Sellers

Thinking of selling your home? Before you get started, let's discuss some important steps that will help bring you the objective of making this process a success.

1. Determine why and when you would like to sell. Motivation plays a critical factor in determining what course of action you need to take. Talk to me about your goals and together, we can put a strategic plan in place.

2. Find your Realtor. A good Realtor will know the market well, supply you with the right information, resources, and have a history of success from previous clients. Communication skills are crucial. Providing a solid marketing plan and being able to reach out and make the right contacts are all part of doing the job professionally. Be comfortable with your choice.

3. Signing your Listing Agreement. This contract authorizes me and my brokerage firm to market and sell your home. The agreement serves 3 purposes. a) It defines our relationship and every detail and limits of your Realtors authority. b) It provides detailed information on the home which can be posted on the board's Multiple Listing Service. c) It forms a basis for drafting offers on your home.

4. Set your price. Attract buyers by asking for the right price. The numbers don't lie, but make sure you are realistic. Think of your home as a marketable commodity. Take current market conditions into consideration so that you don't price it too high. There is a tendency to overprice homes with thoughts of you not being in a hurry, or the Realtor may agree to overprice the property just to get the listing. This is always detrimental to the Seller because price reductions can only put you in a weaker negotiating position.

5. Prepare your home. As part of my personal services, I will provide and guide you through the "staging" process of your home. My previous background in furniture sales and design can help you bring your home into the "shows very well" category. It works and it can make all the difference in the price you may attain.

6. Find a Lawyer or Notary. Once you have a firm offer on your home, you will need to source out a lawyer or notary to do your conveyance. Make sure you contact them early in the game as the paperwork may take some time to prepare. 

7. Marketing your home. The marketing of your home is part of what you pay a Realtor for. Ask me about my comprehensive marketing package.

8. Talk to your financial institution. What are you going to do once you sell? Is your mortgage portable; are there penalties to pay it out? You certainly don't want any surprises along the way, so make sure you have a chat with your broker and be clear on what's next.

9. Offers anyone? Multiples, lowballs, or none at all. It's all part of the process and it can be pretty stressful if things aren't going as planned. It's my job to get you the best possible offer in the current conditions, and with each offer I receive, it will be presented in a timely professional manner. Don't be discouraged if the number you see isn't what you had in mind. Conditions of the offer play a big part in it all, and prices are always negotiable. Remember, you don't have to accept what they bring, but think rationally when it comes to your unique situation.

 10. Close the deal. The offer has been accepted, subjects removed and the deposit cheque has been delivered. Get yourself prepared for the move. Call your Notary or Lawyer and mortgage broker and get the paperwork started. You may want to start contacting your utility providers, insurance company etc. to get things changed as well. Once your home is sold, I will not disappear. Staying in touch and making myself available to you for concerns or questions is part of my services. Remember... the chances of a referral are much greater if you are a happy client. So it's in my best interest to see it through to the end, guaranteed.

 Congratulations!