If you are thinking of selling your home, here are 10 steps that will help make the process easier for you.

Step 1 — DETERMINE WHY AND WHEN YOU WOULD LIKE TO SELL

Motivation plays a critical factor in determining what course of action you need to take. Spring is typically a faster paced season to sell, and winter tends to be a little slower.

Regardless, there are always people looking to buy and seasons are only one factor to consider. Give me a call, and I will help guide you in the right direction.

Step 2 — FIND A REALTOR WHO IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Think local! A local realtor will know your area. Don't be afraid to ask questions, interview the candidates. An excellent Realtor will know the market well, supply you with information on past sales, current listings and his/her background form previous clients. They should also provide a solid marketing plan which will indicate how much your home should go for. If you are comfortable with me and feel that I have a genuine interest in helping you, then you are on the right track.

Step 3 — SIGN A LISTING AGREEMENT WITH ME

It authorizes my brokerage and me to market and sell your home. The agreement serves 3 purposes:

1. It defines our relationship and every detail and limits of your Realtors authority.
2. It provides detailed information on the home which can be posted the boards Multiple Listing Service.
3. It forms a basis for drafting offers on your home, formal offers start with the Listing Agreement.

Step 4 — SET YOUR PRICE

If you want to attract buyers, the right asking price will attract not deter. I know the factors affecting the market.

• Your neighbourhood may be under development with larger families and houses,
• There may be a large company opening up bringing jobs and a demand for housing in general,
• Interest rates may be affecting peoples willingness to take out mortgages.

I will do a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to the homes recently sold, active and expired in your area, and we will set the price.

Step 5 — FIND A LAWYER

You need to find a lawyer to prepare your conveyance; (transferring the title of the property to your name.) Ask them how they structure their fees and get an estimate of all the other costs you can expect.

Step 6 — PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR VIEWING

Get your mop, vacuum, tool belt & paintbrush, and let's give your home a mini make-over. It is the little things you can do that will attract an offer.

• Get rid of the clutter,
• Clean everything,
• Repair as much as you can within reason,
• Add some beautifying touches; new door handles on cupboards and perhaps even paint.

Step 7 — LET ME MARKET YOUR HOME

This is my expertise, and this is where I can most benefit you and your success. Please see 'My Value Proposition to You' page where you will find step by step how I will help you achieve your goal. I will use combinations of marketing from traditional media to MLS, my own website and networking. Open House for Realtors and the public is also very beneficial.

Step 8 — PREPARE YOUR FINANCES

Is your mortgage portable without any penalties? Can the buyer assume your mortgage? Can you discharge your mortgage without any penalties? Does capital gains tax apply to you? Talk with your mortgage broker and perhaps your accountant to see what applies.

Step 9 — OFFERS! LET’S LOOK AT OFFERS!

I will walk you through the process, you will see every offer. There may be some conditions you want to change; we will discuss each and every detail. This is one of the most important tasks and reasons you have hired me, my negotiation skills. Don't be offended if your offer is well below the asking price. Instead, evaluate it for what it's worth and counter back. Successful negotiation is an art, and because its a highly emotional time, I am here to guide you through with success.

Step 10 — CLOSE THE DEAL!

Excellent, negotiations are successful, and we have time for the most vital steps now.

1. Contact your lawyer and let them know an Agreement has been signed.
2. Immediately begin satisfying any conditions that require your actions to complete
3. Notify the lawyer and lending institution if the buyer is assuming your mortgage
4. Contact utilities, telephone and cable companies about transfer or removal of service
5. Call an insurance agent and arrange cancellation or transfer of your homeowner's insurance
6. Call and book a moving company
7. Send out change of address cards including Ministry of Transportation for your BCDL etc.
8. Notify me immediately if there are any changes to your property or situation.