• We'll do a thorough inspection of the property and before we even arrive we'll have carried out some fairly detailed analysis of surrounding property: what's sold recently that indicates past values and what's on the market today that you'll be competing with for a buyer's interest.
• The appraisal and following discussion is your chance to check us out and find out all about our service, but we also believe you'd like to know what we think the place will sell for - right? Sounds a bit obvious but agents are now trained in avoiding that 'dreaded question' in case you don't like their number. Too low and you hire the other guy, too high and you list with them and they have a snowflake's chance of selling it…. They'll ask you to "authorise the paperwork" or "give us the go ahead" and only then share their thoughts on price.
• The Bees Nees' way? We believe market knowledge is a big part of our expertise so we'll happily share our thoughts on selling price. If we don't know what it's worth you shouldn't hire us. Human nature suggests you may want more than most buyers will pay but getting you the highest possible price is a key reason you hire us. We're straight-shooters and while we're selective where we spend our time, we aren't afraid of hard work.
• Our research division track key stats on inner Brisbane suburbs. Have a read of their latest research.
• We're happy to talk you through the two listing options we offer: exclusives or auctions. Each has their strengths depending on your property and its place in the market. We'll make a recommendation but the choice is yours. With either we do require a price or price range to be published to buyers for every property. A recent survey showed 92% won't bother making an enquiry if they haven't got a clue on price.

• Buyers have choices… Beware an agent who says they have a database of "thousands of buyers"... Most people buy or withdraw from the market in just a 6-8 week period and while there's a chance they'll come back in for the right property in most cases you need a campaign that'll get you exposure to buyers looking for a home TODAY. The market is now quieter than a couple of years back but this isn't a slump - just a 'normal' market. In these times only well-promoted listings catch the eye of buyers and achieve maximum price.
  
• Why did you buy it? Please tell us 5 things that appealed to you and together we'll find the home's unique benefits. We spend the time planning how to best position your property, who to target and how to reach them. We've been at the driver's wheel in marketing large property developments and we've learnt a trick or two about buyer behaviour and promotional tactics. We'll work hard to have your property JUMP OUT at prospective buyers. Good promotion requires good tools. We organise and host an Interactive Floor Plan (IFP): professional photography and a plan that we use in all marketing including brochures and on the internet. See a sample. In an age of information buyers expect to be able to check the home out thoroughly before investing their time on an inspection. The IFP also provides a downloadable floor plan with all major room dimensions so they can think through their furnishings etc.
  
• Don’t spend more than you have to. Web advertising of real estate has grown quickly for one simple reason: a buyer can reduce 5000 listings (a typical Brisbane City market) to a list of maybe 30 that suit their needs. Targeted newspaper ads are still very effective and you might be surprised to know that a lot of our enquiry still comes from signs, although body corps and Council are making them harder to put up.

• Here's some of the options for your marketing plan and a cost guide. We'd like to discuss your needs with you prior to recommending a schedule for your property.

Here’s a quick guide to the next steps in the sale of your property:

Keys, fees and lawyers:

• Please ensure we have a copy of all keys, including storerooms and garages – buyers do like to see these.
• For apartments and townhouses there’s various body corp info we’ll need to ensure we can prepare accurate contracts. Please provide us with a copy of a recent levy notice and the last AGM minutes if you have them. We’ll contact the managers for the further details. Most will charge a fee of approx $120 and we’ll check back with you prior to incurring this expense.
• A copy of your latest Brisbane City Council rates notice is very helpful.
• If you haven’t yet chosen a lawyer to handle the conveyancing please advise us as soon as you do.

Presentation and "The Smelly Dog"

• Overall it's critical we give buyers maximum opportunity to imagine themselves owning the home and that means as much open space as possible (they'll mentally 'fill it in' with their own belongings).
• General tidiness and cleanliness go a long way too so for owner-residents we're happy to plan inspections with as much notice as you need (you should see our house some days!) Do make those minor repairs you've been putting off and throw out the dead pot plants.
• Please open windows and curtains and save the loud music and strong odour foods til we're gone. And as much as you love your dog they'll be distracting at best to your prospective buyer!
• Lastly, but importantly for owner-residents, please find a place out of earshot to spend the time yourself. One of our jobs showing a property is to listen for buyer feedback and they'll rarely give this when you're in the room. Please do tell us of any new info you think we should share with a buyer but we'll often let them wander at their own pace, and interrupt only with some key points and to question them.