FAQ'S
At Independent Estate Agents we are here to help. If you would like more tips and advice on how to help create the best result for you please contact our office.
​
​
How much is my property worth?
Every property is unique, as we are aware. Look at nearby recent sales, as we strongly advise. observe comparable property auctions. Additionally, keep an eye on the local newspapers for results.
Before recommending a price range and the most effective method of sale, we will review each comparable sale using our own sales database, to which we have access. Before making our best and most accurate assessment, we consider the most recent economic indicators, the market's condition, the volume of buyers currently active, and the social and political trends. Every step of the way, we'll be there to help you. And exceeding your expectations is always our ultimate objective..
​
How much do you charge?
One of the most crucial transactions you will make is selling your primary residence or investment property. It's crucial that you choose a selling agent based on more than just the agent's fee; instead, consider the agent's professional demeanor, level of expertise, and influence and support they have within the organisation they represent.
A percentage of the gross selling price is typically applied to the selling fees, which are typically negotiated. As your lead agent, it will be our responsibility to bring in as many potential buyers as we can. Experience has taught us that setting a competitive selling price gives us the chance to invite businesses outside of the Ray White group as well as local and national offices to help with the sale.
​
Marketing – How important is it?
Selling your property depends heavily on its marketing. You have even better chances of getting an exceptional result at Independent Estate Agentsthanks to our targeted, well-balanced marketing campaign and access to our large database of interested buyers.
To fit your property and needs, our agents and marketing team will design a suitable campaign. Due to our agency profile and established relationships with all media outlets, we are able to negotiate the most favorable rates for all print and online media. Additionally, thanks to these connections, we can offer you free, top-notch editorial opportunities.
When marketing engenders a sense of urgency and excitement, great sales are, as we all know, made. Something is obvious. Sometimes, the distinction between a good and a great result can be made by strategically positioned and well-planned marketing.
​
How about the way the property is presented?
​
And timing?
The best time to sell does not heavily rely on seasonal factors. A sale in Winter can be just as successful as one in Summer because there are just as many properties available during Winter as there are during Spring and Autumn, which leaves the other months of the year with less stock.
Your own circumstances can sometimes dictate timing.
Some customers attempt to time the market in the hopes of a better period in the future. We have found that given how unpredictable markets can be, this is not always a wise move.
A competent agent will be able to present reliable evidence of the most recent conditions if there are any segments of a market change.
​
What about security during open for inspections?
Although there haven't been any significant occurrences for our group in this regard, we'd still rather be cautious. We take this problem extremely seriously. To ensure the security of your home, we take extensive measures. Everybody who comes in has their name and phone number taken. We now have a database of potential buyers that we can access in the event that an offer is made on the property. We also advise taking sensible precautions like putting away any pocket-sized items and small valuables.
​
How do I set the reserve price?
We think a thorough marketing effort will enable the reserve price to be determined. Active buyer feedback will offer a competitive price range indicating the property's general market acceptance.
Prior to the auction date, we as your agent carefully consult with you to determine the reserve price. Naturally, it takes into account your minimum price expectations as well as any pre-auction offers.
Prior to the auction date, the reserve price must be decided upon. Additionally, we'll ask for your final approval in the auction room as the bids are being placed. Effective methods for deciding on a reasonable reserve are part of ongoing discussions between you and your agent as the auction date approaches.
​
For an auction, is there a cooling off period?
The winning bidder must agree to the terms of the sale contract and give you a deposit as soon as the hammer drops. The deposit can range between 5 and 10 percent, or it can be negotiated. At auctions, buyers do not have a right of withdrawal. The cooling-off period is still not applicable if contracts are exchanged the same day that the property is transferred but before the property is transferred.
​
What is a selling agency agreement?
You and the selling agency enter into a selling agreement. It outlines the selling fee, the advertising budget, and everything else we will do on your behalf. Along with our anticipated selling price or price range for your property, it also details how and when we will be paid. The agency agreement becomes binding when the principal (that is, you as the owner/s of the property, or someone who is legally acting for you) and the agent have signed it. There is then a cooling-off period of one business day during which you can cancel (or ‘rescind’) the agreement.
Saturday is included for the purposes of the cooling off period, but public holidays are not. The cooling-off period starts when you sign the agreement and ends at 5pm on the next business day or Saturday.
​
When is the commission for the sale payable?
The commission must be paid at the time of settlement, according to the agency agreement.
This typically means that it is paid once the remaining balance of the purchase price has been received by you or your attorney on the predetermined date.
​
What legal documentation must I prepare?
Your lawyer or conveyancer will prepare all legal paperwork for you.
We advise against placing a real estate listing until your Section 32 is ready. The section 32 includes copies of the title documents, the local council's zoning certificate, and the rates.
The section 32 will be available at the agent’s office and all buyer inspections.
​
What happens after the sale?
The legal aspect of selling a house is exchanging sale contracts. Both section 32 and the sale contract must be signed by both of you. The buyer shall pay a deposit at the time of signing. A crucial step in the sale process is the exchange of contracts. Until signed copies of the contract are exchanged, neither the buyer nor the seller are legally obligated.
​
What is the cooling off period?
Following the exchange of contracts, residential property buyers typically have three working days to make changes to the transaction.
The agent must deliver copies of the signed contract to each party, their attorney, or conveyancer within two business days if the agent arranges for the exchange of contacts. The seller has no right to a refund. Sellers are typically obligated to complete the agreement once contracts have been exchanged. When buying at an auction, there is no refund policy.
What is settlement and when does it take place?
The full payment of the purchase price (less the initial deposit) is referred to as settlement. Settlement can take place at any time following the sale, as long as both the buyer and the seller are in agreement. After the exchange of contracts, it typically happens six weeks later.
As a client, you have full control over the settlement period. It is usually decided prior to the signing of contract.
During the marketing campaign, prospective buyers frequently have questions about the settlement period. Even pre-auction negotiations may include it.
We take this as a good sign as your agent. It offers more details about potential buyers. It enables us to have a more in-depth conversation with them. It helps us understand their situation and ability to move forward more clearly.
​
What if the property I am selling is rented out?
We have the skills to handle all situations regarding tenanted properties. We can manage and negotiate with tenants to gain access to the property during the course of the marketing campaign. We approach them with empathy and respect, and we fully uphold their right to privacy. Typically, we find that tenants are accommodating and that we can meet everyone's needs.
​
Should I buy before I sell my current property?
If the situation permits it, selling before you buy makes sense in our opinion.
You no longer have to worry about meeting time commitments as a client, which may affect your expectations regarding price. The advantage of knowing how much you can spend on your purchase is also made possible by it. Our clients experience much less stress when they sell before they buy, in our opinion.