Raven’s Victoria Seller’s Guide

SELLER'S GUIDE

YOUR GUIDE TO SOLD

INTRODUCTION

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

CONTACT ME

SALES REPRESENTATIVE MAXXAM REALTY LTD

250.201.6452 homes@ravenmullan.com www.ravenmullan.com

@RavenMullanIslandRealty

Step 01

CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGENT

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: GOALS I'll meet with you and understand your needs and selling goals.

MARKETING 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.

PAPERWORK Let me navigate the real estate contracts and educate you along the way so you know exactly what you are signing.

Step 02

ESTABLISH A PRICE

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.

Step 03

PREPARE TO LIST

Declutter, deep clean and schedule any repairs. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to save time.

EXTERIOIR Paint front door Consider a new door knocker

A clean and minimal appearance will help buyers imagine the house as their own.

Keep lawn neat and trimmed Remove old yard furniture Weed garden and patios

Follow our check list of tips and things

Power wash drive

to prepare in advance of getting a

Clean windows

professional photographer in.

Exterior paint touch-ups Ensure doorbell works Clean gutters Add plants at entrance

INTERIOR 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

Step 04

HOME STAGING

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.

Step 05

PROFESSIONAL IMAGERY

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.

Step 06 MARKETING YOUR HOME Marketing your home plays an integral role in securing the full financial potential and finding the correct buyer.

EMAIL MARKETING 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.

SIGNAGE 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA We will use a variety of social media networks to get exposure for your property including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and any other suitable networks.

PRE-SHOWING PREP

CHECKLIST 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

Step 08

OPEN HOUSES

WHY HOST A PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE? 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 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.

Step 08

OFFER CONSIDERATIONS

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.

Step 09

THE OFFER PROCESS

ACCEPT

REJECT

MAKE COUNTER-OFFER

If you accept the offer, the Contract of Purchase and Sale is signed and you’re under contract. If subjects are included, the conditional period begins.

Once those are removed, the deal is firm and binding.

You can reject the offer completely. This can happen if you feel the buyers offer is too far from the asking price or don't agree with the terms proposed.

A counter-offer is when the seller offers different terms. The buyer can then accept the offer, reject it or negotiate it.

Step 10

SUBJECTS & PRE-CLOSING

HOME INSPECTION 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.

APPRAISAL 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.

NEGOTIATIONS 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.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH 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.

Step 11 COMPLETION 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.

WHAT HAPPENS 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) WHAT TO PREPARE 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

Congratulations

YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY SOLD YOUR HOME

Moving Checklist PREP

'OPEN FIRST' BOX

KEEP CLOSING DOCUMENTS

CLEANING SUPPLIES

CANCEL INSURANCE

LIGHTBULBS

BOOK TIME OFF WORK

TOOLS (KNIFE, SCISSORS)

BOOK CHILDCARE FOR MOVE

LIGHTBULBS

BOOK MOVING TRUCK

CHILDRENS TOYS

DONATE UNWANTED ITEMS

COFFEE, TEA, SNACKS

MAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR ITEMS

REMOTE CONTROL

TRANSFER PRESCRIPTION RECORDS

REGISTER AT NEW SCHOOLS TAKE CUTTINGS FROM PLANTS

PACK OVERNIGHT BAG

MEASURE FURNITURE

PYJAMAS & CLEAN CLOTHES

DEFROST FREEZER

TOOTHBRUSH & TOILETRIES TOILETPAPER

NOTIFY OF MOVING

MEDICATION PET FOOD & LEAD

POST OFFICE

TOWELS

EMPLOYER & PAYROLL

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

TELEPHONE, INTERNET

CASH & VALUABLES

CRA & GOVERNMENT SERVICES BANK & CREDIT UNION

MOVING DAY

BC HYDRO (IF APPLICABLE) DOCTOR

LEAVE MAILBOX KEYS

DENTIST

LEAVE GARAGE KEYS

LAWYER

LEAVE HOUSE KEYS

SUBSCRIPTIONS

PUT PETS SOMEWHERE SECURE

HEALTH & DENTAL INSURANCE

PROTECT PHONES AND CARPETS

LIFE INSURANCE

MAKE SURE BOXES ARE LABELLED

HOME & CAR INSURANCE

FINAL CLEAN & REMOVE TRASH

BC SERVICES CARD/MSP

LEAVE OWNER MANUAL & RECEIPTS

NOTES

Testimonials “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

“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

“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 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