4 5 tips to take the stress out of selling your home Selling soon? Your home is probably your most valuable asset and making the right decisions to get the best possible result can be very stressful. There are plenty of tried and tested ways to minimise the stress of selling, though. Preparation, strategy, professional help and managing expectations are all key to coming out on the other side in one piece and with the best possible result. 1. Get Educated Selling a property without being well-informed is a recipe for stress overload. Doing your research first will help you start the process with confidence. Find out what’s going on in the market, and visit open homes and auctions in the area so you know your competition. Stay on top of recent sale prices so you have a good idea what your property is likely to be worth. 2. Contact an agent early Don’t wait until it’s time to list before you talk to an agent. Joe Farr from Farr Real Estate recommends inviting two or three agents around to see your property early. “We’re working in the market every day and know what most buyers like in local properties. We can make suggestions for low-cost improvements that could add tens or even hundreds of thousands to the final sale price.” Start planning a few months in advance and seek out expert advice to prepare your home for sale. 3. Refresh rather than renovate Getting your home ready to list doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on a big renovation. Cleaning is one of the most effective things a seller can do to get their home market-ready. Making sure the property is spotless, including deep cleaning carpets and washing windows. A fresh coat of paint can also have a huge impact on a small budget. 4. Declutter! Making sure your home is clutter-free and spacious is essential. The earlier you start the process, the less stressed you'll be. Joe Farr suggests taking your time and working through decluttering over a few weeks. “Just do one room at a time, it’s amazing what you accumulate over the years. Consider hiring a storage unit to move out some of your larger items.” 5. Be realistic in your expectations While everybody wants to achieve a swift sale for a top price, it's important to keep a level head when it comes to expectations. “Everyone wants the top price, but advertising a price too high can scare off the best buyers in the crucial early days of a marketing campaign.” Joe suggests pricing the property fairly, or using a ‘no price’ strategy to attract more interest and generate competition. “When you can get two or more buyer’s fighting over your home, with a skilled negotiator in the middle, that’s when you achieve the premium prices in the shortest time.” Getting ready to sell? Joe Farr from Farr Real Estate is your record-breaking local agent who is more than happy to pop around for a hassle-free chat about your property. Call 0422 400 680 or 55 007 007 to book in a time with Joe. See advert front cover The Gold Coast's BLEACH* Festival returns from July 31 to August 10, 2025, with a bold new vision under the curatorial direction of acclaimed artist Michael Zavros. This year's festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of contemporary arts, offering over 100 events across 11 days. The 2025 program features a diverse array of performances and installations, including three world premieres and five Queensland premieres. Highlights include "Breaking Into Heaven," a genre-busting live performance of Selve’s new album recorded at Abbey Road, performed in full with the Australian Session Orchestra, lasers, immersive visuals, and featuring performances from contemporary First Nations dance company: Karul Projects!. The festival kicks off on Thursday 31st July with "First Light," a captivating fusion of dance, fire, and song. First Light will feature a sunrise performance involving local Aboriginal dancers, choirs, and Traditional Owners, along with a traditional smoking ceremony. The event will also include the Skywhale and Skywhalepapa, presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, floating into the sky. BLEACH* 2025 is a testament to the Gold Coast's growing artistic ambition and its commitment to showcasing diverse voices and talents. With a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and placebased storytelling, the festival is poised to captivate audiences. From immersive art installations to electrifying performances, whether you're a local resident or a visitor, BLEACH* 2025 offers an opportunity to experience the vibrant creativity of the Gold Coast. Patricia Piccinini with Skywhalepapa, 2020 and Skywhale, 2013, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Melbourne launch ©Patricia Piccinini There are free and ticketed events with some free events requiring registration. For more info www.hota.com.au
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjM5MTE=