The Home Seller’s Guide (Without the Jargon)
Selling your home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It’s exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little overwhelming — especially if you’ve never done it before or it’s been a long time between moves. At Page&Co, we believe knowledge makes everything easier. So here’s a simple, step-by-step look at how the selling process really works — from that very first chat with your agent to the moment the “Sold” sticker goes up.
1. The First Chat and Appraisal
Every sale starts with a conversation. When you invite an agent to your home, they’ll take the time to understand your goals — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or just curious about what your home might be worth.
During this visit, your agent will also look at your property through a buyer’s eyes and offer simple, practical advice to help make the home shine. This might include:
- Freshening up paint in key rooms or neutralising bold colours.
- Decluttering and rearranging furniture to make spaces feel open and inviting.
- Touching up gardens — mowing, trimming hedges, adding potted plants, and a quick mulch for instant street appeal.
- Minor repairs — fixing dripping taps, replacing tired handles, or updating light fittings.
- Professional cleaning or carpet refresh to lift presentation instantly.
These small improvements can make a big difference to first impressions — and ultimately to your final sale price. Your agent will guide you on what’s worth doing (and what isn’t), so you can focus on smart, cost-effective touches that create maximum impact.
Your agent will then do some homework: researching recent local sales, market trends, and comparable properties to provide an honest, well-informed appraisal. This isn’t about guessing a number — it’s about helping you understand your home’s place in the market and what kind of strategy might work best.
2. Signing the Agency Agreement
Once you’re ready to go ahead, you’ll sign an agency agreement, which formally allows your chosen agent to represent your property. It covers details like commission, marketing budget, and the length of the agreement. It’s an important step — and a great time to ask any final questions before your home’s journey to market begins.
3. Getting the Home Ready
Next comes the fun part — preparing your property for its big debut. Your agent will guide you on what makes the biggest impact.
Often this includes:
- Professional styling to help buyers imagine themselves living there.
- Photography and video, including drone or lifestyle shots if suitable.
- Floorplans and any optional building, pest or pool reports, which can help reassure buyers and speed up the sale.
This stage transforms your home from “lived in” to “dream home” in the eyes of potential buyers. You’d be amazed how much difference a few finishing touches can make — fresh flowers, a tidy garden, and the right lighting go a long way.
4. Crafting the Marketing Campaign
Once the property is ready, your agent and marketing team get to work. This includes:
- Writing an engaging listing for realestate.com.au and Domain.
- Creating brochures, DL flyers, and signboards to capture attention.
- Sharing the property through social media, database alerts, and possibly email newsletters to reach active buyers.
This is where the energy builds. Seeing your home appear online and around the neighbourhood is a proud moment — and the start of exciting buyer enquiry.
5. Launch Week and the First Open Home
Your launch week is all about momentum. Most properties attract the most attention within the first two weeks, so presentation and timing are key.
Before the first open home, your agent will make sure everything’s picture-perfect — lights on, curtains open, and marketing materials ready. You’ll usually receive a quick debrief afterwards with a summary of numbers through the door, early feedback, and any interested parties.
For many sellers, it’s reassuring to know that your agent isn’t just opening doors — they’re reading the room, listening carefully, and understanding buyer motivation.
6. Buyer Follow-Up and Negotiation
After each open home, your agent follows up with attendees. This part is vital. A good agent doesn’t just wait for offers — they ask questions, gauge interest, and keep conversations flowing.
When genuine buyers emerge, your agent will guide you through the negotiation process, presenting each offer clearly and helping you make informed decisions. The goal is always to achieve the best price and terms for you, while keeping communication open and transparent.
7. The Offer and Exchange
When you accept an offer, things move quickly — contracts are signed and exchanged, deposits are paid, and the path to “sold” becomes official. Your agent will stay in close contact with both parties and solicitors to make sure the process runs smoothly until settlement.
This is often the most emotional moment — seeing that “Sold” sticker go up on your signboard is a mix of pride, relief, and excitement for what’s next.
8. Beyond the Sale
Even after the paperwork is done, a great agent’s job isn’t over. They’ll check in as settlement approaches, help with keys, final inspections, and anything else that comes up. For many clients, this moment marks not the end of a transaction, but the beginning of a trusted relationship.
A Final Word
Selling your home doesn’t have to feel daunting. With the right guidance, it’s a smooth, step-by-step journey filled with clear communication and genuine care. Every property has its own story — and when you’re ready to share yours, we’ll help you tell it beautifully.