How to secure the best-possible sale price result

THE Australian housing market seems to be entering a downturn as rising interest rates soften demand.

Cotality – a global information services company specialising in property, real estate and financial data analytics (and formerly known as CoreLogic) – warned about this last month in the media.

While a housing shortage remains, more vendors are putting homes up for sale to avoid further price declines in the market.

Experts warn that a significant correction in property prices would likely coincide with a major economic downturn, which would see rising unemployment.

The Reserve Bank has increased interest rates three times so far this year.

Markets are expecting a further two hikes in 2026.

However, this is very much dependent on what happens with the US-Iran War, and more specifically the Strait of Hormuz.

If the strait remains closed, oil prices will remain high or increase, resulting in pressure on inflation and interest rates.

So, what can sellers do to achieve the best-possible result when selling their homes or investment properties?

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) offers the following great advice, which I agree with fully.

Preparation and pre-listing checklist:

1. Get a comparative market analysis: HME will provide you with this report, covering recent local sales.
2. Order a professional valuation: this will cost sellers a few hundred dollars but provides an independent benchmark of value.
3. Get a building and pest inspection done early: fix issues before they become negotiation hurdles.
4. Check for Queensland smoke alarm compliance: as of 2022, all homes in the state must have interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms.
5. Create a decluttering plan: remove personal items to make rooms look larger. Perhaps family and friends can help store items in theshort term.

I am happy to help with the implementation of the checklist.

Contact me for a confidential, no-obligation meeting or chat if you are looking to sell.

WORDS: James Ball, HME Property Group.

 Call 0422 618 556 or email james@hme.group