Selling your home: Where to begin? 
 

Valuable Tips You Should Know

1. It is important that I understand why you are selling your home.  Your motivation to sell is the determining factor as to how I will approach the process.  It affects everything from what you and I set your asking price at to how much time, money and effort you're willing to invest in order to prepare your home for sale.
    
2. While it is really important that you and I understand your reasons for selling we don't want to provide ammunition to your prospective buyers that can affect the way they negotiate its purchase.   For example, should they learn that you must move quickly, you could be placed at a disadvantage in the negotiation process.  If asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed.
    
3. Setting the List Price is critical.  When we set your price, we are making prospective buyers aware of the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home so we don't want to list too low and not optimise your proceeds.   On the other hand, if we list too high, we are attracting only the Buyers who are shopping in that higher price range.   If your property does not compete you will not sell.   As your Realtor I will apply a number of factors to determine what recent sales in your neighbourhood can be used as comparisons to give you a good idea of what your home is worth.  I will review these with you and as well look at the current listings to determine your competition.   This is how prospective buyers and their agents will assess the worth of your home and we want to attract the right buyers.  It is then up to you to set your lowest and highest selling price leaving room to negotiate. 
    
4. Be as honest as possible - Disclose Everything.  In order to reduce you liability and prevent law suits later on it is important that you disclose all known defects to your buyer in writing.  I will provide you with a Disclosure Statement at the time of listing.   This must be completed by you "to the best of your knowledge" and will form part of the final Contract of Purchase and Sale. 
    
5. Deadlines create a serious disadvantage.  Don't place yourself in a position of having to sell by a certain date.  It is not a good idea to sign a deal on your next home until you have sold your current home unless you are financially able to carry the mortgage and other costs on both.   Otherwise you can become too eager (or even desperate) for the first deal that comes along.  Also, it has been proven that it's more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it becomes forlorn and looking forgotten, no longer an appealing sight and Buyers start getting the message that you have another home and are probably motivated to sell. This could cost you thousands of dollars.
    

6. A Low Offer - Don't Take It Personally.  Quite often an initial offer is below what both you and the buyer knows he'll pay for your property.  Don't be upset - take your emotions out of the equation and remember that this is a business transaction.  You need to evaluate the offer objectively.  This can simply provide a starting point from which we can negotiate the sale of your home.
   
   First Impressions 

7. Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it?  What excited you about its most appealing features?  Now that you're selling your home, you'll need to look at it as if you were buying it all over again.  You only get one chance to create that first impression so you have to capitalize on that. 
   
   Start with Street Appeal  

8. Many buyers are unable to see past the outside of the home if it looks run down or unkempt.  Potential buyers will first look at your home on MLS.  If the MLS photos are good and your home makes it on the buyer's "to see list," they will likely then drive by your property.  In order to entice buyers to want to see more of your home, it is crucial to capture their attention with the exterior of your property. If the outside appears clean, fresh and well kept, the buyer will be hooked. 

   -     During the spring, summer and fall, ensure your lawn is mowed and the garden is well tended.  Edge garden beds, dig weeds, rake the leaves, trim back trees and shrubs, particularly those which interfere with the walkway to your home. 
   
   -     Plant colourful annuals in your garden. If you don't have a garden, consider filling interesting planters with colourful flowers. If there are areas would which benefit from some landscaping, this can be done quickly and inexpensively but the change will be dramatic.
   
   
   
   
   
   -     Touch up paint on your front door (or repaint it with a fresh, new colour). Touch up any windows or shutters which need refreshing.

   -     Ensure your driveway and the walk way to your house is clear of clutter. This includes children's toys, bikes, rakes, garbage cans, recycling containers, etc.

   -     Make sure your house is well lit at night. Consider lighting your garden or walkway with small decorative lights.

   -     If possible, pressure wash your driveway, sidewalks and front porch.

   -     Ensure the number of your house is visible.

   -     Consider purchasing a fresh, welcoming new door mat and make sure the porch is swept and clear of debris.

   -     Clean windows and mailboxes give the home a loved and cared for look.

    
   House Interior
   

9. Okay, you have potential buyers wanting to view your home.   So far, so good.  Now the look and "feel" of your home will generate a greater emotional response than any other factor. Prospective buyers react to what they see, hear, feel, and smell even though you may have priced your home to sell.  
    
10. Get it "Spic n' Span Clean" and fix everything, even if it seems insignificant.  You'll never know what turns buyers off. So scrub, scour, tidy up, straighten, get rid of the clutter, declare war on dust, repair squeaks, the light switch that doesn't work, and the tiny crack in the bathroom mirror because these can be deal killers .. Remember, you're not just competing with other resale homes but brand-new ones as well.  It is well worth your while to hire a professional cleaning crew if you don't have the time to do this yourself.
     
11. Allow Prospective Buyers to Visualize Themselves in Your Home. The last thing you want prospective buyers to feel when viewing your home is that they may be intruding into someone's life. Avoid clutter such as too many knick-knacks, etc. Decorate in neutral colors, like white or beige and place a few carefully chosen items to add warmth and character. You can enhance the attractiveness of your home with a well-placed vase of flowers or potpourri in the bathroom. 
     

12. Deal Killer Odors - Must Go! You may not realize this but odd smells like traces of food, pets and smoking odors can kill deals quickly. If prospective buyers know you have a dog or that you smoke, they'll start being aware of odors and seeing stains that may not even exist. Don't leave any clues.
    
    What is the best thing you can do during showings of your home?
    

13. Last but not least, what is the best thing you can do during showings of your home?  Leave and go out for coffee.  It can be uncomfortable for a potential buyer to explore a home when they also feel like they are being watched or they are intruding.  Making buyers feel comfortable when looking for a home is absolutely essential.  They will have with them a real estate professional who can answer any questions and who will act as guardian of your home during the viewing.