What to Expect

Your REALTOR will help you understand the selling process. He or she will provide you with a full explanation of what to expect so you are not faced with any surprises along the way.

Setting the Value of your Property

Arriving at an accurate estimate of value for your home is one of your Realtors 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

Your property sells faster, because it is exposed to more qualified buyers.
Your home doesn't lose its "marketability."
The closer to market value, the higher the offers.
A well-priced property can generate competing offers.
Real Estate Professionals will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to buyers.

As a seller, your relationship with a REALTOR is vital so meet with several 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.

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. Its all part of getting to know you so the sale will be handled to your complete satisfaction.

For a current market analysis of your home please feel free to take advantage of a Free Home Evaluation.

Its 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.

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 colorful, inexpensive flowers in pots if necessary

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

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

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

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

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 odors and stains

Today's homebuyers are busy people, who are rarely interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in. So you're getting your house ready to sell, the first thing you need to do is start looking at in not as the home you've come to love, but as a product that's about to enter a highly competitive market.

To help make sure your house is a perfect "10" when the "for sale" sign goes up, here are a number of simple things you can do to ensure your house looks fresh, clean and well maintained:

If you need to make improvements, do the work before your home goes on the market. Potential buyers aren't interested in hearing about your good intentions to repair any defects before the transfer of ownership takes place.

Check your house's curb appeal. This is where buyers make their first impressions, so make sure the impression they get is a good one. Remove any clutter in your yard, repair cracked or uneven driveways and walkways, tend to your lawn and flower beds, and ensure your windows, walls and doors are clean and freshly painted.

Check the general condition of your roof, chimney and exterior walls, to see if any repairs or replacements are required.

Inside, greet homebuyers with a clean, clutter-free and well-lit interior, preferably with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim.

Eliminate any unpleasant odours, make sure all lights work and ensure that doors and windows open and shut properly.

In the living and family rooms, bedrooms and den, keep furniture and family memorabilia to a minimum, and ensure that there is an easy flow of traffic through each room.

In kitchen and bathrooms, clean all appliances, sinks, tubs, and toilets; repair any leaks or drips, and clean cupboard handles.

Make sure the foundation and basement are structurally sound, and free of cracks or water seepage.

In the garage, get rid of any broken, useless or discarded items, and use cleaning solutions to remove any oil stains from the floor.

Finally, if you have an agent, leave when the home is being shown! This will help prospective buyers to imagine the house as their new home - not yours.