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Selling a home: a step-by-step guide

Reviewed by Rama Dwarapudi on .

Selling a home has a clear order of steps. This guide walks through them in plain language, and points to the official place to check the rules in your state or territory.

Find out what it may be worth

What is my home worth?

Start with the facts: what similar homes nearby have sold for. An estimate is a starting point, not a promise.

  • Look at recent sales of similar homes nearby, on your street and in your suburb.
  • Use the address research page to see the details we hold about your home.
  • Ask two or three agents for their opinion, and ask them to show the sales they are basing it on.
  • A bank or independent valuer can give a formal valuation if you need one.

Choose how to sell and who will help

Do I need an agent?

Most people use an agent. Choose carefully, and ask what you will pay.

  • Compare agents by their recent sales in your area, not only by the fee they quote.
  • Ask what is included in the fee and what you pay for separately, such as marketing.
  • Read the agent's agreement before you sign, and ask how long it lasts and how it can be ended.
  • Your state has rules about agents and how a sale must be run. Your state regulator explains them.

Know the costs of selling

What will it cost me to sell?

Selling costs money. Work out what is left for you before you decide to sell.

  • The agent's fee or commission, and marketing.
  • Legal or conveyancing fees.
  • Repairs, cleaning and styling before the sale.
  • Paying off your loan, and any fee your lender charges to end it.
  • Tax, if it applies. Speak to a registered tax agent about capital gains tax.

Prepare and market the home

How do I get it ready?

First impressions count. Get the home ready, and decide how it will be shown to buyers.

  • Fix the small things, and tidy and clean the home and garden.
  • Good photos matter. They are the first thing most buyers see.
  • Decide with your agent whether to sell by private treaty or by auction.
  • See the guide on preparing and marketing your home for more.

The contract and the offers

What happens when a buyer is interested?

A sale is a legal contract. Get advice before you sign.

  • Your solicitor or conveyancer prepares the contract and the documents that must go with it. The rules differ by state.
  • At a private sale, offers come to you through your agent. You can accept, refuse or counter.
  • At an auction, set a reserve price with your agent before the day.
  • Do not sign anything you do not understand.

From contract to settlement

What happens after I accept?

After a sale, there is a period before the money is paid and the buyer gets the keys.

  • The buyer's lender values the home and the buyer pays a deposit.
  • Your solicitor or conveyancer handles the transfer and pays out your loan from the sale money.
  • Hand over the keys, and give the home a final clean on or before settlement day.
  • Cancel or move your services, such as electricity, gas and internet.

Next

This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and rates differ by state and territory and change often. Check the official source for your state, and speak to a licensed professional before you decide.

  • Disclaimer
    Our service utilises AI search capabilities based on publicly available indexed data for non-commercial purposes and testing phase. The above information is an excerpt from publicly available data and may be subject to errors or changes. RealSearch.com.au makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of this data. Please consult the Agency/Agents directly for the most up-to-date information.