There comes a time in life when when you need to move on.

Whether you're making a job change, retiring or just in need of a change of scenery, one thing is certain when it comes to the sale of your home, your main objective is to determine the best and most realistic price for your home and to achieve it in the least expensive and quickest amount of time.

You may think selling a house is easy and that the first person who walks through your door will fall in love with your home.  But if you ask yourself how many houses you inspected before you bought your current home, and how many other people may have been through the home before you purchased it you'll realise that there is a lot of work and expertise involved.

Perhaps what you really need is a good real estate agent.  Your home will probably be the most valuable possession you will ever sell and Port Macquarie First National is here to help.

What is the role of a real estate agent?

A real estate agent's role is to help you achieve your aims in the most efficient manner possible.  The agent acts as a market reporter, providing experience and advice on what the market may pay you for your home and the most effective way of reaching potential purchasers.

While you are selling your current property, your agent can also be working on finding your new home.  Your agent will help you by identifying your needs in relation to your new home and can assist you in finding a home to suit your family and your budget.  First National Real Estate is one of Australasias's largest real estate networks with offices throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as close affiliations with international networks in the USA.

Whether it's across town or on the other side of the world, Port Macquarie First National can take the hassle out of buying or selling a home.

Preparing Your Property For Sale

Here are some helpful ideas that could improve your sale price for very little effort and expense.

• Wash the windows - one of the things we sell are the views from your property, but the effect is often ruined by dirty glass
• Shampoo the carpet - it improves the look of the carpet immensely, makes them look newer and prevents the negative comment from a potential buyer, "we would have to replace the carpet"
• Remove the clutter - unnecessary clutter often makes your property look smaller
• Polish the refrigerator, dishwasher and other white goods with car polish - this removes any rust and gives them a newer appearance
• Place foil plates on your stove cooking tops and place a sheet of foil at the base of your oven
• Consider a paint touch-up if you have scratches or chips in paintwork
• Check the guttering.  It's an easy point for buyers to spot and one to watch out for.  Make sure there are no leaves hanging over, no peeling paint or water staining.  And while you're at it, brush under the eaves for cobwebs
• Fix any dripping taps
• Replace any blown light bulbs
• A bunch of flowers or pot plants for your "Open House Inspections" can help to brighten a room and improve the property's appearance

Some Information and Tips on Moving

As part of our service to you, we have compiled a list of helpful hints to help make your move as pleasant and smooth as possible:

• If you're packing for yourself, ask the removalist to deliver packing cases beforehand.  Ask too, about portable wardrobes to save clothes crushing
• Ensure any moving parts on appliances are adequately secured.  Washing machines may need to be bolted down.  Tape down the electric cords etc on CD/DVD players, televisions, computers etc
• Keep aside keys, money, cheque book, pen and other items needed for immediate use.  You may wish to put aside some food for the journey
• Ensure you notify everyone, stop accounts, change accounts and leave your forwarding address.  Some people to consider:
  • Department of Transport
  • Health Insurance Fund
  • Household Insurance (Transfer)
  • Clubs, Lodges etc
  • Stores with charge accounts
  • Gas and Electricity
  • Newsagent
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Telephone services
  • Post Office, mail
  • Local Council
  • Electoral Roll
  • Internet Provider

Before you leave, have one last careful look around.  Nothing left behind, taps off, power off, windows locked, old keys handed over and gas off.

Say good-bye to the neighbours!!