Today, there are several ways to sell a house.?Make sure your agent discusses the pros and cons of different selling methods because they’re not all suitable for all properties.?So, don’t choose a “one-trick pony” agent who always uses the same method regardless of the property, even if they sell lots in your area.
• Agents don’t sell their own properties at the first home open!?A good agent should emphasise the importance of getting multiple offers to “test the market thoroughly for top dollar”. If they don’t do this, they may just want a quick sale and a quick commission, so think twice about choosing them! The best results take time.?The biggest mistake sellers make is thinking that a quick sale is a good sale.?The fastest sale does not usually deliver the best outcome for the seller in terms of price.?Get multiple offers before accepting one and remember that it’s not just all about the money that’s offered, it’s all the other terms and conditions that need to suit you as well.
• Last but not least, the right agent will take time to understand your position and know what you want. So be honest with them, tell them exactly what you want and help them to help you.

All of the above are standard parts of the service I provide at no extra charge.

Buying or selling property?

Contact Brian with any questions:

Mob: 0450 408 651

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: briansellsproperty

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"Fortune favours the prepared mind" - L. Pasteur