Selling Tips

Check similar listings in your area, and even better, find out what recently sold properties actually went for.  For accurate numbers the public has the right to check the dollar value of property transfers with provincial land titles office for a small fee.  Some provinces allow you to check for free as a guest on their websites.  Ultimately the selling price is your decision.  You will get the best buyer interest from doing good research and choosing a midpoint between the high (unrealistic) and low end (discount) price.

To find out about their fee and a process for selling privately.   Most will give an estimate and advice for no charge.  Don’t sign anything without reviewing with a lawyer first.  An interested buyer and seller should verbally work out a mutually agreeable price, inclusions, and possession date for the Offer to Purchase. From there the buyer’s lawyer draws up the Offer to Purchase, sometimes the lawyer phones the seller while doing so to ensure accuracy.  Next the Offer to Purchase is sent to the seller’s lawyer where it gets reviewed and if acceptable, signed.  Both the buyer and seller get advised as to how to proceed through to possession date.

Do your best to get the property as clean, tidy, and in a state of good repair as possible.

Or at least cleverly hiding it– if you are not an order-type person, conscript friends or family members that are – where possible sell things online, garage sale, give items to friends and family, donate to charity, just do it.

Both in and out, with a critical eye and make a list of repairs.

If you aren’t handy let’s hope you have friends, family, or a bank account that is.

Assess your abilities, time, contractor availability, and budget honestly before foraying into renovation world – recouping costs doesn’t always happen.

Photos can make or break initial INTEREST.  It is astounding how different angles and filters can affect photos.   Experiment a lot to make sure each pic is as bright and inviting as possible.  Let prospective buyers get a good sense of the property, particularly any superior features.  Lots of photography sites have tips in this regard.

As previously mentioned, only 29% of buyers find a property by using a real estate agent, according to 2020 NAR Stats.  The reality is most people find a home online first then locate a local agent or when private, contact the seller directly.  Advertising online is a must!

Use listingpanda.ca and any other forms of advertising that you are comfortable with including spreading the word with neighbors, friends, and family.  A sign on the lawn is a highly effective tool. Consider having one made up that doesn't look like it came from a dollar store to set a more quality tone for your property.  When you sell your vehicles you don't advertise by saying for sale by owner and you don't have to when you sell your property either. 

Take the time to write a solid ad with a clear list of property details, particularly any unique features like soundproofing between floors or oversized closets.  If the community or area has any compelling data like a low unemployment rate or amazing recreational opportunities, get that in your ad as well.

Be safe, honest and stay neutral.  Having a property fact sheet available for viewers is a good touch stone.  Some property owners prefer to do showings with assistance from or by a knowledgeable friend or family member who enjoys people and selling.  Never do a showing without informing an outside party about the when and time details as well as checking in with them before and after.

Lots of theories around Open Houses – if you are willing, they are sometimes the thing that brings a buyer to the door.

Buyers come in all shapes and sizes – be neutral and respectful and accept that negotiations will most likely be part of the process.  Negotiations should be within your comfort zone though.  Beware the cash buyer types who let you know early that they have cash and give bandit type offers with no negotiation intent.  Don’t let them undermine your research and confidence. Remember, in the end, whether sale funds come from financing or non-financing, it is still cash.  Financing elements can sometimes drag things out but it can also get the right buyer willing to pay a reasonable price into your property.

An owner selling their own property is becoming more and more normalized every day in today’s digital world.