How to Sell a House in 7 Steps

So you’re ready to sell your house. While 2023 / 2024 might have gotten off to a rocky start, selling your home to move onto your next adventure is one way to turn life’s lemons into a sweet pitcher of lemonade.

No matter what else is going on in the world, selling your house is always a big deal. You probably have countless memories there, and you’ve spent time, money and effort making it a special place. Just remember, if selling is the right thing for you and your family, it’s worth it!

If you’re ready to make a move, you want to sell your house the smart way. This article will help you learn how to sell your house quickly and for the most money.

Let’s get started!

How to Sell a House in 7 Realistic Steps

Selling your house and moving is a big transition to make, but it doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. Learn how to sell a house the right way with these seven steps!

1. Find a stellar real estate agent.

Real estate agents are a dime a dozen. That’s why you don’t need just any agent. You need the right agent. Find someone who will super-serve you, negotiate the best deal, and sell your house fast! As tempting as it is to have a relative, a friend from church, or your cousin’s husband’s buddy help you, always stick with a vetted professional who has experience and can sell your home for the most money in the shortest amount of time!

Find expert agents to help you sell your home.

Can I sell my house myself?

Look, everybody loves saving money, and selling solo can seem like a great way to do just that. But is For Sale by Owner (FSBO) really all it’s cracked up to be? First of all, if you really want to sell your home, you need to get it in front of buyers—and lots of them. This is where an agent comes in handy.

An experienced real estate agent will give your home a much-needed online presence through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which will expose it to thousands of potential buyers. Plus, an agent will develop a targeted strategy to market your house to their extensive network of buyers and agents.

Can you save big money by going FSBO? Not really. Even when you sell your home yourself, you still have to pay a commission to the buyer’s agent. You’d only save the commission on one side of the transaction.

A great agent will more than make up for that cost. Consider this: The latest National Association of Realtors data shows that the average home sold by an agent last year brought in $280,000. In contrast, the average FSBO home went for $200,000.¹ That’s an $80,000 difference!

Consider this: The latest National Association of Realtors data shows that the average home sold by an agent last year brought in $280,000. In contrast, the average FSBO home went for $200,000.¹ That’s an $80,000 difference!

Trust us—working with a great real estate agent helps you get the most money for your home.

2. Price your home to sell.

Remember this: Your home is only worth what buyers are willing to pay. Therefore, you need to think objectively about your home’s value. If you’ve lived in your home long enough to make memories, those sentimental ties could cloud your judgment. So, stick to the facts as much as possible when you estimate how much your home could sell for.

The best way to determine your home’s value is to ask a real estate agent to run a comparative market analysis (CMA). This free report compares your home to other homes near you that are comparable in size, have similar features, are currently on the market, or have sold in recent months. The comparison allows your agent to more accurately predict what buyers will pay for your home.

Your CMA will offer several pages of information, including photos and a map of all the properties in the analysis. A true pro will take time to walk you through the results so you understand exactly how your home stacks up against the competition. With this information in hand, you can work with your agent to set a competitive price that’s based on fact, not emotion

3. Set a home-selling timeline.

Make the most of the weeks and months leading up to your home sale. If you have an idea of when you want to list your house, break your to-do list into manageable bite-size pieces. The timeline below will get you started. Of course, you can adjust according to your own needs and personal schedule.

ASAP

• Interview real estate agents: Take time to find a pro who has a proven track record and confidence to boot.
• Outline a plan: Work with your agent to set priorities so you can focus on finishing one task at a time.
• Declutter: Decide what you can live without until your home sells. Then pack it up and get it out!

2–3 Months Before Listing

• Hire a home inspector: Identifying issues early in the home-selling process lets you work the cost of repairs into your budget on the front end so they don’t wreck your deal later.
• Tackle repairs: Ask your agent where your fix-it dollars will do the most good.

1–2 Months Before Listing

• Set the stage: Create an inviting space that lets buyers see your house as their home.
• Deep clean: Scrub every surface until it shines. Hire a pro to make carpets and rugs look—and smell—new again.
• Apply finishing touches: Get your home picture-perfect so your photographer can capture it in the best possible condition.

Again, the key to keeping stress at bay during the weeks and months leading up to putting your home on the market is to make a plan—and then follow that plan. Working with a pro can help you relax and understand the selling process so you have realistic expectations.

4. Consider getting a home inspection before listing.

Most home buyers know it pays to get a home inspection. But did you realize it’s a worthwhile tool for home sellers too? It’s true!

A presale inspection might cost a few hundred dollars, but it’ll be money well spent. Why? Because it can keep buyers from demanding big bucks during negotiations.

A presale inspection might cost a few hundred dollars, but it’ll be money well spent. Why? Because it can keep buyers from demanding big bucks during negotiations.

So, what’s included in a home inspection?

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a home inspection covers:²

• Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems
• Windows, ceilings, walls, doors and floors
• Attic, visible insulation and roof
• Foundation, structural elements and basement

A qualified home inspector combs a property’s accessible areas to assess the home’s condition and identify any health and safety issues. Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining what works and what doesn’t, with recommendations for maintenance and repairs.

Don’t worry about addressing every single finding in your home inspection, but you should pay attention to big-ticket issues. These can scare buyers into asking for way more money than it actually takes to fix them. Your agent can help you sort through the inspection findings, but the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems typically take priority. If you have room in your budget, see to those before you list your home.

5. Stage your house and get it ready for potential buyers.

Once your home is in good working order, it’s time to set the stage and show off its best features. That starts with a deep cleaning. Here are some ways to make your house look great.

• Scrub every surface until it sparkles. We can’t emphasize this enough! You need to polish your home and keep it clean during showings.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint. It might take some time, but it’s time well spent. Plus, paint is relatively cheap considering the impact it has on making a home look fresh and inviting.
• Pay a professional to deep clean rugs and carpets.
• Minimize clutter to maximize space.

Once you have a clean home, you can begin to stage. Keep your décor colors neutral and try to depersonalize as much as possible. Take down most of your family photos so buyers can imagine their families enjoying your house. Closets are always important to home buyers, so create the impression of spaciousness by storing away out-of-season clothing and miscellaneous gear.

Don’t forget to stage outdoors too. Clean your front porch and place nice planters near your entryway. If you have a deck, pressure wash it and add a few colorful plants to give the space an extra pop.

Make sure your home is ready for photos. Professional shots that show off your house’s features are an essential part of your online listing. Your agent should help coordinate the photo shoot, so that’s less pressure on you. Here are a few additional staging tips to get your home prepared for its glamour shot:

• Stay organized. Again, a tidy home is nonnegotiable. Channel your inner Mr. Clean or Snow White and whistle while you work if you have to. Just clean up the place.
• Pick up the toys and pet stuff. Babies and puppies sell breakfast cereal but not homes. Keep the kid clutter and pet supplies under wraps.
• Add extra touches. A pair of decorative pillows or a few green plants will add life to any room.
• Clear the counters. Throw your juicer and blender in the kitchen cabinet. The same goes for your bathrooms. Pitch those personal items in a drawer to keep them out of sight.
• Add more lighting. Bright rooms make your home look bigger. Open the curtains, pull up the blinds, and let the sunshine in! But before you do all that, be sure to devote time to washing your windows. In spaces that don’t get much natural light, a well-placed lamp can make a big difference!
• Go easy on the rugs. Rugs generally don’t photograph well, and they can make your space look smaller. Your agent can help you decide which rugs can stay and which ones should go.
• Put a lid on it. Your toilet, that is. Friends don’t let friends leave the lid up during a nice photo shoot.

Keep in mind, staging should bring out the positives of your house without overwhelming potential buyers. When in doubt, less is more. The right real estate agent can help you know the difference between good and gaudy staging.

6. List your home and survive the showings.

Home showings are hard to juggle regardless of whether your home is empty or full of kids. If you’re still living in the home you’re trying to sell, these handy tips can help you stay sane and get your home sold.

Tip #1: Make a daily to-do list.

Surprise showings always seem to happen when your home is a complete wreck. Reduce last-minute panic by putting things away as soon as you’re done with them and creating a checklist of simple tasks to knock out before you leave every morning. That way, you’ll always be ready for guests.

Tip #2: Find a place for your pets during showings.

Man’s best friend can be your home deal’s worst enemy. Leaving pets home for showings can get messy, and a yap-happy dog is just plain annoying. Take the fur babies for a joyride or send them to Grandma’s house so buyers can focus on your home’s best features.

Tip #3: Try to be flexible.

Separating yourself from the place you’ve called home can be hard. But if you want to make a deal, you’ve got to give buyers time and space to fall in love with your home. Be flexible about scheduling showings, and don’t make buyers step around you—or your feelings—when they visit.

Tip #4: Tackle the toys.

Paring down the piles of plastic is a tough task, but it sure does make cleanup a breeze. Ask your kids to choose a few favorite toys to keep in their rooms, and then store the rest in bins. Be sure to explain to them that they’ll see their toys again. If they get bored with their selections, you can always rotate toys in and out.

Tip #5: Enlist help from the kids.

Want to ease your load? Give Junior a job to do! It’s a great way to teach the value of hard work. Have a little fun and build big motivation by running timed practice drills. Don’t forget to recognize a job well done. If you can’t spare extra cash, quality time spent with you works too!

Do the best you can, but remember, you’re only human. There will be days you just can’t get everything put away and make it out the door on time. If you get a call for a showing, tell your agent you were running behind so they can prepare the buyer ahead of time. Just don’t miss an opportunity to get your home seen!

7. Negotiate the contract and close.

Negotiations between you (the seller) and the buyer kick off with the buyer’s initial offer. Keep in mind the contract stage works differently in every state, so your agent should explain those details in terms you understand. Never sign a purchase agreement before you’re clear about what is and is not included in the offer—and how it affects you.

Pay close attention to these details:

• Purchase price
• Closing or escrow date
• Special allowances for personal property, home improvements and closing costs
• Contingency deadlines for the home inspection, appraisal and buyer financing
• Additional contingencies such as the sale of the buyer’s current home

Once you and the buyer reach a final purchase agreement, you won’t be sitting pretty quite yet. There’s still a lot to do from contract to closing, so here are some quick tips to help you manage this stage of the game:

• Don’t wait until the last minute to pack.
• Communicate with your buyer.
• Keep your home insurance up-to-date until you’ve signed the dotted line.
• Make a list of what to bring on closing day.
• Remain flexible because delays can, and will, happen.

How Long Does It Take to Sell Your Home?

There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to how long it will take to sell your home. The average time on the market for 2020 is currently around 60 days—the time from when the home is listed to when it closes.³ Keep in mind that number is just an average. How long it actually takes to sell your house depends on the real estate trends in your area and the particulars of your home.

Here are some of the factors that can impact your home-selling timeline:

• The hot (or not) nature of your real estate market. If you live in an area with a hot market, you can typically expect your home to sell faster than in markets where buyer demand is low.
• The season. If you want to maximize your sale price and decrease the time your home is on the market, listing your home in late spring is going to be your best bet. But that’s not true for every home or market. And ultimately, the best time to sell your house is when it’s the right time for you.
• Your home’s location, location, location. Details like what school your home is zoned for, which neighborhood the house is in, and how close your home is located to restaurants and shopping can also affect how long it takes to sell.
• Your home’s price point. Larger, more expensive homes can take longer to sell because the pool of buyers is smaller.⁴
• The time it takes to get your home sell-ready. If you decide to take on some updates or repairs to your home before listing, your selling timeline will be longer.
• The closing process. If your buyers are getting a mortgage, the closing date is dependent on their financing. Your closing could also be delayed by home inspection or appraisal issues.

Remember, these are just some of the factors that can affect how long it takes to sell your house. You can talk to your real estate agent about what a realistic timeline is for your specific home.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell Your House?

Even though you’ll be making money from the sale of your home, there are some home-selling costs you have to pay in the process. How much you end up paying start to finish depends on the sale price of your home, what repairs you have to take care of, and how much it takes to get your home ready to list.

Here are some of the costs you may need to prepare for:

• Real estate commission. As the seller, you’ll be responsible for paying the real estate commission, which is split between the buyer’s agent and your listing agent. Usually that commission is 6% of the home’s sale price.⁵
• Staging your home. As you’re preparing to list your house, you could spend some money getting your house staged or investing in some new décor to give your space a fresh look.
• Repairs or maintenance. You may decide to take care of some repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet or painting those scuffed baseboards, before you list your home. Or if the home buyer does a home inspection, they may ask you to do some repairs before closing.
• Fees negotiated in the contract. As part of your purchase and sale agreement, the buyer may ask you to cover a portion of the closing costs, title insurance or other fees.

Sell Your House Faster With a Professional Agent

The best way to have a great experience selling your home is to partner with a professional agent. The right agent should guide you every step of the way without taking over the driver’s seat. They should inform you but not overwhelm you.

Our local licensed real estate Realtor Sean Findlay is just the ticket to take the stress out of your home sale. Realtor Sean Findlay is a professional Canadian real estate agent who has a track record of success and excellent customer service.

The post Sell Your House Quickly, For The Most Money! appeared first on FINDLAY REAL ESTATE.

When it comes to selling your home, every detail counts, and choosing the right interior paint colors to help your home sell quicker is necessary! The colors you use inside your home can significantly impact potential buyers’ first impressions and perceptions of your property. Let’s explore how the choice of interior paint can play a pivotal role in expediting the sale of your home.

The psychology of color

The psychology of color plays a vital role in selling and buying with confidence. Colors have the power to evoke specific emotions and influence our perceptions. Therefore, understanding the psychological impact of colors enables sellers to make strategic choices regarding branding, packaging, and even the interior decor of a sales space. By aligning color choices with the desired emotional response, sellers can establish a stronger connection with buyers and boost their confidence in the offered product or service. In the end, whether you’re selling or buying, knowing interior paint colors to help your home sell quicker helps.

Classic white

Classic white is a timeless choice among the interior paint colors that will help your home sell quicker. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to create a sense of brightness and spaciousness within a room. White walls serve as a blank canvas, allowing for versatility in decor and making spaces feel open and inviting. This neutrality is a major selling point, as potential buyers can envision their style against a white backdrop. White also pairs seamlessly with various accent colors. That makes it easy to change the look and feel of a room by simply switching out accessories or furniture. Also, white reflects natural light beautifully, which enhances the overall aesthetics and reduces the need for excessive artificial lighting. 

Soft neutrals

Soft neutrals, like beiges and grays, have gained popularity in interior design for their ability to create a serene ambiance. These muted hues provide a neutral backdrop that allows furniture and decor to shine. That makes it easier for potential buyers to envision their belongings in the space. Soft neutrals also possess a timeless quality, ensuring that your home remains appealing to a broad range of tastes. 

In addition, they can adapt to different design styles, from contemporary to traditional, offering versatility in decor choices. In terms of psychology, these colors evoke feelings of relaxation and balance, which can ease buyers into wanting a home. 

Earthy tones

Earthy tones have become a design favorite for their warm and inviting nature. Inspired by the natural world, these hues encompass shades of warm browns, deep greens, and muted terracottas. They infuse a sense of coziness into your living spaces and connect you to nature’s calming influence. Besides, these tones make it easy to find matching furniture! Thus, if you’re hiring local movers in Toronto, the local movers can assist you with getting the perfect furniture pieces positioned just right for an amazing match with interior paint colors! For example, earthy tones pair harmoniously with wooden furniture, creating a seamless blend between the indoors and outdoors. These colors add depth and character to a room, making it more visually appealing. 

Subtle blues and greens

Subtle blues and greens are like a breath of fresh air among the interior paint colors that will help your home sell quicker. These soft and calming colors can transform any room into a tranquil oasis. Blues, reminiscent of clear skies and oceans, evoke serenity and calmness, making them ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Inspired by lush foliage, greens bring a touch of nature indoors, promoting relaxation and well-being. When used in combination, these hues create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere that can positively impact your overall mood and mindset. Subtle blues and greens also have the unique ability to make spaces feel more spacious and open. That can be a major selling point for homes on the market!

Bold accent walls

Bold accent walls are a fantastic way to infuse personality and drama into your living spaces. By selecting a striking color or pattern for a single wall, you can create a focal point that draws attention and adds character to a room. This design strategy allows you to experiment with bolder hues that you might be hesitant to use on all the walls. 

Bold accent walls can make a room feel cozier or more spacious, depending on the color choice and placement. Additionally, they provide a unique selling point, enhancing your home’s attractiveness when listing it for sale. A well-executed accent wall can help potential buyers envision the possibilities of the space, showcasing its versatility and style. 

Warmer colors

Warm colors, like rich reds and oranges, create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. These hues have the remarkable ability to evoke feelings of energy, passion, and comfort. In spaces where people gather, like living rooms and dining areas, warm colors stimulate conversation and create a sense of togetherness. 

Besides that, they add a touch of vibrancy and personality to your interiors, making a strong style statement. When thoughtfully incorporated into your home’s decor, warm colors can positively impact your emotional well-being, fostering feelings of joy and contentment. 

Cool and calming blues

Cool and calming blues are like a gentle breeze in interior design. These serene hues, inspired by the sky and the sea, evoke a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Whether used in bedrooms, bathrooms, or common areas, blues can create a soothing atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day. 

At the same time, these colors can be perfect for avoiding the ‘boring’ plain choices while avoiding the staging mistake of over-customizing your home to your tastes. Their versatility allows you to infuse character and style without overwhelming a space. Cool blues can also convey a sense of spaciousness, making them a valuable asset when selling your home. 

The impact of lighting

The impact of lighting on your interior spaces cannot be overstated. Lighting has the remarkable ability to influence the mood, aesthetics, and functionality of a room. With its warm and inviting qualities, natural light can make spaces feel spacious and energizing. In contrast, artificial lighting can set the ambiance, with warm, soft lighting creating a cozy atmosphere, while bright, cool lighting promotes focus and productivity. 

Properly chosen lighting fixtures can serve as stunning design elements, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your space. Finally, the strategic use of lighting can highlight key features and create focal points within a room, drawing attention to the elements you want to showcase. 

A cheap and effective home investment

You can get many benefits cheaply by using interior paint colors to help your home sell quicker. By selecting the right hues, you can create a welcoming and appealing atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers, making them feel more confident in their decisions. So, when listing your property, remember that choosing the right interior paint colors is a strategic move!

If you have any questions, or would like to get a free no obligation home valuation, or Buyers Consultation contact Realtor Sean Findlay at 905-450-8300

The post Interior Paint Colors That Will Help Your Home Sell Quicker appeared first on FINDLAY REAL ESTATE.

Learn how to get the best price for the family home in 2023

Selling your home can be surprisingly time-consuming and emotionally challenging, especially if you’ve never done it before. At times it may feel like an invasion of privacy because strangers will come into your home, open your closets and cabinets, and poke around. They will criticize a place that has probably become more than just four walls and a roof to you, and, to top it all off, they will offer you less money than you think your home is worth. Not to mention taking all safety pre-cautions to keep your family safe while selling your home during the covid-19 season.

With no experience and a complex, emotional transaction on your hands, it’s easy for first-time home sellers to make lots of mistakes. However, with a little know-how you can avoid many of these pitfalls. Read on to find out how to sell your house during covid-19 while getting the highest possible price within a reasonable time frame without losing your mind. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Keep your emotions in check and stay focused on the business aspect of selling your home.
• Hiring an agent may cost more in commission, but it can take a lot of the guesswork out of selling.
• If you decide to sell on your own, set a reasonable sale price and keep the time of year in mind.
• Prepare for the sale, don’t skimp on the visuals in your listing, and disclose any issues with the property.

Getting Emotional

It’s easy to get emotional about selling your home, especially your first one. You spent a great deal of time and effort to find the right one, saved up for your down payment and furniture, and created many memories. People generally have trouble keeping their emotions in check when it comes time to say goodbye.

Think it’s impossible? It’s not. Once you decide to sell your home, start thinking of yourself as a businessperson and salesperson rather than just the homeowner. In fact, forget altogether that you’re the homeowner. By looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you’ll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property.

Also, try to remember how you felt when you were shopping for that home. Most buyers will also be in an emotional state. If you can remember that you are selling a piece of property as well as an image and a lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to put in the extra effort of staging and doing some minor remodeling to get top dollar for your home. These changes in appearance will not only help the sales price; they’ll also help you create emotional distance because your home will look less familiar.

To Hire or Not to Hire an Agent

Although real estate agents command a hefty commission—usually 5% to 6% of the sale price of your home—it’s probably not a great idea to try to sell your home on your own, especially if you haven’t done it before.¹ It can be tempting, especially if you’ve seen all those “for sale by owner” signs on people’s front lawns or on the internet. So does it pay to hire an agent?

A good agent generally has your best interests at heart. They will help you set a fair and competitive selling price for your home, increasing your odds of a quick sale. An agent can also help tone down the emotion of the process by interacting with potential buyers and eliminating tire kickers who only want to look at your property but have no intention of making an offer.

Your agent will also have more experience negotiating home sales, helping you get more money than you could on your own. And if any problems crop up during the process—and they commonly do—an experienced professional will be there to handle them for you. Finally, agents are familiar with all the paperwork and pitfalls involved in real estate transactions and can help make sure the process goes smoothly. This means there won’t be any delays or glitches in the deal.

After reading all this, should you really hire an agent? Only you can decide.

What to Do If You Don’t Use a Real Estate Agent

So you’ve decided not to hire an agent. That’s fine, because it’s not like it can’t be done. There are people who sell their own homes successfully. Remember, though, you’ll need to do your research first—on recently sold properties in your area and properties currently on the market—to determine an attractive selling price. Keep in mind that most home prices have an agent’s commission factored in, so you may have to discount your price as a result.

You’ll be responsible for your own marketing, so make sure to get your home on the multiple listing service (MLS) in your geographic area to reach the widest number of buyers. As you have no agent, you’ll be the one showing the house and negotiating the sale with the buyer’s agent, which can be time-consuming, stressful, and emotional for some people.

Since you’re forgoing an agent, consider hiring a real estate attorney to help you with the finer points of the transaction and the escrow process. Even with attorney’s fees, selling a home yourself can save you thousands. If the buyer has an agent, however, they’ll expect to be compensated. This cost is typically covered by the seller, so you’ll still need to pay 1% to 3% of the home’s sale price to the buyer’s agent.¹

Setting an Unrealistic Price

Whether you’re working with an agent or going it alone, setting the right asking price is key. Remember the comparative market analysis you or your agent did when you bought your home to determine a fair offering price? Buyers will do this for your home, too, so as a seller you should be one step ahead of them.

You may think your home is worth more, but remember to set a realistic price based on comparable homes in the area.

Absent a housing bubble, overpriced homes generally don’t sell. In a survey conducted by the informational home sale website HomeLight.com, 70% of real estate agents said that overpricing is the number one mistake that sellers make.² Don’t worry too much about setting a price that’s on the low side, because in theory this will generate multiple offers and bid the price up to the home’s actual market value. In fact, underpricing your home can be a strategy to generate extra interest in your listing, and you can always refuse an offer that’s too low.³

Expecting the Asking Price

Any smart buyer will negotiate, and if you want to complete the sale, you may have to play ball. Most people want to list their homes at a price that will attract buyers while still leaving some breathing room for negotiations—the opposite of the underpricing strategy described above. This may work, allowing the buyer to feel like they are getting good value while allowing you to get the amount of money you need from the sale.

Of course, whether you end up with more or less than your asking price will likely depend not just on your pricing strategy but also on whether you’re in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market and how well you have staged and modernized your home.

Selling During Winter Months

Believe it or not, there really is a right time to sell during the year. Winter, especially around the holidays, is typically a slow time of year for home sales. People are busy with social engagements, and the cold weather across much of the country makes it more appealing just to stay home. Because fewer buyers are likely to be looking, it may take longer to sell your home, and you may not get as much money. However, you can take some consolation in knowing that while there may not be as many active buyers, there also won’t be as many competing sellers, which can sometimes work to your advantage.

You may be better off waiting. Barring any mitigating circumstances that may force you to sell during the winter or holidays, consider listing when the weather begins to warm up. People are usually ready and willing to purchase a home when it’s warmer.⁴

Skimping on Listing Photos

As so many buyers look for homes online these days, and so many of those homes have photos, you’ll be doing yourself a real disservice if you don’t have any visuals of your home. At the same time, there are so many poor photos of homes for sale that if you do a good job, it will set your listing apart and help generate extra interest.

Good photos should be crisp and clear and taken during the day when there is plenty of natural light available. They should showcase your home’s best assets. Consider using a wide-angle lens if possible—this allows you to give potential buyers a better idea of what entire rooms look like. Ideally, hire a professional real estate photographer to get top quality results instead of just letting your agent take snapshots on a phone.

And don’t just stop at photos. Consider adding a video tour or 360-degree view to further enhance your listing. This can be easily done with any smartphone. You can certainly entice more potential buyers into walking through your doors for showings. You may even get more offers if you give them an introductory walk-through of your property.

Not Carrying Proper Insurance

Your lender may have required you to acquire a homeowners insurance policy. If not, you’ll want to make sure you’re insured in case a viewer has an accident on the premises and tries to sue you for damages. You also want to make sure there are no obvious hazards at the property or that you take steps to mitigate them (keeping the children of potential buyers away from your pool and getting your dog out of the house during showings, for example).

Hiding Major Problems

Think you can get away with hiding major problems with your property? Any problem will be uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. You have three options to deal with any issues. Either fix the problem ahead of time, price the property below market value to account for it, or list the property at a normal price and offer the buyer a credit to fix the problem.

Remember: If you don’t fix the problem in advance, you may eliminate a fair number of buyers who want a turnkey home. Having your home inspected before listing is a good idea if you want to avoid costly surprises once the home is under contract. Further, many states have disclosure rules.⁵ Some require sellers to disclose known problems about their homes if buyers ask directly, while others decree that sellers must voluntarily disclose certain issues.

Not Preparing for the Sale 

Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain. Don’t worry if you can’t afford to hire a professional. There are many things you can do on your own. Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all. If you haven’t attended to minor issues, such as a broken doorknob or dripping faucet, a potential buyer may wonder whether the house has larger, costlier issues that haven’t been addressed either.

Have a friend or an agent, someone with a fresh pair of eyes, point out areas of your home that need work. Because of your familiarity with the home, you may be immune to its trouble spots. Decluttering, cleaning thoroughly, putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and getting rid of any odors will also help you make a good impression on buyers.

Not Accommodating Buyers

If someone wants to view your house, you need to accommodate them, even if it inconveniences you. And yes, you have to clean and tidy the house before every single visit. A buyer won’t know or care if your house was clean last week. It’s a lot of work, but stay focused on the prize.

Selling to Unqualified Buyers

It’s more than reasonable to expect a buyer to bring a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender or proof of funds(POF) for cash purchases to show that they have the money to buy the home. Signing a contract with a buyer may be contingent on the sale of their own property, which may put you in a serious bind if you need to close by a particular date.

The Bottom Line

Learning how to sell a house in 2021 is crucial. Selling your home during these unprecedented covid-19 times requires experience, skill, and access to new technologies. Make sure you prepare mentally and financially for less-than-ideal scenarios, even if you don’t make any of these mistakes. The house may sit on the market for far longer than you expect, especially in a declining market. If you can’t find a buyer in time, you may end up trying to pay two mortgages, having to rent your home out until you can find a buyer, or, in dire situations, in foreclosure. However, if you avoid the costly mistakes listed here, you’ll be a long way toward putting your best foot forward and achieving that seamless, lucrative sale for which every home seller hopes.

Contact Realtor Sean Findlay for a stress free home selling experience. Use the form below to get in touch and start the process with a free Home Evaluation to find out what your home is worth during these current market conditions.

—

For more information Contact Us Below:

Sean Findlay – Professional Realtor | Sales Representative

Local Stoney Creek & Grimsby Real Estate Expert

CENTURY 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage *
Office Phone: 905-450-8300 or Toll Free Phone: 1 888-450-8301 | Fax: 905-450-6736

Stoney Creek Office Located: 280 Barton St, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2K6 (by Appointment Only)

Toronto Office Located: 181 Queen St E, Brampton, L6W 2B3 (by Appointment Only)

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The post Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home in 2023 appeared first on FINDLAY REAL ESTATE.

If you’re thinking of selling, you probably have a lot of questions. The Home Sellers Guide tackles questions such as:

• What’s my home worth?
• Should I use a seller’s agent or go at it alone?
• How do I make my home attractive to buyers?
• How do I get top dollar for my home?

Realtor Sean Findlay & the Century 21 Findlay Real Estate Team can help! Selling your home is a journey, and the more informed you are about what to do and expect, the more successful your sale will be. Let your journey with The Findlay Real Estate Team begin!

Download your very own Home Seller’s Guide to begin your journey today!

Please complete the form below to receive the free home sellers guide in your email inbox:

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Sean Findlay – Professional Realtor | Sales Representative | Digital Marketing Realtor
Proudly Serving Toronto & GTA | Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Beamsville, Niagara Falls, Scarborough, PickeringCENTURY 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage *
Office Phone Number: 905-450-8300 or Toll Free: 1-888-450-8301 | Fax: 905-450-6736

 

Toronto Office Located: 181 Queen St, Brampton ON  (by Appointment Only)

Stoney Creek Office Located: 280 Barton St, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2K6 (by Appointment Only)

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According to Realtor.com’s 2022 housing market forecast, home for-sale inventory will increase from last year, as will the projected number of overall sales.¹ This means, if you’re looking to sell in the near future, now is the time to consider how you can stand out.

Updating your home design is one way to do that. Changes like new security features or upgraded siding can add value to your home now and be highlighted when you market it for sale later. To get the most out of your updates, focus on these popular home design features that will wow buyers in 2022.

Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate a property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

Eco-Friendly Fixtures

Millennials account for the largest share of current homebuyers, according to the National Association of Realtors.² Sustainable living tops the list of priorities for this generation. A recent Deloitte survey found that nearly one-third of millennials initiate or deepen their consumer investment in products or services that help the environment—this also includes the houses they choose to live in.³

Here are a few eco-friendly design features that will be attractive to these millennial buyers in 2022. Bonus, they can net a significant return on investment (ROI) for you, as a seller, too. 

• Energy-Efficient Windows: Heat gain or loss from low-performance windows drives 25–30 percent of home heating and cooling costs, according to Energy.gov.⁴ Therefore, energy-efficient windows can help homeowners save money. 
• Low-Flow Water Fixtures: According to the EPA, replacing your shower head with one that’s labeled with WaterSense can save four gallons of water with each shower.⁵ Doing the same with your faucet can save 700 gallons per year. This leads to cost savings and environmental support.
• Native Landscaping:  According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, 58 percent of members report increased client demand for native trees and plants as a means to combat biodiversity loss from climate change.⁶ Enhance the eco-friendly appeal of your home with some native plants in the front yard.

Wellness Retreat Nooks

The pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health. For example, in an effort to prioritize mental health, many people are relocating to quieter, more peaceful homes, with 22 percent of city dwellers planning a move to less congested residential areas, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) 2021 Insights Summit.⁷

However, no matter where you live, you can still intrigue buyers by jumping on this trend. At-home wellness amenities, which were once viewed as luxuries, are now on many homeowners’ must-have lists. Indoor spaces that function as a retreat for wellness and self-care have become extremely popular, according to HIRI.

Improve your quality of life in your home with reading nooks, spa-inspired bathrooms, and exercise or meditation spaces. Even if your house doesn’t have the square footage to section off an entire room for relaxation, making simple tweaks to natural light, air purifiers, and indoor plants can help you feel better in your home now while enabling future buyers to see the opportunity for their own space.

Calming Paint Colors

Paint colors that produce a calming atmosphere will also be a key selling point in 2022. Soft earth tones and natural hues will prevail this year, including various shades of blue, green,  brown, and beige. Recent research suggests steering clear of trendy paint colors in favor of a more classic palette to bring the feel of nature indoors in a subtle and soothing way.⁸ 

In fact, the same research found that buyers are often willing to pay an extra $4,698 for a house with a light blue bathroom or an extra $1,491 for a house with a dark blue bedroom. Another crowd-pleasing hue to refresh the walls with is BEHR’s 2022 paint color of the year, known as Breezeway.⁹ 

This shade of green with silver undertones was created to mimic sea glass. As the BEHR website describes it, Breezeway “evokes feelings of coolness and peace, while representing a desire to move forward and discover newfound passions.” 

Home Safety Features

Buyers want peace of mind more now than ever before. According to a 2021 survey from the American Institute of Architects, members report seeing an increase in the popularity of these home safety features¹⁰:

• Emergency backup power generation
• Accommodations for multiple generations
• Wider accessible doorways and hallways
• Home security monitoring equipment
• Interior ramps and home elevator features

Consider how you can build home safety features like these into the design of your home to enhance your quality of life now and attract more buyers later. For example, you could install a backup generator in the garage and sell it with the house or update your major doorways to be wider.

Before making an investment in expensive home safety upgrades, contact us. We can help you determine what will deliver the greatest ROI for your location and goals.

Designated Work Spaces

It may come as no surprise that after the pandemic, 63 percent of homebuyers want their next house to feature room for a designated office, according to the National Association of Home Builders.¹¹ In addition, 70 percent of these buyers want the office to be at least 100 square feet (or a 10×10 room).

If you can, consider turning a bedroom or a den into a work-from-home office. When designing the space, make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Position a desk near the window for natural light, install a bookshelf unit, arrange a few succulents on the work surface, and hang a few framed posters or a cork bulletin board on the wall. You want the space to foster productivity as well as be a place in your home you enjoy spending time.

When you get ready to sell, we can help you highlight your designated work space. Given the high demand for this design feature, it can help you interest more buyers and attract more competitive offers—if marketed creatively.

Luxury Kitchen Retouches

The kitchen has always been a main focal point of interior design, and that’s no different in 2022. Families will always need this space to come together in their own homes. 

This year’s buyers want a kitchen with new upgrades and retouches, but you don’t have to renovate the entire kitchen to make an impact. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips on how to create a kitchen that buyers will love without spending too much money on renovations:

• Repaint the kitchen, keeping the calm and nature-inspired colors in mind that are most popular right now. Taking a kitchen from dark to light by painting cabinets and walls can make all the difference.
• Update the hardware. These kitchen “accessories” stand out and add personality to an otherwise standard kitchen. 
• Update light fixtures to bring in more light while also adding a fresh look and feel to the space. 

Unique Accent Walls

In a recent interview with the National Association of Realtors, Brian Santos, the director of education for Fresh Coat Painters, explains that bold, unique accent walls are trendy right now.¹² An accent wall gives a home character while maintaining the calming feel of natural- and neutral-colored walls.

Santos also explains that this is part of a design aesthetic that draws inspiration from the Roaring Twenties, and it’s likely to remain a sought-after home feature in 2022. Here are some bold colors to consider for your home’s accent walls:

• Solid black
• Jewel or metallic tones
• Textured wallpaper
• Painted ceilings
• Built-in shelves

If you’re planning to sell in the next year, talk to us before adding an accent wall. Depending on your target buyer, it may be a design feature that actually hurts your home’s value. We can run a free Comparative Market Analysis on your home to help you understand what would resell best in your neighborhood.

Exterior Siding Updates

A new exterior siding refresh is one of the most affordable renovation projects you can do to help increase a home’s resale value. The average cost is just $12 per square foot, but higher-end material options can push costs closer to  $50 per square foot.¹³ What’s more, there are many siding materials available, from fiber-cement, brick, and wood to vinyl, metal, and stone. 

While all these options can infuse the exterior with character and add curb appeal, fiber-cement and vinyl deliver the highest ROI. In fact, according to a 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, a vinyl siding replacement can boost resale value by $11,315 (68.3 percent cost recoup), and a fiber-cement siding replacement can boost resale value by $13,618 (69.4 percent cost recoup).¹⁴ 

Give your home this simple, affordable, and attractive facelift before putting it on the market. If you’re not sure how to get started yourself, our team can connect you with a trusted vendor to guide you through the process. 

Keep These Home Design Features on Your Radar in 2022

These design features can infuse personality into your home while helping to close the deal if you plan to sell in 2022. The average buyer knows just what they’re looking for in a space they plan to call home, so with some investment and foresight, you can give your house an edge over the competition—and boost resale value in the process. 

However, you don’t need to make all these changes to attract more buyers. We can help you determine which design features you should add to your home by sharing insights and tips on how to maximize the return on your investment. We can also run a Comparative Market Analysis on your home to find out how it compares to others in the area, which will help us decide what changes need to be made. Contact us to schedule a free consultation!

Sources:

1. Realtor –
   https://www.realtor.com/research/2022-national-housing-forecast/
2. National Association of Realtors –
   https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends
3. Deloitte –
   https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf
4. Energy.gov –
   https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/update-or-replace-windows 
5. EPA.gov –
   https://www.epa.gov/watersense/about-watersense 
6. American Society of Landscape Architects –
   https://www.asla.org/NewsReleaseDetails.aspx?id=60427
7. Home Improvement Research Institute –
   https://www.hiri.org/blog/4-major-home-wellness-trends-from-hiri-summit-speaker-dr-jie-zhao
8. Zillow –
   http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2021-07-15-Homes-With-Light-Blue-Bathrooms,-Dark-Blue-Bedrooms-Could-Sell-for-Up-to-4,698-More-Than-Expected
9. Behr –
   https://www.behr.com/colorfullybehr/behr-announces-2022-color-of-the-year-and-trends-palette/
10. American Institute of Architects –
    http://info.aia.org/AIArchitect/2021/0910/aia-interactive/index.html#
11. National Association of Home Builders –
    ​​https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/news-and-economics/docs/housing-economics-plus/special-studies/2021/special-study-what-home-buyers-really-want-march-2021.pdf?_ga=2.188050984.1824982414.1639512139-1247360189.1639512139
12. National Association of Realtors –
    https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/hot-home-trend-the-accent-wall-is-back
13. Forbes –
    https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/how-much-does-siding-cost-to-install/
14. Remodeling Magazine –
    https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2021/

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You only learn these organizing lessons the hard way. 

For most of us, the accumulation of clutter is a natural part of nesting. When we’ve lived at the same home for years, we stock up on spare throw blankets (because you just never know when you’ll need one), and collect clothes that don’t fit us (but may one day?), and hoard kitchen appliances we’ve never taken out of the box (since we’ve always dreamed of making homemade pasta). The stuff collects, the piles grow—until one day, it’s time to move. And panic strikes as you realize you will need to soon declutter.

As difficult as decluttering and letting go can be (we see you, Marie Kondo), there’s something about the prospect of packing up and hauling every single item you own that suddenly makes you willing to give things up. Combine that with a time constraint (aka, the movers are arriving at 2 p.m.), and the urgency the situation creates makes it easier than ever to determine which items to keep and which to ditch.

As a renter who lives in Toronto, the prospect of moving is always looming in the not-so-distant future. Yet when I moved apartments earlier this fall, I was surprised to discover just how much I had collected in two and a half short years. Tearing through my closet, the kitchen cabinets, and my stash of premium bedding, I (finally) realized I was a border line hoarder, it was time to learn how to declutter. Here are the organizing secrets you only learn when you move often enough, but that we can try to emulate even if we’re staying put.

Don’t Keep Clothes You Don’t Wear

It sounds so obvious, right? And yet most of us hang onto a skirt that hasn’t fit us in years and a sweater we bought on sale yet never really liked. When you move and are packing up each garment one by one, it makes it easier to be honest with yourself. To get the same effect, create a pile of all of your clothing, then go through them one at a time. In addition to the common decluttering questions (“Does this spark joy?”) ask: Would I take this with me if I were moving? If it doesn’t fit, you never put it on, or it serves no purpose, it’s time to donate it to someone who will actually wear it.

Stop Storing Appliances You Don’t Use

For me, this lesson arrived in the form of a handheld immersion blender from circa 2013, still in the box. I had aspirations of whipping up butternut squash soup, but in the years that followed, the dream just never materialized. Was it worth lugging this appliance to yet another apartment?

Take a look around your kitchen—is there anything you wouldn’t take with you if you were to move next month? Perhaps a coffee maker, a bread machine, or a vegetable spiralizer you haven’t touched in years? Giving away these items will free up valuable kitchen cabinet space.

Corral That Mess of Cords

There may be a bin, basket, or drawer lurking somewhere in your home that’s hiding a jumble of cords. Phone chargers, HDMI cables, plug adapters all live here. When you move, you suddenly have to piece the cords together. Why wait until your next move? Take all of the cords and cables, and match them up with the tech device or appliance. Consider investing in a set of labels so they’ll be easier to identify in the future. Then, let go of the charger for that old iPhone you no longer own.

RELATED: How to Declutter Your Home – 10 Creative Decluttering Tips

Check Your Towels

When you use them every day, it’s easy not to notice how dingy your bath towels have gotten. But when you move, you suddenly take stock of those home essentials. If your white towels have gotten dingy, a wash with bleach may do the trick. But if they have holes or are badly frayed, it may be time to donate or recycle your old towels and invest in a fresh set.

Take Note of Your Tchotchkes

Once you’ve lived with them for long enough, there are those decorative touches in your home that you simply no longer notice. Think flower vases, porcelain collectibles, sculptural objects, picture frames. Take some time to actually look at the items on your shelves and side tables. Would you pack them up if you were to move? Once you’ve curated your collection, consider relocating them to another area of the room or try a fresh arrangement.

Stop Stashing Duplicates

Do you really need four plungers, three garlic presses, and two staplers? Probably not. But these are the types of redundancies we generally only discover when we’re packing up our homes. Start taking note of the unnecessary duplicates around your home and select just the best to keep. Bonus: taking stock in this way can help you avoid buying another item you don’t need.

Peruse That Paper Pile

We all put it off for as long as possible, but once it’s time to move, we must come face to face with that towering pile of mail, bills, catalogs, and coupons. To break it down, quickly sort into categories: important papers (bills, tax documents, etc.), to recycle (flyers and catalogs), to keep (the best of your kids’ artwork and those wedding invites). Once you’ve sorted out the recycling, the pile will feel much more manageable.

RELATED: How To Sell Your Home: A Quick Guide For A Smooth Sale

Are you thinking about buying or selling your home? Contact us using the form below and lets have a conversation!

Sean Findlay – Professional Realtor | Sales Representative | Digital Marketing Realtor
Proudly Serving Toronto & GTA | Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Hamilton, Niagara Falls,

CENTURY 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage *
Office Phone Number: 905-450-8300 or Toll Free: 1-888-450-8301 | Fax: 905-450-6736

Toronto Real Estate Office Located: 181 Queen St , Brampton ON  (by Appointment Only)
(Located conveniently at the border of Mississauga & Brampton – Major Intersection Steeles & Hurontario st. )

Stoney Creek Real Estate Office Located: 280 Barton St, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2K6 (by Appointment Only)

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How to Sell Your Home: A Quick Guide For a Smooth Sale

 

• Our team of expert real estate advisors created our exclusive Century 21 Home Seller’s Guide to help make your move as stress-free as possible. This roadmap  on how to sell your home to listing and selling will walk you through what your home may be worth - why using an agent is so important, and how to get the highest dollar value from potential buyers. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact at any time for assistance.

  If you’re thinking of selling, you probably have a lot of questions on how to sell your house? The Home Seller’s Guide was designed to create a smooth sale and tackles questions such as:

  • What’s my home worth?
  • Should I use an agent or go at it alone?
  • How do I make my home attractive to buyers?
  • How do I get top dollar for my home?
  • And other Home Seller FAQ's

  The Findlay Real Estate Team can help sell your home! Selling your property is a journey, and the more informed you are about what to do and expect, the more successful your sale will be. Let your journey with the Century 21 Team begin!

  Download your very own Home Seller’s Guide to begin  your journey  towards a smooth sale today!

  Please complete the form below to redirect to a secure download page:

Download Your FREE Century21 Home Seller’s Guide

Fill in your info below and have the Home Sellers Guide Sent To Your Email!

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First Name*

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Sean Findlay – Professional Realtor | Sales Representative | Digital Marketing Realtor
Proudly Serving Toronto & GTA | Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Niagara Falls, Scarborough, Pickering

CENTURY 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage *
Office Phone Number: 905-450-8300 or Toll Free: 1-888-450-8301 | Fax: 905-450-6736

Toronto Real Estate Office Located: 181 Queen St , Brampton ON  (by Appointment Only)
Stoney Creek Real Estate Office Located: 280 Barton St, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2K6 (by Appointment Only)

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Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your House?

Home prices are at an all-time high—is it a smart time for you to move?

If you’re a homeowner living in Canada who’s been watching home prices, you may feel like you’ve won the lottery, as median home prices are soaring up in nearly all of the top markets. And with the number of home listings down below the typical real estate market, it’s a perfect storm of a low supply of houses and plenty of eager buyers looking for a little more space after spending months in their homes or apartments during quarantine.

Massive price gains are pretty common all across Canada, “national home sales set another all-time record” as released by CREA National Statics Report. “We’re talking double-digit price gains over a year ago.” – chief economist Danielle Hale.

While it may be tempting to cash in right now and make a profit on your house, there’s plenty to think about before you put that For Sale sign out front.

Research first

While the prices are up across Canada, that doesn’t mean it’s that way everywhere—the prices have dipped slightly in the condo market Downtown Toronto, for instance.

And unless you’re downsizing or moving to a cheaper market in the GTA, selling your house now may not make financial sense. “You have to consider what’s your motivation for selling it,” says Steven Podnos, MD, CFP, principal of Wealth Care LLC. “If you turn around and buy a house in the same area, you’re going to pay the same high price for whatever you move to. Optimally, when you’re selling your home, you’re moving somewhere that’s not as expensive.”

Don’t try to time the market

These prices may look spectacular, but no one really knows when they will drop again. “House prices may go up much more—and trends like this often go much longer than you think,” Podnos says. “I would never counsel someone to sell a home if you’ll be staying in the area. I don’t think you can time the real estate market any better than you can the stock market.”

Know where you’ll go

“When homes are selling really quickly,  you need a game plan for what you want to do next—especially if you’re planning to buy in a market that’s also competitive,” Hale says. “You have to be prepared to move.”

If your sale is too speedy for you to find your perfect next home, you can always get a little creative with your options. “You can sell your home, then rent for a little while until you find your next home,” Then you don’t have to deal with the logistics of timing both sales. Or you can just hire a Realtor like Sean Findlay that has a strong Century 21 team to help sell your home, and then facilitate the purchase of your next home in one smooth transaction.

Related: Free Home Sellers Guide

You may not be making as much as you think

If your home has doubled in price since you bought it, that may sound pretty amazing. But if you have been living in the house for 10+ years or so, and space that out over the course of when you’ve had the home—and consider inflation, any money you’ve put into repairs or renovations, and other costs—the return on your investment doesn’t look quite as good. ”People tend to overestimate how much money they earned on their house,” Podnos says. “Buying a house is more of a quality of life decision.”

Show your home in its best light

Even though it’s currently a seller’s market, that doesn’t mean you can just list your home. “You still have to get your home ready, even if it’s a seller’s market,” Canadian Buyers are still pretty choosy.

Decluttering, a fresh coat of paint, sprucing up your home’s exterior, and the best staging and photos you can manage are extremely important right now, when many people will be limiting how many homes they actually tour. “You want to put your best foot forward and take the best photos—if your home doesn’t pass the view test, you may not sell as quickly or for as high a price,” Experts say.

Related: 7 Ruthless Decluttering Tips You Only Learn When You Move 

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Ontario Home Seller FAQ’s- Frequently Asked Questions

Home Seller Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) – Century 21 / Realtor Sean Findlay has answers! Sell Your Home for Top Dollar!

Ontario Home Seller FAQ #1 – How much does it cost to sell a home? 

A few things you will want to take into consideration and be aware of as a home seller when budgeting to sell your home are the standard costs of staging & prepping, real estate commission, legal fees and potentially, a mortgage penalty.

Ontario Home Seller FAQ #2 – When is the best time to sell?

If only there was one answer to this question! Historically in Ontario, Canada – April, May, September and October have been the months with the highest sold price to asking price ratio. Those months are notorious for some of the fiercest bidding wars in Toronto, Hamilton & GTA.

December and January are historically the slowest months, but depending on the type of property you own, having fewer competing properties in slow months might be a huge benefit to you. It’s best to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of timing the listing of your home with an experienced real estate agent – Realtor Sean Findlay.

Ontario Home Seller FAQ #3 – Should I sell before buying?

The answer to this depends on your personal goals and what’s happening in the real estate market. If you’re buying an in-demand property and selling a less desirable one, you’ll likely want to sell before buying. However if it is a fierce Sellers market and demand is greater than the supply you may want to purchase first.

Ontario Home Seller FAQ #4 – Why isn’t my house selling?

That’s a tough question. Generally, a home doesn’t sell for one of 3 reasons: 1) it isn’t priced right; 2) it hasn’t been well marketed, or 3) it doesn’t ‘show’ well to potential Buyers (and might need a good cleaning or staging). Talk to your agent and ask to see: 1) what’s been happening in the market in your neighbourhood since you’ve been listed, 2) the marketing that’s been completed and 3) the feedback from agents/Buyers who’ve seen your home.

Ontario Home Seller FAQ #5 – Do I have to have a For Sale Sign on my lawn? 

Some Home Sellers prefer not to have a ‘For Sale’ sign on their lawn. While it’s completely within your rights to request ‘no sign’, keep in mind that exposure to Buyers is critical to getting top dollar for your home. Your neighbours already love your neighbourhood – why not let them know your home is for sale so they can tell their friends and family?

Ontario Home Seller FAQ #6 – What do I do if I am un happy with my agent? 

When you list your home with a real estate agent, you’ll be asked to sign a Listing Agreement. This legal document will outline the price, commission and length of the contract. Typically in Toronto, Hamilton & GTA, Listing Agreements are for 90 days. If you agent isn’t performing to your expectations, begin by having an honest conversation with him/her. If that doesn’t resolve your concerns, contact your agent’s Broker of Record – technically your listing agreement is signed with the brokerage and not the agent, and the broker will have the ability to remedy the situation.

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Home Improvements Before You List Your Home For Sale

Are Looking to do some renovations this year? Are you wondering what home renovations would increase the value of your home before you sell? The experts have recommended the top 6 projects you can do to help improve your home and the value of it!

Top 6 Home Renovations for 2021

KITCHEN / BATHROOM

An open-concept layout with an upgraded kitchen and an extra bathroom are always in demand

Exterior

Landscaping, fresh paint / siding, upgraded exterior doors, outdoor living areas and covered porches are on the must-have list

Flooring

Replace old carpets with hardwood or laminate flooring

Secondary Suites

The rental income can help homeowners pay off their mortgage faster

Utilities

Get “smart” with your utilities. Opt for high-efficiency furnace, hot water tank, and heat pump when its time to replace these.

Are you thinking about selling your home in 2021? Contact us today to get a free comparative market analyst report to see how much homes are selling for in  your neighbourhood area. Contact Realtor Sean Findlay for a free no-obligation Home Evaluation Report at 905-450-8300 or toll free 1-888-450-8301

The post Top Renovations to Improve Your Home’s Value Before You Sell in 2021 appeared first on FINDLAY REAL ESTATE.