The slowing property market in Australia has meant that some real estate agents are finally having to do some work to earn their generous commissions.

The agent’s main problem is of course over-optimistic vendor’s expectations. In the good days of the boom an overpriced house just mean that it might take a month to sell instead of a week. Now with the average number of days to sell at 78 a realistic selling price is the starting point not the ending point.

Agents also love to point out that marketing is very, very important: that is most especially if the vendor is paying for the colourful billboard outside. More likely though having a “home open” on the weekend when prospective buyers can actually see the property in a relatively low pressure sales environment is a very good idea.

Presentation of properties has become more important than in recent years too. In the height of a property boom buyers will quite literally buy anything: but when the cycle turns and the buyer has more choice they are probably just not interested in “seeing past” the appalling decor, the rooms over stuffed with books, knick-nacks and other personal items, and kitchen which needs a bloody good clean.

If the vendors are selling their own house all the books and Toby jug collections are going to have to be boxed up sooner or later, in this case doing it sooner is wise. Agents like to suggest that the vendors pay for the rental of “appropriate” furniture or even a complete home staging. This of course all costs money:a lot of the same benefits can be had for a very good spring paying particular attention to windows and light switches and other spots which often get missed.

The latest gimmick is the free giveaway: buy the house you get the electric scooter for free! I am not convinced that getting a $2000 scooter, will encourage me to spend 1/2 million dollars but maybe it works for some people!