Sellers

If you are thinking of selling your home, these 10 steps will help make the process easier on you.

1. Determine Why And When You Would Like To Sell.
   Motivation plays a critical factor in determining what course of action you need to take. Spring is typically a faster paced season to sell and winter tends to be a little slower. Regardless, there are always people looking to buy and seasons are only one factor to consider. Give me a call. I will be able to help you get headed in the right direction.
2. Find A Realtor Who Is Right For You.
   Think locally as they will know your area. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Interview the candidates. A good Realtor will know the market well, supply you with information on past sales, current listings and his/her background with previous clients. They should also provide a solid marketing plan which should indicate how much your home should sell for. If you feel comfortable with me and I can demonstrate a genuine interest in helping you, then you are on the right track.
3. Sign A Listing Agreement With Me.
   It authorizes me and my brokerage to market and sell your home. The agreement serves 3 purposes.
   1. It defines our relationship in every detail and the limits of my authority as Realtor.
   2. It provides detailed information on the home which can be posted to the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board's Multiple Listing Service.
   3. It forms a basis for drafting offers on your home. Formal offers start with the Listing Agreement.
4. Set Your Price.
   You want to attract buyers. The right asking price will attract not deter. I know the factors affecting the market today. We can discuss different pricing strategies depending on market conditions at the time of listing. I will prepare a Seller's Package that will include the homes recently sold in your area so you can see how they measure up to your house. It will also include homes that are on the market right now that will be in direct compeition with your home. Finally, I will show you homes that were listed but did not sell so we can look at what why homes don't sell.
5. Choose A Lawyer or Notary.
   You need a lawyer or notary to do your conveyance. This is where title of the property is transferred to the buyer. I can supply you with a short list of lawyers and notaries in your area and tell you approximately what you can expect to pay.
6. Prepare Your Home For Viewing.
   To looks it's best, your home may require a thorough cleaning. I can provide you with my Home Seller's Get Ready package to help you look at your home from the point of view of potential buyers.
7. Let Me Market Your Home.
   The best way to market your home may be for me to do any or all of the following:
• Schedule and Agent's Open to get as many agents through your home so they can tell their buyers about it,
• Schedule a Public Open to welcome the public to view your home. If they are not in the market, they might know someone who is,
• Place a colour half-page ad in the Real Estate Weekly the week your home goes on the market,
• Place a colour ad on the back page of the Friday Business section of the Vancouver Sun the week your home goes on the market,
• Bring in professional photographers to use in print advertising and on the web site,
• Bring in a professional measuring company to produce an accurate floor plan of your home,
• To ensure people can find your home easily online, I will create a web site just for your home: www.youraddress.com
8. Prepare Your Finances.
   Is your mortgage portable without any penalties? Or can the buyer assume your mortgage? Can you discharge your mortgage without any penalties? Does capitol gains tax apply to you? Talk with your mortgage broker and perhaps your accountant to see what applies. I can provide a list of qualified mortgage brokers in your area.
9. Offers! Lets Look At Offers.
   I will walk you through the process. You will see every offer. There may be some conditions you may want to change; we will discuss each and every detail. This is one of the most important tasks and reasons you have hired me, the negotiation skills. Don't be offended if your offer is well below the asking price. Instead, evaluate it for what its worth and counter back. Successful negotiation is an art and because its a highly emotional time and I'm here to guide you through to success.
10. Close The Deal!
    When the negotiations are successful the next steps are:
    • Contact your lawyer and let them know an Agreement has been signed,
    • Immediately begin satisfying any conditions of the sale that require your actions,
    • Notify the lawyer and lending institution if the buyer is assuming your mortgage,
    • Contact utilities, telephone and cable companies about transfer or removal of service,
    • Call insurance agent and arrange cancellation or transfer of your homeowner's insurance,
    • Call a moving company,
    • Send out change of address cards including Ministry of Transportation for your BCDL etc.,
    • Notify me immediately if there are any changes to your property or situation.
11. Congratulations!!! You have sold your house! I'm please to have helped you.