PRONewsIssue 59 April 2018

Selling a home isn’t something that many of us do that frequently, so it’s understandable that a lot of people have a number of questions about the selling process.

Having your questions answered before you put your property on the market will help put your mind at ease and make your selling journey a little bit easier.

When should I sell my home?

A lot of people are under the impression that there are particular seasons that are better to sell in, but this may not be a very important factor.

Every area and every property is different and there are a number of variables that

Top 4 selling questions answered

can influence supply and demand in an area. It is best to discuss these with your real estate agent to see if there is a particular time of year they recommend selling based on your individual circumstances.

In general though, the best time to sell shouldn’t be influenced by external factors but by when it’s the right time for you.

What is my home worth?

It’s hard to predict exactly what your property will sell for but there are ways to get a good estimate. Take a look at recent sale prices of similar properties in your area to get a general idea of what your property could be worth. Keep in mind that there are a number of things that influence property prices and even identical properties in the same street can sell for different prices because of different buyers around at the time, or slight property variations such as views of house features.

How can I improve my selling price?

There are a number of ways to help attract a higher selling price. One of the easiest ways is to make sure that your property presents well at sale time. It’s also worth taking your time finding the right real estate agent. Having a skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side could help you attract a significantly higher sale price than someone who doesn’t understand the area well.

What can I do to prepare my property for sale?

You only get one chance to make a good first impression so make sure it’s a good one. Before putting your property on the market take the time to clean up, de-clutter and possibly give your property a fresh coat of paint. You may like to approach an agent before preparing your property to help give you tips and advice that will help your property look its best.

In this issue

How to move homes on the cheapTop 4 selling questions answered Is it time to update your home?

Professionals Taylors Lakes Shop 27, 3 Melton Hway, Taylors Lakes

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Taylors Lakes

Moving can be a significant cost for a lot of households, and yet many people forget to factor the cost of moving into their budget.

While moving can be an expensive endeavour, there are ways to move homes for next to nothing.

A few tips to keep moving costs down:

Move with less

Moving is a lot easier when there isn’t a lot of stuff to transport from place to place. Before you move aim to do a big clean out. Go through each room of your home and throw away anything you won’t need at your new address. There’s no point paying to transport items that will just sit around in your new home gathering dust.

Use creative packing methods

Packaging costs can add up quickly, but you

How to move homes on the cheap

may already have a number of items you can use for packaging in your home. Things like bags, suitcases or laundry containers could be suitable moving containers. It’s also worth asking local shops if they have any cardboard boxes to spare.

Rope in family and friends

Removalists are one of the biggest costs of moving so call up family and friends to see

if they can lend a hand with your move. A friend with a truck or ute will be particularly handy.

Get several quotes

If you need to use removalists then shop around first. Try to get at least 3 quotes before deciding which removalist offers the best value for you. Don’t forget to find out exactly what a removalist’s costs includes and make sure they are insured.

Most homes could do with a refresh every few years or so depending on how well they are maintained or the quality of the items within it.

But how do you know when a property’s interior has reached its use-by date?

Interior and exterior paint

There are many different ideas on how often a home should be repainted. Some people like to repaint every few years to keep their property modern and up-to date with the latest colour trends, however if kept in good condition paint could potentially last for 10-15 years.

The durability of paint will depend on a number of factors such as the surface the paint is on, the type of paint used and the local climate but if you notice any signs of wear or tear such as chipping or painting

then a new paint job is probably overdue.

Flooring

Flooring will wear out faster or slower depending on whether they are in high traffic areas or if there are young children and pets in the home.

Carpets tend to wear out faster than other floor types and will normally last about 10 years however may need replacing sooner if they’re showing any signs of aging or have any rips, stains, tears or odours. To extend the life of your carpets make sure to clean them regularly.

Household appliances

Most common household appliances will last about 10 years. You will know if you need to replace them sooner as they will stop doing their job as effectively as they used to.

Even if an appliance is in working order it might be worth replacing for a more modern or energy efficient appliance.

Kitchens and bathrooms

While kitchens and bathrooms can last for years and years, they often give away the age of a home. If you’re looking for a simply update then you may just need to repaint surfaces or replace handles or faucets.

If you think you need to replace major things like cabinetry or bench tops it could be a good time for a total overhaul as you will already be dealing with construction mess and it may not cost much extra.

Is it time to update your home?

Professionals Companies, members, directors, offices and employees do not give warranty to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information provided in this newsletter and shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result of anyone relying on information provided in this newsletter. Professionals recommends you seek advice from your own financial, taxation, and legal advisors before entering into financial or other transaction. E. & O. E.

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