Selling Your Home: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re thinking of selling your home, consider the following steps to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that your goals are achieved in the sale process.

1 – Decide when to sell

Timing can have a significant impact on the overall sale price of your property, and even how long the property takes to sell. In Canada, Spring and Summer are typically the busiest time of year. Consider how the weather and lighting may have an impact on buyers’ impressions of the property and their willingness to venture out to view properties.

Your personal situation may also determine the timing of your sale. No matter what is prompting your interest in selling, I will work with you to determine the best plan for selling your property and achieving your goals.

I will help you understand local conditions and whether the market is favourable towards seller, and this may also impact the timing of your property sale.

2 – Determine your property’s value

As your agent, I will work with you to showcase the current market value of your home. I will help you understand what the local sales market is like, what other comparable properties in your neighbourhood recently sold for, and provide advice on what current market trends are for your neighbourhood. I would also strongly recommend a professional appraisal to help ensure you are able to realize as much value from your home as possible.

3 – Prepare your home for sale

First impressions of your house matter to potential buyers. It’s important that the house be as presentable as possible to ensure buyers have the best possible opinion of your property. Here are three things you can do to improve the appeal of your home.

Declutter and depersonalize your home by putting excess furniture into storage, and removing any clutter and excessive personal belongings. This helps make the property feel more spacious, and also ensures that your personal belongings aren’t accidentally damaged during open houses or other visits by potential buyers.

Make minor repairs, especially of latent defects in the property. One of your requirements as a seller is to disclose any and all latent defects in the property. These can negatively impact the appeal of your property, and by making those repairs yourself, you are better able to present your property as one without any hidden problems that may give buyers pause.

Enhance the curb appeal of your property. First impressions start when the buyer first lays eyes on the exterior of your property. Maintain the exterior of your property and any outdoor spaces you may own, as those are the first thing a buyer will see during their visit.

4 – List your home and market it

List your home with a competitive price, determined through a comparative market analysis of other properties in your neighbourhood to know that you’re getting the best possible value for your property.

I will work to create online listings through the MLS system to ensure that your property is marketed as effectively as possible. Do to so, you will want to hire a professional photographer with experience in real estate photography to capture your property in the best possible light. High grade, professional photos can help capture the attention of potential buyers.

Modern home marketing includes a significant online component, with virtual tours and aerial drone footage becoming more common. One of the best ways of attracting attention from potential buyers continues to be hosting open houses and other in person viewings. Buyers love the opportunity to visit the property and start imagining themselves living in the space. I will work with you to create a schedule of open houses for the public, and discuss any additional private viewings buyers may request.

5 – Review offers and close sale

When buyers present offers, I will immediately contact you to let you know there has been an offer and discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of the offer. I will also present the options available to you to respond to the offer, and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of each of those options.

I will also discuss all of the closing requirements, including any and all deadlines, costs that will be incurred, and the timeline for you to grant possession and move out of the sold property.