Page 27 - SilverLakes_Issue 2_2022

PROPERTY NEWS

BUYING AND SELLING TIPS

Top tips for house hunting: how to ensure you are not overpaying

ll home buyers have two things negotiate within reason rather than just home’s appeal to buyers:
in common: They don’t want to accepting the seller’s asking price. - Declutter
Aget ripped off and they all want - Put away kids’ toys, books, excessive
the best deal. Whatever the state of the Top tips for selling: how to sell your administrative paper/documents that
housing market, it’s especially important to house effortlessly have been lying around for months
make sure you pay a fair price. • Choose the right estate agent for you. - Clean up, make the beds, open the
A good estate agent can do a lot to sell curtains, put away clean and dirty
Before making an offer your house faster and for more money. washing
You need to know how to evaluate the Remember, estate agents already have • Have your house professionally
price of any home, so you can make a lots of potential buyers. Sometimes your photographed. A video will also go a long
sound investment decision. The following house will offer unique characteristics, way. Once again, remember that estate
pointers are important: such as a home office, studio, gym, agents know how best to photograph
• Consider recently sold properties wheelchair-friendly access, etc. Your your house to show off its best features.
• Check out comparable properties on the agent will probably already have a few • A little fixing up goes a long way. Touch
market buyers with those exact requirements up areas with paint where needed,
• Look at unsold comparables (why is a just waiting for the perfect match. replace broken windows and fix hinges
house on the market for too long?) • Carefully consider your asking price. and cupboard doors.
• Learn about market conditions in the Again, get a professional valuation. • Make sure that all areas are accessible
specific area What you’re seeing on property when potential buyers come to view
• Be wary of for-sale-by-owner properties websites is not necessarily comparable the house. No one wants to be told that
• Explore the expected appreciation to your house. It may be worth more or viewing of a certain room/area is not
worth less than what you’re suspecting. possible on a given day.
Ask your real estate agent • Take the emotion out of your
You may feel tempted to buy privately, approach. You may be thinking your Contact us for any advice.
but remember that real estate agents home is worth a certain amount, but be
are professionals with unparalleled sure to get advice from a professional.
market knowledge. They know the • Stage your home. When home
market conditions, comparable available shoppers enter a nicely staged home,
properties, resale values and investment they can imagine themselves living
appreciation prospects. there. Professional staging is not
necessarily required. A few small steps,
Pay attention to your real estate agent’s such as the ones that follow, can go Call: 083 551 7122
advice about price. Be prepared to a long way towards enhancing your Email: leroux.marlie100@gmail.com

INTRAMUROS MARCH 2022 | 25