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Selling Property

How to Take Great Real Estate Photos

In the digital era, the majority of buyers are purchasing a property that they found online first. Online property investors are attracted to striking photographs and this can dramatically speed up the buying process. High quality real estate photography can make your property sell 32 times faster than a property with low-quality or unappealing photography. Days on the market can be reduced with high quality photography that showcases the best attributes of your property.

Over 3 million people visit realestate.com.au every month, so a listing with stunning photography of your property can make your listing stand out from the rest.

If your property doesn’t present well online, there is less of a chance that the buyer will take the next step of booking an in-person inspection.

At Minus The Agent, we facilitate online listings for our clients and have seen thousands of online listings posted through our platform. These are out top tips for optimising your online listing with high quality professional photography.

1. Plan your photoshoot and schedule enough time

Generally, a real estate listing will have the following shots:

  • 2 wide angle shots of each bedroom, the kitchen and the living room.

  • 1-3 photos of the backyard unless it has some unique features.
  • 1-2 shots of the front of the home to show off the ‘curb appeal’.
  • 1 shot each of features such as laundry room, garage, and pantry.

Take a walk through the property and plan the best angles and positions to get the shots you need for the listing. Schedule an appropriate amount of time for the photoshoot to ensure you are are happy with photos.

2. Organise your equipment

Are you going to hire a professional photographer or DIY the photoshoot? If you are going to take the photos yourself it is important that you have the right gear. While modern phone cameras can take excellent photographs, it does pay to borrow or hire a professional DSLR camera to get high quality imagery. You will also need a few different options for lenses, a tripod to steady the camera and a flash to create diffused light effects.

3. Clean and declutter your property

It is important that potential buyers or renters can visualise themselves in the property. While your property may be lived in and homely, when it comes to professional real estate photography the property must present as clean and clutter free. Remove magnets from the fridge, clean clutter from all surfaces, hide toothbrushes and decor on counters, clean the mirrors, put down the toilet lid and remove all of the clutter that builds up over time in a lived-in property. Your property will look fresh, spacious and clean in the photography after being cleaned and decluttered.

4. It’s all about the lighting

For example, you can create an ambient diffused light effect by positioning the the flash towards a rear wall or to the ceiling to bounce the light throughout the room.

5. Make the most of different shooting techniques

If you scroll through real estate listings on realestate.com.au or Domain you will notice that the real estate photography makes use of different techniques to showcase the best features of the property. Some of these techniques includes using unique points of view (POV) as shooting low can help to showcase the full breadth and length of a room and highlight how spacious the space is. Balancing the the composition with a foreground, a middle-ground and a background creates depth and results in a compelling image. Making the most of shooting techniques can create interesting and striking images that highlight the best features of your property.

6. Add the finishing touches in post-production

Post-production is the most important step in the process. Using programs like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to touch up your images is essential to create beautiful digital images. Play around with the saturation and the exposure to make your images look warm and inviting.

The real estate rental and buying markets are highly competitive, and with potential buyers scrolling though a multitude of listings online it is important that your listing stands out from the pack. High quality photography is essential to showcase your property and get you the best results when you are listing a property online for rent or for sale. At Minus The Agent, our real estate customer service team are experts in creating effective real estate listings.

We take the hassle out of buying, selling or renting property. Our easy and efficient platform means that you can create your own online listings on all the major real estate websites without thousands of dollars of agent commission fees. You are supported by a team of real estate experts to guide you through the process and maximise your results.

Trial Minus The Agent now!

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Latest News Sell Home Selling Property

How Important is Landscaping When Selling a Property?

How important is landscaping when selling a property

First impressions count both in life and when it comes to real estate. When selling your property, the first thing that buyers will see is the front of the house both in the online photos and when inspecting. A house with lush green lawns, well maintained garden beds, well groomed trees and some low maintenance flowering shrubs can add serious value when it comes to selling.

In the Husqvarna Global Gardening Report, 5,000 homeowners from around the world indicated that a well maintained garden increased the value of their property by an estimated 16%. The return was 3.1 times the money invested.

Well maintained lawn, inviting social area, stone paths and walls, decorative trees and decorative bushes are ranked as the top features that added value.

In the same way as a newly renovated kitchen increases the value of a home, landscaping investment can have a direct bearing on the market value of a property.

” Husqvarna Global Gardening Report

Investing in landscaping and the curb appeal of your property is a tried and true method of increasing the value of your property. It is an opportunity to increase your sale price. Curb appeal is important to 98 percent of buyers when choosing their home, according to the National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report.

Real Estate Agents Top 6 Landscaping Tips to Increase Market Value

  1. Landscaping when selling includes a healthy and well maintained lawn that adds curb appeal and is attractive to buyers looking for the Australian dream of a family home. A cost effective option for large lawn areas in Australia is Kikuyu grass. It grows quickly with low maintenance and looks lush.

    2. This has been shown to add value, and although it won’t grow to maturity before you sell the property- it still shows buyers that the potential is there.

  2. Plan your garden with native shrubs and hardy plants that thrive in your local area. These plants will be easier to maintain and look appealing.
  3. Review the landscaping of the properties around your house- if the neighbouring properties have beautiful landscaping and your property has a garden with struggling plants and patchy lawn, it will be a turn off to buyers who may think that the rest of the property is similarly uncared for.
  4. Plan your landscaping to include insulating hedges, shady trees, bushes by windows and strategically grown plants that will provide privacy from neighbours and the road. This both reduces harsh sun exposure to the interior of the house, but also creates additional privacy.
  5. In the lead up to the sale of the property, water the lawn to keep it fresh and green, prune and tidy, mulch the gardens and perhaps replace some plants or add some pots of flowering plants to boost the appeal of the property when the online photos are taken and when buyers are coming to open inspections.

Minus The Agent is a leading Australian real estate website that saves you thousands in agent commission fees when you sell your property. It’s the smart way to sell, where you can advertise your property across all the leading platforms yourself to save money, but also have the live support of expert real estate agents 24/7.

List your property on Minus The Agent today!

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Buying Property Latest News

Should You Buy City or Country Real Estate?

The opportunities for wealth creation through property investment are better than ever with smart buyers considering growth areas in city or country real estate regions for investment.

In 2019 more than ever, buyers and investors in the property market have expanded their search for smart long term investments to both city and country areas. Despite a downturn in the property market, the best wealth-creation opportunities continue to be in real estate. Over the past 18 months, the overall Australian housing market has recorded a cumulative 1.9% fall in value but there are growth cycles in many regional areas. This means that the key to property success is strategic thinking, research and due diligence. Considering locations outside of metropolitan centres like Sydney and Melbourne, such as regional cities or country areas can be the key to property success in a slower real estate market.

Almost two-thirds of Australians live in capital cities and these areas continue to be the better investment opportunities for long term capital gain. However, affordability, fewer lending opportunities and falling rents make these areas challenging for buyers.

With a focus on infrastructure projects and lifestyle in regional areas, there is more opportunity than ever before in country areas for above-average capital growth and rental returns. There are many growth areas around employment hubs, infrastructure projects and lifestyle amenities. Regional areas are more connected than ever with the internet, people do not have to reply on employment in traditional industries like agriculture and mining, but can work remotely online while enjoying the country lifestyle.

Where is the strongest growth? City or country real estate?

It is important to do your homework when considering property in country areas. Properties are more affordable with regional housing prices are around 55% of capital city equivalents, however more regional properties sell at a loss than those in capital cities.

Identifying growth areas with employment diversification, councils supportive of infrastructure projects and growth trends is fundamental. There are great opportunities in country areas to identify affordable properties that attract higher rental yield and positive return on cash flow if appropriate due diligence is undertaken.

Consider your goals

Regardless of whether or not you are considering property investment in the city or country real estate areas, the fundamental drivers in the area such as affordability, infrastructure, employment hubs and lifestyle amenities must be considered. There are thriving economies with affordable properties in both regional and city locations. Consider your property investment goals and do your homework in the region to identify properties with potential to meet your needs-whether they are capital gains, rental returns, equity building or finding the perfect family home.

No matter where you investing in Australia, you can use Minus The Agent to buy, sell or rent your property. With our online platform, you can buy, sell or rent your property anywhere or anytime with confidence that you have online support from expert real estate agents and that you are saving money from agent commission fees.

Try before you buy with Minus The Agent now!

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Latest News Sell Home Selling Property

Why it is so Easy to Sell House Without Agent?

Going it completely alone when it comes to real estate can be fraught with danger. As the seller, you must have a deep understanding of legislation and buy and sell processes. Private sellers can not access marketing resources and often do not have knowledge of the ins and outs of the property market. Using Minus The Agent avoids these risks, you can sell your property with the support and resources of expert real estate agents without the fees associated with traditional agencies.

Minus The Agent – We provide everything you need to know about sell house without agent

Here at Minus The Agent, we empower property owners to take a more hands-on approach to the sale of their property and harness the power of technology and digital marketing, while still providing support from expert real estate agents and all the resources you will need to successfully sell your property.

  • We have a simple fee structure with no agent fees
  • With our simple platform, you can list your property on all leading industry websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au and many more
  • We list your property until it is sold all for one one-off fixed payment
  • Our knowledgeable staff provide expert customer support 7 days a week on phone and email after hours
  • We provide you with marketing resources like ‘for sale’ signs, brochures, professional photos, floor plans and more
  • Minus The Agent have a 5 star ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot with hundreds of happy clients

Testimonial

“Highly Recommended Website super easy to use and set up my listing. I was able to edit the listing myself without having to email support every time. Thank you” – Melissa Wighton

It’s so easy to sell your property without a real estate agent. In fact, you can get started right now with our ‘try before you buy’ offer.

Get Started Now

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Buying Property Latest News

Should I invest in property in 2019?

The changing property landscape has created new 2019 property investment opportunities. It’s the ideal time to buy strategically for sustainable long-term wealth building through property investment.

2019 property market forecasts were gloomy for the first part of the year with the looming federal election, royal banking commission and falling rents in Sydney and Melbourne. However, investor confidence and market activity has risen dramatically post election. Investors with a long-term view are leveraging the investment opportunities in the 2019 property market. Now with the election result, predicted rate cut and a first home buyer’s scheme on the horizon, the property market has significantly buoyed.

Where has the property market confidence come from?

Certainty is returning to the property market since the re-election of the Coalition and the first home buyers scheme has brought about renewed enquiry. There are wider trends at play in Australia that are positively impacting the property market in 2019.

Australia’s population grew by 1.6% in 2018 with 61% of growth due to net overseas migration, employment growth and controlled inflation. This is having positive influence on the property market meaning that investors with a long term capital gain strategies are in a good position to invest in property in 2019. Despite the prediction that property prices would fall or remain flat in 2019, property investor confidence is strong. There are always opportunities in the property market and in a slow market it is a great time to pick up deals.

Where should I buy?

The hotspots in 2019 are in the middle circle around the outskirts of capital cities and in regional areas. The 2018 SmartCompany property investor survey saw 31% of investors reporting that they are looking at detached houses in inner and middle-ring suburbs and 27% are looking at properties with value add potential (renovation or development) as their key investment strategies as short term capital gains and good rental returns becoming harder to achieve. Properties in well-selected regional areas such as the Sunshine Coast were also seen as a favourable investment. In the wake of the election, Finder’s insights manager Graham Cooke has seen traffic on the Finder website increase by 55% visiting first home buyer guides. John Kolenda, managing director of Finsure Group has said “There is evidence of the market bottoming out, so it looks like a good time to start the process of getting into the market .” All of these signs indicate that there is no better time than now to be looking at property investment as a long term wealth building strategy.

2019 property investment

Investors in 2019 are not just driven by yield, returns or tax benefits, but are looking for properties that can be used for personal use or long-term capital gains. Investors need to be smarter than ever now and look at areas with anticipated growth, urban growth corridors, new infrastructure projects and proximity to schools, hospitals and community facilities.  Locations outside of capital cities are offering great opportunities in 2019. Housing is affordable, cash flows are stronger, housing supply is tight and economic conditions are good. Good research, due diligence and revised strategies are more important than ever, but there are more opportunities than ever for smart investors.

What can I do?

Are you looking to leverage new investment opportunities in 2019-21? It is the ideal time to make smart real estate investments. If you are looking for a smart way to buy, sell or rent a property privately in 2019, Minus the Agent is a platform that empowers property investors to take control of their investment portfolio and save thousands in agent fees. Take advantage of the digital age with cutting edge strategies for buying, selling and managing property in 2019 with Minus the Agent.

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Latest News

Orange is the New Purple!

Minus The Agent offers Aussies a truly game-changing online real estate service that saves thousands in agent commission fees.

Minus The Agent is continuing to disrupt the real estate market with their commission-free DIY online service for property sales and management in the wake of the announcement that online real estate company Purple Bricks is leaving the Australian market. Minus The Agent is more committed than ever to helping Australians buy, sell and rent property and save thousands of commission fees associated with using traditional bricks and mortar real estate agencies.

UK company Purple Bricks entered the Australian market in 2016 promising to provide an alternative for Australians who were frustrated by commissions costing Australians an average of $13,500 (up from an average of $1,970 over the past 30 years). Their flat-fee or low-cost agents challenged the traditional real estate model in Australia, but ultimately it is flat-fee DIY online services from Minus The Agent that have created real value for money for Australians.

Taking advantage of the digital age, Minus The Agent is efficient and cost-effective while still providing clients with excellent customer service.

Best choice to manage your own property

“If you want to axe agent fees, Minus The Agent is your best choice. It is easy to follow and list your property on realestate.com and domain. You can work on your own just like a PM. Sarah is so helpful. I strongly recommend for anyone who want to manage property without agent.” Garnet – Trustpilot

With sophisticated tools, expert knowledge of the real estate market and responsive customer service, Minus The Agent has created real change in the Australian real estate market. Are you looking for a reliable Australian owned and operated online real estate service? Minus The Agent offers the best commission-free services in Australia. With an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and hundreds of satisfied customers, you can confidently present and sell your home using Minus The Agent.

List Your Property on Minus The Agent Now!

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Blog Selling Property

Home Seller Tips When Negotiating An Offer

Trustpilot

Have you finally decided to sell your property? Whatever the reason behind this major decision, it’s crucial that you know what to do in the event a potential buyer shows interest and ask for your selling price. The next part could be extremely challenging, the negotiation process. So, how can you succeed and get through this phase without appearing too excited to close this deal. Below are tips that will help you handle the negotiation process like a professional.

Tip #1 – Do market research

It really pays off if you are completely aware of the current trend in your neighbourhood, particularly in the homes for sale, so that you have an idea if your asking price is a bit pricey. Keep in mind, even if you have a hot property for sale, this doesn’t mean that all property hunters would be willing to pay that price.

Tip #2 – Have your property appraised

If you want to know the real market value of your property for sale, it would be a wise move to have it appraised before posting your asking price in any listing website. Besides, having proof that property has been appraised gives you confidence when justifying your asking price with an interested buyer.

Tip #3 – Take time to listen

Tip #4 –Don’t be offended with lowest bids

Remember, you are still undergoing negotiation process and it just needs a little push to convince this buyer that your final offer is a good deal. For example, explain why your counter offer is the best such as inclusion of closing cost as well as repairs.

Tip #5 — Start the conveyancing process

A conveyancer is often hired for this process and can be a legal representative or a licensed professional with expertise in this kind of job.

Seller Conveyancer – the following tasks are performed:

  • Ensure that all legal documents are complete and sorted
  • Legally represent you and provide a timely response to any request coming from the buyer such as a request to extend the dates, title question and a lot more.

Tip #6 – Be guided with your reason to sell

Don’t just focus on your asking price. Assess where you will benefit most, especially if your property has been there for months without an offer and here comes a potential buyer offering cash payment provided you lower the asking price. You need to decide wisely, give in to the offer or take the risk of losing this deal.

Part of a selling cycle is the negotiation. Even if you are determined to sell your own property at your asking price, there are times that you need to compromise. Keep communicating with your interested buyer and see to it that you are both happy in the final outcome of this negotiation process.

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Blog Sell Home

How to Sell Home Without an Agent?


Trustpilot

Selling a home without an agent is profitable because you save on paying heavy commission to the agent.

But, how to sell without an agent?

You can show them the property and negotiate the price.

Since you give your undivided attention to the selling process, you will be able to sell your home quickly.

However, while listing your home on a property portal, it is important to ensure that it is an authentic site as there are numerous fake sites which will not provide you with the expected results.

In Australia, the best property listing website is Minus The Agent!
Why is Minus The Agent the best property portal?

  • You can choose a package from the options we offer and pay for it.
  • We are a high visibility site and so your listing will be viewed by a large number of potential buyers.
  • We help you advertise your home effectively.
  • We list your property on other leading property websites in Australia such as domain.com.au,
    realestate.com.au, etc. We also share it on various social media sites at no additional expenses.

    • There are no hidden charges.

So, if you are looking to sell your home without an agent and maximise your returns, list it on Minus The Agent!

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Blog Selling Property

How to sell your property without an agent


Trustpilot

If you are also thinking of selling your property without a real estate agent, you can consider listing your property with this particular platform.

What would be your home selling process by taking their help?

  • First of all, you have to select a suitable package from the available packages list. No hidden fees or commission! Everything is included in the given package option.
  • After this, provide the complete description and attractive visualisation of your property.
  • Now, list it on Minus The Agent!
  • Minus The Agent website provides exposure to your property by advertising and listing it on realestate.com and other high-profile, high visibility Australian real estate websites. Without charging extra amount!
  • They also share your property on social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Don’t you think, this online portal is a better option to sell a property without an agent?
Obviously, it is. They will not only let you enjoy complete control over your selling process but also effective marketing aspects like the list on realestate.com within the package cost.

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Sell Home Selling Property

Why One Should Go for Sell My Own Home Option?

Why One Should Go for Sell My Own Home Option


Trustpilot

So, don’t you think that selling your own home is a good option?

Before stepping down the path, you have to consider that the process is not as easy as it seems. You have to invest a lot of effort and time doing the work of a real estate agent. You have to handle everything, from showing it to the potential buyers and marketing it to negotiating the end price.

Below, let’s have a look at the key benefits that sell your own home websites provide to you:

Promote your property online-

24/7 hours availability-

Therefore, potential buyers can have a look at your property whenever they are free. And, the proficient and expert customer support services of such companies always remain available to serve the customers with any property related query. There are never time constraints to the sell your own home process.

Minus The Agent is a leading property portal where you can list your property for sale. We are a high visibility website and also share the listing on other leading property listing websites in Australia. We also share the listing on social media sites. So, go ahead and sell your own home without an agent with Minus The Agent!

Selling your home has never been easier!