Here's why you want a professional to sell your property

With everything from the fuel price to electricity, inflation and the interest rate rising, South Africans are looking to save money wherever they can. For some people that could mean filing their own taxes or mowing their own lawn, but it's important to understand which services are best left to the professionals, because it actually saves (or even makes) you money in the long run. 

"The question of whether you really need an estate agent to sell your property is one that we're asked time and again. The answer is a resounding yes, and has everything to do with time, money and expertise," says Chris Trytsman, Principal at Leapfrog Rustenberg. 

In good time 

A property on the market becomes 'stale' after just a few weeks, which is why the goal with selling is to move it as quickly as possible. Property professionals know exactly what it takes to ensure the property captures the attention of potential buyers in a timely fashion, which increases the chances of selling the property sooner rather than later. 

"This is what property professionals do every day so we're able to do it quickly and efficiently, thanks to a keen understanding of the systems and processes that govern the industry, as well as the whims of the market," Trytsman explains. 

He adds to bear in mind that the property owner looking to sell a property themself is unlikely to have the industry insights, market contacts or negotiation skills to sell the property at the highest price in the shortest amount of time. 

Selling a property is also about far more than listing it online and waiting for buyers to knock down your door. "Selling requires strategic marketing, negotiation and reams of paperwork," Trytsman says. 

Money matters

If your reason for wanting to sell the property yourself is to "save" on the agent's commission, think again. A trusted property advisor has a great chance of increasing the seller's profit, firstly because they know how to price the property right the first time, and secondly because they are experienced negotiators who are unlikely to leave money lying on the table," Trytsman says. 

A reputable property agent will be registered and accredited in line with the requirements of the new Property Practitioners Act, which means their services are rendered within a legal framework, offering the seller an indication of the professionalism they can expect. 

Property agents also have access to resources such as marketing insights and price data, which means they aren't shooting from the hip when they price a property or decide on a marketing plan for selling a property as quickly as possible. 

A win for one is a win for all

Property transactions are complex and subject to various legal, financial and regulatory requirements that can be quite daunting to deal with as a layperson. "Property professionals handle this kind of paperwork as par for the course, which again means they do it fast and correctly. 

Even a small oversight or mistake of this kind of documentation could be very costly, or cost you the sale of the property. 

At the end of the day, the property agent only wins when the client wins, which is the motivation for offering a professional, efficient and transparent service. Working with a property professional to sell a property is the best way to sell it fast, sell it at the right price and sell it with confidence.