Advantages of listing with a REALTOR®
- Your time is valuable. Let us save you time!
- We are likely to sell your home for more money due to the greater exposure we offer – many sellers even net more after our fee.
- A 3rd party (REALTOR®) can obtain the prospect’s true opinions of your home and relay those comments to you! Buyers often feel uncomfortable discussing their concerns with you, the seller, directly.
- You’ll know the buyer is a qualified one, not just a looker.
- You don’t need to personally open up your home to strangers.
- You can save your money by not having to advertise your own home.
- Only a REALTOR® has access to the MLS® system – the most effective home-selling system in the world.
- You can be professionally represented by someone that can be held accountable for all the details.
- Provide you with the highest standard of care and extreme loyalty to you as the client.
- Understand your specific needs and wants, and locate appropriate properties.
A quality real estate representative doesn’t cost… it pays!
FREE Home Evaluations!
Not sure if it makes sense to list your home now in ‘this market’, or if waiting will make more sense?
We are happy to assist with an in-home Free Evaluation where we will give you an idea of the trends in the marketplace and where your home sits in relation to those that have sold and are currently selling in your neighborhood!
The Price Is Right
We can’t stress the importance of setting the right asking price. An overpriced home runs the risk of sitting (and stagnating!) on the market for a prolonged period of time. This can seriously hurt your bottom line, especially if you’ve already purchased another home and you’re paying two mortgages simultaneously. Beyond that, overpricing your home could make competing listings look even more attractive. And oftentimes, fixing the issue isn’t as simple as just re-listing the home at a lower price. Buyers who are shopping the market will have already seen your listing, and they will either discount it as old news, or they may wonder what’s wrong with the property, in light of the price reduction. An overpriced home is not an ideal situation to find yourself in, in any selling scenario. On the flip-side, underpricing your home means leaving money on the table. Setting the right price from the get-go will ensure your listing attracts serious buyers, and some feasible offers too.
Are you ‘Fit to Sell’?
Air Quality, Odour, Pets & Holidays
Air quality, odour, pets and holiday decorations can influence whether or not a buyer will make an offer on your home. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the house, and if the home is not presented in a manner that will allow them to do that easily, most buyers will move on.
Air Quality: Check for mold, mildew or water damage and have it repaired. Depending on what year your house was built, have your house checked for asbestos and lead paint. Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace if needed.
Odour: Avoid cooking with strong seasonings and foods that have a lingering smell.
Pets: Remove your pets while the house is being shown. Remove any signs of the pets (e.g. food bowls, toys, litter box, leashes). If your pets must stay in the house, hide any sign of the pets during showings. Keep the litter box out of sight and clean it daily.
Holidays: If your home is for sale during a holiday, decorate using items that are simple and nondenominational. Any holiday specific decorations need to be removed immediately after the celebrations.
How Long does it take to Sell?
Ordinarily, it takes 60 to 90 days to sell a home. Some will sell in a few days and some may take several months.
Buyers make their buying decision based on the comparison of logical and emotional appeal. We receive the bulk of our Serious Interest in the first 30 days of the life of a new listing.
We do not want your home to become stale dated… Buyers Asking “Why This Home Has Not Yet Sold?”
There are 5 reasons why a property sells…
- Price
- Accessibility
- Terms
- Condition of Property
- Marketing
Staging your home ‘to sell’
Furniture Placement & Lighting
Proper furniture placement will display the room to its full potential. Keep in mind the traffic flow and how the buyers will walk through each room. Lighting is also a key factor when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Make sure to have all lights on for pictures and showings.
When your furniture and lighting are properly placed, you will be able to show off the prime features and allow buyers to see the specific function of each room.
- Consider how much furniture is in each room – too much furniture can make a room look small.
- Arrange furniture to ensure proper traffic flow from room to room.
- If furniture is oversized, remove some pieces to make the room look more spacious.
- If furniture is worn, old or outdated, consider buying new pieces or renting furniture for while your home is on the market.
- Ensure there is lots of light in each room, including corners.
- Consider replacing light switches with dimmer switches.
- If permanent light fixtures are dated or in poor condition, replace them.
Curb Appeal
Your exterior says a lot about how your home is maintained both inside and out. When buyers drive by your home or view photos online this will create a lasting impression, so show them that your property is well cared for. When buyers see an attractive exterior they will be eager to stop and excited to view the interior as well.
Make a list of major repairs that are needed such as roofing, siding and lighting. Make a list of minor repairs needed such as painting, or minor landscaping. Make as many of these repairs as possible.
- Sweep or shovel walkways, driveways, patio/deck (salt in the winter).
- Maintain front, back and side yard. Ensure lawns are mowed, shrubs are pruned and flower beds are weeded.
- Add flowers or winter arrangements on your front porch and/or in front of the garage.
- Remove all festive lights and decorations.