Five tips to help sell your home fast

A QUICK sale is always a favourable outcome for people putting their homes on the market.

Yet there are many things that can affect your success with finding a buyer, whether it be where you live (city properties tend to shift faster than those in rural areas), or the type of property you own (houses sell faster than apartments).

According to research by Realestate.com, more than 60 per cent of properties put on the market in Queensland last year sold within 90 days, slightly less than the national average of 68 per cent.

About 16 per cent managed to sell within 30 days.

But what if your home is lingering in the bottom 40 per cent of properties that are failing to keep pace with the rest?

The chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland Antonia Mercorella said there are things homeowners can do to help to speed up a sale.

1. Speak to a local agent before listing.

Ms Mercorella said using a local agent is crucial because their knowledge of the properties in an area, and what they are worth, will be superior to an out-of-town agent.

“A local agent will have the answers to questions that buyers are likely to ask, such as what schools are available nearby, is there any public transport, and are there any local shopping centres and cafes,” she said.

“A local agent will have a true understanding of the value of properties in your area.”

They are also likely to hold a database of prospective buyers.

2. Get the price right.

Valuing your property too high is one of the main reasons they sit on the market for long periods. “There are many reasons vendors do this,” Ms Mercorella said.

“They may need to achieve a certain amount to make a profit, they may have spent a lot of money on renovations, or they may simply have an emotional attachment to their home that stops them from being realistic about its value.”

Don’t let these things cloud your judgment.

Instead, seek appraisals from multiple agents and ensure they are comparative with sales in the area.

“This will give you a more objective view and help you to understand why your home should be priced at a particular point, and in turn, sell much quicker,” she said.

3. Improve your kerb appeal.

“First impressions count and the first thing potential buyers are going to see is the front yard,” Ms Mercorella said.

Unkempt grass, children’s toys and bins out the front make your home appear messy and uncared for.

“This can put potential buyers off before they step foot inside.”

She advised to keep lawns trimmed and toys and rubbish out of sight, so anyone driving past has a positive impression.

4. Declutter, because less is more.

Forget knick-knacks and family portraits.

These, while precious to you, mean nothing to a potential buyer.

Don’t throw them away, but stash them temporarily in a cupboard, out of sight.

Ms Mercorella said this was a simple way to improve the look of your home.

“Removing unnecessary items can make your home appear larger and more modern. It’s also a good idea to keep decor neutral, to appeal to a wider variety of tastes.”

5. Take advantage of advertising.

Many sellers try to avoid advertising to save on costs, but Ms Mercorella said it could dramatically reduce the amount of time your home stayed on the market.

“Advertising offers a preview of your home and has the potential to draw buyers in. At the end of the day, getting as many eyeballs on the property will help you get the best price possible.”