So…You've Decided to Sell!

Selling a cottage, property or home is often a complicated and time consuming process with many pitfalls for the unsuspecting seller! Selecting the right salesperson and deciding on a list price are the two most important decisions you will have to make!

Selecting Your Realtor

When one considers selling their property, they are faced with the daunting task of selecting the right salesperson from a large number of potential candidates. As with any business transaction, it is important to select an agent that has a professional and successful track record, and a personalized approach that instills trust and confidence. Although it is tempting to judge agents based on their willingness to lower commission rates, you must remember that as with most things in life, 'you get what you pay for'. A professional agent will dedicate their efforts to selling your property for the best price in the shortest time frame, with your needs and best interest at heart. This is often an expensive and time consuming process, that with years of experience, a successful agent has mastered well. Simply erecting a sign and placing photos in the local newspaper seldom secures the finest offer.

Important factors which should affect your decision include marketing plan, experience and knowledge. It has been shown that a property which is priced 'right' will sell for the highest price in the shortest period of time, as opposed to 'trying' a price to 'test the waters'. To get the best possible price a home has to be exposed to qualified buyers as soon as possible. Marketing involves much more than just a 'For Sale' sign on the lawn and placing it on the MLS service. A professional agent will use many resources to ensure your property sells quickly at an agreeable price. A successful agent has an established contact base, including pre-qualified buyers, proven marketing techniques and strong links with other realtors.

Your Personal Marketing Plan

Your agent must be prepared to show you a clear and concise written action plan to provide your property with the optimum amount of exposure to the market place in a professional, effective and timely manner. Attention must be given to details including small enhancements which will improve the appearance and salability of the property, premier ad placement, and media exposure deemed appropriate to the property including; handouts, brochures, e-mail campaigns etc.

My commitment to you includes:

• A personalized marketing program for your property
• Ongoing communication regarding feedback from all showings
• Keeping you informed as to how your property compares to other or new competitive listings and how it may affect your chances of making a sale
• Regular updates on our marketing actions and results How we determine asking price

Perhaps the most frequent conversation between sellers and their agents is selling price. It is important to understand that market value is a true reflection of your property's value. Market value is based on conditions, within the market today, and includes such factors as property location, property condition, actual property sales in your area, and other competing properties that are for sale.

Market Value should never be confused with how much money you want out of the sales proceeds, how much money you paid for the property, how much money you have in the property, the property's appraised value or the tax assessment value. Basing asking price or market value on these factors can be dangerous to the potential sale of your property. When a property is overpriced you are attracting curious lookers, not legitimate buyers. Buyers today are educating themselves on the value of property, and are quick to identify an overpriced property. An overpriced property can communicate your inflexibility and unwillingness to negotiate; it can reduce the number of showings, and can actually help sell other competing properties. Perhaps the worst scenario is that an offer is received on an overpriced property, and an appraisal does not support the price, causing the buyer to lose their mortgage financing. Ultimately, an overpriced property will create frustration for all parties as the property remains on the market with little or no activity for a long period of time.

The Selling Process Simplified

• Decide to sell your property
• List your property with us
• Determine if you wish to purchase another property, begin search
• Establish asking price and selling timeframe
• We develop and implement a personalized Marketing Strategy
• Scheduling of open house and tours, as appropriate
• Property showings begin
• An offer is received
• Begin negotiation process
• Acceptance of offer
• Meet with your solicitor to review transaction
• Buyers submit mortgage or financing application
• Home Inspection is scheduled and completed
• Buyer's financing is approved
• Co ordination of activities required for transaction closing
• Final review of closing documents
• Transaction is finalized and completed
• Congratulations, your property is sold !