Q. When I sell my home how long should I list for? How long is your Agency Agreement and do I have to list my property for 60-120 days?
A. Generally the shorter the period, the safer it is for you the seller. A period between 30 60 days is safest for the seller. Ask your agent how long it is taking to sell property in your area, this is a fair indication of the time frame required any longer and you could find yourself tied to the agent against your wishes. If you wish to extend the agreement at the expiration of the period, you can do so on your terms. If an agent wishes to tie you up to an excessively long listing period you need to question their intent and expertise. Rule of Thumb 42 days is a good listing period. This will allow your agent to find the right buyer for your home.
Q. My property is tenanted. How do I market my property and not scare the tenant?
A. There are specific requirements and set protocol provided by the residential Tenancy Act 1986. You will have the comfort knowing Lovell Real Estate has in-depth knowledge of the Tenants and agents responsibility under the act. At Lovells we extend greater property rights to the Tenant appreciating the Tenants privacy and rights to enjoyment. Tenants love us because we do not do Open Homes and all viewing is by appointment only. We get to know your Tenant and establish the ground rules right from the start respecting their wishes. The last thing you want is for your Tenant to be scared off. Simply the better the relationship with the tenant the easier it is to find the right buyer for you home.
Q. Is it normal for Home sellers to pay up front Advertising costs?
A. Most real estate advertising is a waste of money. Make sure it is not your money. In the past 20 years real estate advertising has increased as much as twenty times. In most areas, the number of sales being made today is the same as twenty years ago. Do not be pressured to pay thousands of dollars upfront for advertising this is needless. Many agents raise their profile and profit at your expense. Since opening our doors Lovell Real Estate has never extracted a single dollar from any consumer in up front fees. Never pay money in advance to an agent for any reason.
Q. Do I have to pay up front fees and Advertising costs prior to selling my property?
A. No definitely not Lovell Real Estate do not request any up front fees or charges. You only pay one set Flat rate Selling fee upon a successful sale and you are delighted with our service.
Q. Do you have Open Homes?
A. Lovell Real Estate opposes Open Home marketing. Open inspections are dangerous. Do not allow anyone into your home unless you have the assurances they have been identified and qualified to your home and they are interested in buying. Your homes privacy and sanctity must be protected at all times. We only show buyers through your home at a time that is suitable. Never Open you home for public inspection.
Q. How can I assure that my Agent is working with my best interests at heart?
A. Get a Client Satisfaction Guarantee. The best agents will gladly guarantee their service.
Q. How can I trust my Agent?
A. A major ingredient in any relationship business or personal is trust. Before you choose your agent, ask many questions, check references, ask for a guarantee, test their negotiating skills and ask yourself a BIG question: “Do I feel comfortable with this person handling the sale of my family home?” If your answer is ‘no’, do not hire the agent. Once you decide on an agent give the agent your trust and confidence. Allow the agent to make decisions and get on with the job of finding the right buyer for your home. If later you lose your trust you can dismiss the agent (providing you received a signed Client Satisfaction Guarantee). In the mean time, show your trust. The best salespeople are worth your trust. They wouldn’t let you down.
Q. How can I be sure that the selling price I have been given by an agent has not been over quoted to win the right to market my home for sale?
A. This is called “buying your business” you may have heard of this, and unfortunately many sellers experience this with the sudden realisation that they have been tied into a 60 –120 day listing. This is a common trick. If you choose an agent based on the selling price they quote you, you may be badly disappointed. In fact the longer your property sits on the market the fewer people view, resulting in most cases, under selling your home to the market. If you suspect that an agent is attempting to “buy” your business with an over estimated sale price, insist they give you their estimate in writing.