It is best to sell your home as soon as possible to get the highest possible price. It isn’t always easy to ensure a smooth transaction due to the many factors involved.

You can increase your chances for a quick sale by planning well. Experts suggest that you sell your house within the first few weeks after it is put on the market. Your chances of selling your home quickly can be reduced by letting it sit on the market for too long. Potential buyers might think that there is something wrong.

Experts recommend that home sellers take the following steps to avoid this problem:

1. Pricing your home accurately

Although price is the main factor that can drive a sale quickly, many homeowners make the common mistake by setting unrealistic prices which only drives away potential buyers.

Experts advise you to research comparable homes in your neighborhood to help you determine the true value of these properties. It is also advisable to get a professional property valuation, so you can have an accurate estimate of your home’s value. A professional real estate agent will give you an objective assessment of the value of your house.

CoreLogic’s home value index recently was released. It shows the fastest increase in property prices for 32 years. Here are the average house prices in key cities and regions, according to financial analytic firm’s the March index:

Change in dwelling values

 

Month

Quarter

Annual

Total return

Median value

Sydney

3.7%

6.7%

5.4%

7.9%

$928,028

Melbourne

2.4%

4.9%

0.7%

3.6%

$736,620

Brisbane

2.4%

4.8%

6.8%

11.3%

$548,260

Adelaide

1.5%

3.2%

8.6%

13.1%

$486,555

Perth

1.8%

5.0%

6.0%

10.8%

$505,850

Hobart

3.3%

7.6%

12.5%

18.0%

$548,686

Darwin

2.3%

5.4%

14.2%

19.9%

$451,408

Canberra

2.8%

6.0%

12.1%

16.7%

$727,032

Capitals combined

2.8%

5.6%

4.8%

8.1%

$693,936

Regional combination

2.5%

6.3%

11.4%

16.6%

$448,819

National

2.8%

5.8%

6.2%

9.7%

$614,768

Knowing the value of your home will help you market it correctly and put you in a strong position to negotiate.

2. The best time to list your home

A long-standing question has been a problem for sellers: When is the best time to sell my house? Experts believe spring is the best season to sell, due to the warm weather and abundance of properties. Autumn is second. Summer – because it coincides with the holiday season – and winter – because of cold weather – are not considered ideal if you are looking for a quick sale.

Realestate.com.au has recently found that selling property at the end the year is the best, with the best times being between October and December. According to the research, homes sold in these months receive the highest average prices, which are 5% to 6% higher than those in January – the “statistically cheapest” month.

In Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart, the time of sale is crucial. Homes can sell between 8 and 10% more in this quarter.

“There are a few reasons why these property markets display such strong seasonal effects,” wrote Paul Ryan, economist with REA Insights, in the analysis. “As well as prices generally going up through the year, in Sydney and Melbourne, spring brings auction season, often cited as when the weather is nicest, and properties look their best. This may inspire buyers to pay more later in the year.”

“Properties sold in January are also often those that failed to find a buyer in the previous spring season, making sales at other times of the year look particularly good,” he added.

The analysis revealed that selling time is less important in other parts of the country, but prices are still highest between October and December. While monthly differences are minimal in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, home prices in Perth fall during winter. Ryan says that sellers in these areas are more flexible about selling their homes.

3. Showcase your home in the best way

Your ability to present your home to buyers can have a significant impact on how quickly it sells. These are some tips to help you make your home standout from the rest.

Marketing is important

When it comes to selling your house, bad advertising is a no-no. If you can afford it, hire a real estate photographer to capture your property’s best features. Professional photos are more appealing online and can drive inquiries. Make sure you give a complete description of your property. Include details such as the number of rooms and the home’s size. Don’t forget to include important points like recent renovations. It is also possible to include nearby amenities such as schools, hospitals, shops, public transport, and other services.

Home-staging

Home-staging is often viewed as an expensive endeavor. It can be costly to ignore it. Staging your home can be a cost-effective way to increase the value of your property. It doesn’t always have to cost a lot. There are several simple hacks you can do – such as tidying up the streetscape, eliminating clutter, and letting in as much light as possible – to make your home attractive to potential buyers.

Renovations and repairs

Potential buyers want turnkey properties. This means they need a property they can move in immediately. If your home has unfinished or neglected repairs – such as leaking roof, holes in the wall, squeaking doors, and stained paintwork – these can scare off many buyers. You can attract buyer interest by completing the basics before you sell your home.

It is best to consult your agent before you start renovating your home in order to maximize its value. You may be able to increase your property’s worth beyond what buyers would pay to live in your neighborhood.