Selling your home isn’t just about sticking a “For Sale” sign and waiting for magic to happen. Today’s buyers are scrolling, swiping, and shortlisting before they even set foot in your building. Which means if you want to close the deal at the price you deserve, you need a game plan that’s part old-school charm, part digital hustle.
Knowledge
It is important to know your flat like a pro (and sound like one too). If you hesitate when a buyer asks, “What’s the carpet area?” you’ve already lost half the battle. Before you even think about advertising, prepare a crisp cheat sheet with all the essentials such as built-up and carpet area, year of construction, society formation status, monthly outgoings, transfer fees, and parking details.
Note the number, size, and layout of each room, add a neat floor plan with north-south-east-west directions, and even throw in the brand of the lift for good measure. If you’re selling with fixtures and furniture, have that list ready too. The goal is to know your home so well that you can pitch it confidently, without fumbling for answers or flipping through papers.
Communicate
Now spread the word — everywhere. Gone are the days when you’d just tell your broker and stick a notice on the society board. Today, your property needs to be everywhere your potential buyer might be lurking.
List it on free online real estate platforms with eye-catching photos and a snappy description. Tap into WhatsApp networks, all from society groups and family chats to ex-colleague circles, because you never know who’s one “forward” away from becoming a buyer.
Social media is your next big ally: Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Stories, and LinkedIn posts can work wonders for visibility, especially if you keep them visual and catchy. And don’t forget the office grapevine — internal bulletin boards or corporate chat channels are surprisingly effective for spreading the word.
Neighbours
Above all, don’t overlook the neighbourhood prospects. Sometimes, your perfect buyer is literally one floor away. Joint families looking to expand, neighbours with grown-up kids wanting their own space, or a friend of a friend who has always admired your society — these leads are golden. They already know the locality, the amenities, and the community, which often means less convincing and quicker decision-making.
Transform
The next step is to stage it like you mean it. You don’t need to invest in a massive renovation, but you do need to make your home look and feel irresistible. Declutter countertops and shelves, fix that leaky tap or peeling paint, and swap heavy curtains for lighter ones that let in more light.
Brighten up darker corners with warm lamps, add a touch of freshness with a few potted plants, and keep the place smelling pleasant: subtle scents like sandalwood or jasmine work wonders. Remember, buyers aren’t just looking for walls and tiles; they’re imagining their life in your space. The more inviting you make it, the faster they’ll picture themselves moving in.
Plan
Before you set a price, do your homework on recent sales in your area and focus on actual closing prices, not just asking figures. Take into account factors like floor level, ventilation, views, and proximity to amenities. Once you’ve got your number, set your asking price about ten percent higher than your absolute minimum. That way, you have enough room to negotiate without feeling like you’re underselling your home.
Costs
Before taking any decision, factor in the hidden costs. The deal isn’t just about the selling price; it’s about what you take home after expenses. Stamp duty, registration charges, society transfer fees, and brokerage commissions can add up quickly.
Decide upfront who’s paying for what, especially stamp duty and registration, and factor your share of the society transfer fees (often 50%) into your final expectation. If you’re using a broker, account for their standard two percent commission.
Spruce it up without splurging
Think of it as giving your home a red-carpet moment minus the Hollywood budget. A top-to-bottom clean instantly lifts the mood (and the market value), while a little furniture reshuffle can make rooms feel bigger and brighter. Swap heavy curtains for airy, light ones, slip on some fresh cushion covers, and let a few well-placed plants do their quiet magic. A quick coat of neutral paint covers up yesterday’s wear and tear, and a couple of warm LED lamps can turn “dim” into “dreamy.” The goal is simple: charm buyers the moment they step in, so they’re picturing themselves living here before they’ve even asked the price.
