Avoid Self-Sabotage for a Stress-Free Sale

September 2019

Selling a property can be a financial and emotional roller coaster.  The highs and lows of managing risk, trusting unknown professionals, and ultimately saying goodbye to a home that is much more than just four walls, can be trying at best.  With high expectations and heightened emotions, keeping in mind these top tips can help avoid self-sabotage for a stress-free sale.

First and foremost, surround yourself with professionals that are capable of having hard conversations.  A realistic appraisal of your property creates a solid foundation of trust and contrary to belief, does not indicate a lack of motivation by an agent.  A good agent would rather exceed expectations than leave a vendor disappointed with a sales result, so be careful not to buy into an overinflated value of your home.

Good marketing is an investment.  Today’s buyers are most likely to be viewing a property several times online far before they step foot in the door.  Professional photos and strong copywriting are the key to actioning buyers from behind their computer and into your property, which will ultimately expedite a sale.

Spend time on staging.  Cleaning, decluttering, and depersonalising creates visual space for buyers to see themselves living in the home.  If the budget allows, statistics indicate that professional staging may increase your home’s value from 7-10%, proving that it is well worth the cost.

Lastly, avoid emotional pitfalls such as distrust that can derail a sale.  For example, often a first purchase offer is the best offer, so avoid being sceptical of a quick sale at a good price. Another example may be a vendor remaining onsite during an open for inspection.  This is not recommended for a reason, as it causes discomfort for buyers, so trust your agent when they advise of professional norms in real estate.

Understanding and anticipating stress while selling a home can help create a sense of acceptance during the process.  Keeping the end goal in mind, reminding yourself the process is temporary, and ultimately choosing an agent that can support you from beginning to end will all contribute to a smooth sale.