Private Seller Checklist for Selling Home
1. Pricing Your Property
- Determine the asking and minimum price.
- Research comparable sales and market reports.
- Inspect similar properties and note their conditions and presentation.
- Understand unique selling points of your home.
- Calculate total costs (original price, renovations, repairs, legal fees, etc.).
- Set a realistic and competitive price.
2. Legal Preparation
- Engage a solicitor or conveyancer for legal documentation.
- Prepare a Vendor Statement with relevant property information.
- Draft the Contract of Sale.
- In some states, prepare an Offer & Acceptance Form.
3. Preparing Your Home for Sale
- Enhance curb appeal: clean front yard, remove clutter.
- Declutter and depersonalize interiors.
- Maintain and beautify the garden.
- Ensure all fixtures and fittings are in good working order.
- Upgrade exterior and entrance aesthetics.
- Organize and tidy the garage.
- Minimize and/or update furniture.
- Optimize storage areas.
- Clean and prepare the kitchen.
- Get professional cleaning for carpets, drapes, and upholstery.
- Create a welcoming ambiance with pleasant aromas.
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4. Marketing Your Home
- Take high-quality photos (consider a professional photographer).
- Create and distribute an informative brochure.
- Develop a compelling story or description of your home.
- Install a sale sign to increase visibility.
- Utilize social media and word-of-mouth for promotion.
- Schedule and advertise Open Inspection times.
- Prepare necessary disclosure forms.
5. Conducting Open Inspections
- Ensure the home is clean and tidy.
- Play soft background music.
- Create a welcoming aroma.
- Turn on lights and open curtains/blinds for natural light.
- Secure personal and valuable items.
- Display necessary documents and brochures.
- Set up signage for easy location.
- Collect visitor details for follow-up.
6. Negotiating and Handling Offers
- Understand and compare the terms and conditions of offers.
- Verify buyer’s financial capability and contingencies.
- Be open to counteroffers and negotiations.
- Understand different types of offers (subject to finance, sale of buyer’s property, building inspection, valuation, unconditional).
- Familiarize yourself with the cooling-off period and its implications.
7. Finalizing the Sale
- Confirm insurance responsibilities during the contract period.
- Understand clauses like early release of deposit.
- Know the specifics of an unconditional contract.
- Manage the settlement process effectively.
- Conduct a final inspection to ensure the property’s condition.
- Coordinate with legal representatives on the day of settlement.
8. Post-Sale Considerations
- Ensure all utility services are transferred or canceled.
- Notify relevant parties (postal services, subscriptions) of address change.
- Keep copies of all sale documents for your records.
- Plan for your relocation, including hiring movers if necessary.
9. Miscellaneous Tips
- Be prepared for the emotional aspects of selling your home.
- Stay informed about the current real estate market trends.
- Keep a flexible and open mindset throughout the process.
- Seek feedback from visitors to improve future showings.
Additional Resources
- Consider hiring a home staging professional.
- Stay updated on local real estate laws and regulations.
- Use online platforms and real estate websites for wider exposure.
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