Welcome to the Selling Southport Podcast. I'm Andrew Wright, principal of Professional Southport since 2008. Real estate isn't just my career, it's my passion with decades of experience. I know what it takes to succeed in the property market, especially here in Southport. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, lease, or invest, you can count on me and my team to deliver strategies that maximize your returns.

Let's dive into today's episode and get you one step closer to your property goals.

Hi, I'm Andrew Wright from Professional Southport, and thanks for joining me to another episode of Selling Southport. Now, if you're planning to sell your home, whether it's next month or next year, I wanna make sure you don't fall into some of the most common traps I've seen over the past few decades because selling a home isn't just about putting a sign and hoping for the best.

It's a process, a strategy. When sellers make the wrong move early on, it can cost them time, stress, and ultimately money. So today we're diving into the top 10 mistakes I see Sellers make and how to avoid them, whether it's pricing, presentation, or promotion. I'll give you some practical ways to stay one step ahead and get the result your home deserves.

Let's start with the Southport Market itself. Selling a property here requires a bit of local insight. We're not a one size fits all suburb. We've got a mix of high density apartment living in the CBD family and prestige homes around Southport Park, TSS, and Shern Park, and plenty of duplexes and townhouses scattered around the suburb.

Each of those segments behaves differently by demand changes. What works in one pocket may not work in another. That's why a smart strategic approach matters more than ever because every decision from pricing to presentation affects your final outcome. Alright, let's jump into the top 10 mistakes.

Mistake number one, overpricing the property. This is probably the most common mistake I see. Sellers naturally wanna aim high, but if you start too high, you miss your window of peak interest. Buyers and south border savvy, if they see a home sitting too long, they start asking questions and that can lead to discounting later on.

A good strategy price to create interest. Let the market competition drive the result up, not the other way around. You deserve to get the best price possible. If the agent passes on the feedback from the market after one to two weeks, the dream price is not achievable, then you need to adjust the asking price promptly as you never get a second chance to make a first impression to the buyers.

Mistake number two, neglecting first impressions. Curb appeal counts whether it's a house near the Broadwater or a townhouse west of the CBD. Buyers form opinions fast, overgrown lawns, scuffed front doors or cluttered entryways can be a red flag. Small touches like a tidy garden, a clean driveway, and a welcoming entrance make a big difference.

Mistake number three, skipping repairs or updates. You don't need to do a full renovation, but don't ignore the little things. Leaky taps, crack tiles, or that broken fly screen, you've been meaning to fix buyers notice. And when they do, they start mentally discounting the price. Addressing those small maintenance jobs ahead of time makes your home more move in ready.

Mistake number four, choosing the wrong agent. Not all agents are created equal. And in Southport, local knowledge matters. You want someone who knows the neighborhoods, understands buyer behavior and can guide you through the process with honesty and strategy. At Professional Southport, we've helped hundreds of sellers through every kind of market, and we've seen how the right guidance can change the outcome.

Completely mistake number five, poor marketing efforts. Your home needs to stand out, and today that starts online. Professional photography, floor plans, video, social media, paid ads. A strong online presence isn't optional anymore. It's essential. If your campaign looks basic, you'll struggle to attract serious buyers.

Good marketing isn't just about exposure. It's about creating an emotional connection with the buyers. Mistake number six, getting too emotionally attached. I know selling can be emotional, especially if you've lived in the home a long time. But once you list, you've gotta start looking at your property as a product.

That means listening to buyer feedback, being open to advice, and understanding that presentation and pricing aren't personal. They're strategic. Mistake number seven, not being flexible with inspections or negotiations. The more accessible your home is, the more buyers will come through, and the more buyers that see it, the more likely you are to create competition.

I know it's not always convenient, especially with kids or tenants, but being flexible with open times and private inspections at short notice really can help your home sell faster and for more money. Mistake number eight, failing to stage the property. You don't need to spend a fortune, but even small touches like styling your dining table, adding some fresh flowers or using soft lighting can help buyers imagine themselves living in the space.

It's not about impressing them, it's about helping them feel something. And that emotional connection, that's what brings offers. Mistake number nine, ignoring market feedback. Sometimes the market sends a message if you've had 20 groups through and no offers. That's feedback. If buyers are asking the same questions or flagging similar concerns, don't ignore it.

A smart agent will help you interpret that feedback and adjust your strategy so you're not chasing the market. Downward mistake number 10. Waiting for the perfect time. I hear this a lot. We're just waiting for the market to improve the reality. There's rarely a perfect time. What matters more is the right preparation, the right presentation, and the right strategy.

If your personal circumstances say it's time to sell, then with the right agent, you can still get a great result no matter the cycle. So how do you set yourself up for success? Start by thinking strategically, not emotionally, and not reactively. Invest in professional photography and marketing. It's worth every cent.

Be open to feedback, tidy the home, fix the little things, and work with someone who understands your local market. Inside and out at Professional Southport, we're here to help, whether it's advice on how to prepare or a full campaign strategy tailored to your home. We'll walk you through every step of the way.

No pressure, just honest experience, guidance. Let me give you a quick example. A few months back we worked with a couple selling a house in Shern Park. They were initially set on a much higher price and they were hesitant to invest in any styling. But after a Frank Chat and a clear plan, we made a few minor updates, restyle the living room, trimmed the garden, fixed.

A few small things, the result. Multiple offers and a final sale price well above what they'd originally hoped for. Selling well isn't about luck, it's about strategy. So if you're thinking of selling or you just want an idea of where your property sits on the market, I'd love to help. Reach out anytime for a free, no obligation appraisal.

We'll go over what your property's worth in today's market, what buyers are looking for, and where your biggest opportunities are. Thanks for tuning in. I'm Andrew Wright, and this has been selling Southport. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might be getting ready to sell.

I'll see you next time. Thanks for listening to the Selling Southport podcast. I hope today's episode has given you some valuable insights and practical advice on the local real estate market. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, lease, or invest, I'm here to share my extensive experience and guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or want to discuss your next property move, don't hesitate to reach out. Your success is my priority. Stay tuned for more expert tips and updates on the Southport property scene.