Selling

A Realtor can help you reach potential buyers for your home. She will assist you in determining market value by comparing your home to others that have recently been sold. Once listed, your Realtor will market your home using various mediums. The most important of these is to have your house placed on the MLS system, accessed by buyers at www.realtor.ca. Your Realtor will be able to qualify potential buyers to ensure they are ready and able to make a purchase. Your Realtor will arrange viewing appointments with you to show your home at times acceptable to you. Your Realtor will be there when an offer is made, and help you with negotiations for the best price and terms. Your Realtor will offer helpful advice and guide you through the entire process. If you are moving from one community to another for work, it is important to know that many fees you pay, including Real Estate Fees, may be tax deductible. Please talk to your accountant for tax advice. If you have a mortgage on your home it is important to contact your lender to see if you will be responsible for any mortgage penalties, and to confirm the amount outstanding on your mortgage.

Step 1: Preparing Your Home

Your Realtor will give you valuable advice to help you prepare your home for showings. The recommendations she makes will help to maximize your sale price.

Step 2: Listing Your Home

Your Realtor will visit your home to take measurements and have a look at the condition of your home. She will note the type of foundation, roofing material, exterior cladding, type of heating system, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and many more details of your home. This will assist her in comparing your home to others that have recently sold in your area. Once she has completed this analysis she will sit down with you to discuss pricing. Once you have decided on price, your Realtor will have you sign a listing agreement, outlining the length of the listing, commission rate, and other terms of the contract. Your Realtor should review with you what steps she plans to take to market your property. Once the listing agreement has been signed, your Realtor will place a sign on your property and ask you for a house key to place in a secure lockbox. This key will be accessible to other Realtors for showing purposes.

Step 3: Showings

Your Realtor will contact you to arrange for prospective buyers to view your property. It is best if you can leave your home while it is being viewed, as buyers will feel more comfortable and will take the time to have a thorough look. It is also best if you can remove any pets from the premises for showings. Your Realtor will also give you valuable tips on how to prepare your home for showings.

Step 4: The Offer to Purchase

Your Realtor will inform you immediately when any Offer to Purchase has been received. She will assist with negotiations and make you aware of your options. The most important components to consider are dates for completion and adjustments, price, inclusions such as appliances, deposit amount, and conditions for the sale.

Step 5: The Sale

Once all subjects have been removed and your Contract of Purchase and Sale has become unconditional, your Realtor will place a “Sold” sign on your property and remove the lockbox. At this time, your Contract of Purchase and Sale and Subject Removal Forms will be shared with your lawyer so that he/she can prepare the appropriate documents for the transfer of ownership. If you have a mortgage, your Lawyer will contact your financial institution to obtain a pay- out statement.