I’m Craig Douglas, your Local Independent
Gold Coast Real Estate Agent

I’m here to get you to a successful property sale

Professional | Knowledgeable | Experienced

You can find me at a Boutique Real Estate Agency, we are proudly your local independent Gold Coast real estate agents, specialising in Residential Property Sales, Commercial Property Sales, Development Property Sales and Amalgamated Property Sales.

1. HOW MUCH ARE GOLD COAST REAL ESTATE COMMISSION RATES AND SHOULD I GO WITH THE CHEAPEST?

Commission rates for Gold Coast real estate agents can range from 2% to 4.5% or greater; choosing the right agent is about more than just cost. Lower fees may seem attractive at first, but they can sometimes lead to a lower sale price… Read my comprehensive article here.

3. SHOULD I STAGE MY HOME WHEN I SELL IT ON THE GOLD COAST?

The short answer is yes, the benefits of home staging are; you could sell your home faster, get a higher asking price, make a good first impression, attract more buyers, highlight your home’s best features… Read my comprehensive article here.

5. WHAT ARE THE COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN SELLING A PROPERTY ON THE GOLD COAST?

The answer is, overpricing, poor presentation, poor marketing, neglecting repairs, misleading information, ignoring curb appeal, unrealistic expectations… Read my comprehensive article here.

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… Read my comprehensive article here.

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… Read my comprehensive article here.

1. PREPARING YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY FOR SALE AND SOME OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

• Tidying gardens and decluttering everything inside and out.

• All homes being sold 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.
  
  
• If you have a swimming pool or the property has a shared swimming pool (Body Corporate), a pool safety certificate is required.

2. COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS REPORT FOR YOUR GOLD COAST PROPERTY

When you have shown me around your home, I will provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) 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 HERE; it is 100% FREE, with NO obligation.

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 Plan, showing 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 home, viewings will be arranged to allow them to see it 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

When you finally accept 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 involved in a property transaction worth $750,000 or more must complete 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 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.