Managing a deceased estate is one of the most emotionally and legally complex property transactions an Australian will ever face. Executors are legally responsible for achieving the best possible outcome for beneficiaries, yet most have never sold a property professionally before. A Collings Property Advisor gives executors independent, expert guidance without the cost of full agency commission.
The Problem Executors Face
Most executors are grieving family members thrust into a role with significant legal obligations. They must achieve fair market value, manage competing beneficiary expectations, comply with probate requirements, and make decisions about agents, marketing, timing and price, often under emotional pressure and time constraints.
Common Mistakes Executors Make
- Appointing the first agent who contacts them after the death notice
- Accepting the highest appraisal rather than the most realistic one
- Under-investing in presentation, costing thousands at auction
- Failing to get independent comparable sales analysis before signing an agency agreement
- Accepting a low offer quickly to end the process rather than negotiating properly
What a Collings Property Advisor Does for Executors
For $4,500 + GST, a Collings Property Advisor provides executors with a complete independent advisory service covering every stage of the sale process.
| Service | What We Deliver |
|---|---|
| Comparable Sales Analysis | Independent review of recent sales to establish fair market value |
| Agent Selection Advice | Unbiased guidance on which agents to interview and what to look for |
| Campaign Strategy | Auction vs private sale recommendation with timing analysis |
| Marketing Review | Assessment of proposed marketing spend and photography quality |
| Offer Negotiation Support | Expert guidance when offers come in, including conditional offer strategy |
| Beneficiary Communication | Clear documentation of advice to support executor decision-making |
Property Advisor vs Real Estate Agent for Estate Sales
| Factor | Real Estate Agent | Collings Property Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Who they represent | Themselves (commission) | The executor and beneficiaries |
| Fee structure | 1.5-2.5% commission ($15k-$50k+) | $4,500 + GST fixed fee |
| Independent advice | No | Yes |
| Comparable sales analysis | Biased toward their listing | Independent market data |
| Negotiation support | Motivated by fast sale | Motivated by best outcome |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an agent and a property advisor?
You still need a licensed real estate agent to conduct the sale. A Collings Property Advisor works alongside your agent, providing independent oversight and negotiation support so you can be confident the executor obligations are met and the best outcome achieved.
Can a property advisor help with contested estates?
Yes. Independent advisory documentation can be valuable when beneficiaries disagree on price or strategy. Our written analysis provides an objective basis for decision-making.
How quickly can an advisor be engaged?
We can engage within 48 hours of contact. For urgent probate situations we prioritise accordingly.
Why Collings
Collings Property Advisory is an independent fixed-fee advisory service. We are not paid by agents, do not receive referral fees, and have no financial interest in which agent you choose or how quickly the property sells. Our only obligation is to you and the estate.
For $4,500 + GST you receive complete advisory support from market analysis through to settlement.
Contact Collings Property Advisory today at collings.com.au/portal to discuss your estate sale.
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