Selling Your Home

Choosing a REALTOR

As a seller, your relationship with a REALTOR is vital so meet several times before making a final decision. A good place to start is right in your neighbourhood. Check FOR SALE signs to see which REALTORS are doing business in your area. Ask them about their track record, their knowledge of neighbourhood selling prices and other reasons why you should list with them. Choose a REALTOR you feel comfortable with; one who will handle the sale of your home as if it were his or her own.

I will help you understand the selling process. I will also provide you with a full explanation of what to expect so you are not faced with any surprises along the way.

Getting to know you

One of the first things your REALTOR will ask is, why are you selling your house? Your REALTOR will also explore any time constraints you may have, your financial situation and any future plans. It’s all part of getting to know you so the sale will be handled to your complete satisfaction.

Setting the Price

Arriving at an accurate estimate of value for your home is one of my prime tasks. It involves analyzing your home and comparing it to other, similar houses for sale or recently sold in the neighbourhood. It may also include a broader market survey, using sales statistics available only to qualified REALTORS. In the end, you will be sure the price you set reflects the true value of your home under current market conditions.

Pricing Your Property

The single most important decision you will make with your Real Estate Professional is determining the right asking price for your property.

Once you've achieved a realistic sales price, you can count on your property being professionally marketed and promoted to bring more buyers to your door. You can also expect to sell your home for the best possible price in the lease amount of time.

The Benefits of Pricing Right

1. Your property sells faster, because it is exposed to more qualified buyers.

2. Your home doesn't lose its "marketability."

3. The closer to market value, the higher the offers.

4. A well-priced property can generate competing offers.

5. Real Estate Professionals will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to buyers.

Add Value to Property

It’s always a good idea to spruce up the exterior and interior of your home before listing it for sale. But that doesn’t mean you have to undertake major and/or expensive project.

Just a little effort will greatly increase the perceived value of your home. After all, if you wanted to undertake a large-scale project, you probably wouldn’t be selling!

Here are some simple steps you can take to increase the perceived value of your home and make a great first impression.

Do you want to sell your Home?

If you are interested in selling your home please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Exterior Appearance

Keep lawns cut
Trim hedges and shrubs
Weed and edge gardens
Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
Clean out garage
Power wash
Touch up paint
Plant colourful, inexpensive flowers in pots if necessary

Create Space

Clear halls and stairs of clutter
Store surplus furniture
Clear kitchen counter and stove top
Clear closets of unnecessary clothing and stuff
Remove empty boxes and containers

Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs

Squeaky Clean

Clean and freshen bathrooms
Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
Clean around heating vents
Clean washer and dryer
Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds

Eliminate pet odours and stains

At the Front Door

Clean porch and foyer
Ensure door bell works
Repair any broken screens
Fresh paint or varnish front door
Repair door locks and key access

Create a Buying Mood

Make sure your home smells fresh and clean
Turn on lights
Turn on air conditioner/heater
Open the drapes

Light the fireplace

Maintenance

Repair leaking taps and toilets
Clean furnace and filters
Tighten door knobs and latches
Repair cracked plaster
Apply fresh coat of pain or touch up where necessary
Clean and repair windows
Repair seals around tubs and basins
Replace defective light bulbs
Oil squeaking doors

Repair squeaking floor boards