Your home will attract the greatest interest in its first 10 days to two weeks on the market. Initially the Realtor will show a potential buyer approximately 4 or 5 of the best-priced homes that suit the buyers needs, in their price range and educate the buyer or initiate an offer. After viewing these 4 or 5 homes the buyer has a benchmark to go from and will only be looking at new (hot) listings as they come onto the market. So as you can see, First impressions are extremely important as, once this initial 10 to 14 days pass, activity drops off dramatically and your chance of getting top dollar for your home is minimized if not nullified.

Determining the best price for your home:

My job: Perform a thorough COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS to determine the best price.

How: Having the knowledge of today’s market conditions I compare your property to similar homes that:

• Have sold in the recent past.
• Are for sale, on the market today, that is in direct competition with your home.
• That expired on the market (generally perceived to be overpriced).

I will show you how I’ve determined my price for your home…. No "shooting from the hip"!

The Better the Price:

• The faster the sale and least amount of disruption to you and your family.
• Buyers are less likely to submit a low offer for fear of losing out on a good home.
• Opens the market to buyers that may not even look at the home if it was marginally higher priced.
• Agents will be more excited about the home and will be motivated to show your home.
• Advertising and signage are more effective due to better chances of showings to prospective buyers.

Further notes:

Never select a Realtor based on price. One of the greatest mistakes owners make today is to interview 2 to 3 Realtors and list their home with the agent that quotes them the highest price. A Realtor has no control over your local market conditions. The best Realtors have the competence and confidence to tell you the truth about the market. The wrong choice may cost you time and money.

Getting Your Home Ready For the Market

• Curb Appeal
  The initial impression a prospect receives when getting out of the car and approaching your door is critical. A well manicured property and a clutter free entry enhances the appeal and impacts the buyer’s perception.

• Cleanliness
  Every room in your home should be spotless, especially the living room, kitchen and bathroom. Closets and storage space should be free of unnecessary items and seasonal wardrobes. If you are a collector of any sort, it’s best to remove these items from view or at least minimize. Don’t forget the buyers are there to see your home not your collectibles.

• Maintenance
  Fix all those little things like loose door knobs, dripping faucets, sticky closet doors etc. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home. Hard to find light switches should be labeled or left on during showings and all light bulbs should be in working order through-out the house.

• Brighten Up
  Clean and repair all windows. Turn on all your lights. This is no time to save on electrical, gas or other utilities.

• Let The Buyer Get A Feel For Your Home
  Ideally the home should be left vacant for showings. Generally there will be notice that prospective purchaser will be arriving at a certain time. Use this time for your errands or just go for a walk. Real Estate agents need to be able to speak freely to the buyer without having to look over his or her shoulder, it’s easier to initiate an offer without any distractions. Arrange for pets to be taken care of by friends or family for at least the first four weeks your home is on the market, or at least out of the way.

• Be Friendly
  If you must be home, be friendly but don't force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum amount of distraction. It’s up to the Real Estate Agent to point out advantages and disadvantages of your home. Prospects will want to know why you are moving and who your neighbours are. What and how you say it, might make the difference. Get coaching on your response!

• Be Careful
  All valuables, jewelry, credit cards, etc. should be put away and out of sight.

• Be Forgiving
  Prospects may from time to time show up late, not at all, forget to cancel or a number of things that may be upsetting. These are some of the hazards and challenges of selling your home. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory.

• Use The Buyers Senses To Guide Them
  Sight: Reduce clutter so that they can see the special features of your home.
  Smell: Try not to cook any meals that may have heavy odors. Use pot pourri or fresh baked cookies etc. to make your home smell like mom’s home.
  Sound: It’s not a bad idea to have classical or light music playing in the background…. Nothing heavy!