Step-by-step property selling guide

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect at each stage makes the process smoother. Our guide walks you through each step so you can feel confident from start to finish.

Step 1: Choosing a Salesperson

Your home is one of your most valuable assets, so choosing a qualified, experienced, and trustworthy salesperson is essential. Take the time to ask questions and ensure your agent has the skills and strategies to sell your home quickly and for the best price.

Key things to consider:

• Is the salesperson qualified?
• Do they have proven experience?
• Are they focused on your needs?
• Can they deliver the right result?

Step 2: Preparing Your Home

Presentation is key to attracting buyers and achieving strong offers. Consider these tips:

• Declutter: Clean and tidy every room, and remove items that might distract buyers.
• Repair: Fix small maintenance issues like chips, leaks, squeaks, or loose handles.
• Style: Home styling or staging can dramatically enhance appeal - see our Dress Your Property for Success guide.
• Photograph: Professional photos capture your property at its best and help attract buyers before the first inspection.

Step 3: Pricing Your Home

Determining the right price can be challenging. Your Harcourts Blue Fern Realty agent will provide market comparisons and insights, showing sold, unsold, and current competitor listings. The market ultimately determines your property’s value.

Step 4: Choosing a Method of Sale

You can typically choose from four methods of sale:

• Exclusive Listing
• Auction
• Tender
• General Open Listing

Your agent will guide you on the method best suited to your goals.

Step 5: Marketing Your Property

Your agent will develop a tailored marketing plan as part of Our Promise, their written commitment to achieving the best outcome for your property.

Buyers often purchase with emotion, so it’s recommended you step out during open homes. Your agent will ensure security while giving buyers the space to connect with your property.

Buyer interest is usually highest when your property first enters the market. Most buyers view around 14 properties before deciding, and serious buyers may act quickly with early offers. Your agent will keep in regular contact with all potential buyers.

Step 6: Accepting an Offer

When a buyer makes an offer, your agent will present it formally in writing. Offers can include conditions such as:

• Finance approval
• Builder’s or specialist reports
• Sale of another property
• Solicitor approval

Once terms are agreed, the buyer usually pays a deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price.

Step 7: Completing the Sale

Settlement is coordinated between you, the buyer, and legal/financial representatives. The settlement date is agreed in the contract and usually occurs 30–90 days after signing.

Possession of the property generally happens on settlement day, unless otherwise agreed.