30th October celebrates Checklist Day! Yes, really… It’s a thing! We think checklists are pretty useful when it comes to selling or buying a property. So, to celebrate the occasion, we’ve decided to share our guide to what should be included in a Seller’s Checklist and a Buyer’s Checklist.
A Seller’s Checklist:
There’s a lot to think about when you’re selling property, so we’ve summarised with our handy seller’s checklist.
Clear the Clutter and Get Ready to Sell:
Preparing your home for sale is an essential part of the process. Carrying out any necessary repairs and maintenance and having a good old tidy up, will ensure that your home looks its very best when you’re ready to present it to the market. Don’t forget to show some love to your section; remember that kerb appeal matters. Prospective purchasers will likely carry out drive-bys before they decide whether to come to an open home.
Choose your Agent:
That’s where we come in! We’re proud of each of our Bayleys Marlborough team members. Each agent brings their unique skill set to the property sales process. Scroll through our blog archives, and you’ll discover many of our agents through the ‘Meet the Team’ articles that are regularly published. Or meet the entire team HERE.
Determine your Price and Process:
You’ll do this with expert input from your chosen agent. Each of our agents comes with a wealth of expert knowledge of the local real estate market. They’ll have access to historical sales data that will ensure that your home is priced to sell in the right timeframe, while also achieving the maximum possible sales price. They’ll also help you determine the correct method of sale. There are several to consider.
- Auctions are a public sale in which property is sold to the highest bidder.
- A tender sets a specific timeframe (usually over a 4-5 week period), which allows purchasers time to carry out their due diligence and then make a formal offer.
- Expressions of interest carry no price and invites both conditional and unconditional offers.
- Finally, by negotiation applies where an asking price is placed on the property and purchasers can make conditional or unconditional offers.
Read more about different methods of sale HERE.
Mull over the Marketing:
At Bayleys Marlborough, our local, national and international marketing initiatives ensure the value of your real estate assets are maximised through superior marketing and complete customer service. As the market specialists, we guarantee innovative multi-channel campaign planning and marketing solutions, to find the best buyer – not simply the first buyer – for your home. We’ll put a marketing plan together that’s tailored to your circumstances and budget.
Contemplate Offers:
One of the last items on your seller’s checklist will be the exciting job of considering your offers. We’ll bring these to you via the Sales & Purchase Agreement. You and your purchasers will both get the chance to add conditions to the sales process. Once you’ve accepted an offer, we’ll hand things over to your legal advisers who will take care of the completion.
Finally, if you’re buying a property, don’t forget you will need to have made a start on the buyer’s checklist!
A Buyer’s Checklist:
Buying a house, whether it’s your first home or not, is always an exciting prospect. But, once again, there’s a lot to consider. Utilising a buyer’s checklist will put you in the best place to find your perfect property.
Get Busy with a Spreadsheet:
A big part of your decision making will come down to budget. So you need to determine precisely what that might be from the very start of the process. If you’re borrowing, pre-approval will give you a greater sense of certainty. Don’t forget to include contingencies in your budget. The property you fall in love with might need some renovation, or you might need to find more furniture if you’re upsizing. A super spreadsheet will help smooth your way!
Make a List:
Yes, it’s a list within your buyer’s checklist! But this time we’re talking about making a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves… When you’re looking for your ideal home, be prepared to compromise on some items, but always know what’s non-negotiable.
Gather your Team:
Here we’re not just talking about your legal and financial representatives. Don’t forget to find yourself a friendly real-estate agent. While we may be paid by vendors, it’s also part of our job to match purchasers with perfect properties.
Get Happy & House Hunt:
As you start to house hunt your weekends will likely begin and end with open homes. Embrace this exciting stage of the buyer’s checklist and plan accordingly. If you can’t make an open home slot, you can always contact the salesperson to arrange a separate viewing.
Do your Due Diligence:
Buying a property is a big step. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, it’s always important to carry out your due diligence. Check out this article from our blog archives which gives you the lowdown on home buyer’s reports.
Make your Offer:
One of the last items on your buyer’s checklist is the exciting prospect of making an offer. Don’t forget to include your legal representation in this essential step of the process.
If you’re thinking of selling or buying, contact the team at Bayleys Marlborough. We can help you navigate the processes involved so you get a fabulous result!
