When it comes to buying or selling a home, there are always plenty of questions along the way. Real estate involves multiple moving parts, financial decisions and big calls, which is why having an experienced, knowledgeable agent by your side can make all the difference. Whether you're buying your first home or selling your fifth, working with a real estate agent means having a professional guide you through what can often feel like a complex process.

From pricing and timing to strategy and negotiation, there are a handful of questions that come up time and again. Hockingstuart Preston Reservoir Principal Josie Galati shares her insights into some of the most common questions she hears from clients and what they really mean in today’s market.

How long will it take to sell my home?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as timing is largely shaped by market conditions. According to Josie Galati, it comes down to supply and demand.

“If there is a high volume of buyers and a low volume of homes available at any given time, then typically under those conditions a property will sell very quickly,” she explains.

When buyer demand outweighs available stock, competition increases, often leading to faster results. In more balanced or quieter markets, selling timeframes may naturally extend.

What are the most important things sellers should do before putting their home on the market?

Presentation is one of the most important factors when preparing a home for sale.

“Sellers should really focus on presentation,” says Galati. “If the home needs a fresh coat of paint or the garden needs a fresh manicure, all these things will be very important for a seller before they launch their house to market.”

Small improvements can have a meaningful impact on buyer perception. A well-presented home not only attracts more interest but can also influence the strength of early offers and overall campaign momentum.

For further advice on presenting your home for a sale, take a look at our blog on Tips to add value when selling your home.

What is the difference between selling by auction and private treaty?

Auction and private treaty are two very different methods of sale, each with distinct advantages depending on the property and market conditions.

“At auction, buyers are invited to compete for the property on auction day,” says Galati. “If it sells under the hammer, it is an unconditional sale, which is one of the biggest drawcards. There is no ceiling on price, and it can create strong competition among buyers.”

By contrast, private treaty sales involve a more negotiated process. Buyers typically put forward offers with conditions attached, such as finance approval, building and pest inspections, or a cooling-off period.

“A private treaty sale involves a buyer submitting an offer that typically includes conditions such as a three-day cooling-off period and, may also include finance approval or building and pest inspections. As a result, the process can take longer to complete,” she explains.

What makes a strong offer when buying a property?

A strong offer is not just about price, but also about how clean and certain the terms are.

“A strong and compelling offer is one that ideally has no conditions attached, such as an unconditional or cash offer,” says Galati. “It’s about putting forward something that can stand out and potentially outperform other buyers in the market.”

In competitive environments, the strongest offers are often those that provide certainty to the vendor while still reflecting fair market value.

What is your advice to buyers making an offer?

When buyers are ready to put forward an offer, preparation and confidence are key.

“We always encourage buyers to put their best foot forward,” says Galati. “Typically, there will be other interested parties, so it’s important to present a strong and compelling offer that works in their favour while also showing the vendor how serious they are.”

Taking this approach can help buyers position themselves more competitively, particularly in active or high-demand markets.

Final thoughts

Every property journey is different, but the right guidance can make each step clearer and more confident. Whether buying or selling, understanding how the process works and what drives outcomes helps clients make more informed decisions in any market condition.