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I really didn’t intend to move so quickly.

All I wanted when the agent came around was a proper valuation, and his thoughts on the best way to go to market with Mum’s house. I expected to be ready to list it – possibly – in early November, so there was no need to rush. However after a long chat with him and others, I decided that selling by auction was the best way to go. And due to the peculiarity in that area where auctions are only held once a month, my options were either mid-November or mid-February. I expect that the turmoil in the world economy will only have a negative effect on house prices next year, so selling sooner rather than later is the logical course of action. Hence, the house will be auctioned on November 16th.

That means that the 3-4 weeks I thought I’d have to finish tidying up the place has been condensed into just six days. So this week has been busy busy busy organising everything at the last minute. But it’s all gone very well, to be honest. The contract is drafted, cleaners and painters have been commissioned for minor touch-ups that I don’t have time to do myself, a giant skip bin was delivered today and a working bee has been organised for Sunday to help fill it. Photos were taken today, and I approve the final advertising on Monday morning. Then it’s open to all comers, and fingers crossed!

Everything else has been pushed aside this week because of the importance of selling, but I’ve still found time to do my day job and follow up a few other loose ends (including writing this blog!). And I’ve finally got back into running in a more serious way, which is good because proper training for the Six Foot Track Marathon begins in only six weeks…

The need to sell my mother’s home has forced me to become a player in the real estate market. For years I’ve maintained a look of mild interest whenever property talk came up, and though I was always intrigued really I thought “this isn’t relevant to me”. 

Now that I’m actively involved in selling a house on the Central Coast (these days part of Sydney’s commuter belt), I’m almost overwhelmed with how many things there are to do. Maintaining gardens, checking the guttering, de-cluttering 20 years of accumulation, removing cobwebs… I’m even starting to watch home renovation shows to get some ideas!

It’s finally time to talk to real estate agents about the key issue: price. Over the past 11 years in my job I have learnt the art of buying and selling, and my bullshit detector is very finely tuned. So I am pleased and relieved that the agent Mum had been in contact with in recent years is a genuine guy who is willing and able to give his honest opinion up front. Yes such people do exist, even in real estate (though I think they’re a rare breed). I’ve been doing my own research into the area, and based on that I’m confident he will be able to do well for us.

Unless I can sell it myself, of course! Can I interest you in a very tidy and spacious three-bedroom house in beautiful Saratoga, with two bathrooms, large covered rear deck, views, and huge downstairs garage? Located on a quiet sought-after street and only a short walk to shops and the waterfront, this would be perfect for a young family and is priced to sell fast. Don’t delay, call today!