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SELLERS INFORMATION

SELLING YOUR HOME

Selling your home doesn’t have to be complicated. I work for you every step of the way to get your home sold in the quickest timeframe for the highest possible price, with the least inconvenience to you as possible – all while being compassionate, understanding and caring of your situation. Click here for FAQ’s and tips on selling your home!

Tips and Tricks for Selling your Home

Move your property fast and for the highest selling price possible with these easy and affordable staging tricks that anyone can do:

  • Refresh your kitchen by changing the cabinetry hardware.

  • Rent a heavy-duty carpet cleaner and solution and do your carpets – they will look brand spanking new!

  • Highlight counter space in the kitchen and bathrooms.

  • Put countertop appliances and unnecessary items in storage.

  • Only showcase one or two family photos inside the house – store the rest away.

  • Slapping on a fresh coat of paint will do wonders for the whole place, or high traffic areas.

  • Give windows a good cleaning inside and out so the views are clear.

  • Plant fresh greenery and flowers in your front garden.

  • Put new towels and bath rugs in all of the bathrooms.

  • Replace older faucet fixtures with modern tasteful ones.

  • Give the front door a quick update with a fresh coat of paint.

  • Buy a new doorknob for the front door so the locking and unlocking is seamless.

  • Coordinate matching bedding and pillows to dress up the bedrooms.

  • Invest in large decorative mirrors to make spaces look larger.

     

FAQs

What kind of marketing do you use to sell my home?

Depending on the property, I use a variety or all of lawn signs, professional photos, professional videos, MLS listing on realtor.ca, advertising on my personal websites and a host of 3rd party websites (property type dependent), open houses both public and agent, social media advertising in and outside our local area plus newspaper ads if requested.

Why is my home’s assessed value different than the market value (what it will sell for)


Homeowners pay property tax based on assessed value. BC Assessment determines this number by looking at a wide variety of factors, one of which is what the market has done in the last year. Market values are current, what someone is willing today for your home and can fluctuate from month to month.

What is a seller’s market?

A – This is when there are few homes for sale, increasing demand for homes. Prices generally increase and sellers have a bit more bargaining power over buyers.

What’s the first step to listing my home?

A – Call me to come by and chat about your options and timing. I will then provide you with an analysis of the value of your home compared to others on the market and recently sold.

I have to sell my current home and I would like to buy a new home, what are my options?

A – 1-Place your home on the market and wait for an offer before you make an offer to purchase another home
2- Find a home to purchase and make an offer subject to the sale of your current home
3-A financing option called “bridging” allows you to carry two mortgages. That way, you can purchase your new home without the conditional sale of your existing home.

What do you feel the hardest part of selling a home is for people?

A – I feel the most difficult part of selling is to disconnect your personal ties to your home. Once your property goes on the market, it becomes a product that is for sale in a marketplace. It is very important to stay very objective through the process in order to accurately assess the condition of the property and the pricing compared to your competition.

How long can I expect to wait for my property to sell?

A – Depending on the market, this could take 2 days or 120 days or more. In a market where there are large amounts of houses for sale and fewer buyers, it can take 90-120 days to sell your property. In a market where there is little for sale yet many buyers, your house could sell in just a few hours! Pricing your property higher than your competition will likely result in a longer sell time. It is the first two weeks that your property is on the market that it is the hottest and most likely to receive an offer if priced well!

When do I have to sign papers?


The lawyer will call you approximately a week before possession to have you come in and sign the transfer of title and other closing documents.

When will I get the money for the sale of my home?


If you are purchasing another property then the money from the sale of your home will be used for the purchase of the new property. If there is any money left over, the lawyer will prepare a cheque the same day or the next day after the possession day. There could be a delay if the money from the buyers is not received on possession day. In this case, the cheque would be prepared once the money has been received.

What should I do with my pets when I have showings or open houses?


There are some buyers that are very sensitive to animals and it could be a make or break for someone. You should try to keep your pets in a kennel (including cats) or take them out of the house. It is very difficult for a Real Estate Agent to show the property when there is a dog continually barking or a cat trying to rub up against the potential buyers.

How much notice will I get when there is a showing?


Most Real Estate Agents know that it is common courtesy to give a few hours’ notices. Some will give 2-3 hours notice and others will give 24 hours notice. There are times that there could be requests for showings with as little as 15 minutes notice but it does not mean you need to accommodate these showing requests. Do keep in mind that you want to be flexible when you can as these are potential buyers.

Do I have to clean my house when I leave on possession day?


There is no provision in the contract unless the buyers write it in, which forces you to make sure your house is clean but as a common courtesy to the buyers, you should make sure your property is well cleaned. The buyers have paid a large sum of money to purchase their new home and the most disappointing situation on possession day is to walk into their home only to find it dirty.

I smoke in my house, is this going to affect how much I will get for my house

A – Absolutely! If you are a smoker and would like to sell your house, you must be willing to quit smoking in your home or this will have a serious impact on the price you will receive. You should also have a professional clean your carpets, walls, cupboards and ceilings. With a society that is becoming more and more health-conscious, it is extremely important to ensure that you do not smoke in your house while it is on the market.

SELLING YOUR HOME – Why is pays to use a Realtor®

Before selling your home, you will need a clear understanding of the legal issues and potential pitfalls. One wrong action could result in a lot of cost and frustration, which is why it is essential to have a REALTOR® working with you, as he or she will make the sale of your home a successful and satisfying experience.

Setting a Price

Setting a price for your home is an important but difficult process. Again, this is where the services of a REALTOR® prove invaluable. REALTORS® have the experience to help you understand how the market works and decide upon a realistic price that meets your goals. REALTORS® also pre-screen potential buyers to make sure only those who are serious and financially qualified view your home.

REALTORS® will also develop a marketing plan to help your property receive maximum exposure. This will likely include placing your home on the MLS® system and placing a “For Sale” sign on the front lawn. The plan will likely also include arranging open houses for other REALTORS® and potential buyers, and developing advertisements and feature sheets/mailers to market your home.

Once you have accepted an offer to buy your home, your REALTOR® will help ensure that all the proper paperwork is completed. He or she will also make sure that both parties meet the necessary conditions outlined in the agreement.

Greater Exposure

REALTORS® use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) to give your home maximum exposure. MLS® is a computer-based system that relays valuable information about your home to hundreds of REALTORS® and potential homebuyers.

Why working with a REALTOR® makes sense

When you work with a REALTOR® you will likely get a better price for your home than if you try to sell it yourself. Apart from the financial benefits, however, there is an extra measure of comfort and security that comes from having a REALTOR® on your side. Remember that REALTORS® are governed by a code of ethics and standards of business practice. They have also been trained and licensed under the provincial Real Estate Services Act to assist in transactions involving real property. When it comes to buying or selling property, using a REALTOR® just makes sense.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board 2015