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When you entrust the sale of your home to me, you will have my detailed attention and assistance with:
Evaluation - Based on extensive research and comparative market analysis of the area, I will help you determine the most appropriate asking price of your home in order to maximize your value.
Anytime advice - Experienced in interior design and home staging, I will provide essential tips for highlighting the best features of your home to prepare for sale. You will also be updated on changing market conditions and any new developments that may affect the sale of your home.
Open houses - I will market your home by professionally organized open houses if needed.
Advertising - Your home will be promoted on the Multiple Listing Service, on my personal website, in local newsletters, and other appropriate printed ads. Also, an effective Royal LePage, Your Community Realty sign in front of your house will promote your property 24/7.
Offers – I will give you thorough advice on all the key points of presented offers so you can make the best decision.
Availability - I will be reachable for any questions or concerns you may have, and will return your call as soon as possible, but never later than 24 hrs.
8 Steps to selling your home
Selling a home requires essential marketing, negotiating, and other skills only a qualified real estate professional can provide you with.
1. Decide when to sell
Is it a buyer’s or a seller’s market? If demand is high, you have the advantage of setting a higher price, and terms favourable to you. When supply outweighs demand the market plays to the buyer’s advantage.
Seasonality. Winter sales in general tend to be slower than the spring season. Regardless, there are always people looking to buy, and seasonality is only one of many factors to consider.
How quickly do you want to sell? If you have to sell quickly, you will have to put the house on the market with a lower price tag than you would if you had the time to wait for the buyer who is willing to pay a higher price.
2. Find the right agent for you
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and screen a few candidates before committing. Make sure you are comfortable with the person you select, as throughout the sale process you will be building a close relationship. The right agent is one who shows genuine interest in helping you and delivers his or her promises. If you feel uncertainty and anxiety during the process, chances are your agent is not keeping you properly informed. Remember, his or her job is to take the weight off your shoulders, and take out the guesswork from the transaction.
3. Sign a Listing Agreement
The “Listing Agreement” authorizes your representative and their brokerage to market and sell your home. Exclusive or multiple listing? Exclusive listing means that only your brokerage can find a buyer for your home. Multiple listing allows the agent to put your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). It is a popular real estate marketing system used to give your listing maximum exposure amongst thousands of agents while your commission stays the same.
When setting the price, you have the final say, but your realtor will have invaluable advice. Choosing the right asking price takes extensive research, comparative market analysis, and experience.
The Listing Agreement will also contain a detailed description of your property, legal & financing info, and completion date.
4. Prepare your home for sale
It’s time to give your home a mini-makeover if you want to get top dollar for it within reasonable time. It is time to see your home through a buyer’s eyes. A few essential home preparation tips:
· Get rid of clutter. Nothing is more important than this step. First impressions are everything. · Clean everything, including walls, doors, baseboards etc. This is a very cost efficient and effective way to increase the value of your home · Repair as much as you can, within reason · Depersonalize your home. Remember you want buyers to walk through your home and feel like it’s theirs. Remove cluttering personal photos and ‘eccentric’ touches from your home. · Paint. Repainting your home in bright, neutral colours makes all the difference in the world.
5. Let your agent market your home
Effective marketing tools may include an eye-catching “for sale” sign, classified ads, listings on cable television, mailings, internet, realtors’ network, open house for agents and for the public etc.
6. Prepare your finances
Before the offers start rolling in, you should prepare for the massive amounts of money that will pass through your hands. If you have a mortgage, you will have to discharge it (pay it off with the proceeds of the sale). If you have a closed mortgage, be prepared to pay a few months’ payments in penalties. Many mortgages are “portable” meaning that you can take your mortgage money with you and buy a new home, without penalty. This can be a real bonus if the interest rate on your mortgage is lower than existing rates.
If your home was your primary residence, you will not have to pay taxes on any capital gain (the increase in the value of your home).
7. Receive an offer
It is required that you see every offer submitted. Your eyes will immediately be drawn to the price. Here is where emotions really kick in. Listen to your agent before making any judgements. You’ll probably ask the buyer’s realtor to leave the room so you can freely talk with your agent. You have 3 options, accept, reject, or counter the offer.
8. Close the deal
Your negotiations were successful and you have a legally binding agreement. It is time for the vital final steps. Your agent and lawyer will do most of the work. Closing the deal involves many complicated and time-consuming steps, that’s why you’ve hired professionals.
Your closing checklist:
· Contact your lawyer and notify them an Agreement has been signed. · Immediately begin satisfying any conditions of the agreement that require action on your part. They have due dates and failure to complete them can result in the loss of the deal. · Notify your lawyer and lending institution if the buyer is assuming your mortgage. · Contact the utilities, telephone, insurance agent, and cable companies about transfer or removal of service. · Contact a moving company to arrange your move on closing day. · Send out your change of address notices and notify the post office. · Notify your realtor immediately of any changes.
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