How selling
actually works.

1

Get an appraisal

Before you do anything else, get a realistic assessment of your property's market value. Be wary of agents who give you an inflated number to win your listing — this is called "buying the listing" and it nearly always ends in a price reduction and a longer time on market. An honest appraisal upfront is far more valuable.

2

Choose your method of sale

In SA the two main methods are private treaty (set asking price with negotiation) and auction. Private treaty suits most properties and gives buyers time to arrange finance. Auction can work well in a strong market or for unique properties where it's hard to set a price. We'll discuss what's right for your situation.

3

Prepare your property

First impressions count — both online and at inspections. This doesn't mean a full renovation. Often the highest-return work is cleaning, decluttering, fresh paint where needed, tidy garden and professional photography. I'll walk through the property with you and give you honest advice on what's worth doing and what isn't.

4

Set the right price

Pricing is the single most important factor in how quickly you sell and what you achieve. A correctly priced property attracts multiple buyers, creates competition and often sells at or above asking. An overpriced property loses momentum quickly — buyers move on and price reductions signal weakness.

5

Marketing and listing

Your property will be listed on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au with professional photography. We'll discuss signage, open home timing and any supplementary marketing. The goal is to reach every genuine buyer who's looking for a property like yours in this area.

6

Open homes and inspections

I'll conduct open homes and private inspections and give you regular, honest feedback from buyers. If the feedback is consistently the same — price, presentation, or something specific about the property — I'll tell you straight so you can make an informed decision.

7

Receiving and negotiating offers

I'll present all offers to you and explain each one clearly. I'll give you my honest read on each buyer and help you negotiate the best outcome — not just the highest price, but the right combination of price, conditions and settlement date for your situation.

8

Under contract through to settlement

Once contracts are signed, your conveyancer will handle the legal side. There may be conditions to be satisfied (finance, building inspection). I'll keep you updated throughout and help manage any issues that arise. Settlement is typically 30–90 days after contracts are signed.

Preparing your
property to sell.

Not every seller needs to spend money preparing their property. But some targeted improvements can make a real difference to buyer perception. Here's how I think about it:

Worth doing

  • Deep clean throughout
  • Declutter and depersonalise
  • Fresh paint in neutral tones
  • Tidy garden and kerb appeal
  • Fix obvious defects (dripping taps, broken handles)
  • Professional photography

Think carefully about

  • Full kitchen or bathroom renovation
  • New carpet throughout
  • Major landscaping
  • Extensions or structural work

These can add value but the cost-to-return ratio isn't always there. Ask me before you spend.

Costs of
selling.

Agent commission

Commission is a percentage of the sale price, negotiated with your agent upfront. In SA it typically ranges from 1.5–2.5% depending on the property and agent. Always clarify what is and isn't included.

Marketing costs

Portal listings (realestate.com.au, domain.com.au), photography and signage. These are typically charged separately from commission. We'll agree on a marketing budget upfront with no surprises.

Conveyancing

A conveyancer or solicitor handles the legal transfer. Budget approximately $1,000–$1,500 for a standard residential sale.

Capital gains tax

Your primary residence is generally exempt from CGT. Investment properties are not. Speak with your accountant about CGT implications before you sell.

Common
questions.

It depends on the property, the price and the market conditions at the time. A well-priced, well-presented property in a sought-after suburb can sell within the first few weeks. An overpriced property can sit for months. Correct pricing from the start is the best way to shorten your time on market.

Generally no. Buyers are more comfortable inspecting a property without the owner present — they'll open cupboards, take their time and have honest conversations with their partner. It's also easier for me to have those conversations with buyers when you're not in the room. Take the dog for a walk.

In SA, sellers are required to provide a Form 1 (vendor's statement) disclosing known material facts about the property — things like easements, council notices, zoning, and encumbrances. Your conveyancer prepares this. It doesn't require you to disclose defects, but agents have a duty not to mislead buyers.

Yes. Some sellers prefer to sell as-is and price accordingly. This can work well — some buyers actively seek properties they can renovate. The key is that the price reflects the condition accurately. Selling as-is at a realistic price is better than spending money on presentation and pricing it wrong.

Seller checklist

  • Get an honest appraisal
  • Choose method of sale
  • Engage a conveyancer early
  • Prepare and present property
  • Agree on marketing plan
  • Attend agent feedback sessions
  • Review all offers carefully
  • Plan your own next move

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