Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs to me when selling/buying a property?

The seller of the property would normally be responsible for costs associated with advertising the property, selling fees, conveyancing charges (preparation of legal documents required by both the vendor and purchaser) and a proportion of council rates and charges (called disbursements).

The purchaser pays stamp duty costs and their conveyancing charges, including mortgage fees if appropriate, and a share of the disbursements.

Why should I enter into an agency agreement?

Your property is likely to be your most valuable asset. An agency agreement protects this investment by setting out the terms under which your property will be sold, the obligations of your agent and your responsibilities in the sale process.

This is a requirement of legislation and without the correct authorisation it is illegal for someone to represent you as an estate agent in selling your property.

How do you assess what my property is worth?

We assess your property's worth by using a combination of factors:

by using our knowledge of comparable sales in the area based on a “like for like” scenario by assessing market demand the expected or actual rental return for the property, and by means of summation - adding together the components of your property, e.g. land cost, building cost, special features and fittings and its location.

If requested, an independent sworn valuation of your property can be arranged.

Should I buy first and then sell, or sell and then buy?

All cases are unique and depend on personal circumstances. Whatever your situation, our consultants are trained to provide a recommendation on the most cost effective and responsible approach to moving onto your next property.

The danger with waiting to sell until you have purchased may force you into a tight sales time frame thus reducing the actual price obtained. Conversely, letting go the perfect home for your requirements may cost you more than time and money – it’s a difficult emotional time where we can assist with analytical decision making.

How long does it normally take to sell a property?

If a property is priced to go to the market correctly whereby both parties are “willing but not anxious” to sell and buy, then a result will occur in the most expedient manner. Some properties find their new owner within days; others need a little more time.

Some owners don't want to prolong the sale process; others take longer to evaluate offers before committing to the sale. The short answer is - there is no set time! Conditions include time, money, circumstances and relevant market conditions.

Our responsibility is to present you with the highest and best offer. Through our client care system buyers who are looking for their next properties are registered. We may have the perfect buyer already waiting for your property to become available. Or, it may take time and external marketing to locate your buyer. More likely, it will be a combination of researching our database clients and locating new buyers that will bring forward the best offer.

People buy on emotion and expect to reside in their new property for many years, thus a few thousand here or there is almost irrelevant. The correct marketing of a property will always assist in locating the best buyer for the property.

What's better - private sale or auction?

Private sale is the offering of your property for sale without going to auction. For some families, private sale can be seen as less stressful than the auction process, which involves having to accept or reject an offer on auction day. Private sale allows the time and opportunity for an extended, negotiated outcome.

When auctioning a property the advantage is that, in the majority of cases, the property will be sold in a set time frame. This depends on the uniqueness and differing aspects of the property compared to others in the market.

The auction process usually takes six weeks from placing the property on the market to the day of the auction. Therefore, a marketing plan can be set and costed at the start of the sale process. An auction will often lead to an escalation of price (i.e through competing bids at the auction). A property sold at auction is sold under the terms of an unconditional sale (there is no cooling off period) and it provides for an immediate exchange of contracts.

Another advantage of auctioned properties is that they are usually offered on the owner's terms, including acceptance of the property's condition, owners' instruction as to inclusions (such as drapes) and settlement requirements. Feel free to discuss with your agent the option best suited to your property and your needs.

What is an "Open for Inspection"?

Open for Inspection is the term for set times your property can be openly viewed by prospective purchasers. There may also be a requirement for you to make your property available outside of these times for people who are unable to attend at the nominated times, or who may wish to look over the property more closely with a firmer view of purchasing.

Appleby Group respects the privacy and security of your home and where possible prefers inspections be conducted by private viewing thus benefiting all parties. All prospective purchasers are pre-qualified in their ability to purchase property.

Should I be there during Open for Inspections to answer any questions?

Generally speaking, prospective purchasers feel more comfortable with the owners not being present. As acknowledged worldwide selling a family home is an emotional experience. Allow professionals to do the job they are trained for.

What should I do to present my property in the best possible light?

The important thing is to relax - people are looking to purchase your home, not pass judgement on you! Present your property in what you consider to be its best light.

Generally, a tidy house with gardens or outside areas clear of accumulated household 'treasures' goes a long way in showing off the benefits of your property.

You can be assured that your agent has screened and matched those we show through your property to be receptive to the features and benefits your property offers.

What happens if my property doesn't sell?

If prospective purchasers are showing little or no interest in your property we will review all sale aspects, including our marketing strategy, presentation of the property and the asking price.

We monitor the feedback from potential buyers on all properties for sale with us. Should we find there is a common thread of concern that may be affecting your property's saleability, we will discuss these issues with you and advise you on suitable strategies to overcome these concerns.

The key when marketing any property is to present and price it correctly. No one wants to attract a “lemon” tag nor create buyer diversion.