TikTok can't do this - why a professional should sell your property

In an age where the answer to almost anything can be googled or a tutorial on how to do something can be found on YouTube or TikTok, it's tempting to take matters into own hands. What could be so hard about applying wallpaper yourself? Or fixing that leaking tap can't be that hard - just follow what they do on the video. 

"Access to information is very empowering and while there's a lot to be said for being a generalist, certain things just still require the expertise and insights of a specialist. As a property guy I would say that selling a property is best left to the professional, but there are good reasons!" quips Giel Viljoen, Principal at Leapfrog Stellenbosch. 

Here's why the business of selling a property is best left to the professionals. 

"A property professional saves you time, ensures you make the most money from the transaction, and manages all the - sometimes confusing and cumbersome -administrative side of things. 

It's about time

If you think selling a property is as simple as listing it on an online portal and waiting for buyers to flock to you, think again. 

Viljoen explains that the business of selling involves  liaising with potential buyers - here property professionals draw on a wide network of suitable potential buyers - setting up appointments, accompanying buyers on viewings, answering questions, preparing documentation, negotiating and much more. 

Doing it yourself may mean that you're doing it for the first-time ever, unlike property agents who do it daily. With that experience and expertise comes the ability to do it faster, more efficiently and right the first time because they understand the relevant processes, systems and have a keen understanding of the market.

When selling a property the goal is always to sell as fast as possible so that the property does not become "stale" on the market. Property agents understand this better than anyone and thus operate swiftly. 

Money matters

One of the most common reasons people want to manage the sale of a property themselves is to save on the agent commission. But that's short-sighted, Viljoen believes. 

Property professionals are skilled negotiators and, together with having access to the resources that allow them to guide the seller on pricing a property just right for the market, they work with the seller to ensure the best possible deal for all parties.  

A trusted property advisor can actually help increase the profit for you because they know how to negotiate and won't leave money lying on the table, so to speak. 

All the paperwork 

There's a lot of paperwork involved in selling a property. And not getting the admin right can have far-reaching financial and legal implications.

Property agents know the ins, outs, loopholes and potential pitfalls of the financial and legal documentation, and their job is to guide you through it effectively.