SELLING SUCCESSFULLY

Here's what to consider when selling your home

Be prepared to listen to the market (buyers) about the value of your home HERSCHEL JAWITZ, CEO, JAWITZ PROPERTIES

If you want the process of selling your home to go as smoothly as possible, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are our top five expert tips on how to sell successfully.

Approach a qualified real estate agent with experience in your area to conduct a market-related valuation of your property. According to Bill Rawson, chairman, Rawson Property Group, training and experience levels can greatly affect the accuracy of a valuation, so it's worth choosing an estate agent who knows the industry. "Many people choose to have a selection of agents value their property," he says, "but don't be too surprised if their numbers don't all line up."

If you want to sell, make sure you are a genuine seller. "Be prepared to listen to the market (buyers) about the value of your home. An uncertain seller usually ends up sending mixed messages to the market about what price they will accept and can destroy value in their home, not creating value," says Herschel Jawitz, CEO, Jawitz Properties.

Ensure your home is priced to sell. "This is particularly critical in the current market, in which buyers are being picky and are carefully watching out for appropriate homes to come up for sale. If they feel the home is overpriced, they simply will not consider it as an option," says Jonathan Davies, joint area manager, Pam Golding Properties Hyde Park.

Make improvements that are needed like tidying up the garden or fixing broken fixtures. "Speak to an experienced estate agent, though, before you undertake any serious renovations or upsize your home in order to ensure that you don't overcapitalise for the area that you are living in," says Steve van Wyk, managing director, Seeff Centurion.

Choose a sole agent. "You will always receive better service from a dedicated person who is guaranteed of a result, rather than many who do not concentrate on your property. Investigate what marketing plan the agent has in mind for the property," says Lew Geffen, chairman, Sotheby's International Realty in South Africa.