1. Prepare Your Property
☐ Declutter and clean
Remove personal items and deep clean your home to make it more appealing to potential buyers.
☐ Make necessary repairs
Fix any obvious issues that might deter buyers or lower your property’s value.
☐ Consider home improvements
Evaluate cost-effective upgrades that could increase your home’s value. For renovation advice, visit: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/
☐ Arrange professional styling (optional)
Consider hiring a professional to stage your home for maximum appeal.
2. Determine Your Home’s Value
☐ Research comparable sales
Look at recent sales of similar properties in your area. Your state’s land registry office may provide this information.
☐ Get a professional appraisal
Consider hiring a licensed property valuer for an accurate estimate.
☐ Check your property’s estimated value online
Use government resources like the NSW Valuer General’s property sales information: https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/services/sales-explorer.htm
3. Legal and Financial Preparation
☐ Engage a conveyancer or solicitor
Hire a legal professional to handle the sale process and protect your interests.
☐ Gather necessary documents
Collect property title, mortgage documents, council rates, and any building approvals or warranties.
☐ Check your mortgage situation
Determine if you’ll face any early repayment fees. The ASIC MoneySmart website offers guidance: https://moneysmart.gov.au/home-loans/switching-home-loans
☐ Understand tax implications
Learn about potential capital gains tax. Visit the ATO website for information: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Capital-gains-tax/
4. Choose a Selling Method
☐ Decide between private sale or auction
Research the pros and cons of each method for your situation.
☐ Set your asking price or reserve
Based on your research and professional advice, determine your ideal sale price.
5. Market Your Property
☐ Hire a real estate agent
Decide whether to sell yourself or engage an agent. If hiring an agent, check their license on your state’s real estate authority website.
☐ Prepare marketing materials
Arrange for professional photos and write a compelling property description.
☐ List your property
Choose appropriate online and offline platforms to advertise your home.
6. Open Home and Inspections
☐ Prepare for open homes
Clean, tidy, and stage your home for potential buyers.
☐ Be flexible with inspection times
Accommodate potential buyers’ schedules where possible.
☐ Collect feedback
Ask for comments from viewers to understand any concerns.
7. Negotiate and Accept an Offer
☐ Review and compare offers
Carefully consider all aspects of each offer, not just the price.
☐ Negotiate terms
Work with buyers (or through your agent) to agree on price and conditions.
☐ Accept an offer
Once you’re satisfied with the terms, formally accept the offer.
8. Contract Exchange
☐ Review the contract of sale
Have your conveyancer check the contract before you sign.
☐ Sign the contract
Once you’re comfortable with all terms, sign the contract of sale.
☐ Receive the deposit
Ensure the agreed deposit is paid into the correct trust account.
9. Prepare for Settlement
☐ Fulfill contract conditions
Complete any agreed repairs or other conditions specified in the contract.
☐ Cancel or transfer utilities
Arrange for services to be disconnected or transferred to your new address.
☐ Organise moving arrangements
Book a removalist or arrange to move your belongings.
10. Complete Settlement
☐ Conduct final inspection
Allow the buyer to do a final property inspection before settlement.
☐ Attend settlement or authorise representation
Your conveyancer will usually attend on your behalf to complete the property transfer.
☐ Hand over keys and documentation
Ensure all keys, remotes, and relevant documents are ready for the new owner.
11. Post-Settlement Tasks
☐ Confirm sale proceeds
Check that the funds have been correctly transferred to you.
☐ Update your address
Notify relevant organisations of your new address. Visit the Australian Government’s website for a change of address checklist: https://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/public-safety-and-law/change-of-address
☐ Keep records for tax purposes
Maintain files of all sale-related documents for tax reporting. The ATO provides guidance on record-keeping: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/In-detail/Keeping-your-tax-records/
By following this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for selling your home. Remember, our conveyancing team is here to guide you through the legal aspects of your property sale every step of the way.