Why use an agent?

Selling a home takes more than just putting a "for sale" sign out front. You need an agent with experience and training to help you determine the right price, come up with an effective marketing strategy, and anticipate and solve any problems that come up during the selling process. A real estate professional can help you with every part of selling your home, and offer you a smoother, hassle-free experience.

When you're selling your home, there are a number of advantages to working with an agent:

• He/she knows real estate values in your neighbourhood and will help price your home competitively by preparing a market analysis of homes    that have sold, competing homes that are still on the market and homes that were on the market but didn't sell.
• He/she will establish a marketing strategy for your home, ensuring that it's exposed to as many potential buyers as possible.
• He/she takes care of the tasks involved in selling a house, ensuring that the transaction is simple and low-stress for you.
• He/she is an expert in the home selling process and will advise you of your rights, options and obligations.
• He/she is an experienced negotiator and will work for you to get you the best possible price.

Effective marketing for your home:
An agent can help you market your home by exposing it to as many potential buyers as possible. The first step is putting it on the MLS. But listing your property is only the beginning; your agent will prepare a personalized plan that includes everything he/she plans to do to sell your property. At Royal LePage, your property will be aggressively promoted through:

• A posting on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
• Royal LePage property advertising publications
• The Royal LePage web site
• Other Royal LePage offices and real estate professionals
• Mailings to potential buyers in your area

Pricing your property right :

If you price your property too low, it may sell quickly, but you'll lose out on money. If you price it too high, it may not sell at all. Your agent can help you figure out the best asking price for your home.

The benefits of the right price:

A well-priced property may generate competing offers, which will drive up the final price. Other real estate professionals will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to their buyers. Your home will sell faster because it is exposed to more qualified buyers.

Listen to the market:

As part of your pricing strategy, your agent will put together a comparative market analysis, which is a good indicator of what today's buyers are willing to pay. It compares the market activity of homes similar to yours in your neighbourhood:
• Homes that have recently sold represent what buyers are willing to pay.
• Homes currently listed for sale represent the price sellers hope to obtain.
• Listings that have expired are generally overpriced or have been poorly marketed.

Don't overprice your home:

• Some sellers believe that if they price their home high initially, they can lower it later. Instead of making you more money, this strategy    could end up hurting you.
• Early activity is key. As soon as a home comes on the market, agents and potential buyers sit up and take notice. If it's overpriced, interested    parties will quickly lose interest. By the time the price drops, the majority of buyers are lost. When a home has been for sale too long, buyers    will be wary and may reject the property.
• You'll miss the right buyer. You may think that interested buyers can always make an offer, but if your home is overpriced, potential buyers     looking in a lower price range will never see it. And those who can afford a home at your asking price will soon recognize that they can get a    better value elsewhere.
• You could run out of time. You may end up having to drop your price below market value if your home doesn't sell initially. Price it right the first    time, and you won't end up having to sell it for less than it's worth.

The elements of an offer:

Here's a quick reference to everything you need to know about accepting on offer on your home.

1. Price:
Depends on the market and the buyers, but generally, the price offered is different from the asking price.

2. Deposit:
Shows the buyer's good faith and will be applied against the purchase price of the home when the sale closes.

3. Terms:
Includes the total price the buyer is offering as well as the financing details. The buyer may be arranging his/her own financing or may ask to assume your existing mortgage if you have an attractive rate.

4. Conditions:
These might include "subject to home inspection," "subject to the buyer obtaining financing," or "subject to the sale of the purchaser's property."

5. Inclusions and exclusions:
These may include appliances and certain fixtures or decorative items, such as window coverings or light fixtures.

6. Closing or possession date:
Generally, the day the title of the property is transferred to the buyer and funds are received by the seller, unless otherwise specified (except in Manitoba and Quebec).

Preparing your home for an inspection

If you're selling your home, be prepared for a visit from a home inspector, who will be checking out the property on behalf of possible purchasers. Take a look through your home using these steps, and repair any problems to ensure that your inspection is a success.

1. Make sure the structure is sound.

Check to see if any renovations have damaged the structure. Look for termite damage. Ensure that "settling" hasn't caused damage to the foundation or support beams and joists.

2. Check if electrical and wiring systems are safe.

Loose wires or incorrectly installed or wired receptacles, switches or electrical box problems are hazardous and should be fixed. All homes should have a minimum of 100 amp service.

3. Look for leaks.

Water can leak into unexpected places, causing extensive damage over time. Examine the underside of sinks and dishwashers, along ceilings, on floors or along basement walls. Plumbing fixtures, water-using appliances, drain pipes, water supply inlets and outlets, basements and roofs can all be causes and sources of water damage.

4. Resolve safety issues.

Make sure windows open easily and lock securely, and entrances/exits can be securely locked. Correct hazards such as hidden curbs, loose railings and stairs, uncapped wells, etc.

5. Check plumbing.

Faucets should run easily and shut off completely, bathtubs should be properly caulked and grouted, toilets should be bolted down securely, drains should be clog free, and the water heater should be in good working order.

6. Make sure your heating and cooling systems work.

Make sure they are up to date, clean, in good working condition and have clean filters. Check refrigerant in air conditioning units.

7. Have a friend take a look.

A general, unbiased overview of your home by a neighbour or friend may reveal issues you might have overlooked.