Sellers

A key step before you determine the listing price for your property is to make any essential repairs and cosmetic improvements. Making improvements to your home ensures you'll maximize your financial return as well as increase the speed it will sell.

Here are a few key areas to focus on if you want to get the most from your improvements:

• Kitchen
  Depending on the current state of your kitchen, it may need new flooring, counter tops, appliances and lighting. Even minor updates like new paint, floors, and cabinet doors can result in a quick sale at a higher price.
  
  
• Bathroom
  Renovating bathrooms can pay off in terms of both value and marketability. Consider updates such as new paint, updated lighting fixtures and adding storage. 
  
  

• Energy- Efficient Upgrades
  Upgrades and repairs that reduce utility bills can be a selling point. Consider updates such as new triple pane windows, upgrading to energy efficient appliances as well as updating the furnace or hot water system.

On the following pages there is a handy pre-listing checklist to help you feel confident that everything is in order before listing your home.

Exterior

• Trim trees away from roof and home
• Trim shrubs and weed lawn
• Clear yard debris
• Power wash sidewalks, driveways, patios and exterior walls
• Clean front door and frame
• Paint as needed to improve curb appeal
• Remove screens and clean windows
• Clean out gutters
• Check irrigation and lighting systems to ensure they are working smoothly
• Hide garbage and recycling containers
• Keep toys and bikes out of sight
• Add in a few potted plants

Interior

• Declutter the home
• Donate or throw away unused items
• Put extra possessions in storage
• Ensure counters are clear of appliances
• Clean out and organize the garage
• Clean out and organize closets
• Place valuables and breakables in a safe space
• Have the home professionally cleaned
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors
• Freshen up the scent of the house by running an air filter before viewings
• De-personalize the home
• Remove medications

Repairs

• Fix or replace damaged flooring
• Fix any drains, faucets, or plumbing fixtures
• Paint the interior if needed
• Replace burned-out bulbs and broken electrical sockets
• Replace or fix broken stairs
• Replace old locks and doorknobs
• Fix any doors that do not open easily, including the garage door
• Replace cracked windows and torn screens
• Fix cracks in driveway and entry walkway, clean up stains
• Paint the exterior if needed
• Reseal the deck and repair broken boards
• Check that fan ducts are properly venting out of the attic
• Repair faulty cabinets

Determining the best asking price for a home is one of the most challenging aspects of selling your home. It's important to price it fairly to encourage showings and serious offers. Setting a price that's too low can attract lots of interest, but sets the stage for offers and negotiations that could result in your getting less than market value.

The most buzz around your house is created when your home is first put on the market. The longer your home stays on the market, the less interest potential buyers will have. You can see why pricing your home correctly at the start is so important.

Comparative Market Analysis

• This is a report created from a local Multiple Listings Service (MLS) database that summarizes properties in your area with similar square footage, construction, age and condition that have recently sold or are currently on the market.
• Generally, your real estate professional will provide you with a CMA and include a suggested price range for your listing. Recent comparable sales and listings are two of the most important factors impacting fair market value.

A recommended listing price takes into consideration your home's fair market value, unique property attributes and neighbourhood market trends.

Your custom tailored advertising strategy ensures your home has the best possible chance of being sold quickly at a price you are happy with. Our goal is to reach the most qualified real estate buyers through online, social media, mobile, print and traditional marketing channels.

Here is a selection of some of the services we offer:

• Price your home strategically, to ensure as many showings as possible
• Professional property staging analysis
• Professional photography and in house videography
• Exposure to over 40,000 real estate websites
• Advanced digital marketing through social, mobile and custom microsites
• Luxury sign and post with custom branding
• Organize and plan a "mega" open house event

Diversifying the marketing channels ensures your property is viewed by as many potential qualified buyers as possible.

Online

Online real estate marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach potential buyers. There are many different channels that can help get the word out about your property. Email blasts, listing websites, search engine optimization and social media are just some of the channels we utilize.

90% of buyers search online for a home.

When searching online buyers want to see:

• Property photos
• Property information
• Virtual tour
• Neighborhood information
• Contact information

Having high-quality photography and videography can be the extra edge you need to elevate your property above other listings.

After your home is listed, ensure your property is ready to be viewed by potential buyers. First impressions are everything! Make sure that every detail of your home is taken into consideration before opening the doors to buyers. Typically the most interest is generated within the first few weeks so during that time, it's important that your home is ready to be seen at a moment's notice.

Tips For Showing Your Home

• Leave the home before showings to ensure buyers feel comfortable
• Open all blinds and curtains to let as much light in as possible
• Turn on all lights in the home
• Light (or turn on) the fireplace
• Place fresh flowers or lemons in the kitchen
• Ensure trash and recycling is taken care of
• Ideally, pets and any evidence of them should be hidden during viewings

45% of buyers visit open houses during the home buying process.

After you've opened your property to showings, you can expect to start receiving offers. An offer typically includes the sale price as well as clauses for specifying various terms of purchase, such as the closing and possession dates, deposit amount, and a variety of other conditions. You may have one or multiple offers on your property, so it's important to review the offers with your agent to decide on which one to move forward with.

Negotiations are likely between you and the buyer after they submit an offer. You can accept, counter or reject their offer.

Accept the Offer

Accept the offer as is. Pending meeting any conditions, you've sold your home.

Counter Offer

Make changes to the offer, such as adjustments to the price, closing date or conditions. Afterwards, the prospective buyer may accept, reject or make another counter offer in response.

Reject the Offer

Reject the offer and the sale will not go through.

In each situation, we will discuss your options with you, and provide guidance on the best way to proceed.

Closing is the last step in the home buying process. lt usually takes place four to eight weeks after the offer on the home is accepted. This allows time for home inspections, home appraisals, funding and title searches. Come closing day, you and the seller sign all the necessary papers and the ownership of the property is officially transferred to you, the buyer. This day consists of transferring funds from your lender to your lawyer or notary and paying any additional closing costs. Once the payments have been finalized, the lawyer registers your name on title making the purchase official.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring all necessary paperwork with you to closing and ensure nothing is missing or overlooked. Sorne important documents include a photo ID, your home insurance certificate and cashier's or certified check for the closing costs.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Break out the bubbly! Now that you've signed the papers and paid the seller, the home is officially yours.