Selling
Your REALTOR® for Selling
My mission is to offer my clients informative, professional, loyal, dedicated quality service by maintaining integrity, focus and drive as well as in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network.
As your agent, my job is to…
- Turn the FOR SALE sign into a SOLD sign as quickly as possible.
- To determine the market value of your property.
- Effectively market your property using traditional and contemporary advertising techniques.
My objectives are…
- To assist in getting as many qualified buyers as possible into your home until it is sold.
- To keep you informed of what actions are being taken to sell your home.
- To provide you with regular updates on our progress.
- To keep you informed on changing market conditions.
- To assist you in negotiating the highest dollar value for your property.
Pricing Your Property
Your REALTOR® does not determine what your property is worth, the market determines the value based on analysis that your realtor will do for you comparing solds, competition, trends and economic conditions. Together we determine the price.
Market Value
Market value is the highest price a property will bring if exposed for sale on the open market allowing a reasonable time to find a purchaser who buys with the knowledge of all the uses to which it is adapted and for which it is capable of being used.
Properly Pricing
A realistic and competitive price will attract a greater number of potential buyers and increases your chances for a quick sale and a better price. Pricing your property closer to market value also encourages early activity (within 30 days of a listing being posted).
Results of Overpricing
Properties can lose marketability and push the price down. The price may come down gradually but the initial response and enthusiasm may be lost. In decreasing markets you may also follow the market down as you reduce. High price homes are also not being exposed to the right buyers. You may hear response such as “it’s too small”. Translated – the buyer was expecting more for the price.
Role of the REALTOR®
The REALTOR® does not determine what your home is worth. The market determines value (solds, competition, trends and economic conditions). Together we determine the price. Don’t pick a REALTOR® who promises you the highest price to get you to list with them. Pick the one who knows the market and substantiates the price.
Marketing
With a highly effective target market strategy, your property will be uniquely positioned and advertised in the real estate marketplace.
Your Own Web Address
By your property having its own web address it will allow for convenient access to details, photos and a virtual tour of the property for sale. This web address will be promoted on relevant websites, signs, and advertisements.
Featured listing on my own Website
Being your agent, I will ensure that your home is seen first by buyers as a Featured Listing on my personal website. This exposure will increase exposure and interest in your property greatly.
Your Home as My Featured Listing
When you list with me, all visitors to my personal websites will see your home before any other listing because your home will be my next featured listing.
Virtual Tours
By making a virtual tour accessible online, it will allows us to showcase your home’s highlights and features. We have the potential to either do a 3D Matterport tour or a video walk-through of your home.
Interior & Exterior Photos
Including professional photos of your home demonstrates the full potential of your property to the buyer. Paired up with the use of slide shows that highlight your home features, allow the property to become more than just a listing – it can become a home.
Feature Sheets
Unique print brochures allow for specific marketing to buyers. Feature sheets are designed to highlight the features and draw attention to the property’s unique characteristics
For Sale Signs
For houses — a distinctive, eye catching sign, will catch the attention of everyone who passes by your property.
Advertising
Your property will be advertised in all the right places, both in print and online in carefully selected sites, newspaper and magazines to attract interested buyers.
Preparing Your Property
Curb Appeal
First impressions can make a huge difference in the sale of your property. Ensure that your house exterior is in good condition, that the house number is easy to see from the street and the front porch is clean and tidy.
Exterior Maintenance
Make sure that the front windows and doors, and eavestroughs are in good repair. The front landscaping should be attractive with hedges trimmed and the lawn cut and raked. Decks and patios should be cleared of leaves and debris. Use colourful plants or flowers, especially in the front. In winter, snow and ice must be cleared; and walkways sanded or salted for safety.
Interior Repairs
Making minor repairs can help show your property at it’s best. Repair any cracks or holes in the walls, and touch up chipped paint. Neutral paint colours for walls are generally preferred by buyers. Other items to check for repair include door knobs, cupboard latches, leaky taps, cracked tiles, burned out light bulbs and squeaky doors.
Keep Things Clean
Before selling, give your property a deep clean and keep carpets freshly vacuumed and hardwood gleaming. The hall and stairs should be cleared of clutter and all closets neat and tidy. Dust throughout the home regularly.
Bathrooms
Mirrors, fixtures and taps should be kept cleaned and polished, the floors kept clean and waste containers emptied. Don’t forget the inside of the cupboards and cabinets as well, keep those clean and tidy. Keep the counter completely free of clutter and decorate with some clean matching towels.
Kitchen
Keep sinks, taps, and appliances cleaned and polished. Countertops should be cleaned and all small appliances should be put out of sight. Clean up as much clutter as possible, but remember to keep the inside of the cupboards and cabinets cleaned and tidy as well!
Depersonalize Your Property
Help the buyer imagine the property as their home. This means removing personal items like family photos and keepsakes.
Creating a Buying Atmosphere
Create a pleasant home to tour: All lights should be turned on and drapes/blinds opened. Keep a comfortable temperature in all seasons – if you have a gas fireplace, consider turning it on in cold weather. All pets should be out of the way or out of the house if possible. Ensure your home smells pleasant and play some soft background music.
Be Showing-Ready
You don’t want to be scrambling every time your property is shown last minute. Make selling your home easier by keeping it showing-ready with the dishes done, laundry put away and beds made.
Elements of an Offer
Key Terms
Price:
The price a purchaser is willing to pay for the property. It takes into account local market conditions, value and market condition- information provided by your real estate agent.
Deposit:
The deposit shows the buyers good faith and will be applied against the purchase price of the home on closing.
Terms:
Includes the total price offered and the financing details such as closing dates, inclusions and exclusions, etc.
Conditions:
These might include “subject to home inspection”, “subject to you obtaining financing” or “subject to you selling your property”. These must be satisfied in order for the deal to close.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
These might include appliances and certain fixtures or decorative items, such as window coverings or mirrors.
Closing Date or Possession:
Generally, the day the title of the property is legally transferred and the transaction of funds finalized unless otherwise specified.
The Offer Process:
How An Offer Is Made
An offer is a legal document which specifies the terms and conditions to purchase the home. The buyer’s sales representative will communicate the offer to the seller, or the seller’s representative, on their behalf. Sometimes there may be more than one offer made on a property simultaneously. Your sales representative can guide you through this process. An offer can be firm or conditional.
Acceptance of the Offer
A seller may accept, reject or submit a counter-offer. The counter-offer may be in reference to the price, the closing date, or any number of variables. The offers can go back and forth until both parties have agreed or one of you ends the negotiations.