The Blog

The hidden cost of a cheap agent Choosing an agent when selling your home is a big decision – this is why many people research a few different real estate agencies before they make their choice. Costs can add up quickly when selling your home, which is why some people consider hiring a discount agent to help cut costs. In theory this might sound like a great idea, but the team at Lang Realty have explained why this could end up costing you a lot more money in the long term. What is a discount agent? You’ve probably heard agencies boasting of their capped commission or offering the lowest fees in their area. Sounds like a great deal for sellers, doesn’t it? As the old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. What are the downfalls of a discount agent? Discount agent’s work on a model of stock turnover, which to them equals a steady cash flow. In essence they turn your property into a commodity, focusing on turnover of stock, rather than achieving a high quality result. The discount agent is more concerned with getting the property sold, to survive, regardless of the price. This will often lead to a lower price. After all, why would the agent try to get the highest price for your property when they could get a mediocre price and get the deal done? You might save some money on the agent’s fee, but end up with less money in your pocket after the sale. Don’t forget, the final figure you receive is more important than a lower commission. Furthermore, many agents offer low fees but will have high marketing fees or upfront advertising costs. These additional extras can quickly make low commission fees redundant. At the end of the day, you pay for the service you get. If they are quick to give away their own money, what will they do with your money during negotiations with a potential buyer? The lesson Picking your agent based on a discounted fee is rarely a fail safe option. When selling your home, you want the best possible negotiator – and by definition they don’t work in discount agencies. Do your research and pick an agency that meets all your needs, rather than choosing the cheapest.

How to Present Your Home When Selling  If you’re looking to sell a property, presentation is paramount. Here are some top tips from the team at Lang Realty on how to stand out in the crowd and appeal to potential buyers. First Impressions count When a buyer approach’s your house, the exterior makes the first impression. Overflowing bins, an overgrown yard and piles of shoes near the front door don’t get a good response – your home needs to look loved and cared for from the very beginning. Keep it clean Cleaning your house is a no-brainer. It’s a big mistake to assume buyers can look past a messy kitchen or sticky floor. While you may be accustomed with how your home looks, the first time the buyer sees it – is the memory that sticks. Remove pet hair and pet odours. If you’re unsure if your home has any funny odours, ask a friend to give you an honest opinion. The best smell when selling is fresh, clean air. Cleaning costs nothing – but well worth the effort. De-clutter Stuff seems to accumulate the longer we live in one place. Use moving as a motivator to de-clutter your home and get rid of anything you don’t need. Box up anything you’re not ready to part with and put it in storage. Sell any larger or expensive items on Facebook ‘Buy, Swap & Sell’ pages, listing sites such as Gumtree or hold a garage sale. After all, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure! Not only will de-cluttering help get rid of any unwanted items, it opens up your home to create a more spacious feel. It’ll make your home feel like a loved and well-ordered place to live, exactly what buyers want! Investors included. Routine maintenance Has the number on your letterbox fallen off? Does the front gate get stuck? Do you have a squeaky front door? These may sound like trivial details, but you can bet buyers will notice. While a complete renovation in unnecessary, it is worth taking care of the little things. Finishing touches Showcase your home with simple finishing touches. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic – think streak-free mirrors and clean windows, well lit rooms, fresh flowers or pot plants. Small details can add to the overall image of your home and make it a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.