GOLD COAST HOMEOWNERS
Get Your Property Sold with Confidence
Make 2025 Your Year for Change!
I’m Craig Douglas, part of a strong, dedicated team of Local Independent Gold Coast Real Estate Agents.
Your solution to a successful property sale.
Professional | Knowledgeable | Experienced
You can find me at a Boutique Real Estate Agency, we proudly specialise in Residential Property Sales, Commercial Property Sales, Development Property Sales and Amalgamated Property Sales.
Master your Gold Coast property selling budget with my
HOME SELLING COSTS CALCULATOR
Understanding your property selling costs is crucial for a smooth sale. My calculator provides a personalised estimate of these costs, helping you plan your move effectively without surprises.
TOP 10 QUESTIONS ABOUT
SELLING YOUR HOME ON THE GOLD COAST
1. HOW MUCH ARE GOLD COAST REAL ESTATE COMMISSION RATES AND SHOULD I GO WITH THE CHEAPEST?
Gold Coast real estate commission rates can range from 2% to 4.5% or greater; choosing the right agent is about more than just a percentage. Lower fees may seem attractive at first, but they can sometimes lead to a lower sale price… Check out my full article for more details.
2. HOW CAN I SELL MY HOUSE FAST ON THE GOLD COAST?
You can sell your house fast on the Gold Coast by choosing experienced local Gold Coast real estate agents, setting a realistic selling price, consider an auction, craft an effective marketing strategy… Check out my full article for more details.
3. SHOULD I STAGE MY HOME WHEN I SELL IT ON THE GOLD COAST?
The short answer is yes, you should stage your home when you sell it on the Gold Coast. The benefits of home staging are well documented. Staging can potentially help you sell your home faster, get a higher asking price, make a better first impression, attract more buyers etc. Check out my full article for more details.
4. WHAT ARE THE STEPS INVOLVED IN SELLING A HOUSE ON THE GOLD COAST?
The steps involved in selling a house on the Gold Coast are requesting a Comparative Market Analysis report, setting a marketing budget, approving a Form 6 agreement… Check out my full article for more details.
5. WHAT ARE THE COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN SELLING A PROPERTY ON THE GOLD COAST?
The common pitfalls to avoid when selling a property on the Gold Coast are overpricing, poor presentation, poor marketing, neglecting repairs, misleading information, ignoring curb appeal, unrealistic expectations… Check out my full article for more details.
6. HOW MUCH IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH IN THE CURRENT MARKET ON THE GOLD COAST?
Firstly, you should get a Comparative Market Analysis report, next, look at comparable sales, use online property pricing tools, consider local market trends… Check out my full article for more details.
7. DO I NEED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS OR RENOVATIONS BEFORE LISTING MY PROPERTY FOR SALE ON THE GOLD COAST?
The short answer is, yes, first impressions do matter. Improving the exterior of your property can attract potential buyers and increase its overall appeal… Check out my full article for more details.
8. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRY TO SELL A PROPERTY ABOVE MARKET VALUE ON THE GOLD COAST?
Trying to sell above market value, means that you are limiting your potential buyers to those that are fully cashed up, this is a tiny fraction of the market… Check out my full article for more details.
9. WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHEN SELLING A HOUSE ON THE GOLD COAST
Getting emotional, not hiring local Gold Coast real estate agents, setting an unrealistic price, expecting the asking price, selling during winter, not using quality listing photos, trying to ignore legal requirements, hiding major problems… Check out my full article for more details.
10. WHAT MARKETING STRATEGIES DO YOU RECOMMEND TO ATTRACT POTENTIAL BUYERS?
When selling property on the Gold Coast, effective marketing strategies are crucial to attracting potential buyers and maximising exposure for your property. Check out my full article for more details.
20 STEPS to SELLING your Gold Coast HOME
YOUR JOURNEY TO A SUCCESSFUL GOLD COAST PROPERTY SALE
As your local independent Gold Coast real estate agents, we know that selling your home can be a stressful process, however, with the right steps it can be a smooth, stress-free journey.
My simplified guide will take you through a 20-step process for selling your property anywhere on the Gold Coast; I proudly sell homes across the entire Gold Coast.
So, what are the steps to selling a house on the Gold Coast?
1. PREPARING YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY FOR SALE + SOME OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
- Tidying gardens and decluttering everything inside and out.
- All homes being sold legally require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. Non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarms can be installed in place.
- You will need to complete a pre-contractual disclosure statement: generally related to limitations, restraints, or defects in the property title, such as easements, covenants, leasing, zoning etc.
- A pool safety certificate is required if you have a swimming pool or the property has a shared swimming pool (Body Corporate).
2. COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS REPORT FOR YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY
Phone me now to book an appointment for an appraisal (market indication) of your home: 0418 189 963.
When you have shown me around your property, I will provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report, which is a detailed and legally required analysis of the market value of your home.
The CMA is based on recently sold and for sale properties similar to yours in the immediate area. I will need to view your home to prepare this report.
You can get a CMA from me now; it is 100% FREE, with NO obligation.
Phone me to arrange a time: 0418 189 963
3. SETTING A MARKETING BUDGET FOR YOUR GOLD COAST HOME
The third step in selling your home is to create a marketing budget. By law, this must be based on actual costs. There are various marketing options to consider, such as:
– Internal, External and Drone Photography.
– Property and House Plans shows potential buyers the exact layout of your home and property.
– Internet Advertising on platforms such as RealEstate.com.au, Domain.com.au, Facebook.com, Instagram.com, etc.
– For Sale Sign on the street is still essential to attracting potential buyers. Even though many buyers start their search online, they often drive around neighbourhoods to see what’s available. Not having a For Sale sign can significantly reduce the number of people who see your property and could be interested in buying it.
4. PREPARING AND APPROVING THE FORM 6 AGREEMENT WHEN SELLING A GOLD COAST PROPERTY
A Form 6 Agreement is a document provided by the Queensland State Government, it outlines all relevant details of the property sale, including the marketing budget. Our administration team will prepare this form for you and send it for your review and approval.
5. PAYING THE MARKETING BUDGET FOR YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY
Once you have approved the Form 6 Agreement, the next step is to pay for the marketing budget that you have chosen.
6. STARTING THE ADVERTISING PROCESS
When your payment has been received, the advertising campaign will commence. The specific advertising strategies used will align with the choices you made within your marketing budget.
7. MONITORING MARKET RESPONSE
If there haven’t been offers within 30 days, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t interest in your property. It could simply mean that your chosen pricing strategy needs to be adjusted, to reflect what the market is prepared to pay.
8. ARRANGING BUYER VIEWINGS
When buyers express interest in your property, viewings will be arranged to allow them to see your home in person; you need to be away from the property during these viewings. This allows potential buyers to be relaxed and visualise themselves as the new owners – effectively forming a deeper connection with your property.
9. CONSIDERING A BUYER’S OFFER
When a buyer makes an offer on your home, this is an important step in the sales process. Receiving an offer signals that a buyer is interested in purchasing your property and is willing to commit to a specific price. You need to check the offer carefully and consider all the terms and conditions before making a decision.
10. ACCEPT, COUNTER, REJECT
When an offer is presented, you will need to respond by accepting, countering, or rejecting it. Accepting locks in the agreed-upon price and terms. Countering proposes changes, and initiates further negotiations. Rejecting simply means the offer is unacceptable; in this case respond promptly and professionally, explaining your decision. If countering, present revised terms clearly; open and respectful communication is key for a smooth sale.
11. YOUR LEGALITIES
With the acceptance of an offer, you will engage your solicitor to facilitate the legal requirements to complete the sale. If you are part of a Body Corporate, you will need to provide a Disclosure Statement from them.
Your solicitor will use PEXA to settle your property, part of the process requires Verification of Identity. Also, anyone selling a property must apply for an ATO Clearance Certificate.
12. BUYER’S DEPOSIT
The buyer’s deposit is a crucial step in the property purchase process; it will be paid into and held in the agency’s Trust account. This is a tangible expression of the buyer’s commitment to purchase your property.
13. BUILDING AND PEST INSPECTIONS
Normally a buyer will arrange a building and pest inspection report for your property to be completed, typically within 14 days of the contract date. In addition, they may also have the contract subject to finance, which is usually up to 21 days from the contract date.
14. COMPLETING YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY SALE
Based on the outcome of the building and pest inspection report, and any finance being sought, the buyer will either proceed with their offer or withdraw it. At this point, the sale will fall through, or it becomes unconditional.
15. LOOKING FOR YOUR NEW PROPERTY
If the sale becomes unconditional, then it is now time to start looking for a new property; remember, there is no need to rush it is essential that you take your time, as this needs to be a very considered purchase.
Your new home is of substantial value and can be costly if you change your mind. Something you may want to investigate is Short-Term Bridging Loans.
16. ALTERNATIVES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
An alternative option to consider is renting while you look for a new property. A period of renting could be used as a breathing space, allowing you to collect your thoughts, process everything calmly and ultimately buy where you want to live.
17. TIME FOR YOU TO MOVE
Leaving your home opens doors to a new chapter full of new beginnings. Embrace the excitement of a fresh start and cherish the memories you’ve made. Every box you pack brings you one step closer to a new adventure full of possibilities that lie ahead.
18. YOUR SALE CONCLUDES
The culmination of the property sale is settlement; it marks the transfer of the property to the new buyer. As the final chapter concludes, this can be seen as a sense of achievement; your property has now SOLD.
19. YOUR FUTURE OPTIONS
If you have chosen to rent; you will continue to look for and eventually purchase a new property, apartment, or perhaps even buy land and build; now there’s something to consider.
20. TIME TO UNWIND AND MAKE YOUR NEW HOME YOUR OWN
As you unpack and furnish your new home, embrace the gradual process of creating your own personal haven. Enjoy the transformation, one room at a time. Relax in the tranquillity of your surroundings and immerse yourself in the gentle sounds of your new neighbourhood.
Explore the nearby parks and cafes; enjoy the unique charm of your new community. Remember, settling in is a journey in itself, it’s not a race. Embrace the process of creating a home that reflects your unique style and personality.
Navigating the intricacies of selling your property on the Gold Coast, can be complex. My 20-step guide provides a simplified general overview; your steps may vary.
Common Problems and Struggles when Choosing a Gold Coast Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Property:
- Agents overpromise on sale prices to win listings, then under-deliver.
- Poor communication – slow to respond to calls and emails.
- Lack of transparency about the sales process and feedback from potential buyers.
- Pushy agents who prioritise quick sales over getting the best price.
- Inconsistent service quality between different agents at the same agency.
Common Mistakes and Lessons Learned: Shared by Homeowners who have previously sold a property on the Gold Coast:
- Choosing the Wrong Agent: I picked an agent purely based on the lowest commission rate, thinking I was saving money. In hindsight, the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ couldn’t be more true.
- Going with Large, Well-known Agencies: I assumed they’d provide better service.
- Highest Price: I mistakenly chose an agent based solely on the highest estimated selling price; it wasn’t achievable, as we eventually found out.
- Underestimating the Costs of Selling: I forget about conveyancing costs, staging costs, the need for a maintenance man and gardener to make our property look good.
- Setting the Wrong Price: I priced my property too high, and it scared off buyers. The agent even warned me that this was likely to happen.
- Poor Marketing Strategy: I relied solely on a listing on realestate.com.au, which wasn’t enough. I should have invested in high quality photos, a video tour of the property and social media marketing.
- Not Staging or Preparing the Property Properly: I chose to overlook minor repairs, and our poor presentation, along with too much personalisation, turned off buyers.
- Selling at the Wrong Time: I didn’t realise that seasons do impact property prices.
- Holding Out for an Unrealistic Price: I rejected reasonable offers, only to sell for less months later.
- Failing to Disclose Issues: I hid problems (structural defects) that caused buyers to back out of the contract. As I found out, most building and pest control companies are good at what they do.
- Not Having a Backup Plan: I assumed I could easily buy my next home, but struggled in a competitive market. I should have chosen to rent for a while; it would have been less stressful, and given us some breathing room to find our perfect new home.
- Overlooking the Power of First Impressions: As I discovered, buyers judge a house within seconds of seeing it. I should have focused more on the entrance, the gardens and given the house a fresh coat of paint where it needed it.
- Not Negotiating Settlement Terms: I regretted not pushing for a longer settlement to give ourselves more time to move.
Your Property Success Story, It Starts HERE
- I am your agent, I work for you. I am here to provide you with honest, realistic price expectations from the outset.
- I will create a tailored marketing strategy for you, showcasing your property’s unique features.
- I will provide you with regular updates on buyer interest and feedback.
- As your agent, I will negotiate skillfully to achieve the best possible price for you.
- I will provide you with transparency throughout the sales process, from listing to settlement.
Remember, selling your home doesn’t have to be daunting. Being a team member of strong local independent Gold Coast real estate agents, I’ll have you well on your way to a successful property sale.
THE AGENT YOU KNOW
Are you ready for a casual chat?
Let’s get you Selling
LET’S GET YOU SOLD!
Phone Me Now, Craig Douglas 0418 189 963
Professional | Knowledgeable | Experienced
