Seller Tips

6 tips to sell your home quickly and at a good price

The more your home is exposed to a large number of buyers, the better your chances are of finding a buyer who is ready to pay your price.

• Take the necessary steps to insure that the average buyer finds more advantages in buying your property than any other.

 

• Choose a professional real estate broker who brings the experience and exclusive advantages that make your property more attractive and insure that this broker do all that is necessary to attract more buyers.

 

• Avoid moving before having sold your home. Studies have shown that it is more difficult to sell a house that is not lived in; an empty house appears neglected and less attractive which could loose you thousands of dollars in the long run.

 

• Have your house evaluated by a professional evaluator or ask a competent real estate broker to prepare an opinion of its market value; this opinion is usually prepared free of charge by the broker.
  
  Asking for a realistic price is one of the most important elements in selling a home. Some properties are on the market for years before finding a buyer because the owner is trying to sell his sentiments...
  
  Obviously, you do not want to ask for less than the market value either.

 

• Here are a few tips in preparing your property for a visit by potential buyers.
  
  
  Take care of the exterior. An attractive outside appearance will entice the buyer to visit the interior. Take care of the lawn, flowerbeds and driveways. In winter, remove snow from sidewalks and porches.
  
  A well kept house makes the sale easier. Faded walls or damaged woodwork lessens a buyer's interest. Do any work that needs doing.
  
  Cleanliness is essential. Clean, clear windows and shinning surfaces are precious aids.
  
  Repair faucets. A leaky faucet raises questions about the quality of the plumbing.
  
  Make any necessary adjustments. A door that doesn't close, moulding which is unglued, a loose doorknob… all details which attract a buyers attention.
  
  From the basement to the attic. Do not neglect areas which are used infrequently. Remove useless articles that have accumulated in the basement or attic. Make the storage space stand out.
  
  Keep an eye on stairways. Cluttered stairways are dangerous and leave a bad impression on the buyer.
  
  The illusion of closet space. Well ordered clothing and articles placed tidily in closets are a sign of convenience and comfort.
  
  The kitchen is important. To charm your visitors, make sure that kitchen utensils are clean, counters are clear and the decoration in tasteful.
  
  Check the bathroom twice. A bright, clean bathroom will often make a sale easier.
  
  The bedrooms must be welcoming. Even though they are a place of rest, their importance is capital; they are more attractive if they are tidy.

 

• To insure that the visit will leave a good impression, here are a few rules to follow:
  
  
  The first impression. Remember the old saying that says you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Make sure that the front of your house is clean and welcoming; pick up any leaves and litter, shovel in winter and mow the lawn and trim the hedges in summer. These small details are enough to create a good first impression!
  
  Light is your ally. Generous lighting is always welcoming. Pull back the curtains and let the light in. In the evening light up the inside and the outside.
  
  Stay out of the way. Let your broker accompany the visitors. He knows what the buyer is looking for and can point them out more easily.
  
  Don't make the buyer uncomfortable. The more people present the more the buyer will feel he is a bother. He may cut short his visit before having seen the entire house.
  
  The atmosphere is important. Your abroker and the buyer must be able to talk freely. A loud television or sound system can be bothersome.
  
  Animals are not everyone's friends. Even if your pets are very docile, remember that some people do not appreciate them. As much as possible, keep pets away.
  
  Discretion is worth its weight in gold. Do not try to make conversation. Its not you he came to see, its your house.
  
  Taste and colours are not always the same. Let your courtier handle any objections he may raise.
  
  Do not push! Do not try to interest the buyer in buying furniture or carpets before he decides to buy the house. You could compromise the sale. It is important to wait for the right moment.
  
  Do not negotiate with the buyer. It is tempting to talk price to the buyer or even the take over date, but it is best to leave that to your broker. He is qualified to negotiate quickly and to take your interests to heart.

Seller practical guide, produced by the OACIQ (requires Acrobat Reader)