Selling your home is a journey with several key milestones, and the smoother that journey is, the better the result.
The most common mistake many sellers make is attempting to navigate the process on their own. Spending too much time researching prices and perfecting their home before seeking professional guidance. In reality, the earlier you bring in your team of licensed professionals, the better.
Your real estate agent and conveyancer spend their days dealing with sales just like yours. They understand how to get the best results, avoid pitfalls, and provide valuable insights that can save time, money, and stress. Your real estate agent's industry connections — from tradespeople and building inspectors to photographers and home stylists — can help you present your property in the best possible light.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the selling process, highlighting when to engage your key advisors.
1. Choosing your real estate agent
The first step in your selling journey should be selecting an experienced real estate agent. They will provide expert advice on pricing, marketing, and negotiation, guiding you through the process to achieve the best outcome.
✔ Select an agent with whom you have strong rapport.
✔ Gain a clear understanding of their marketing strategy.
✔ Formalise an agency agreement through your chosen agency.
2. Setting the right price
Your real estate agent will assess the current market and provide a pricing strategy tailored to your home. Whether you opt for an auction or private treaty, their expertise ensures your property is positioned competitively.
✔ Market appraisal and pricing strategy
✔ Review recent property sales in your area
✔ Decide on the best method of sale
3. Contracts and legal requirements
Engaging a conveyancer or solicitor early means you’ll be prepared when home buyers show interest. They handle legal documentation, explain cooling-off periods, and ensure a legally sound transaction.
✔ Engage a conveyancer or solicitor
✔ Prepare the contract of sale
✔ Manage cooling-off periods and buyer conditions
4. Preparing your home for sale
This step is where many sellers hesitate, often over-investing in improvements that don’t add value. Your real estate agent can provide a list of high-impact changes, connect you with trusted trades, and guide you on what’s worth your time and money.
✔ Decluttering and depersonalising
✔ Minor repairs and touch-ups
✔ Enhancing street appeal
✔ Professional styling or staging (if needed)
5. Launching your marketing campaign
Your real estate agent will develop a marketing strategy to attract the right home buyers, using professional photography, online listings, social media, print advertising, and open homes to maximise exposure.
✔ Professional photography and marketing materials
✔ Online listings and advertising
✔ Scheduling open homes and private inspections
✔ Managing enquiries and buyer interest
6. Receiving and negotiating offers
Your real estate agent will handle buyer inquiries, negotiate offers, and advise on the best course of action. Their negotiation skills and market knowledge can make a significant difference in the final sale price that’s achieved for your property.
✔ Review offers and buyer conditions
✔ Negotiate price and terms
✔ Accept an offer
7. Exchange of contracts
Once you accept an offer, contracts are exchanged, and the buyer pays a deposit. This stage legally binds the home sale, with key dates set for the settlement period.
✔ Sign and exchange contracts
✔ Receive the buyer’s deposit
✔ Understand key settlement dates
8. Settlement period
During this period, any conditions (such as finance approvals or repairs) are met, and the buyer completes their final inspections before settlement day.
✔ Meet any agreed conditions
✔ Prepare for the handover
✔ Final buyer inspections
9. Finalising the home sale
Settlement day marks the completion of the property sale, with legal and financial transactions finalised. Your conveyancer or legal advisor acts as the liaison with the bank, ensuring that all financial aspects are settled correctly, while your real estate agent manages communication between you and the home buyer. Once confirmed, keys are handed over, and the property officially changes hands.
✔ Legal and financial transactions completed
✔ Handover of keys and property to the buyer
Key takeaway: Get expert guidance early
Bringing in your real estate agent and conveyancer early is the best way to streamline your home sale. They know the process inside out, have access to industry professionals, and can provide guidance that saves time and money. Selling a home is a major financial transaction—make sure you have the right team on your side to maximise your result.
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