Selling your home is both exciting and overwhelming. It’s not just a financial asset you’re parting with — it’s a place filled with memories. But the reality is this: one wrong decision in the process can cost you a massive amount of money. With more than 50 years of experience selling property in Somerset West and the wider Helderberg region, we’ve learned exactly what helps homeowners achieve the best possible result. Here’s a guide to help you feel confident, prepared, and in control from start to finish.
Step 1: Be Clear on Why You Want to Sell
Before you go anywhere near the market, get crystal clear on your motivation. Are you upsizing? Downsizing? Relocating? Wanting to release equity? Understanding why you’re selling will help you make smarter decisions about pricing, timing, and strategy. When emotions run high — and they usually do — your “why” keeps you grounded and focused on your goals.
Step 2: Prepare Your Home for the Market
Buyers really do judge a home the moment they pull up outside. A neat garden, sparkling pool, clean roofline and fresh paint instantly create positive sentiment. Small repairs, decluttering and freshening up your home can result in buyers perceiving more value — which often translates into a stronger offer. And if there are known defects, disclose them upfront. Transparency builds trust and avoids issues later.
Step 3: Interview 2–3 Real Estate Agents
It may be tempting to list with the first agent you meet — but take your time. Not all agents bring the same skills, commitment, or marketing power. Speak to two or three who are active in your suburb, have strong recommendations, and demonstrate real local knowledge. Ask them how they plan to position your home to the market, what strategies they’ll implement, and how they’ll communicate with you through the process.
Step 4: Compare Agent Proposals Carefully
The best agent doesn’t just stick a board up and hope for the best. They’ll back their recommended price with data — specifically a Comparative Market Analysis — and present a marketing campaign designed to attract competition between qualified buyers. Listen for clear strategy, accountability, and service commitments. Who listened the best? Who understood your goals? Who will represent you most professionally?
Step 5: Steer Clear of Common Home-Selling Traps
We see sellers fall into the same traps again and again:
Choosing the lowest commission agent often results in poor negotiation skills and weaker outcomes. Selecting the agent who promises the highest selling price is risky — the market sets the value, not the agent. And while open mandates sound flexible, they typically reduce accountability and dilute marketing efforts. If an agent asks for an exclusive mandate, make sure their marketing and service promises are guaranteed in writing.
Step 6: Commit to One Agent You Trust
Once you’ve found the right match — commit. A single agent who is accountable to you and who has the right strategy will always outperform multiple agents simply listing and waiting. Meet regularly to review progress, feedback, and marketing performance. This partnership approach keeps the process transparent and moving forward.
Step 7: Listen to Market Feedback
Buyers will tell you — directly or indirectly — whether your property is correctly priced. A skilled agent will share this feedback honestly. If interest is slow or offers aren’t aligning with expectations, adjusting swiftly gives you the best chance of achieving a premium result. The longer a home remains on the market, the more questions buyers ask — and the lower offers tend to be.
Step 8: Be Open to Negotiation
Negotiation is where your agent’s skill really counts. Try to stay focused on the facts rather than emotions; a buyer isn’t critiquing your home, they’re simply seeking value. Look at the full picture: timing, inclusions, contingencies, and price. When the offer aligns with market activity and your goals, it’s often best to move forward decisively.
Step 9: Choose the Transferring Attorney
You have the right as the seller to appoint the transferring attorney — and you absolutely should. The attorney protects your interests, keeps timelines on track, and ensures the agreement is correctly executed. If the buyer appoints the attorney, their interests become the priority.
Step 10: Protect Yourself When Buying Again
If you’re purchasing another property, make sure the agreement is conditional on the successful sale and registration of your current home. This prevents financial pressure or complications if there are delays or changes in your sale process.
Step 11: Leave Your Home Ready for New Memories
Leaving your home clean, tidy, and well-presented for the buyer isn’t just courteous — it ensures a positive end to the process. A good agent will manage the handover smoothly, so the new owners feel confident and excited about their future in the home.
Step 12: Stay Organised with Checklists
From compliance certificates and moving arrangements to utility transfers and key handovers — there’s a lot to remember. Checklists and planning ahead will remove unnecessary stress and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Selling a home should feel rewarding — not risky. When you choose a professional, experienced, and accountable real estate partner, you gain access to:
A proven sales method designed to achieve higher selling prices
Exceptional marketing that reaches qualified buyers quickly
A written service and marketing guarantee
50+ years of trusted success in the Helderberg property market
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Somerset West or the surrounding area, we’d love to help you make your move with confidence.
Contact Harcourts Platinum for a free, accurate property appraisal
➡ https://www.harcourtsplatinum.co.za/sell/
☎ +27 (0)21 851 2614
