Welcome to Sinclair White Real Estate

To market, to market …tips on selling your property.

Choosing an agent

Once you've made the important decision to sell your property, the next important decision is to choose an agent and agency that will act in your best interests to sell on your behalf. Naturally all agents in your district will wish to be selected, and all will present arguments of varying persuasion. We simply ask that you choose according to sound evidence. It's important for the whole sales process to have trust in the agent/agency and their people, their processes and their professionalism, and trust in those who will listen, take time to understand your point of view and address those issues with candour and confidence.

Sinclair White is not about urging you to sign, but is about supplying information that provides practical assistance (and assurance). Our approach is cordial, relaxed and unhurried. There is enough pressure on sellers without agents hovering for their signature. Take time to select an agent and make sure they take the time with you.

It's always flattering to hear a high valuation for our own property, but if that is simply an inflated (and unrealistic) valuation it can quickly create false expectation, and the whole exercise may end in bitter disappointment. Before making your decision speak with Sinclair White because we'll offer a different perspective, and you'll find our entire approach to selling real estate refreshingly different to the high pressure techniques of others.

Organising a Contract of Sale

Until your selling agent receives a copy of the Contract of Sale (or Section 32 as it's commonly referred as) he/she is not able to actually commence marketing your property. So it is important to consult your solicitor or conveyancer about preparing the contract - to ensure everything is in order and that it is done in a timely manner. Your solicitor must include a copy of title documents, drainage diagram and the Zoning Certificate issued by your local council. Any property exclusions also need to be included, along with a statement explaining the buyer's cooling off rights. As soon as your agent receives a draft contract they are able to present your property to the market. This draft contract is retained at your agent's office and is mad available for inspection by (qualified) prospective purchasers.

Exchanging Contracts

Once you have accepted an offer to purchase (presented to you by your agent), the next step in the sales process is to exhange contracts - a legal requirement when selling a property. Both you and the purchaser receive a copy of the Contract of Sale whereupon you each sign one copy before they are swapped or 'echanged'. This can be done in person or by post and is usually arranged by your solicitor, conveyancer or your agent. At this time the buyer is also required to pay a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price). Exchanging contracts is key part of the sales process. Other matters that you should know include:

• The buyer or seller is not legally bound until signed copies of the contract are exchanged
• Buyers of residential properties normally have a 'cooling off' period of three (3) clear business days following the exchange of contracts, during which time they may withdraw from the sale, without penalty
• If the agent arranges exchange of contracts, he/she must provide copies of the signed contract to each party or their solicitor or conveyancer within two (2) business days
• The cooling off period can be waived, reduced or extended by negotiation
• There is no cooling off period for sellers. Once contracts have been exchanged, sellers are generally bound to complete the agreement.

Settlement

Commonly settlement takes place around 4-6 weeks after the exchange of contracts, though that can vary according to the terms agreed upon. At settlement you (the seller) will receive the balance of the sale price due from the purchaser, in addition to the remainder of the original deposit, minus agreed agency fees and expenses. Up until settlement the purchaser's deposit is held in trust by your agent.