A good sale starts with a clear understanding of your property and what you want to achieve. A home on a town section and a lifestyle block need different preparation and a different explanation for buyers. Start the conversation with your timing, your next move and the features that make your property useful.
Ask for an appraisal that explains the relevant recent sales, your property’s condition and how it compares with other options buyers may consider. For lifestyle property, the land, access, water arrangements, outbuildings and presentation can be important parts of that discussion.
A council rating value is used for rating purposes and may differ from current market value. An agent’s appraisal and a registered valuation also serve different purposes. Your lender or adviser can tell you if a registered valuation is needed.
Request an appraisal or read Settled’s explanation of planning to sell.
Walk through the property with your salesperson and decide what needs attention, what will help buyers understand the space and what is unlikely to justify the cost. Cleaning, a clear entrance and organised rooms can be more practical than beginning a major renovation. Our preparation guide will help you organise the jobs before photography, viewings and moving day.
Discuss the likely buyer, the property’s strongest features and how the campaign will show them. Ask which photography, floor plans, online advertising, print or video options are proposed, what each costs and what is included. Use digital tools where they help someone understand the actual home or land; a tool is useful because of what it communicates.
Before signing an agency agreement, understand its term, commission, expenses, responsibilities and cancellation provisions. Ask when payments become due and what happens if the property does not sell. Get independent legal advice on the agreement. Read REA’s agency-agreement guidance.
An advertised price gives buyers a stated starting point. Negotiation, deadline, tender and auction create different decision points and campaign timetables. Ask your salesperson why a particular method suits your property, how early offers will be handled and how you will review buyer response.
The right discussion includes your comfort with the process and your timing, as well as the property. No method guarantees a particular price or sale date. Explore independent guidance on methods of sale.
Agree on viewing access, security, pets and how you will receive feedback. Give your salesperson accurate information about the property and known issues so these can be addressed properly.
When an offer arrives, consider price alongside conditions, deposit and settlement timing with your lawyer. After agreement, keep track of the commitments that remain, including agreed chattels, access and handover. If you are buying as well, coordinate both transactions with your legal and lending advisers.
Annie Smith and Emma McNatty both have Oxford residential and lifestyle sales involvement. Meet the Oxford team, choose whom you would like to contact, or ask the office for an introduction. Call 03 424 1414 or request an appraisal to discuss your property and next move.