Selling in Lower Hutt: straight answers
How long does it take to sell a house in Lower Hutt?
Most Lower Hutt sales run in three stages: a week or two getting ready, a marketing campaign of about four weeks, then settlement on a date you agree with the buyer. How long each stage takes depends on the method of sale, the price and how well the home is prepared. Rupert will map out the timing for your home at the appraisal.
Getting ready
Before the campaign starts, the photos and video are shot, the listing is written and any small jobs are done. Having the documents buyers ask for ready at this stage, such as the LIM, the title and any builder's report, saves days later on.
The campaign
A deadline sale or auction campaign usually runs for about four weeks, with open homes each weekend and private viewings in between. A home sold by negotiation or at a fixed price has no set end date: it sells when the right offer comes in.
Four weeks gives every serious buyer time to see the home, arrange finance and do their checks, so they can compete on the same day.
Offers and conditions
Most offers come with conditions, such as finance, a builder's report or a LIM. The buyer has the number of working days written into the agreement to satisfy them. Once every condition is met, the sale is unconditional.
At auction there are no conditions: the sale is unconditional when the hammer falls.
Settlement
Settlement is the day the buyer pays and you hand over the keys. The date is agreed in the sale and purchase agreement, often several weeks after the sale goes unconditional, and it can be set to fit your plans, such as buying your next home or school terms.
What makes a home sell faster
Three things: a price grounded in recent sales, a home that is clean, tidy and well presented, and buyers who can get the information they need quickly. Rupert calls you after every open home, so you know how the campaign is tracking and can adjust early if needed.
