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Faye Schultz - Cambridge Ontario Real Estate property information
 

Faye Schultz
Sales Representative

Direct Line:
519-221-1188

Crown Realty Services Inc

Brokerage

519-740-6400

480 Hespeler Rd,
Cambridge, ON
N1R 7R9

What are the steps involved in selling?

Achieving YOUR goal, requires an understanding of the home selling process.

  • Understanding Market Conditions

  • Pricing Your Home

  • Preparing and Showing Your Home For Sale

  • Marketing the Property

  • Negotiation of the Contract

  • Closing and Moving

Taking the time to learn and going one step at a time will pay off when you achieve your goal - a fast, smooth sale at top dollar.

Understanding Market Conditions and Pricing Your Home

The market is so sensitive to price that over-pricing, by even a few thousand dollars, could mean a long period of frustration and disappointment. It's interesting, but your first offer is usually your best offer. Pricing your property at the market value - from day one - will net you the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time. An overpriced home:

  • Lowers buyer response

  • Limits qualified buyers

  • Limits financing opportunities

  • Minimizes offers

  • Often nets the seller less.


Pricing Your Home

A "Competitive Market Analysis" includes an examination of your property, a study of competitive properties currently on the market and those that have recently sold. This information helps you to properly position your property. There are a number of factors that influence the value of your property including:

  • Prior Sales

  • Location Condition

  • Improvements

  • Market Conditions

The selection of a listing agent should be based on their service, fees and reputation, NOT on their estimate of market value.

Preparing and Showing Your Home For Sale

You're not selling a house ... you're selling a home. Far more than four walls and a roof, a home is a personal shelter, a haven from the pressures of the outside world, and a warm, inviting setting for family living.
People buy more with their hearts than with their heads. Beyond the obvious considerations of location, size, quality and design, buyers look for special qualities that appeal to their emotions.

First Impressions. The exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective purchaser sees. Keep it neat and clean. Be certain lawns and shrubs are well-trimmed to give the house a well-maintained appearance.

Cleaning. A clean home makes it more pleasant to explore and gives the impression that it has been well cared for. Be sure every room smells as good as it looks, paying special attention to pet areas, nursery, bathrooms and the kitchen. Sparkling clean bathrooms and kitchens are rated equally as the most important areas to most buyers. Do all you can to present them to best advantage.

Redecoration? If any part of your home needs redecoration badly, do so only as simply and economically as feasible. Keep it neutral. Strong colours that you like are not necessarily what a buyer likes.

Repairing eliminates buyers objections before they arise. If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are buyers will too. And, purchasers tend to think repairs will cost more than they do.

Clean Basement. Cluttered basements retain dampness and the smell of mildew leads buyers to think of water problems even when none exists. If a water problem exists, do not attempt to cover up the water stains with paint. Buyers may assume you are hiding a problem worse than what exists. Objects on stairs and missing handrails are dangerous and demonstrate poor maintenance.

Empty Closets. Cluttered closets stuffed from top to bottom tell prospective buyers your home's closet space is inadequate. Move seasonal items to the attic or storage room. Throw out the things you don't need.

Light. Bright rooms appear larger. If a room is dark because of window size or lack of sun, turn lights on. Always leave on at least one light, especially in the basement. Briefly stated, turn as many lights as you can.

Pets. Most people like pets, some are terrified by them. Pets distract attention from your home. Before the buyers arrive put them outside or ideally take them away from the property. Not everyone loves your pet.

Night Appointments. Turn on the porch lights and driveway lights. There is no need to show your home after 9 PM.


Marketing the Property
I am committed to providing high quality, professional service. My purpose is to promote the sale of your property at the highest price and on most the favourable terms and make the process as convenient and problem free as possible.
Our Total Satisfaction Guarantee ensures that we perform the following services:

Expose your property through the MLS® system
which makes it immediately available to agents and their buyers.

Expose your property on the Internet
at high-profile locations including mls.ca, cambridgehomes.net and remaxcentre.ca to attract buyers.

Expose your property to other local agents
such that each may describe the property in detail to their buyers.

'Colour Brochures' that feature your home
are placed in your home for visitors to pick up. The colour photos and information pertaining to the property helps prospective buyers remember your home.

Hold Open Houses
at selected times by mutual agreement between the seller and the agent.

Negotiate a favourable Agreement of Sale
that advances and protects your interests.

My "Easy Exit Guarantee"
will permit you to be totally satisfied with my performance. You are irrevocably entitled to 'expire' your listing agreement with no questions asked, at any time. This leaves you
completely free to list with another broker at any time not merely stopping the marketing process while keeping you
under contract. This written guarantee is given to you at the time of signing your listing.

Negotiation of the Contract
When a Buyer makes an offer on your property, you, with the guidance of your Agent, will have to decide:

  • Are the conditions included (finance, home inspection, etc.) suitable for you?

  • What chattels (personal property) you wish to include

  • Is the possession date (closing) suitable and if not perfect, can you adjust your desires to accommodate

  • Can you accept including your chattels that the buyer wishes to have

  • Is the price offered acceptable


At this point, figure out what's not negotiable and where you'll be willing to give a little on things that aren't. A good agent will give you tons of advice for your benefit. You, the Seller may either accept the offer, reject it, or change it (make a counter offer). This process may be short or prolonged. Remember, focus on your real goal!

If as a part of the offer, the Buyer has asked for time to arrange certain things, you have what is called a conditional offer. These conditions may be mortgage approval, inspections, condo status reports or sale of property to name just a few. Conditions, with their deadlines, must be met exactly as specified in the offer. Your agent will take responsibility for ensuring that these procedures are done correctly


Closing and Moving

The lawyer's function is to make sure that all the terms of your agreement are met. Your lawyer will take care of all necessary legal procedures and prepare all documentation.
Several days prior to closing day you will meet with your lawyer to sign the documentation required to complete the sale. Your lawyer will explain every document to you in a satisfactory manner. Do not ever feel intimidated. If you do not understand something ... ask.

Moving is the last and probably the hardest step in the home selling process! A little bit of planning and forethought, though, will make for a much smoother move. If you are using a moving company, call as soon as you can. Get at least two competitive quotes.
Be sure to change your address with the post office, your banks and any other correspondents at least 30 days in advance. Call to order your utility hook ups at least fourteen days prior to your move.

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Recipient of
"Paul Harris Fellow"