Thinking of Selling Your Home? All Your Questions Answered
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Thinking of Selling Your Home? All Your Questions Answered
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating or simply ready for a change, selling your home can be an overwhelming decision. But knowing where to start and what to expect along the way is the hardest part, and we’ve got you covered there!
To help you prepare, our market experts have answered some of the most common questions on sellers’ minds. From property value to market timing, here’s what you need to know before taking the next step.
What’s my property really worth?
Understanding your home’s value is key to a successful sale, so it’s important to get the most accurate appraisal possible. While it might be tempting to pop your information into an online calculator and call it a day, you’ll be far better off seeking the help of a local agent.
A professional appraisal looks at everything from recent local sales to land size, layout, condition, features, benefits (including the benefits of ‘invisible value’ not immediately apparent to buyers on inspection), proximity to amenities and more. Your agent will also be able to factor in current buyer trends and market conditions specific to your suburb.
Is now a good time to sell?
While we wish there was a definitive answer to this question, truthfully, the best time to sell is different for everyone. Maybe you’ve just finished renovations, or perhaps you're capitalising on a high-demand market. Some sellers are looking to relocate or need more space for a growing family; others are eager to downsize after the kids have moved out.
Rather than waiting for the ‘perfect’ time in a rapidly changing market, the key is to sell when the timing works for your lifestyle and goals. But if you’re still not sure, reach out to a local agent for a temperature check on the selling conditions of your suburb (we’ll go over buyers’ vs. sellers’ markets shortly, so keep reading).
Do certain seasons sell better than others?
While spring is traditionally the busiest time for listings as buyers love to settle in before Christmas, it’s no longer the only window for success. Each season brings unique advantages:
Spring – Peak buyer demand and beautiful presentation opportunities.
Summer – Serious buyers ready to act before the school year.
Autumn – A strong second wave of activity after summer holidays.
Winter – Less competition, ideal for warm and welcoming homes.
With steady demand throughout the year, your agent can help you choose the right time based on your home’s specific features and local buyer trends.
What do people mean when they refer to a ‘buyer’s market’
or ‘seller’s market’?
If you’re gearing up to sell, chances are you’ve heard these terms thrown around before, each referring to a different kind of market condition.
In a buyer’s market, there’s more supply than demand, which usually leads to a longer time on market and more price negotiation.
In a seller’s market, competition is higher, clearance rates are strong and prices often edge upward.
Interestingly, different suburbs can experience different conditions at the same time, so it’s worth getting hyper-local advice.
What are the different ways I can sell?
There are a few common ways to sell residential property, and the best method will depend on your goals, your property type and local market conditions. Here are the four main options:
Auction – Held publicly at a set date and time, auctions create a sense of urgency and competition among buyers, which can drive the price above reserve if bidding is strong.
Private Treaty – This is the most common selling method in Australia, in which you list your home with an asking price or guide and receive offers from interested buyers via your agent, who will negotiate on your behalf.
Expression of Interest or Tender – Buyers are invited to submit their best offer by a set deadline, creating a sense of exclusivity and allowing sellers to consider all offers privately before entering negotiations.
Off-Market – Your property is marketed discreetly to qualified buyers through agent networks and databases, often resulting in faster, lower-stress sales, especially in high-demand suburbs.
Your agent will guide you through the pros and cons of each approach to help you choose the one that aligns best with your circumstances.
What does a real estate agent actually do?
A good agent is more than just a salesperson – they’re your strategist, negotiator and project manager rolled into one.
At Shead, we handle everything from property appraisals and pricing strategies to staging advice, marketing campaigns, open homes, auctions, negotiations and final handovers. Our goal is to secure the best result with minimal stress for you.
What kind of commission do they charge?
Agent commissions are typically either fixed (a flat percentage of the final sale price) or tiered (a performance-based percentage that scales up if your agent exceeds a certain price threshold). At Shead, our agents will always discuss these options with you upfront so there are no surprises later.
It’s important to note that choosing an agent based on the lowest commission alone can be a costly mistake. A lower fee often reflects less experience, limited marketing resources or reduced commitment – factors that can ultimately lead to a lower sale price and a poorer outcome overall. The right agent will focus on maximising your sale price, not cutting corners.
How do I promote my property effectively?
A strong marketing campaign is essential in attracting not only a lot of buyers, but the right buyers. This typically includes:
- Professional photography and copywriting.
- Targeted and strategically timed online advertising via real estate portals, social media and/or agency websites.
- Eye-catching signboards.
- Brochures and other print advertising, especially for reaching passive buyers.
The right agent will tailor your campaign and its timing to make sure your home stands out from the crowd.
Should I do some market research of my own?
It never hurts to be well-informed. If you want to do some independent research on the market activity of your local area, free tools like CoreLogic, REINSW and OnTheHouse are great places to start. They’ll give you a snapshot of your suburb – what’s selling, how long homes are staying on the market and what buyers are looking for.
But for the most reliable and up-to-date insights, it’s vital that you enlist the help of a trusted agent who lives and breathes the local market (that’s us!).
What happens between signing and settlement?
Once you accept an offer or sell under the hammer, both parties sign a sales contract and the buyer pays a deposit (usually 10%). From there, it’s typically about six weeks to settlement.
During that time, your solicitor or conveyancer will handle the legalities, title checks and final inspections. On settlement day, ownership transfers and the sale are officially complete.
Do I need a solicitor or conveyancer?
Yes. They handle all the legal requirements, including preparing the contract of sale, checking property titles, managing council searches and liaising with the buyer’s legal team. Most importantly, they’ll make sure everything runs smoothly and that your legal interests are protected.
Great! Where to next?
Selling your home is a major milestone, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. At Shead Property, we’re here to guide you through every step with clarity, confidence and care.
Whether you’re ready to sell now or just want to understand your options, reach out to our experienced team today.
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