Key Real Estate Tips for Buying and Selling

 

Planning on buying and/or selling a home? There is a lot involved with preparing to buy and sell. Here are some real estate tips to help you with the process:

Buyers

  • Do the prep work
    • full pre-approval from the Mortgage Agent, Mortgage Broker or lender
    • find the right professionals to work with:
      • Realtor
      • Mortgage Agent, Broker or Lending Institution
      • Lawyer
      • Home Inspector
      • Mover or Truck Rental Company
    • have a plan – is it better to sell your home and then find your new home OR is it better to find your new home and then try to sell your old home?
      • how easy is it to find the kind of home you will be looking for in the present market?
      • if you want to find the new home first – have your present home ready for sale!
      • have a plan B (an alternate home e.g. can you stay with relatives while you find a home?)

Sellers

  • pre-listing reports -there are several benefits to having a pre-inspected home
    • home inspection, potentially eliminates an offer with an inspection condition
    • WETT inspections on wood burning appliances
    • well and water analysis reports
    • septic pumping and inspection report
    • aluminum wiring – get an ESA report
  • staging
    • declutter- empty out half of each closet
    • have a tote that you can place everyday items (shoes, dog toys etc.) for quick & easy storage before a showing
    • don’t forget the landscaping- up to a 200% return on investment
  • cleaning!
    • wash windows
    • window tracks
    • unfinished basements
    • laundry rooms
    • under sinks, cupboards and closets
    • garages and sheds
  • price right with the proper homework
  • images and descriptive write up (quality pictures and a well thought out description will set you apart)
  • effective advertising – know what methods really work in today’s market
  • be prepared to not be offended by an initial offer – treat it like it’s a business deal
    • if the homework has been done upfront it makes the negotiations much better

If you don’t already have a Realtor to work with, I would be more than happy to assist you with the purchase of a home and/or sale of your present home. I provide an architectural photographer, home stager, pre-inspection of your home, floor plans, virtual tour and the MoveSnap moving concierge service, all at no cost to you. I also advertise my listings on both the Northumberland Hills Association of Realtors and the Toronto Real Estate Board.