Selling property? Here's what you'll need to do

If you've decided to sell your home, then exciting times lie ahead! Whether you're planning on moving to a different area or to a retirement home, you want the process of selling your property to be as quick, smooth and affordable as possible. The CSi Property Group provides a quick guide to the process of selling property.

Choose the right property practitioner and decide on an asking price

The first step in the journey to selling your home is choosing the right property practitioner. Find someone who you feel comfortable with and don't forget to ask what percentage of commission they will charge, because this varies slightly from agency to agency. Once you have chosen your property practitioner, he or she will provide a valuation of your home. This will be based on various factors, including the size and condition of your home, the safety and value offered by your neighbourhood and prevailing market conditions. Pricing your home correctly from the start is an important step in finding your buyer.

Selling property through a real estate agent means that you'll need to pay the agent a commission after the sale has gone through. While it's easy to be tempted to avoid this by selling your property privately, it's worth remembering that working with a property practitioner takes a lot of stress off your shoulders. For starters, they invest time and money in photographing and marketing your property and put their expertise to use to ensure that every aspect of your sale runs smoothly. Over and above this, they will have access to a pool of buyers interested in your area.

The paperwork that you'll need to sell a property

A transaction as big as selling a property unfortunately doesn't come without paperwork. For starters, you'll need proof of your identity, the title deed for the property (if you have finished paying off your bond and have this document in your possession) or details of your current bond, if you still have one. You will also need to complete a form about the fittings, contents and condition of your property. If you are working with a property practitioner, he or she should provide this form and help you fill it in accurately.

Over and above the abovementioned documents, you will need to obtain an array of compliance certificates for your home. Your property practitioner will help you with this process. The list of compliance certificates you'll need includes the following:

• Electrical certificate of compliance
• Electric fence certificate (if applicable)
• Water installation certificate
• Gas certificate (if applicable)
• Beetle-free certificate

Obtaining these compliance certificates only becomes necessary once you have found a buyer and signed an offer to purchase agreement.

Market and stage your property

Once the property is officially on the market, your property practitioner will be bringing would-be buyers around to view it. Make sure that your home is as tidy as possible when viewers come to your home, and put away as many family photos and personal trinkets as you can. This helps the would-be buyer envision your home as their home. Other trusted staging tactics include decluttering your space, adding an element of freshness with some potted plants and ensuring that each room has a defined purpose.

Taking care of admin

There are various administrative elements that go into selling your home. For starters, if you still have a home loan, you will need to notify your bank that you intend to settle the debt. Many banks will require a notification period of around 90 days of your intention to cancel. If you don't notify them in time, you can be liable to pay a penalty. There is also a bond cancellation fee that will need to be paid to the cancellation attorneys.

Selling your property is a process that can be both exciting and daunting. Take the stress out of the equation by entrusting your sale to one of the CSi Property Group's experienced property practitioners. Contact us today for more information.