While spring is typically considered to be the most popular time to list your home on the real estate market, autumn can also be a great time to sell your property. Some buyers wait until after their summer vacation schedules have calmed down and they’re back into a regular routine before they start thinking about making a purchase. These homeowners-to-be will want to get started on their home search right away and be all moved in by winter!
When selling your home, you want to be sure your property appeals to as many potential buyers as possible. Getting your house sold before winter sets in can definitely be a challenge, but with the right sales representative working to protect your interests, you’ll be prepared to deal with those challenges and get your home sold as quickly as possible, and for the right price.
1. Setting the Right Price
A licensed real estate sales representative will have an initial meeting with you to discuss your home, your lifestyle, and expectations for the sale. For most sellers, setting a list price that will bring the most value for the house is a top priority. But it’s important to have a detailed discussion with your Realtor® about what other factors may impact your sale.
By combining their years of experience with actual sales from comparable homes in your neighbourhood, a real estate agent is able to work with you to establish a list price that will bring you the most value and get your home sold quickly. At Performance Realty, our sales representatives can provide you with a free, no-obligation market evaluation of your home. A licensed Realtor® will visit you at your home, and discuss the most recent real estate market trends in your neighbourhood.
2. Preparing Your Home for Sale
How long ago was your furnace replaced? What about the roof and windows? Have you noticed any water damage in your basement? A sales representative will have several questions when preparing to list your home. Some agents will recommend you complete a home inspection prior to putting the house on the market, just to be sure that the property is fully ready for potential buyers.
Not only can your Realtor® help you find a reliable home inspector, but they can also offer plenty of tips on how to declutter your belongings, spruce up your curb appeal, and stage your main living areas to make the house as attractive as possible to the most buyers. They can also bring in professional stagers to get your home looking the best it can look.
3. Marketing and Showing Your Property
Finding buyers for your home requires a lot of time and effort, and the costs can start to add up. Marketing your home involves more than placing an ad online and putting a For Sale sign in the yard. In addition to listing your home on the real estate board’s MLS® system, an experienced Realtor® will work with their existing network of clients, agents, and other industry professionals to find qualified buyers who are interested in your property type and neighbourhood. Professional photographs, online and print advertisements, and even hiring a videographer are all services that your agent will discuss with you when selling your property.
Your Realtor® will also be responsible for managing the showings on your home. When buyers call to arrange a showing, your agent is working around the clock to make sure that appointments are scheduled quickly and conveniently. Since you won’t want to be home during the viewings, you can find comfort knowing that only licensed professionals and their clients will be in your home during the showings.
4. Explaining the Paperwork
It takes a lot of work to get a home ready for the real estate market, and you’re looking forward to the sale. While it’s definitely a time to be excited, it’s important to remember that an offer is a legal document that needs to be read carefully before you decide to commit to any of the terms.
Speaking with your Realtor® can help ease some concerns you might have about the conditions proposed by the buyer. Your agent is obligated to represent you and your interests throughout the sale, and they will be happy to help go through the paperwork with you. While a Realtor® is not necessarily an expert in real estate law, they will be happy to suggest a real estate lawyer to further explain the legal aspects of your transaction.
5. Negotiating the Sale
Sometimes when the offer comes in, a seller might be disappointed with the terms offered by the buyer. Whether it’s a low purchase price, an inconvenient closing date, or a condition that won’t work for both parties, occasionally an issue will arise that requires some negotiation. It’s important to discuss these issues with your Realtor® before accepting or denying an offer. In many cases, you and your agent may be able to suggest a counter-offer that will balance your needs with the needs of the buyer.
Your agent is there to protect your interests and to make sure you get the most value for your property. Be sure to vocalize any concerns you have, ask questions, and offer suggestions that might help bring you closer to an agreement that works for you. Remember that the right buyer will bring you the offer that your home deserves, and work with your agent to negotiate for the items that are most important to you.
If you’re thinking of selling your home, feel free to contact us directly or search our website for a sales representative. Hundreds of trained, experienced sales representatives are available in all areas of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, and would be happy to speak with you about listing your home. We can also provide you with a free market evaluation of your home if you’re wondering what your property is worth.
If you’re considering buying a home in Ottawa, you can also browse our available residential listings, check out some of the city’s newest condos, or read our comprehensive online Guide for Buyers. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to receive regular updates about the Ottawa real estate market, advice for home buyers or sellers, and more.
