Royal LePage Our Company Profile Royal LePage has been a provider of real estate services since 1913. Our name is recognized Canada-wide as a leader in the industries in which we operate. We pride ourselves in being “Leaders in the Industry” and enjoy working as a team. Royal LePage is Canada’s Fastest growing real estate franchisor with over 14,000 sales representatives and staff in more than 600 offices from coast to coast. Recognized as a North American Industry Leader in Technology, Royal LePage is committed to providing its sales force with the tools and training they require to meet the needs of an adapting consumer. As our industry continues to evolve, so will our commitment. Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage is a leading full-service real estate company that has helped thousands of clients buy and sell homes for over 35 years. With three convenient state-of-the-art facilities throughout the greater Hamilton area that include offices in Stoney Creek, Hamilton and Ancaster, we have a strong support system with a pool of knowledge, skill and technical expertise. To clients who are served by Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage, we are committed to delivering quality, industry leading and innovative real estate products and services to our clients. Our business relationships will be characterized in the highest Degree of honesty, credibility and fair dealing. We are committed to setting the pace in service excellence. With nearly 300 Realtors® surrounding the Hamilton area, a pool of 14,000 Realtors® from coast-to-coast and our partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the world (the world’s largest referral network with over 127,000 associates worldwide) we are ideal candidates to maximize your property’s exposure to buyers from around the globe.
The Heddle Group Our group consists of licensed “Salespersons” in the province of Ontario, through the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) which allows us to service clients with the highest levels professionalism.
Real Estate Approach Knowledge of the market and the industry are key components to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of our clients. However, it takes more than local knowledge to be successful. Royal LePage’s national knowledge, skill, and expertise have provided us the tools required to meet your real estate needs.
Our Client Commitment Our experiences are distilled into our unique Client Commitment and Customer Service: a practical and proven approach takes a more complete look at your life and goals for a marketing strategy that meets your real estate needs. By drawing on Canada’s largest team of specialists and resources, we will develop an integrated real estate solution that meets your needs. We will always act in your best interests, providing advice and service to exceed your expectations. Honesty and Integrity are the two personal values and characteristics that we place the most emphasis on in achieving success. Put The Heddle Group and these key competencies to work for you to achieve a successful real estate transaction.
Mike Heddle, Hon. B. Comm. Broker Background, Experience & Results Mike has built his business primarily through referrals from other professionals and from satisfied clients. Mike’s educational background consists of an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and a minor in Economics. This has provided him with very strong analytical tools to help each of us excel in the management of our clients’ real estate needs. As a consistent “top producing” Realtors® with over a decade of trading experience, Mike holds numerous “performance awards” and sales records including: Awards RLP National Chairman’s Club – representing the top 1% as one of the company’s top real estate sales representatives in Canada; and Top 10 Team in Canada – representing one of the Top 10 Teams in all of Canada (ranked #8) for units sold. The Award of Excellence – as Royal LePage’s highest award in recognition of truly exceptional longer-term selling achievement and the significant contribution this has made to the success of the company. Results • Sold & Closed1 over 240 million dollars’ worth of real estate • Average “List-to-sales” ratio of 98.76%2 versus RAHB 98%3 • Average “Days-to-Sell” of 19 days4 versus RAHB 45 days5 1
Based on ‘firm’ closed trades (Agreement to Purchase & Sale) (period: 2014-01-01 to 2017-12-31)
2
Based on sold and closed listings (period: 2013-01-01 to 2014-06-30)
3
According to RAHB: Residential Activity by MLS District # for December 2014
4
Based on number of days from Listing Commencement to Confirmation of Acceptance (period: 2013-01-01 to 2014-06-30)
5
According to RAHB: Residential Activity by MLS District # for year 2014 as of December 2014
Shawna Connelly, Hon. B. Comm. Sales Representative | Sales Partner Background, Experience & Results As a McMaster University graduate with an Honours degree in Commerce and a minor in Economics, Shawna possesses a strong foundation in market analysis. Shawna’s superior service and value in building relationships has led to her quick success. From first time homebuyers to investment properties & rehab properties, Shawna possesses the skills to help her clients make informed and educated decisions when dealing with their largest asset. Being a landlord herself, Shawna has first-hand experience handling tenants and possesses extensive knowledge of the Hamilton By-law along with the Landlord Tenant Act. Areas of Focus • First time Homebuyers • Multi-unit properties • Rehab properties Shawna’s strong analytical skills combined with her knowledge of the Hamilton Market, has helped many satisfied clients find their perfect property. Shawna enjoys getting to know her clients, build relationships and listens to their criteria to assist in a smooth and painless home buying process. Results • • • •
Achieved Cap Rates of up to 8.02% in 20196 Achieved Return on Investment rates of up to 47.52% in 20197 Achieved Cap Rates of up to 6.20% YTD in 20208 Achieved Return on Investment rates of up to 42.25% YTD in 20209
6
Based on ‘firm’ written trades (Agreement to Purchase & Sale) (period: 2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31)
7 Based on ‘firm’ written trades (Agreement to Purchase & Sale) (period: 2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31) 8
Based on ‘firm’ written trades (Agreement to Purchase & Sale) (period: 2020-01-01 to 2020-03-23)
9
Based on ‘firm’ written trades (Agreement to Purchase & Sale) (period: 2020-01-01 to 2020-03-23)
Spencer Rioux Administrative Co-Ordinator Background, Experience & Results
As the Team’s Administrative Coordinator (often referred to internally as our “Air Traffic Controller”), Spencer specializes in keeping the team ‘ontask’. Her daily duties include clientcare and client contact management to ensure that we continually stay in touch with our active and past clients. Spencer brings a unique portfolio of experience to The Heddle Group. Prior to her career in Real Estate, she worked in television for 6 years as a Video Editor for a local TV station and also as a Tour Guide. Spencer is an extremely warm, enthusiastic and outgoing personality, who thrives in a team environment. With 23-years of playing competitive soccer, has ingrained exceptionally strong team values in her core beliefs, and her competitive nature is a strong compliment within a competitive industry.
Sue Aitken Sales Representative | Sales Partner Background, Experience & Results Sue has been actively working in the field of Real Estate for 35 years in the Hamilton and surrounding area. Her previous work experience with a lawyer’s firm and mortgage company gives her a very strong understanding of the workings of a real estate transaction from start to finish to move in! Sue has been with Royal Lepage for 30 years and has been a consistent award winner with the company, she also has an extensive history in the new home industry working with Marz Homes for over 20 years. Sue’s niche market is working with past clients, and as time marches on is now working with past clients’ children who are entering the real estate market as first-time buyers! Sue has recently downsized from her large family home to her new home she affectionately calls her “perfect little shoe box”. This gives her great insight into helping other clients make that tough move to downsize. Sue also has her designation SRES, senior Real Estate salesperson, which affords her the professionalism and experience within the large market of the downsizing boomer generation. Distinctions and Awards Sue has been with Royal LePage for 25 years and has been a consistent award winner with the company. Sue also has her designation SRES, senior real estate salesperson, which affords her the professionalism and experience with the large market of the downsizing boomer generation.
Nicole Lanigan Sales Representative | Sales Partner Background, Experience & Results Nicole loves being a part of a winning team, and with her work ethic it’s not coincidental that she’s often found herself a major part of them throughout her life. At a young age, she gravitated towards athletics, where she competed in and coached track & field at an elite level. Discipline, dedication, sportsmanship, accountability and confidence are all areas that Nicole admires about teamwork and athletics, it’s her belief that ‘we can all accomplish more collectively than we can individually’ and her clients couldn’t agree more! Nicole’s educational background includes: A Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University; a Marketing Diploma from Mohawk College; and a Post Graduate Certificate in International Business Management from Mohawk College. Nicole is also certified by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), making her a diverse individual who offers expertise in many avenues! Having owned her own upscale consignment store, Nicole is a born entrepreneur. She understands the commitment and dedication required to start a business from the ground up, and what it takes to successfully operate and grow a business. Currently, holding a portfolio of real estate investments, Nicole is active and has extensive experience in property management. Nicole has a strong knowledge of the Residential Tenancies act and dealing with the Landlord and Tenant Board. She has also been involved in Commercial transactions adding to the depth of her portfolio. It is Nicole’s drive, passion and empathy, alongside her emphasis on the importance on relationships, that make her such an asset to our team. Her diverse skillset, determination, and compassion ensure that her clients consistently experience outstanding results
Market Value Understanding market conditions is as simple as knowing the basic law of supply and demand. When there are more homes for sale than there are potential buyers, house prices drop. When there are fewer houses on the market than there are buyers, house price will climb. Seller’s Market A market whereby there are more buyers than sellers. High prices result from this excess of demand over supply. Buyer’s Market A market whereby there are more sellers than buyers. Low prices result from this excess of supply over demand and is also called a soft market. Balanced Market A market which the demand for property equals the supply of available property. Sellers usually accept reasonable offers and houses generally sell in sufficient time periods. For buyers, prices remain stable and there are usually a good number of homes to choose from. Market Value Market value is the price at which a particular house will sell for in its current condition within 30 – 60 days. Pricing Pricing your property at market value will attract a number of potential buyers and increase your opportunity for a quick sale. Always remember, the market determines the value of your home. Sales statistics show that properties that are initially priced too high eventually sell for less than properties that were correctly priced in the first place.
Guide to Selling Pricing your Property The single most important decision you will make with your Royal LePage REALTOR® is determining the right asking price for your property. The Benefits of Pricing Right 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Your property sells faster because it is exposed to more qualified buyers Your home doesn’t lose its marketability The closer to market value the higher and the more offers received A well-priced property can generate competing offers The real estate community will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to buyers
The Result of Overpricing Many sellers believe that if they price their home high initially, they can lower it later. Often, when a home is priced too high, it experiences little activity. Gradually, the price will come down to market value, but by that time it’s been for sale too long and some buyers will be wary and reject the property. You may think that interested buyers “can always make an offer”, but if the home is overpriced, potential buyers looking in a lower price range will never see it.
The Importance of Early Activity As soon as a home comes on the market, there is a flurry of activity surrounding it. This is the crucial time when potential buyers sit up and take notice. If the home is overpriced, it doesn’t take long for interested parties to move on. By the time the price drops, a majority of buyers are lost.
Define your Marketing Plan Your property is not something you sell every day. In fact, for most people it is their largest asset. A house is very complex to market and the process needs to be well organized. To do the job properly, a plan is needed. Your Royal LePage REALTORÂŽ can prepare a personalized plan for you containing all activities required to market your property, including listing on the MLSÂŽ, creating marketing materials, traditional and online advertising and networking with other members of the real estate community.
Marketing Plan Multiple Listing Service: www.realtor.ca Photos and all pertinent information will appear on the Multiple Listing Service website (www.mls.ca) which is the gateway to Canadian Real Estate where your home will be exposed to hundreds of thousands of potential buyers every day. • Ability of analyzing statistics • Over 20 million visitors per month Royal LePage Website Pictures of your home, along with pertinent information will be downloaded to our award-winning real estate corporate and companies web pages. This additional exposure ensures that we reach out to as many potential purchasers for your property. • Thousands of visitors per month The Heddle Group – Website: “Love your home, Live in Hamilton”® Local market brand recognition is obtained through the “Love your home, live in…”®. The registered trademark “Love your home, Live in Hamilton”® and the sub-families (ie. LiveInDundas.ca; LiveInAncaster.ca; LiveInStoneyCreek.ca; etc.) will create community awareness to your listing. The website features listing information along with high-definition pictures of your home. • Over 10,000 direct visitors per year10 Toronto Real Estate Board [TREB] To ensure maximum exposure, we [The Heddle Group] have joined the Toronto Real Estate Board [TREB] as FULL members. We will list your property on our board (the Realtor’s Association of Hamilton-Burlington [RAHB]) AND TREB. As exposing your listing to Toronto Buyer’s is our expertise! Canada’s Largest Investment Network As the exclusive strategic partner for one of Canada’s largest Network, we have guided many investors both young and old in building wealth through real estate. The Heddle Group has been the Hamilton-Brantford-St.Catharine’s region’s strategic partner since 2013. As the host of the local Mastery90 workshops and speaking while presenting investment opportunities at the Investor’s Summit offers The Heddle Groups clients access to an exclusive network. 10
Based on number of visitors calculated by statscounter.com (period 2013-01-01 to 2013-12-31)
Exclusive Property Program™ We developed a program for our clients called the ‘Exclusive Property Program’, because over the years the Hamilton market has been thriving and we've noticed a need for something different. Sellers realize there's so much work to do to get the house ready for sale whether it's de-cluttering, staging, cleaning, and accommodating Buyer showings. We wanted to give our clients a second option to the traditional way of selling houses. This program basically matches up buyers and sellers before the house goes on the market, as a result the Seller saves time and money, it's a win-win for everybody! Royal LePage State Realty Lawn Sign Royal LePage State Realty’s distinctive “FOR SALE” sign, branded with “The Heddle Group” and the “Window into your dream home™” ‘rider – with QR code for mobile devices’, will be placed on your property within 24-48 hours after the commencement of the listing. Public Open House With your agreement, I can organize public open houses on weekends to showcase your home to potential buyers. A feature sheet with photos and a description of your home will also be made available for attendees to take home. REALTOR® Safari/Agent Tour Many of Hamilton’s local REALTOR’s® participate in organized weekly “Safaris” or “Tours”. There are specific neighbourhoods (ie. Dundas, Ancaster, Flamborough, West Hamilton, Hamilton mountain, Stoney Creek, etc.) that receive additional exposure by being involved in the “Tour”. Professional Home Staging Your home is your biggest investment; professional home staging maximizes your return by getting it ready to sell. Staging your home will make it easier for potential buyers to see themselves living there, setting the “stage” to sell for top dollar. Included in our services, the Heddle Group’s professional Home Stager performs an initial consultation in the privacy of your own home. Their team will make recommendations on everything from de-cluttering to painting to bringing in furniture and accessories, ensuring a smooth and positive experience. Additional staging services can be performed at additional costs.
Professional Photography Selling a home used to be about “curb appeal”, or the first impression a property conveys to potential buyers. These days “pix appeal,” or the attractiveness in photos posted in online listings is equal or more important. Since more than 80% of homebuyers use the Internet to search for a home, and nearly 25% reported that the Internet is where they first found the property they purchased. Professional “magazine” quality photographs of your home are provided and utilized in all marketing materials. Window into your Dream HomeTM The “window into your dream home™” is a state of art virtual tour (iSpace tour), whereby the potential buyer is able to view your home on their mobile device (ie. iPad, iPhone, tablet or Smart Phone). This experience is as if they were standing in your home looking through a “window” on their mobile device to view their “dream home”. This spectacular experience is marketed through various channels including: QR codes on print media, full colour feature sheets, and lawn signs; social media including Facebook, twitter, and linkedin; and web domain www.windowintoyourdreamhome.ca Social Media Online and mobile media are exciting new and fantastic tools to showcase your home for sale. Our social media network, which includes mediums such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, will be exposed to your listing the moment it is listed for sale, ensuring maximum exposure. Print and eMedia Print media is a successful way to increase your property’s exposure to a specified target audience. Utilize this medium by showcasing your home to as many prospective buyers as possible. Real Estate Book - The Real Estate Book® is the most recognized North America Brand with approximately 6 million magazines per month. - Distributed every 4 weeks/13 times per year - 23,000 copies, over 650 pickup locations - Significant online & mobile presence Local Newspaper – Local newspaper print is a fantastic medium to feature your listing to gain exposure to the local market.
Monthly eNewsletter – Personalized monthly eNewsletter distributed to over 2,000 local prospective buyers. Your listing will be featured as the “Property of the Month” with a full feature. Full Colour Feature Sheets The feature sheet is one of the most important means of promoting your listing. This is the material that potential buyers physically take from the home to remember it. All feature sheets are professionally printed in full colour on elite gloss coated card stock with bright finish, smooth texture and radiant colour clarity showcasing the professional photography. MoveSnap We are invested in a technology to save you time and stress when it comes to move. MoveSnap is an online concierge that helps you connect utilities, update your address, forward your mail, and much more. We have eliminated the ‘headache’ when moving, by providing you with the tools to manage your entire move in minutes. This service is included as a part of our commitment to give you the very best experience. Scott McGillivray Trusted Agent As the Hamilton and St. Catharines ‘McGillivray Mark Trusted Agent’ through Scott McGillivray’s handpicked network of professionals, the Heddle Group strives to deliver outstanding results. Selling a home can be a complex process and it’s important to know that we at the Heddle Group offer a strong marketing strategy that creates demand and gets your home SOLD for top dollar!
Communication Plan Our communication plan was developed with the intent of ensuring that our client’s experience the best and most comprehensive customer service and effective communication. One-on-one Customer Service: We realize that one-on-one contact between our clients and ourselves are vital to ensure open communication and ultimate customer satisfaction. Our clients will always have direct contact with myself via my direct line or email, 7-days a week 24-hours per day. Support Staff: Our support staff is here to help service you! The front desk staff is available from Monday – Friday (9:00am to 9:00pm) and Saturday (9:00am to 5:00pm) to coordinate showings and log agent activity. Our administrative co-ordination manager is available Monday – Friday (9:00am to 5:00pm) to field additional oneon-one requests, co-ordinate marketing and advertising, and follow up with agent showing activity. “Our culture – we’re committed to whatever it takes to create satisfied customers.” Showing Feedback: All Realtor® showings are booked and logged through the office. Based on your preferred booking method, the showing will be confirmed to the showing Realtor® and logged. I will email the showing Realtor® within 24 hours of the showing requesting feedback. When provided, this feedback is always logged so that market position may be analyzed. All showing feedback will be shared with and communicated to my clients. Listing Analytics & Biweekly eUpdates: There are many marketing tools that we utilize, as professionals, to ensure that your property listing gets maximum exposure. We analyze the results and statistics of these tools on a continuous basis to ensure that your property listing remains “relevant” to potential buyers. It is my commitment to communicate to my clients the analytics from online activity including: www.realtor.ca and www.TheHeddle Group.ca (including www.LiveInHamilton.ca); the Realtor® showing feedback; and to communicate a summary and recommendations. Continuous personal communication and biweekly email “Listing Updates” will ensure open communication.
Preparing your Home for Sale To get top dollar and sell quickly, you must put your house in the best possible shape. Generally, this includes some painting, landscaping, deep cleaning and small repairs. A major improvement in the look of your property can frequently be accomplished with minimal cost and effort. The Minimum you should do: ☐ Trim Bushes, plant annuals, keep grass green and manicured ☐ In winter, de-ice sidewalks and driveway ☐ Unclutter the house (remove all extra furniture and clutter) ☐ All rooms and closets should look roomy and orderly ☐ Clean Relentlessly (especially the kitchen and bathrooms) ☐ Repair small items such as leaky faucets, running toilets and torn screens Home Renovations •
A fresh coat of paint on interior walls returns an average of 73% payback. So a $1,500 paint job could be expected to increase a home’s selling price by $2,625 (a $1,125 profit).
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To maximize salability ensure that your new décor is modern and tasteful. Choose shades of white and tame versions of popular colours.
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The kitchen and bathroom are key areas of focus when renovating. The average return of investment is 72% and 68% respectively; new fixtures, cabinets and tiles could be well worth the money and/or time and effort.
The Top Ten Renovations and the Average Rate of Return ☐ Interior painting and décor – 73%
☐ Window/Door replacement – 57%
☐ Kitchen Renovation – 72%
☐ Main Floor family room addition – 51%
☐ Bathroom Renovations – 68%
☐ Fireplace addition – 50%
☐ Exterior Pant – 65%
☐ Basement Renovation – 49%
☐ Flooring upgrades – 62%
☐ Furnace system replacement - 48%
Signing a Listing Agreement The first formal step in marketing your property is to enter into a listing agreement – a contract that commits Royal LePage to actively market your home for a specified period of time. It also commits you to a pre-established marketing fee that is to be paid upon the successful closing of the sale. Your REALTORŽ may require the following documents: A Plan of Survey of Location Certificate A survey of your property that outlines the lot size and location of buildings as well as details of encroachments from neighbouring properties. Property Tax Receipts Most Listings Agreements require that the current annual property tax assessments be shown. Mortgage Verification You will be asked to authorize your mortgage lender to provide the figures required. Deed or Title Search This Document is a legal description of your property and proof that you own it. Other Documentation This may include annual heating, electrical and water expenses, as well as any recent home improvement costs. Note: In many provinces, you will be required to sign a property condition disclosure statement.
Preparing your Home for Showings First Impressions really count with homebuyers, and when its time to get your house ready for showings, there’s just one thing to keep in mind; people don’t buy houses, they buy homes. Making it easy for potential buyers to picture themselves living in your home is critical. Here are some suggestions for preparing your home for showings: First Impression/General ☐ House exterior is in good repair ☐ Eaves troughs, down spouts and soffits painted and in good repair ☐ Garage/carpet clean and tidy ☐ Cracked or broken windowpanes replaced
☐ Seals around tub and basins in good repair ☐ Floors cleaned, waste containers emptied ☐ Inside of cupboards and cabinets clean and neat ☐ Towels clean and matching ☐ Clutter put away
☐ Depending on the season: lawns cut and raked; hedges and shrubs trimmed; gardens weeded and edged
Kitchen
☐ Leaves raked; walk swept; decks and patios cleared of leaves and debris
☐ Appliances cleaned
☐ Snow and ice cleared; walkways sanded or salted
At the Front Door
☐ Sinks and taps cleaned and polished
☐ Counter tops clear and polished ☐ Inside of cupboards and cabinets clean and neat
☐ Doorbell works
☐ Small Appliances put away
☐ Door hardware in good repair
☐ Clutter put away
☐ Porch and Foyer clean and tidy, cracked plaster repaired
Creating a Buying Atmosphere
Interior Maintenance
☐ Air conditioner turned on in warm weather
☐ Chipped paint touched up ☐ Door knobs and cupboard latches tight ☐ Furnace wiped down and cleaned
☐ All lights turned on
☐ Closets neat and tidy ☐ Hall and stairs cleared of clutter ☐ Drapes opened during Daylight
☐ Burned out light bulbs replaced ☐ Squeaky doors oiled
☐ Background music played quietly ☐ Carpets freshly vacuumed
Bathrooms ☐ Mirrors, fixtures and taps cleaned and polished ☐ Leaky taps and toilets repaired
Valuables All valuables should be locked safely away or taken with you, objects of art or figurines situated safely out of reach or locked
The Major Elements of an Offer Price Depending on the market and the local market conditions, the price offered may be different from the asking price. Deposit The deposit shows the buyers good faith and will be applied against the purchase price of the home when the sale closes. Your REALTOR® can advise you on the suitability of the amount of the deposit being offered. Terms Includes the total price the buyer is offering as well as the financing details. The buyer may be arranging their own financing or may ask to assume your existing mortgage if you have an attractive rate. Conditions These might include “subject to home inspection”, “subject to buyer obtaining financing” or “subject to the sale of the purchaser’s property”. Inclusions and Exclusions These might include appliances and certain fixtures or decorative items such as window coverings or mirrors. Closing or Possession Date Generally, the day the title of the property is legally transferred, and the transaction of funds is finalized unless otherwise stated (except in Manitoba or Quebec). Note: In B.C. the Possession Date is legally 1 to 3 days after the closing. With you at Every Step Royal LePage REALTORS® bring invaluable knowledge and expertise to the home-selling experience – and are dedicated to your needs from the pricing to purchase to relocation process. For more information about selling your home, visit www.royallepage.ca
Home Seller’s Checklist This worksheet gives an overview of the entire home selling process. Use it to keep organized and on track as you prepare to sell your home. ☐ Educate yourself
☐ Prepare for the Buyer’s Inspection
We recommend consulting with friends and family who’ve sold homes and seeing what advice they can pass on. And naturally, your real estate agent will be a veritable fountain of real estate facts and know-how.
Many prospective buyers will insist upon a home inspection conducted by a professional home inspector prior to making any firm commitment to purchase your home. The home inspection goes well beyond window-dressing, as your home’s important structural, functional and safety features will be under the magnifying glass. It may even be wise to commission your own house inspection in advance so that you will be prepared for any unpleasant surprises. This will also give you a chance to remedy issues that could jeopardize a sale or force you to lower the price. Anything you don’t fix will have to be disclosed to the buyer by law.
☐ Get Organized Start a new file folder or binder where you can collect and store all the important research, paperwork, contacts and dates. This is a good time to gather documents you will need later: everything from the property deed to household warranties and copies of utility and property tax receipts.
☐ Budget for Selling Expenses You’ll want to set aside funds for repairing household problems that hurt the potential value. This could include freshening and depersonalizing décor, staging your home, and fees for the various professionals you’ll require to get the job done. Some fees may be paid at the time of closing and can be taken from the proceeds of the sale. Check with your real estate agent for budget recommendations.
☐ Sign the Listing Agreement At this point, you will sign a contract between you and your real estate agent’s brokerage establishing the fine details of your relationship with your Sales Representative. The contract generally makes sure both parties are on the same page when it comes to expectations and obligations.
☐ Consider Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer A real estate lawyer will ensure your interests are protected in all legal agreements that require your signature (such as the buyer’s offer to purchase).
☐ Prepare your Home for Viewing When it comes time for prospective buyers to tour your home, you’ll want to be sure that the place is tidy and smells clean. All pet odors aren’t likely to impress anyone.
☐ Prepare to Review Purchase Offers, Negotiate and Counter-Offer When a buyer is interested, he’ll make it official by presenting you with an Offer to Purchase. This legal document contains all the pertinent details that describe the property, as well as how much he is prepared to pay for the house and what conditions, inclusions and exclusions he wants as part of the deal. Your real estate agent can help with negotiations and preparing your counter offer when applicable.
☐ Prepare for Closing Day and Afterward Once the lawyers have determined that all obligations on the part of both buyer and seller have been fulfilled the deal can close. You’ll be presented with a cheque for the proceeds of the sale, and the buyer will get the keys.
☐ Find your New House and Prepare for the Move We’ve put this step at the end because most people don’t actually move until about the time of closing. By no means should you wait until the close to start moving preparations. In fact, there is as much to think about when buying a house as there is when selling one.
What to do After the Sale Don’t forget to notify these institutions when you move: Federal ☐ Post Office ☐ Veteran’s Affairs ☐ Income Tax ☐ Family Allowance ☐ Old Age Security ☐ Canada Pension Plan ☐ Unemployment Insurance ☐ Maternity Benefits ☐ G.S.T Department
Professional Services ☐ Dentist ☐ Lawyer ☐ Broker ☐ Insurance Agencies ☐ Real Estate Agency ☐ Locksmith ☐ Veterinary Clinic
Provincial ☐ Health and Hospital Insurance ☐ Vehicle Registration ☐ Drivers License
Utilities and Services ☐ Electric ☐ Gas ☐ Water ☐ Garbage (Special Pick up) ☐ Telephone ☐ Appliance Service ☐ Cable Television ☐ Lawn/Property Maintenance ☐ Fuel ☐ Water Treatment
Local ☐ Schools ☐ Library ☐ Recreation Centre Business Accounts ☐ Banks ☐ Finance Companies ☐ Credit Cards ☐ Charge Accounts ☐ Department Stores ☐ Service Stations ☐ Dry Cleaner ☐ Drug Store ☐ House Cleaning Service
Publications ☐ Newspapers ☐ Magazines ☐ Mail Order ☐ Books and Record Clubs Final Moving Day Check ☐ Electric ☐ Gas ☐ Water ☐ Garbage (Special Pick up) ☐ Telephone ☐ Appliance Service