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There are only four major items to concern yourself with when selling a home, and yes, there are minor details and technical items. No matter what those details may be in each individual situation, these four items are key to successfully selling your home.
Price
The most important is price. No matter how you may feel personally about your home, it is still only worth what someone else is willing to pay for your house. Try to keep into consideration that if you overprice your home, it will not sell.
West Vancouver buyers are taking the time to comparison shop more so than in the past. This leads to more bargaining (this will vary depending on the neighborhood).
It's possible some properties may not qualify for bank financing, and some people may not be in a position to offer or carry financing. This maybe addressed on an individual basis.
Exposure
If a property is well priced and not properly exposed to the buyers in the marketplace, it most likely will not sell.
Properly exposing your house does not just include those that call on newspaper ads and yard signs. You need a professional agent to market your property. With my network of buyers, developers and individually planned marketing program specific for the West Vancouver market, we can increase the exposure and get you access to more potential buyers.
Preparing your Home for Sale
Clean everything! -- When cleaning the house, pay particular attention to the kitchens and baths. This is the key. If you can maintain these two areas, the buyer usually feels confident the rest of the house has been maintained.
Clear out ALL clutter -- This way not only will the rooms show better and larger, but also more importantly the closets will appear larger. Put anything that you will be not using in the next few months into storage. I would suggest a garage sale or large donation to a charitable cause (check your tax adviser for potential tax write-off).
Use brighter light bulbs -- This may seem odd, but by switching everything to 100 watt bulbs or more (check fixture for maximum wattage before using a higher wattage bulb). The lights will allow the rooms to appear brighter, larger, & warmer. Some rooms may benefit by warmer color light bulbs also.
Lights! -- In addition to brighter light bulbs, open all curtains, shades and blinds. Leave all lights turned on before and during the potential buyer is at your home. The additional light makes the rooms look larger and more open.
Touch up and paint -- If a potential buyer sees that you have neglected simple things like peeling paint, they may assume that you have not taken care of the heating system or appliances either.
Important note: The smell of fresh paint is offensive to some people. Also your potential buyer may suspect that you are covering up a problem by painting over it. Most importantly appraisers are taught to be suspicious and investigate if they smell fresh paint.
A seller's secret is to use water-based latex paint and mix in 3 drops of REAL vanilla extract with each gallon. With most paint brands, this will neutralize 90% of the paint smell. Check with the paint manufacture for best results.
More Scenting Secret -- Everybody has heard that vanilla scenting is a pleasing aroma when viewing a home. Many products are available, or you can simply place one drop of vanilla extract on a hot light bulb before your agent shows the house. Whatever you do, do not use a lot of air fresheners or perfumes, some people find them offensive.
Do not forget the exterior of your home -- Some studies have shown that 50% of the purchase decisions are made during the first minute of look at a home. Make sure that the exterior is in good shape. This includes, paint, siding, windows, shutters, fixtures, and most important the front landscaping.
Ceilings? -- Before you start showing your home, clean the ceilings, fix any cracks or imperfections, and repaint if necessary. It is a common saying that most people never look up, but when looking at a home, people are more likely to look in places that they normal do not. If a buyer sees a water stain, they will assume there is a problem with the roof, even if you tell them it was repaired.
The Personal VS. Real Property Dilemma -- The distinction between personal property and real property can be the source of difficulties in a real estate transaction. A purchase contract is normally written to include all real property; that is, all aspects of the property that are fastened down or an integral part of the structure. For example, this would include light fixtures, drapery rods, attached mirrors, trees and shrubs in the ground. It would not include potted plants, free standing refrigerators, washer/dyers, microwaves, bookcases, swag lamps, etc. If there is any uncertainty whether an item is included in the sale or not, it is best to be sure that the particular item is mentioned in the purchase agreement as being included or excluded, or simply have it removed before showing the home.
Last Run Through -- Each time someone is going to look at your home make a quick run through your home and think about anything that you might have neglected, just use common sense.
Showing your Home
When the agent is showing your home, let the Realtor do the job you hired them to do. Greet the Realtor and client at the door, and let them into your home. Let them know that they are welcome to look around, and you will be in the other room if they have any questions. It really does not matter where you are, but try to stay out of their way.
You may ask why you are letting them wonder around your home without you to show them around.
If you wander around with the Realtor and buyers, you are only going to hurt yourself. Even if the Realtor does not know his or her way around. Let them go by themselves.
Each additional person in a room makes the room look smaller
Buyers will not discuss concerns about the house while the owner is present. By not being in the room, you allow the agent to overcome any buyer objections.
Only answer questions, not offer any other information other than what is necessary. By not offering any additional information, you are probably saving pointing out something the client didn't notice.
Do not appear anxious and set yourself up for a low offer or make the buyer suspicious of your motivations for selling.
Staging Your Home
Some people choose a professional staging company to come in and give the house a new look – remove clutter, rearrange furniture, add timely accessories and generally give a fresh look to your home. I personally used Spruce Homes when I was selling my own home and I was amazed at the subtle transformation that their team lent to my house. You can get more information at sprucehomes.ca
Choosing Your Realtor
You may want to interview several sales professionals before selecting one to represent you. If you are selling your home, the real estate sales professionals you interview should cover the following items during the interview:
Pricing your home
Increasing your home's value
Marketing strengths
Negotiating the sale -The seller's agent should review every offer with you and help you evaluate all aspects of each offer and its financial implications.
An overview of the local standard Contract For Sale along with typical addenda and a copy for your review
If you are buying a home, the real estate professionals you interview should cover the following:
How much home you can afford
The difference between being "pre-qualified" for a mortgage and being "pre-approved" for a mortgage
Key features you "must have" in your new home vs. those you would like to have
How to evaluate and compare the homes you see
An overview of the local standard Contract For Sale along with typical supplement and give you a copy for review
The types of inspections you will want to have done on the property you select.
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