THIS happened a few years ago…
I had been handed an “unsellable” house listing by another agent who was just plain sick of it.
So, I changed up all of the advertising, sent letters and emails out to my data base and was determined to sell it.
Low and behold, I booked my first viewing – yay!
The house was vacant, but I arrived 20 minutes early to open windows, put on air conditioning and make sure the place was perfect for inspection.
As I came to the door, I could hear the distinct sound of a dog barking inside … Woah? What the …?
I put the key in the lock and the door opened and the tallest woman I have ever seen opened the door and said: ‘Who the hell are you?’
I explained that I was the agent for the house and I was here to show it.
“Then why the hell didn’t you call me,” she said.
“Well, er, the place is vacant?”
“Oh…”
She went on to explain that their house was getting new air conditioning installed and they had come to the house to cool down.
There were three mattresses and board games all over the living room floor along with cups, plates etc.
So quick as a flash, I told them to put the mattresses against the wall in the garage and to hide all the other stuff in cupboards … then go over to the neighbours for a visit.
About 20 minutes later, the “cool, calm, collected” agent answers the door to the prospective buyer and shows them through.
The moral of this story is that presentation of your property when it is for sale is paramount in getting the best possible price.
We, the agents, can control your marketing and advertising but you, the seller, control how good the place will look and what impression the place will leave on the buyer.
It can also determine just how quickly your place will sell.
We have many clients who will get us to view their properties to determine what should be done to the place to maximise the price they can get.
We always say, “Don’t over-capitalise” on what you do to sell the place, and only do things that will improve the price or saleability of the property.
Sometimes just a lick of paint will return substantial returns.
If a place is vacant, it may sell better if it is “staged” by a professional with furniture and accessories so that buyers can imagine themselves living in the place.
So have a chat with an agent and get advice so you can maximise your sale price.
– Lorraine & Brian Martin are Principal Directors of ONE AGENCY The Martins Real Estate Bayside at the front of Capalaba Park Shopping Centre, near Chemist Warehouse.
