How to Sell Your House on the Gold Coast?

If you’re ready to sell your property on the Gold Coast, you’re probably wondering what comes next. You might be looking at the market, comparing recent Gold Coast property sales, or searching for the best way to get started. With so many real estate agents and agencies around, it can feel overwhelming at first—but it doesn’t have to be.

Finding the right real estate agent near you can make all the difference. You want someone who gets your goals, knows the area well, and will genuinely work to get you sold for the best price. Your choice of agent is more than just a service—it’s your partner in getting it done properly.

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent on the Gold Coast

Choosing the right real estate agent on the Gold Coast can make or break your sale. If you’re saying, “I’m ready to sell my house,” then you’re going to need someone who knows how to get you the best result. This is not the time to guess or take chances. You need someone who gets you, gets your property, and gets it sold.

Look for real estate agents with a strong track record in Gold Coast property sales. You want someone who has sold homes like yours, in your area, and for the right price. Go beyond glossy marketing—dig into their results. Have they sold homes in your suburb? Have they consistently delivered strong outcomes for sellers like you?

Check for positive reviews from real people. You want to know that other homeowners had a good experience. If they’re talking about great communication, strong negotiation skills, and feeling supported, you’re on the right track. Selling your home is a big deal—you deserve someone who treats it that way.

You also want someone who knows the local market inside and out. Your real estate agent should be able to tell you what buyers are looking for in your area, how your property compares to others in your street, and what pricing strategy will get you the most interest.

Remember, you’re not just hiring a service—you’re choosing a partner. You’re trusting someone with your biggest asset. So make sure they’re someone you can speak openly with, ask questions, and get real answers. The right agent will give you confidence from day one—and help you feel in control from start to sold.

Understanding Real Estate Commission Rates

You’re thinking about selling your home, and naturally, you want to know what it’s going to cost. Real estate commission on the Gold Coast usually falls between 2% and 4.5% of the final sale price. But before you focus on just the percentage, ask yourself—what am I actually getting for that commission?

You’re not just paying for someone to list your property. You’re paying for negotiation skills, targeted marketing, buyer management, open homes, follow-ups, paperwork, and the confidence that someone is pushing to get you the best possible result. A good real estate agent doesn’t cost you money—they make you money.

Think of it this way: an average agent might sell your property for $20,000 less than what a top agent could achieve. Suddenly, that commission doesn’t look so big. A better sale price can easily offset the fee—and often leaves you with more in your pocket, even after commission.

So don’t just ask, “What’s your rate?” Ask, “What will you do to get me a better result?” Real estate commission on the Gold Coast varies because service levels vary. You are in control, and you should feel confident that your money is being invested into getting your home sold the right way.

If you’re comparing agents, look at their results, their local knowledge, how they present their listings, and how they make you feel. Are they listening to you? Are they being straight with you? That’s what matters.

You are selling a major asset—you would be ill-advised to choose based solely on commission alone. You should make your choice based on confidence, value, and who will fight to get you the best deal.

Maximising Your Property’s Appeal

You want to sell your house—and not just sell it, but sell it well. To do that, you need to show buyers exactly why your home is worth the price. The better your property looks, the better your chances of attracting strong interest and solid offers. That’s where smart preparation comes in.

Start by decluttering. Less is more. When buyers walk through your home, they want to see space, not stuff. You want them picturing their furniture in the living room, not yours. Clear benches, open up rooms, and remove anything that distracts from the space itself.

Next, focus on repairs. Leaky taps, cracked tiles, loose handles—these small things send the wrong message. You want buyers to feel like your home has been cared for, not neglected. Fix what needs fixing, because the last thing you want is someone walking away over something simple.

If you want to go a step further, consider staging your home. You don’t need to go overboard. A few smart pieces of furniture, some soft lighting, and neutral tones can make your place look like it’s out of a magazine. The goal is to create a clean, welcoming space where buyers feel at home the moment they step inside.

Make sure you highlight the right features. If your home has a pool, promote it. If it has a garage, air conditioning, a large block, or dual living potential—say so. Buyers on the Gold Coast are drawn to properties with lifestyle benefits. Sell the lifestyle, not just the walls.

Outside matters too. Tidy your lawn. Trim the hedges. Wash the driveway. First impressions count, and buyers will judge your property from the street before they even step inside.

Every home has something special—you just need to show it in the best light. You’re not just selling a property; you’re selling the feeling that this is the one.

Listing Your Property

If you’re thinking, “I’m ready to sell my house on the Gold Coast,” the next step is getting your property in front of the right buyers. That starts with a powerful listing.

You want your home to stand out in a sea of Gold Coast real estate listings, and that means more than just a quick photo and a one-line description. You need your listing to do the heavy lifting. It should stop buyers from scrolling and make them want to book an inspection.

I make sure your home appears on all the major real estate platforms, including those used most often by people searching terms like “sell my house Gold Coast,” “real estate agents near me,” and “top real estate agents Gold Coast.” The goal is simple: to get your home seen by as many serious buyers as possible.

Professional photography is a must. You’re not just capturing rooms—you’re selling space, light, and lifestyle. I work with photographers who know how to showcase your home’s best features. Clean, bright images lead to more clicks, more interest, and more inspections.

Your property description matters too. It’s not about listing features like a laundry and a bathroom—it’s about telling a story. Buyers want to picture themselves living there. You want them to feel something. I write listings that highlight what makes your home unique, while strategically using SEO phrases like “Gold Coast property sales” and “real estate agent near me” to increase visibility.

I also handle all the behind-the-scenes setup. That means booking your photos, coordinating the listing on portals, drafting the ad copy, uploading your floorplans, and ensuring everything is accurate and sharp. You don’t have to worry about anything—I take care of it all.

Listing your property properly sets the tone for everything that follows. You get one chance to make a great first impression. Let’s make it count.

Managing Inspections and Buyer Follow-Ups on the Gold Coast

Once your property is listed, it’s all about getting the right buyers through the door—and making sure they don’t forget your home once they’ve left. That’s where inspections and follow-up become crucial.

When you list your home with me, I personally manage every inspection. You don’t get passed off to someone else or left wondering who came through. I’m there—on time, well-prepared, and ready to represent your home with confidence and care.

Before each inspection, I’ll help you make sure everything’s in top shape. That includes tips for lighting, airflow, and small tweaks that make a big difference—like opening up the space, turning on soft music, or adding fresh flowers. It’s about setting the scene so buyers feel relaxed, welcomed, and able to imagine themselves living there.

During the inspection, I focus on connection. Buyers don’t just want facts—they want to feel confident. I give them honest answers, highlight your home’s best features, and listen carefully to what they’re looking for. This helps me match the right buyer to your property faster.

After each visit, I don’t let buyers disappear into thin air. I follow up promptly. I ask the right questions and gauge their interest. You’ll get a clear summary of every conversation so you always know where things stand. If there’s hesitation, I find out why. If they’re keen, I keep them engaged.

Buyers often visit several homes in one day—yours needs to be the one they remember. That’s what I focus on. You get real feedback, real interest, and real progress toward a sale.

If you’re ready to sell and want inspections handled with genuine care and strategy, you’re in the right place. I don’t just show homes—I sell them and love doing so.

Offers and Negotiation: Sealing the Deal with Confidence

Once you’ve garnered interest in your property and potential buyers are lined up, the next step is managing offers and negotiating effectively. This is where your strategy, knowledge, and experience truly shine. The way you handle offers can make a big difference in the final sale price and ensure the process moves smoothly. So, how do you navigate this critical stage with confidence? Here’s how.

1. Understanding the Market and Setting the Right Expectations

Before you even receive an offer, it’s crucial to know your market inside and out. In a fast-moving market, such as the Gold Coast, being realistic about your pricing strategy will help set expectations for potential buyers. Are you in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Understanding this will guide your decisions and the way you respond to offers.

2. Receiving Offers: The First Step Towards Negotiation

When you begin receiving offers, it’s important to assess them carefully. Here’s what you should consider:

• Offer Price: Is the price close to your asking price? Keep in mind the market conditions and whether the offer aligns with your expectations.
• Buyer’s Conditions: Does the buyer have any specific conditions, such as a finance clause, a subject to sale, or other contingencies? These could affect the likelihood of the sale going through.
• Settlement Date: Buyers may want to settle earlier or later. How flexible are you on this?

Reviewing these key aspects will help you determine the seriousness of each offer. It’s not just about the price—it’s about the terms.

3. Responding to Offers: Timing and Tactics Matter

Once you have an offer on the table, responding promptly and professionally is important. You can either:

• Accept the Offer: If it’s within your expectations, why not accept it? It’s a simple and clean way to move forward.
• Counter the Offer: If the offer doesn’t meet your expectations, you can counter with a new price or revised terms. This is where negotiation begins.
• Reject the Offer: If the offer doesn’t meet your needs or the terms aren’t suitable, it’s okay to reject it. You can always wait for a better offer.

However, always keep in mind that the first offer isn’t always the best, and negotiating can often bring in a better deal.

4. Negotiating Like a Pro: Find Common Ground

Negotiation is an art, and there are several strategies you can use to get the best deal. Some effective approaches include:

• Starting Strong: Counter-offers with a number that reflects your expectations but still leaves room for negotiation.
• Staying Calm and Professional: Buyers may test your patience or offer a low price, but it’s important to remain calm. Don’t be afraid to politely walk away if an offer doesn’t meet your minimum expectations.
• Highlighting Your Property’s Value: If a buyer is hesitant, remind them of your property’s unique features or the benefits of the location to reinforce the price.
• Know When to Compromise: Negotiation is about give-and-take. Sometimes accepting a slightly lower price or extending the settlement date can get the deal across the line.

Remember, in the Gold Coast market, a firm but fair approach to negotiation often results in a successful outcome.

5. Finalising the Deal: Ensuring Smooth Closure

Once an offer is agreed upon, make sure all parties are clear on the next steps. The buyer’s deposit is usually paid, and the legal paperwork begins. You’ll want to ensure the buyer’s finance is approved (if applicable) and that any conditions are met before settlement.

If you’re dealing with multiple offers, it’s important to consider not just the price but the terms of each offer. Sometimes, the highest price doesn’t always result in the smoothest transaction, so weighing the terms is crucial to the final outcome.

6. Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Watch Out For

In negotiations, it’s easy to fall into certain traps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Being Too Stubborn: Sometimes holding out for an extra few thousand dollars isn’t worth losing the deal over, especially in a competitive market.
• Ignoring Red Flags in Buyer Behaviour: If a buyer is hesitant, delays responses, or has unrealistic requests, these could signal trouble.
• Failing to Set a Deadline: Allowing offers to linger without a clear deadline can drag out the process unnecessarily and cause confusion.

Contract and Settlement: Navigating the Final Stages with Confidence

Once you’ve successfully negotiated an offer and agreed on the terms, it’s time to move into the final stages of the sale: contract signing and settlement. These are the critical steps that ensure everything is legally binding and that ownership is officially transferred. Here’s how to manage this part of the process with ease and confidence.

1. Understanding the Contract

The contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale. It’s essential that you understand every aspect of the contract before signing it. A qualified solicitor or conveyancer should review it to ensure everything is in order.

Key aspects of the contract to pay attention to include:

• Sale Price and Deposit: The agreed-upon sale price and the deposit paid by the buyer, typically around 10% of the sale price.
• Settlement Date: This is the agreed date on which ownership will transfer to the buyer. Make sure this date works for you and is clearly stipulated in the contract.
• Conditions of Sale: The contract may include certain conditions, such as the buyer needing finance approval, a building inspection, or other requirements. It’s important to understand these conditions, as they may affect the settlement date or the sale itself.
• Special Conditions: If there are any unusual terms, such as items included in the sale (furniture, appliances), or unique buyer requests, these should be clearly stated.

2. Cooling-Off Period

In Queensland, there is typically a cooling-off period for residential property sales. This means the buyer can withdraw from the contract within a few days (usually 5 business days) after signing, but they may lose part of their deposit. Be sure to understand how this applies to your sale.

If you’re selling in a hot market, a buyer might waive the cooling-off period, but this is less common. Always check the details in your contract to be sure.

3. The Role of Conveyancers and Solicitors

During the contract phase, both you and the buyer will usually engage professionals like conveyancers or solicitors to manage the legal aspects. These experts will ensure that the contract complies with all relevant laws, help with document preparation, and advise on any legal queries you may have.

For example, your solicitor can:

• Ensure all the legal requirements for the property transfer are met.
• Verify that the buyer’s finance is in order before proceeding.
• Handle the payment of taxes and duties associated with the sale.

It’s important to stay in close contact with your legal team throughout this process to avoid any delays or issues that could arise.

4. Preparing for Settlement

The settlement date is the day the sale is finalised and ownership of the property is officially transferred. Here are the key things you need to know and do before settlement:

• Clear the Property: Before settlement, you must ensure the property is completely vacated, with all personal belongings removed. The property should be in the condition as agreed upon in the contract, ready for the new owners.
• Final Inspection: The buyer typically conducts a final inspection before settlement. This is their opportunity to confirm that everything is in order and that the property matches the agreed-upon terms.
• Handing Over Keys and Documents: On settlement day, you’ll hand over the keys, security codes, and any other documents (like warranties) to the buyer.

5. What Happens on Settlement Day?

On the settlement day, a series of transactions take place. Here’s how it typically works:

• Transfer of Funds: The buyer’s solicitor or conveyancer will transfer the sale funds to your solicitor or conveyancer. Once the funds are received, they’ll be forwarded to you after any outstanding debts or fees (such as the mortgage) are paid off.
• Transfer of Ownership: The legal ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer. This is done through the transfer of title, which is lodged with the land registry.
• Final Adjustments: Any adjustments for things like rates, utilities, or property taxes will be made, ensuring both parties settle their respective amounts fairly.

Once these steps are completed, the property is officially sold, and you can move on to your next steps!

6. Post-Settlement: Wrapping Up the Sale

After settlement, you’ll receive the proceeds from the sale, minus any fees or outstanding amounts owed. You’ll want to:

• Cancel Your Insurance: Once the property is transferred to the buyer, you can cancel any homeowner’s insurance you had on the property.
• Notify Relevant Parties: Inform your bank (if you had a mortgage), utility companies, and the local council about the change in property ownership.
• Celebrate the Success: With everything wrapped up, it’s time to celebrate the successful sale!

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Contract and Settlement Process

While the contract and settlement stages are relatively straightforward, there are a few pitfalls you should watch out for:

• Not Reading the Contract Carefully: Never rush into signing a contract without fully understanding the terms. Ask questions and ensure that everything is in order.
• Overlooking the Cooling-Off Period: If you’re dealing with a cooling-off period, make sure both you and the buyer understand the rules and the consequences of withdrawing.
• Delaying Paperwork: Settlement day can be delayed if the necessary paperwork isn’t ready on time. Ensure everything is sorted well in advance.
• Not Preparing for the Final Inspection: Failing to properly prepare the property for the buyer’s final inspection can lead to issues, so be sure everything is clean and in good condition.

Selling Your House on the Gold Coast with Confidence

Selling your home on the Gold Coast is an exciting yet complex journey, and with the right planning, you can ensure a smooth process that leads to a successful sale. It all begins with careful preparation—from presenting your property in the best possible light to understanding commission structures and selecting a good real estate agent.

By working with the right professional, focusing on your home’s presentation, and having a strong negotiation strategy, you’ll navigate the selling process with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with multiple offers, making tough decisions, or finalising the sale, remember that every step you take is an opportunity to maximise the value of your property and ensure a successful transaction.

With the Gold Coast market’s competitive nature, having the right team behind you will make all the difference in achieving a sale that meets your expectations.

So, take a deep breath, stay informed, and trust the process—you’re on your way to a successful sale!

Author – Craig Douglas

Please Note: The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and regulations governing the sale of property in Queensland are complex and constantly changing. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer before making any decisions about the sale of your property. This document does not take into account your individual circumstances and may not apply to your situation. By reading this document you agree that you have not relied on the information contained herein and that you will seek independent legal advice before taking any action.

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

You can find me at a Boutique Real Estate Agency

THE AGENT YOU KNOW

This page was proudly created by Craig Douglas, your local independent Gold Coast real estate agent, working for a Boutique Real Estate Agency. Selling residential and commercial properties, from those that are awe-inspiring, through to a diamond-in-the-rough, otherwise known as a “renovator’s delight”.

I negotiate and sell on behalf of property owners who want to get the best possible price, with the least amount of hassle. Let’s talk about the process of selling your property over a coffee to get you started – 0418 189 963