Your home is your largest investment and your most important asset. Before making one of the biggest decisions of your and your family’s life, there are some very important aspects to consider:
• Make sure you receive at least three valuations, do not accept one person’s valuation even if they are the area expert.
• Attend showdays in the area – compare prices and marketing strategies.
• Do not ask too much for the property. This has a negative effect and your property will be left unvisited while others get snapped up fast.
• Ask your agent for the comparative market analysis or computer-assisted valuation.
• Once you have determined an asking price, advertise slightly higher to allow for negotiation. Agents have access to sales records, and if you stay in a complex, find out what other units in your complex have sold for.
• Set a time limit. People should be looking every day. If the property is attracting no interest you need to get involved. Ask the agent for their advertising reference numbers on the internet and look at the advertising through the buyer’s eyes.
Keep in mind value is determined by proximity to schools, shops and places of relevance. Exposure means a sale so you need to have “for sale” boards and all the advertising you can get to get the best price. Ask the agent what works best for them.
Adrienne Milner is the owner of Weltevreden Park-based real estate agents A. Milner Realty.
