Staging your home does make a difference. Statistics indicate that properly prepared and staged properties sell in shorter amounts of time and at a price that more than recoups the cost of staging. We include a complimentary staging quote with all of our sale listings. With the input of a staging consultant, we can collectively solve – in advance – any potential hurdles to the selling process.
Proper pricing places you in a position of strength at the negotiating table. Many sellers believe that if they price their home high initially, they can lower it later. However, when a home is priced too high, it experiences little activity. Gradually, when the price comes down to market value, it has been for sale for a number of weeks and buyers are wary. Conversely, a property priced correctly from the outset can generate competing offers and real estate professionals will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to buyers.
Should you sell or buy first? If you sell your existing home before purchasing a new one, you may be living out of a suitcase if convenient closing dates can’t be negotiated. On the other hand, if you find your dream property before you’ve sold your current home, you may be faced with carrying two mortgages. Purchasing a home before you sell can be a risky strategy. Because each individual’s circumstances are unique, we help you determine which path is right for you.
When is the best time to sell? Or, in other words: “In the foreseeable future, when can I get the highest amount of money as quickly and hassle-free as possible?” Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the I use the following considerations to help formulate a strategy that works hand in hand with my marketing program: current demand for the type of property and neighbourhood, competition in the immediate neighbourhood, characteristics and features of the home and property, factors that are prompting the move, and market influences.
Understand today’s buyer. It’s the information age and buyers are doing their homework. As massive consumers of information, they respond to well-prepped properties and thorough online presentations. Most keep themselves abreast of local market conditions and activity in the area. Buyers have their own Realtor whose mandate is to negotiate the most favourable terms for them.
The physical presentation of the property (“how it shows”) conveys the level of pride a Seller has for the property. Equally important is how well the property photographs since most potential buyers will see your property for the first time on a computer, tablet or smartphone. We utilize tools like photography and virtual tours to drive interest in viewing the property.
Open Houses can be successful and generate that coveted bBuyer if the home is looking its best. Planning is critical to success. Promotion of the event via direct mail, advertising in the local newspaper, and/or website promotion will generate destination oriented responses. Whereas relying on drive-by traffic will only attract the neighbours and the tire kickers. Remember to consider holidays and other important events when selecting the date of the event.
Selling an investment property where a tenant still resides can be a challenging task for an owner. If you are a Seller in this predicament, it is imperative that you become familiar with current legislation regarding entry into the property to show interested Buyers. You should also learn the required legal notice periods owed to the tenant before setting a formal closing date. In an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, the Seller agrees to provide the Buyer with vacant possession of the premises on the closing date. Therefore, understanding your legal obligations toward the tenant can avoid the potential for a breach of contract on your part.
Be selective when choosing a Realtor. As a seller, your relationship with a Realtor is vital so meet with several before making a final decision. Referrals are the best place to start as long as they are from those whose opinions you trust. All real estate professionals accrue experience through selling homes. This is not the time for amateurs, part-time real estate professionals, or the “hobby” real estate agent. Ask about their track record, 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.
