Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced team of real estate agents and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​
1. Pricing is a real art. The biggest factor in determining how quickly your home sells is the price, and deciding the price is trickier than it seems. It takes experience, and even 1% more
for your home can mean thousands to your bottom line. A well-priced home attracts more potential buyers, which can lead to multiple offers and a quicker sale.
2. Negotiating is hard. It’s not just hard to do, but it can feel uncomfortable. If you want someone to negotiate fearlessly on your behalf, you need an agent. An experienced agent knows how to handle tough negotiations and secure the best possible deal.
3. Marketing is more than MLS.
To get the most for your home, you need as many buyers interested as possible. According to REALTOR.com, 91% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts.
4. Showings and paperwork are a pain. There’s more to the legal side of a home sale than you might think, and showing your own home is not only awkward, it can really complicate your schedule. An agent takes away the burden of all these tasks and works to get your home sold for the best price in the shortest amount of time.
Setting the right price for your home can be difficult. Price it too low, and you miss out on potential profit; too high, and you risk turning away buyers in favor of other options. Adding to the challenge, your home holds emotional value, making it difficult to view its true market worth objectively.
Real estate agents spend years perfecting and mastering their pricing strategies. Agents use their deep knowledge of both local and national markets, study comparable properties, and analyze recent sales data to determine a competitive yet
profitable listing price. Beyond the numbers, they also consider your specific goals and timeline, to ensure the price aligns with your needs while attracting serious buyers.
Pricing your home correctly from the start ensures greater visibility, increased showings, more offers, and,
ultimately, the highest sale price. It’s no easy task, but getting the price right is crucial.
Pricing too low could cost you, while pricing too high may scare away potential buyers and allow your
competition sell faster. Finding the right balance is essential for a successful sale.
It’s important to remember that only the market can determine your home’s true value. However, choosing the right list price does play a pivotal role in maximizing that value.
After price, the condition of your home is the biggest factor determining how fast—and for how much—your home sells.
It's common for people to have difficulty visualizing the potential of a home. They have to see it. That means how your home shows now is how people see themselves in it. They can’t see past the chips, leaks, clutter and stains—in fact, they focus more on those things. Luckily, you can dramatically improve how your home sells with a few quick steps:
Clean – Inside and out. It matters. A lot.
De-clutter – Give it away, throw it away or store it, but get it out of your house.
Make minor repairs – Chipped paint, cracked tiles, leaky faucets - fix it all!
Consider staging – According to CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association), staged homes can sell 30% to 50% faster, and for 9-20% more money.
Clean again – Really. It’s that important.
Sound overwhelming? You don’t need to do it overnight. As your agent, I can point you to someone who can help, or you can break it down into one small task a day. Think of it this way: everything you remove, clean or repair puts money in your pocket.
Once you’ve set a price for your home and put it in showroom condition, there’s one more critical piece of the puzzle before buyers begin flocking in to see your masterpiece: attracting their attention.
Getting the word out about your home is important for two main reasons. First, buyers can’t be interested if they don’t know your home exists. But more importantly, the more buyers you have interested in your home, the higher the potential sale price and the faster the sale.
Marketing your home to the largest audience possible takes more than a sign on the front lawn. The best and fastest home sales use a combination of many of the following:
MLS Listing - The largest online database of available real estate.
Video Tour - A behind-the-scenes, online look at your home & neighbourhood.
24-Hour Online Ads - On major online sites from Craigslist to Kijiji.
Property Website - Your home's very own website with all of information a buyer needs, powered by Rela HQ. Online exposure on nationally ranked real estate websites such as REALTOR.ca.
Proactive Prospecting - Reaching out directly to potential buyers who might be interested.
Social Media Marketing - Showcasing photos & short videos of your property on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Property Brochures - Great photos and vibrant descriptions in professional take away form.
Print Marketing - Print ads, just listed cards and more.
As interest in your home rises through our marketing campaign, buyers will want to see the real thing. It’s time to show off your masterpiece to prospective buyers, and give them a firsthand experience of the property. As your agent, I will take care of
almost all of the details, from scheduling showings to ensuring the property is presented in the best light possible. However, here are a few tips to maximize the showing experience.
You should leave.
Buyers want to be able to look around and discuss your home candidly. They won’t be comfortable if you’re there.
Is it inviting?
In addition to the usual tidying, make sure your home is inviting. Turn up/down the temperature, leave the lights on, open the blinds where appropriate and leave inside doors open or slightly ajar.
Any information is good information.
Set out additional information that’s helpful—property brochures, floor plans and contact information.
Flexibility is key.
Be as flexible as you can – try to accommodate the buyer’s schedule.
Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.
We pride ourselves in providing personalized solutions that bring our clients closer to their dream properties and enhance their long-term wealth. Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!