Sold Is Not Done: The Pre-Settlement Bit That Catches Wellington Sellers Out

We've been around real estate for a hot minute (17 years with over 500 homes sold) but more uniquely have been renovators and vendors ourselves 4 times in the last 3 years, as we sold-up our rental properties.The real-world insights and practical tips we got as vendors from these 4 separate sales have been put together to help you. If you're just joining our vendor diaries series, check out the articles below which are packed with golden nuggets:

1	Getting Real Results Outside
2	Getting the House Exterior in Shape
3	Getting the Inside Sorted
4	Inside Touches and Styling
5	We Just Sold Four of Our Own Wellington Properties. Here's What Actually Got Them Sold for More
6	Buyer Information Pack: What to Gather Before Selling Your Wellington Home
7	The Two Things That Sabotage a Good Sale (& Neither One Is the House)
8	The Art (& Often Missed Opportunity) of Negotiation

This article deals with 'pre-settlement', so you can have a smooth and stress-free finish to your sale.After your property is sold, your agent will arrange a visit with the buyers for a 'pre-settlement' inspection of your property. This is what we did to make sure it ran well:

Power On

In being too efficient people can cause themselves headaches. Make sure you leave the power and gas on until settlement. If you disconnect too soon your buyer can't verify that the chattels are all working.

Chattels, Power Points & Bulbs

Make sure your chattels are all working, power points are all going, and replace any bulbs or batteries that are flat.

Tidy Grounds & Fresh Inside

Weeding the gardens and cutting the lawns isn't just polite and nice for people who've just spent a lot of money on your property. If your buyer's pre-settlement experience is positive, they are more likely to be positive and it creates goodwill! Give the floors a vacuum and mop and the bathrooms a once-over. Your property should smell fresh and clean when the door opens!

Clear Rubbish

Make sure there's no remaining rubbish at the property and that the council bins are empty.

Gather Manuals/Instructions & Keys

Leave any manuals or typed instructions that might help the new owners, along with all of the keys (labelled) except the one your agent is holding.

Leaving Things

There may be some things that you don't want or that would be difficult or a hassle to move (e.g. heavy plant pots, paint pots or a fridge), that would be welcomed by the buyers. Let the agent know and have them ask the buyers if they would like them.... remember the goodwill thing?

We hope you've found these articles helpful and are much less daunted and are instead excited by the prospect of moving and all that it involves.On that note, check-out the new listing below for a very special property, enjoying all that Wellington offers. Could you see yourself living here? Come along for a look and a chat. You'll love the view!Your property or situation will be unique and we're happy to help with expert no-obligation advice. For a chat about the market, your property or any concerns drop us an email or call (leonie.snook@harcourts.co.nz or 027 518 0008). No fuss, no sales pitch, no juniors, just service! Leonie & Steve