In our last issue, we gave you tips on marketing your HDB flat – the first step to selling your home. This issue, we tell you everything else you need to know when preparing your flat for sale.
• Leave potential buyers with a good first impression of your home. Ensure the necessary repairs and beautifications are done — ideally before an evaluation is conducted, so you can set the best possible asking price.
• Expect calls from potential buyers and property agents. Hiring an agent is not compulsory, but if you decide against it, you must be familiar with the technicalities and paperwork involved. If you have no agent but your buyer does, the commission will be paid by him, not you; agents cannot represent both buyer and seller.
• Apart from a presentable home and attractive selling price, good relationships with potential buyers are important. Welcome them and allow them to view the flat undisturbed, but stay nearby to answer their questions. Also, prepare for some buyers to ask to view your home at odd hours; they want to see then neighbourhood at certain times of the day, and accommodating this will work to your advantage.
• A minor but common sellers’ oversight is the follow-up. A buyer’s final decision could depend on a follow-up call from the seller. Some buyers may not have time to revisit your home, and your call could seal the deal. Even if it doesn’t, their positive experience means they may pass your details to their friends. The chance of closing a deal through a referral is greater than through a cold sale, so boost your credibility with top-notch customer service.
• When viewing your home, some buyers will offer you prices different from what you’ve quoted. As such, it is important to establish a negotiable price range with which you are comfortable. If you hire an agent, he will assist you in the negotiation process. If not, you ought to possess considerable
haggling skills.
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This article was first published in the print version The PropertyGuru News & Views. Download PDF of full print issues or read more stories now! | ||