1. Do your homework. 

It may sound boring and will take some time, but do some research and get an informed idea of how much comparable properties in your area have sold for recently, and what prices those listed for sale are seeking.

Websites such as RP Data's http://www.myrp.com.au/ and the Australian Property Monitor's http://www.apm.com.au/ allow you to research your local property market for a fee.  Discover achieved prices of recently-sold properties, obtain a suburb sales history, street sales history or postcode history, amongst other services on offer. It's data on properties which have sold which will give you a good idea of what the market is saying.

Other websites such as http://www.domain.com.au/ and http://www.realestate.com.au/ list properties currently for sale, Australia-wide.

Of course, the real estate section in your local newspaper is a traditional guide to asking prices of properties for sale in your area.

For your information, real estate agents in Queensland are required to provide you the vendor with a Comparative Market Analysis, which includes at least three comparable properties sold during the past 6 months within a radius of 5,000 metres when listing your home for sale. This is not a valuation - for this, contact a professional property valuer to come to your property and determine a valuation.  This is usually a detailed document. See the Australian Valuers Institute, http://www.valuersinstitute.com.au/

2. Choose a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and hardworking real estate agent

You want someone who is knowledgeable about the area, who is enthusiastic and positive about your property (something which will communicate itself to prospective purchasers), and who will work hard for you, the vendor.

If the agent is a member of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, she will have done a continuing professional development course annually, so you can be confident that your agent is qualified and has up-to-date training, information and been exposed to the latest techniques.  The website http://www.reiq.com.au/ has useful information when you are thinking of selling your house.

Discuss the marketing program with the agent prior to listing and make sure that strategies and any cost to you are clearly defined.

Look at the agency website.  Is it easy for a potential purchaser to navigate, so that they can find your property for sale?  When you do a Google search for real estate in your area, by going to http://www.google.com.au/ does the agent's website show up?  Will your property additionally be listed on other real estate websites?  An up-to-date real estate agent will be able to answer these questions and demonstrate what a powerful tool internet marketing can be for you.

Consider whether your home is located in an area where a For Sale sign outside will attract qualified prospective purchasers.

Discuss whether newspaper or magazine ads are appropriate for your property and whether timing is an issue.

These are matters where a good and experienced agent can assist.

3. Looks are important

When selling your home, style and substance are both important.  It may be location, location, location, but presentation, presentation, presentation should not be ignored if you are to achieve the best possible price.  A potential purchaser's first, emotional response to your property can be a determining factor when making the decision to go ahead, so make sure that response is a positive one.

• make an effort where the first impressions will be made - out the front.  Move vehicles including trailers out of the driveway, think about the garden, walkway to the entrance, entrance terrace or porch and front door. Fold garden hoses


• de-clutter, clear items off benches, remove piles of old newspapers, remove mail, piles of laundry, garden tools or kids' toys lying around both outside and in. All of these can inadvertently strip value from your property.


• don't throw these in cupboards, strange though it may seem, viewers seem to find it irresistible to open a cupboard here and there.


• spend some money on obvious repairs - watermarks on ceilings, stained grouting, odd jobs that you haven't found the time to do.  Buyers don't want to buy work.


• clean windows and glass doors. Experienced real estate agents swear you can just feel them.


• for an inspection or open house, maybe place


• one vase of fresh flowers, but not in every room or on every surface


• the "coffee brewing" or essential oil burner is fine, just don't overdo.


• consider hiring furniture or plants if yours are really grim

You will know you are presenting your property in the best possible light, and have given yourself every chance to attract a purchaser and obtain the best possible price.  Thinking about selling should be transformed into celebrating a successful sale.