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Selling your home is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. It can be a tough decision as it’s likely you have an emotional investment in your home and selling involves a lot of moving parts.
However, if you know what to expect you can avoid a lot of common mistakes and ensure that things go as smoothly as possible In this guide, we will cover what to consider when selling real estate in a step-by-step process.
Raven
RAVEN MULLAN
As your agent, it’s my goal to secure the full financial potential for your home and find the correct buyer I will take the stress and paperwork out of selling your home for a seamless closing Here are some ways I back my clients:
I'll meet with you and understand your needs and selling goals.
I can talk you through some marketing strategies that will work for your property and establish a unique selling point for your home.
NEIGBOURHOOD KNOWLEDGE
With expert neighbourhood and property knowledge, I will professionally price your home.
CONNECTIONS
With connections in the industry, a long list of buyer agents, and dual licensure in both BC and Ontario, I can expose your property to a wider pool of qualified buyers even across provinces.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We will manage staging your home, create a marketing strategy, review buyers’ offers and do all the negotiating.
Let me navigate the real estate contracts and educate you along the way so you know exactly what you are signing.
We will do a market analysis using data about recently sold properties in your location.
Factors that will determine the value of your home include: location, design, amenities, economic climate, local market.
Most home buyers view a lot of properties. They quickly understand the value of a property in a particular location. If your home is priced at fair market value, it will attract potential buyers quickly We will price your home correctly the first time so that it will sell quickly
Declutter, deep clean and schedule any repairs. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to save time
A clean and minimal appearance will help buyers imagine the house as their own
Follow our check list of tips and things to prepare in advance of getting a professional photographer in.
Paint front door
Consider a new door knocker
Keep lawn neat and trimmed
Remove old yard furniture
Weed garden and patios
Power wash drive
Clean windows
Exterior paint touch-ups
Ensure doorbell works
Clean gutters
Add plants at entrance
Declutter
Move excess items to storage
Repair/fill holes in walls
Ensure all windows close and open
Ensure doors don't squeak
Repaint with neutral colours
Replace or clean carpets
Clean closets
Paint touch-upwalls, ceilings & trim
Clean or replace fixtures
Reduce pet areas in home
Ensure all lighting works
To showcase your home’s full potential, we often recommend staging. This may include removing excess furniture, depersonalizing, and adjusting the layout for better flow. In some cases, a professional stager may bring in select furniture pieces, artwork, or décor to create a warm, aspirational atmosphere.
Thoughtful staging helps buyers connect with the space and can significantly impact the final sale price. I’ll guide you through the process or coordinate a staging consultation as needed
Listing photos are the first thing a buyer sees when looking at your property. A buyer will decide if they are interested in viewing your home just by looking at the photos which will determine getting a sale.
We will work with one of our professional photographers to show your home in the best light. A photographer knows how to use light to their advantage, make rooms look bigger and more attractive.
The content strategy is unique to each property and we will work together to decide the best content for showcasing your home.
OTHER CONTENT TO CONSIDER
Arial photography
This can be great if your property includes a lot of land or outdoor space such as terraces, balconies and swimming pools.
360 virtual tour
This can be great to give buyers a true feel of your home if they purchasing from overseas or busy investors. We also need to consider whether it will deter viewers from attending a showing
Professional videography
This can be great to give buyers a true feel of your home Video ads also get better results in digital marketing.
Marketing your home plays an integral role in securing the full financial potential and finding the correct buyer.
We will feature your home in our newsletter to active buyers
NETWORKING
With connections in the industry & a long list of buyers agents, we will expose your house to a wide buying audience before it’s even on the market
We will place a yard sign on front of your house to advertise it's for sale & showings.
ONLINE
We will market your home online and feature it on the MLS and on various third party sites You will also be featured in Homes and Land Magazine & on my website ravenmullan.com.
We will use a variety of social media networks to get exposure for your property including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and any other suitable networks.
Install lockbox for the key
The lockbox holds the keys to the home and is typically found at the front guarded by a security lock that only licensed agents have access to. This allows real estate agents access to show your home on appointment
Stow away valuables
Remove mail and personal documents
Leavr all lights on for showings
Only let scheduled appointments in
Keep it clean for showings
Remove trash before each showing
Avoid cooking strong scented food
Make sure room is a nice temperature
Vacate - Seller should not be present
Public open houses are a great way to introduce your property to a wide audience of potential buyers. We’ll create an inviting, well-staged environment that encourages visitors to take their time exploring the space and imagining themselves living there. I’ll be on-site to answer questions, highlight key features, and create meaningful connections with serious buyers
Agent open houses are equally important They allow us to generate interest among local Realtors who may have qualified buyers seeking a property just like yours. These gatherings are thoughtfully arranged, often featuring lunch, local delicacies, or a unique theme designed to make the home unforgettable The aim is to create a gracious and memorable experience that encourages agents to linger, engage, and keep your property top of mind.
When a buyer wants to purchase your home, they will make an offer on the property There are some factors to consider when looking at an offer
OFFER PRICE -This is the amount the buyer is willing to pay for your home It may reflect market conditions, recent comparable sales, or how competitive the situation is.
DEPOSIT - The deposit is a good faith payment that demonstrates the buyer’s commitment to the purchase. In BC, it’s typically between 1% and 5% of the purchase price, and is most commonly delivered upon subject removal, once the offer becomes firm The deposit is held in trust and applied toward the purchase on completion.
CONDITIONS (SUBJECTS) - These are terms that must be satisfied for the deal to proceed. Common subjects include home inspection and strata document review (for condos/townhomes). Fewer subjects generally indicate a stronger offer with less risk of the deal falling through
CASH OFFER - A buyer offering cash isn’t dependent on financing, which can speed up the process and reduce uncertainty These offers are often more attractive to sellers.
COMPLETION AND POSSESSION DATES- These dates outline when legal title transfers (completion) and when the buyer takes possession of the home. We’ll work to align these with your ideal timeline.
If a home inspection is included in the offer, it usually takes place during the conditional period. If issues arise, the buyer may negotiate for repairs, a price reduction, or walk away before subject removal.
If the buyer is securing a mortgage, the lender will order an independent appraisal to confirm the property’s value If the appraisal comes in low, it could lead to renegotiation or additional financing requirements.
Depending on what the inspection or appraisal reveals, the buyer may ask for repairs or a price adjustment. We’ll guide you through these conversations to ensure your best interests are protected
Many buyers will request a walkthrough before completion to ensure the property’s condition matches what was agreed. If included in the contract, this typically happens 24–48 hours before possession.
Closing (also called completion) marks the official transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. A lawyer or notary manages the legal and financial aspects of the transaction, often with the support of a conveyancer behind the scenes.
Before the completion date, you’ll meet with your lawyer or notary to sign the necessary paperwork, including the transfer of title, statement of adjustments, and Direction to Pay Once documents are signed and funds are transferred, the transaction is registered with the Land Title Office and the sale is complete.
TYPICAL SELLER COSTS
Mortgage payout and discharge fees
Real estate commission
Legal or notary fees
Property tax or utility adjustments
Strata fee adjustments (if applicable)
GST (if applicable)
Two pieces of government-issued ID
Keys, remotes, and any access fobs
Signed paperwork from your lawyer
Any final receipts or documents agreed upon with the buyer
YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY SOLD YOUR HOME
KEEP CLOSING DOCUMENTS
CANCEL INSURANCE
BOOK TIME OFF WORK
BOOK CHILDCARE FOR MOVE
BOOK MOVING TRUCK
DONATE UNWANTED ITEMS
MAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR ITEMS
TRANSFER PRESCRIPTION RECORDS
REGISTER AT NEW SCHOOLS
TAKE CUTTINGS FROM PLANTS
MEASURE FURNITURE
DEFROST FREEZER
POST OFFICE
EMPLOYER & PAYROLL
TELEPHONE, INTERNET
CRA & GOVERNMENT SERVICES
BANK & CREDIT UNION
BC HYDRO (IF APPLICABLE)
DOCTOR
DENTIST
LAWYER
SUBSCRIPTIONS
HEALTH & DENTAL INSURANCE
LIFE INSURANCE
HOME & CAR INSURANCE
BC SERVICES CARD/MSP
CLEANING SUPPLIES
LIGHTBULBS
TOOLS (KNIFE, SCISSORS)
LIGHTBULBS
CHILDRENS TOYS
COFFEE, TEA, SNACKS
REMOTE CONTROL
PYJAMAS & CLEAN CLOTHES
TOOTHBRUSH & TOILETRIES
TOILETPAPER
MEDICATION
PET FOOD & LEAD TOWELS
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
CASH & VALUABLES
LEAVE MAILBOX KEYS
LEAVE GARAGE KEYS
LEAVE HOUSE KEYS
PUT PETS SOMEWHERE SECURE
PROTECT PHONES AND CARPETS
MAKE SURE BOXES ARE LABELLED
FINAL CLEAN & REMOVE TRASH
LEAVE OWNER MANUAL & RECEIPTS
“Raven is just the best. We bought and sold in a single month, and from the beginning to the end of the process Raven was reassuring, knowledgeable, fun to work with and kept our best interests at the centre. I would work with her again in a heartbeat (but I'm in love with my new home so I can't but you should)!”
- CARRIE CHARTERS
“If you are looking for top notch service, a caring and passionate realtor and a deal maker, Raven Mullan is the person to have on your side!
We used Raven to sell our home, she made the whole process a very easy one! She is quick to answer, very knowledgable about the local market, and persistent with her approach when investigating the local competition Highly recommended!”
- DAT VI TRUONG
“Raven is a very knowledgeable, attentive, and proactive realtor. She listened to what we wanted and had great advice during the process. She works very hard to get the very best home for her clients Raven gave us great advice on how to deal with the difficult housing market. She also has a bright, cheerful, and fun personality We highly recommend Raven to anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home. We loved working with her!”
- DAN HYLAND
"Raven helped us sell our home in 2015. This was our first time selling a property and Raven was an amazing resource. You can feel confident that she's got all the bases covered Tremendous job. I'd recommend her to anyone looking for a realtor.”
- CORDDRY TAYLOR
