When selling a house, a homeowner’s thoughts are often focused on the preliminary steps. The first few weeks, if not months, are dedicated to cleaning, decluttering, painting and staging to ensure the home makes an impact. Meanwhile, extensive research goes into deciding a listing price and a promotional strategy.

This thorough preparation is essential if you want to get the highest price and best terms possible from your sale, but what comes next?

In this post, we’ll answer your questions as to what happens on closing day for the seller.

An accurate, unbiased assessment is the foundation of your effective home-selling strategy. Start by booking your complimentary home evaluation with our experts.

Real Estate Closing Is a Process

You hear a lot about “closing day” in real estate for a good reason. It’s a very busy time, with a lot going on for both the buyer and the seller as ownership of the process officially changes hands.

That said, quite a few things happen in the background before we even get to that point. The closing period begins from the moment both signatures are on the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) and usually takes between 30 and 60 days.

The following overview will help you know what to expect:

On the day you accept the offer, you first breathe a sigh of relief that the sale part of the transaction is over. Fortunately, there are no more showings or open houses to contend with. All that’s left is the packing, moving and fulfillment of any conditions, if applicable.

All may seem quiet, but your lawyer and real estate agent will be busy in the background. First, the buyer will submit their deposit, which is typically held in trust by the listing brokerage.

The lawyer runs a title search, prepares a statement of adjustments and discharges or ports your mortgage. (The Statement of Adjustments calculates how much the buyer owes you if you have prepaid any of your property taxes or other municipal charges). The lawyer will also review the APS and all other related documents to ensure all terms and clauses are above board.

Are you looking for some tips to make your house stand out and maximize your transaction? You’ll find plenty in the posts below:

• Selling Your House in Hamilton? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• How to Stand Out in a Changing Real Estate Market

Preparing for the Final Walkthrough

The buyer will eventually want to do a final walkthrough to take their measurements and ensure the house is in the same condition as when they placed their offer and that any agreed-upon chattels are left behind. This usually happens a few days before the official closing date.

The house must be in decent condition for the final walkthrough, but unlike during showings, it doesn’t have to be pristine. The buyer expects to see plenty of boxes and chaos; what they don’t want to see is any new holes in the wall or damaged plugs – or any damage, for that matter.

On Closing Day

Closing day and Possession Day can be different depending on the situation. However, both typically happen on the same day. You might anticipate that this time will be the most hectic yet, but surprisingly, much of it is simply about waiting. By now, you’re probably packed and ready as soon as you get the green light.

As a courtesy, it’s standard practice to leave the house in a “broom swept” condition by ensuring no one leaves anything behind and you’ve properly disposed of all trash. Giving the carpets a quick vacuum and washing the floors are also customary. You don’t need to hire professional cleaners; just think of how you would want to receive the home if you were the buyer.

While you’re taking care of the property itself, the lawyers and banks iron out the business details. The buyer’s lawyer will send all funds to your lawyer, who then registers the title in the buyer’s name. This part typically happens behind the scenes without your involvement. Once complete, the lawyer will notify your Realtor®, and it’s time to vacate and leave the keys in the drop box so the buyer can begin moving in.

Looking for more details as to how real estate works when selling a house? The posts below will shed some light on the topic:

• What’s in Your Listing Agreement?
• Is It a Good Time to Sell My House in Ontario?
• What Does Sold Conditional Mean?

Disbursement of Funds at Closing

Now, we come to the most important question of all. When does the seller get paid after closing? Generally speaking, it isn’t a long wait once the lawyer registers the new title with the Ontario Land Registry. The funds are already available and waiting in trust for disbursement day.

Depending on the time closing takes place, you might receive the funds the same day. If the transaction is finalized late in the afternoon or during a holiday, it might not be until the following business day.

Before releasing the funds, the lawyer first clears your existing mortgage with your bank, including any penalties for early payment. Then, they distribute any applicable real estate commissions between the buyer and listing brokerages and deduct their own fee and disbursements. The lawyer will then transfer the remaining balance to you through a wire transfer or bank draft.

It doesn’t take long to receive payment. However, it may not be fast enough if you are counting on those funds to cover your next purchase. The possibility of a slight delay is why many homeowners wait for their transaction to finalize before committing to a new purchase. Alternatively, you could seek bridge financing once you have a firm offer.

The process of preparing and listing your house, negotiating the terms and closing the transaction can seem confusing, especially when life is already busy with career and family. Your best bet is to partner with a local full-service real estate team, where an expert is always there to guide you and answer all questions. This level of support can make an otherwise stressful time straightforward and seamless.

Do you have questions about selling your home in today’s market? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you get the results you need. Reach out today with any questions you have, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.

Buying or selling a house always signals a significant change ahead. The move could accompany a milestone in your life, such as moving up to a larger home or relocating for a career opportunity. Whatever the reason, you are making an investment, one that will impact your financial and emotional well-being for years to come.

If you want to achieve the best results, it pays to work with a local expert who understands all of the nuances of the real estate market right now as they relate to your home buying or selling goals. Whether figuratively or literally, someone who speaks your language can guide you through a successful transaction.

When selling a home, an accurate, unbiased assessment is an essential part of your strategy. Start by booking your complimentary home evaluation with our experts.

Above and Beyond in Service

Moving can be a hectic experience at any time. More than ever, you need a Realtor® you can rely on to support and guide you every step of the way.
At Woolcott Real Estate, we have a diverse team of experts, including real estate professionals who can speak a variety of languages, such as:

1. French
2. Spanish
3. Serbian
4. Croatian
5. Arabic
6. Bulgarian

Each member of our team is committed to doing everything possible so that you achieve the best value for your transaction.  If you have questions, someone is always here to provide clarity.

If you’re feeling anxious about this major change in your life, an expert is standing by to help and support you through this transition. The fact that this high level of service can also come with someone who speaks your language is an added benefit.

Planning to buy a new home? The posts below can help you create your strategy:

• Buying a House in Ontario Is a Team Effort
• What to Look for in a Home Inspection
• Hidden Costs of Buying a Home You Need to Know Now

Streamlining Your Real Estate Experience

An agent’s ability to communicate in your preferred language can be an advantage during a time of uncertainty. However, fluency in the nuances of today’s market is equally critical.

Think of all of the countless details that go along with buying or selling a home. If you’re fortunate enough to experience a straightforward transaction with minimal stress and few obstacles, it’s likely because a well-trained team of experts worked behind the scenes to make it happen.

Real estate can get complicated, with a ton of legalities and financial terminology to understand.

Buyers have more to think about than what neighbourhood to start hunting in or what type of house they want. They’re also tossed into a world of decisions about interest rates, whether to choose a variable mortgage or fixed term, the difference between pre-approvals and pre-qualifications and if it’s a good idea to put conditions on their offer in the current landscape.

Sellers need to decipher the latest real estate statistics, CMAs and listing agreements, along with what home renovations might add value and how to effectively market their property. When an offer comes in, there are more decisions to make. Should you accept, come back with a counteroffer or decline it altogether?

The path you choose primarily depends on the market. Your Realtor® will assess how much competition there is and what other homes are selling in your area. Making sense of this data is the key to maximizing the value of your sale.

There’s a lot to remember when selling a house! The posts below can help you stay on track:

• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• How to Sell Your House Fast
• Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers

Bringing Clarity and Reassurance to Your Transaction

Real estate contracts are legally binding, and signing anything can come with real anxiety and indecision. The purchase or sale of a home is far too consequential to get wrong, and an expert who cares about your success will make sure you are always pointed in the right direction.

Whether it’s explaining concepts in your language or just helping you see things clearly from a different angle, we will make sure you understand all of the facts before making a commitment.

• When buying, this could mean going over the list of inclusions and exclusions, explaining the concept of appraisals or discussing whether the market supports adding conditions to your offer.
• When selling, it could mean helping you understand what you are required to fix before the buyer takes possession or whether or not to use an escape clause when considering a conditional offer.

Are you still wondering how to find the best real estate agent in Hamilton? The posts below can help you narrow it down:

• Fact Vs Fiction About Working With A Real Estate Agent
• 7 Amazing Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent
• Should You Use the Same Agent to Sell and Buy a House?

The Language of Hamilton, Ontario Real Estate

Hamilton really is a unique market, a mid-sized city with a diverse population and a larger-than-life arts and entertainment scene (including monthly Art Crawls throughout the warmer months, not to mention the iconic Supercrawl on James Street in late summer). It takes a real estate agent who lives and works here to really understand the market and the lifestyle!

Hamilton dining is out of this world, and the scenery is more beautiful than you can imagine. We have incredible hiking trails, and we’re not known as the waterfall capital of the world for nothing – there are more than 100 throughout the city!

Hamilton real estate prices tend to be more reasonable than in cities like Toronto and even Burlington, while the long-term outlook is positive due to its strategic location and growing population. If you’re searching for a like-minded community, there is no doubt that you will find it in Hamilton, and a Realtor® who understands the area and speaks your language can lead the way.

With our inside knowledge of the local market, we can provide a better selection of inventory, precise neighbourhood targeting and greater negotiating power. If you’re excited for a new experience and a successful outcome, we can’t wait to help you.

Do you have questions about buying or selling in today’s market? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington are happy to guide you from start to finish. Reach out today with any questions you have, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.

When getting ready to sell a house, your mind is filled with thoughts of renovations and boxes. In the midst of planning your next steps, there’s one thing you can’t forget about, and that’s the business side of the transaction.

You’re likely aware that there are seller closing costs before your sale can officially proceed. Real estate commissions typically take centre stage as they are usually the highest fees associated with selling a house.

Legal costs can also be significant depending on the complexity of the transaction. In this post, we’ll explore the legalities of real estate in more detail.

An accurate, unbiased assessment is the foundation of your effective home-selling strategy. Start by booking your complimentary home evaluation with our experts.

Typical Lawyer Fees for Closing

It’s hard to pinpoint an exact dollar figure on what to expect when selling your house because every law firm sets its own prices. There is no set schedule in Ontario, and every transaction has its nuances.

If all goes well, and it usually does, you might be looking at approximately $1,000 to $2,000 in total. This fee covers the lawyer’s base rate plus any disbursements on your behalf. Since this is considered a service under Ontario’s tax code, add another 13% in HST to the final bill.

If complications arise, all bets are off. These could include unresolved liens against the property, a private mortgage, a tenant who doesn’t wish to leave or a spouse who doesn’t want to sell.

Any of these issues can certainly bog down the closing process. Complications also lead to higher legal fees, but fortunately, most transactions are relatively straightforward.

Home sellers in Ontario should always have an understanding of the legalities of a transaction. The posts below can help:

• What’s in Your Listing Agreement?
• What Does Sold Conditional Mean?
• Conditions & Clauses on a Real Estate Purchase

Do You Need a Lawyer to Sell Your House?

In Ontario, you must have a real estate lawyer to close the transaction. The reason is that the Land Registry Office uses the Teraview system, and only legal professionals have access.

Working with a skilled real estate lawyer can also make the difference between a home sale that goes off without a hitch and one that is non-stop headaches. For example, imagine there’s a lien on your property that you don’t know about. It can haunt you later when you’re trying to acquire a new mortgage or sell another property.

A lawyer with a sharp eye verifies a clean title that is essential to the seamless transfer of ownership. How do you spot a true professional? Clear, consistent communication is one sign to watch for.

In addition, modern real estate transactions are almost 100% digital. Needless to say, your lawyer should be up to speed with the latest technology. If in doubt, ask your real estate agent for a referral.

Selling your house successfully begins with preparation. The posts below can help you get results:

• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home
• How to Prepare Your Home for a First-Time Buyer
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results

Who Pays Lawyer Fees When Selling a House?

Both the buyer and the seller must have their own legal representation to close the transaction. To avoid conflict of interest and ensure a fair outcome, both parties should never use the same lawyer.

The buyer’s lawyer will protect their client by ensuring a clean title, reviewing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) and arranging for title insurance.

The seller’s lawyer will run a title search, prepare a statement of adjustments, close off your mortgage and handle anything that might interfere with the transfer of ownership. On closing day, they also take care of the most important part: making sure you get paid as agreed by your buyer.

Generally speaking, you will pay your lawyer and the buyer will pay theirs, unless otherwise stated in the APS. There can be some rare exceptions.

• If the market is slow, a seller can entice a buyer with “closing credits.” They don’t necessarily pay the buyer’s lawyer directly, but they might agree to a small concession on price to help cover the costs.
• In rare situations, the buyer might cover some of the seller’s legal fees to make their offer more appealing.

Most of the time, selling a house is a straightforward process. What if it’s not? You can find more in-depth guidance for anything you are facing in Challenges of Selling Your Home & How to Overcome Them.

Other Seller Closing Costs You Should Know

Some other closing costs sellers should be aware of include:

A mortgage discharge fee is a flat rate you pay just to have the lender’s name removed from your title. It can be a few hundred dollars.

Depending on the terms of your mortgage, penalties can add up substantially. Breaking a fixed-rate mortgage can be expensive, as the lender will recoup their lost revenue by charging either three months’ interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD), whichever is greater. The IRD can be steep, especially if interest rates have decreased since your contract began.

The penalty for breaking a variable-rate mortgage is typically capped at three months’ interest. One of the duties of your real estate lawyer is to check all calculations to ensure you don’t get overcharged by the bank. If you plan to buy another home, you may also be able to port your mortgage so you don’t have any penalties at all.

Setting aside at least 5% of the total selling price should allow you to comfortably cover your closing costs. This includes any agreed-upon real estate commissions, legal fees and other charges and incidentals.

Closing costs may seem high, but the best way to manage them is to make sure you prepare and price your home so that it earns the highest possible amount in the market. A successful cushion leaves room in your budget and allows you to comfortably move on to whatever comes next.

Do you want to talk strategy when selling your home in today’s market? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you get the results you need. Reach out today with any questions you have, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.

When getting ready to buy your first house, you’re probably going to want to know all the resources available to you. You’ll also encounter a lot of new terminology during your research. One of the top terms you might hear is “the FHSA.”

The acronym stands for “First Home Savings Account,” and it’s a relatively new incentive Canada has implemented to help aspiring homeowners get into the market. What does it mean, and can it really help you buy your first home?

Searching for houses for sale in Hamilton or Burlington? Start here by browsing a few of our featured listings.

How Does a FHSA Work?

You could think of a First Home Savings Account as a hybrid of an RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) and a TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account) to create a highly advantaged tax investment account, but with a twist. All funds go towards a single purpose: the purchase of your first home.

Is an FHSA Tax-Free?

For Canadians, there’s nearly always a catch whenever we describe any investment as “tax-free.” It may seem like you catch a break when you contribute to an RRSP, but then you pay on the way out. There are no taxes when you take money out of a TFSA, but that’s because you pay before you invest in the first place.

With the FHSA, it really is tax-free as long as you follow the rules and use all of the money for its intended purpose.

The funds on the way in are exempt, as are any dividends they earn while the account is active. When you make a qualifying withdrawal to purchase your home, the funds remain in the clear. Your contributions also help reduce your taxable income for the year.

Looking for more tips to get the best value from your first home purchase? The posts below can help:

• Our Ultimate Handbook for First-Time Buyers
• Buying a House in Ontario Is a Team Effort
• What to Look for in a Home Inspection

Staying Within the FHSA Contribution Limits

As a tax-sheltered investment vehicle, an FHSA can seem like a dream come true, but there are limits. You can contribute up to $8,000 per year to a $40,000 maximum.

If you exceed this amount, the excess funds will be subject to a penalty, but there is one loophole. If you invest less than $8,000 one year, you can add the extra contribution room to the next.

Opening a First Home Savings Account as early as possible allows you to fully capitalize on its growth potential. The more years before your purchase, the more time you have to take advantage of compound interest even if you do reach your lifetime maximum of $40,000. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have never purchased a home can open an FHSA anytime between the ages of 18 and 71.

Is someone you know and love about to buy their first home? Check out our Gift Guide for the First Time Buyer in Your Life.

Can I Have Multiple FHSA Accounts?

First-time home buyers are allowed to have as many FHSA accounts as they wish. However, it is not a way to add more contribution room.

The maximum for the year is $8,000 across all accounts, not per account. For example, if you invest $4,000 in one account, you’ll be limited to $4,000 total for all others so that you stay within the limit. The same principle applies to the lifetime cap of $40,000.

When Can I Withdraw From My FHSA?

FHSA withdrawal rules depend on whether you are making a qualifying purchase or an unqualified withdrawal. You can maintain the tax-free status if you meet Canada’s guidelines as a first-time buyer:

1. You have a written agreement to purchase a home.
2. You have not owned the home for more than 30 days before withdrawing from your account.
3. You must also plan to occupy that home as your primary residence within 12 months of taking ownership.

Once your purchase is complete, you have until December 31 of the year following your first qualifying withdrawal to close your account.  If you decide not to buy a house after all, you must close your account within 15 years after opening your first FHSA or by age 71, whichever comes first.

You can do this by making an unqualified withdrawal, which will be added to your taxable income for the year. Alternatively, you can defer taxes by transferring unused amounts into an RRSP or RRIF.

Can You Use FHSA and an RRSP Together?

This is where the FHSA really shines, when you combine it with other Canadian programs like the Home Buyer’s Plan, an incentive that has been around since 1992.

New guidelines allow you to withdraw up to $60,000 from a registered savings account without penalty as long as those funds go toward the purchase of a qualifying home. The difference with the Home Buyer’s Plan is you must repay those funds back to your RRSP within 15 years.

If you already have a healthy nest egg, the Home Buyer’s Plan allows you to use it to get into the market. If you have yet to begin your savings, an FHSA is a valuable tool.

First-Time Home Buyers Are Loving Hamilton! Find out why in the posts below:

• Hamilton Vs. Toronto: Which Ontario City Should You Choose?
• Is Hamilton a Good Place to Live?
• Must-Visit Hamilton Hiking Trails

Other Canadian Incentives

There is some excitement still over the FHSA even though it was originally introduced in 2023. That said, you have access to even more programs to make your first purchase more accessible.

Land Transfer Tax Rebate: In Ontario, home buyers must pay a percentage of the final selling price to cover provincial land transfer taxes. This is the most significant closing cost in most cases. As a first-time buyer, you can take advantage of a rebate of up to $4,000.

First Time Home Buyer Income Tax Credit: You are entitled to a $10,000 credit off of your income taxes in the year you purchase your first home. This reduces your tax burden by $1,500, which often results in a refund.

When buying your first home, almost nothing is more valuable than working with an experienced team of real estate agents. We will ensure you are aware of all possible advantages and resources available to you. Plus, you’ll get the best value when a skilled negotiator is working on your behalf.

Do you have questions about buying your first home in today’s market? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington are happy to guide you every step of the way. Contact us here to learn how we can help, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.

Winter in Hamilton doesn’t mean that you have to stay indoors. In fact, I think it is the perfect time to bundle up and get outside to see some of the best nature this area has to offer. My husband and I love to go hiking in Hamilton, especially in the winter. Winter means that the trails are quieter, and you can see some incredible views! Here’s some of my favourite trails in the Hamilton area that are very easy to access:

Should you consider buying your next home in Hamilton? Before you decide, here are 5 Things To Know About Hamilton Real Estate.

 1. Smokey Hollow Waterfall – Waterdown

As a kid, I grew up going to Smokey Hollow Waterfall with my parents. On the weekends, they would take out us three kids and try to do something active to get us out of the house. Now, I come here with my husband because it is one of my all-time favourites. The 11-kilometre trail is a great, moderately difficult section of the Bruce Trail. There are also some side trails and loops along the trail if you are looking for s shorter and faster option for a hike. I personally love that you walk beside a creek for most of this stretch. If the parking lot is full, I sneak up to Sealey Park and walk down.

 2. Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Of course, I have to mention the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, which is a 40-kilometre trail system that provides access to almost every part of the Dundas Valley. I love this one because there are so many options depending on what you’re in the mood for. It’s one that I use year-round: biking and running in summer, and cross-country skiing in winter. The trails in Dundas Valley are also some of the most gorgeous I have ever seen, so this one is definitely worth visiting!

 3. Chedoke Radial Recreational Trail

I visit the Chedoke Radial Trail more often than I would like to admit. It’s close to my house and has everything you could ever need. I especially love using the Chedoke Stairs and the Queen Street stairs for a great workout. No matter the season, it’s always the perfect spot for exercise and relaxation.

What else is there to experience and enjoy in Hamilton, Ontario? Find out in the related reading below:

• Is Hamilton a Good Place to Live?
• Local’s Guide: The Top 5 Restaurants in Hamilton You NEED to Try
• Why Waterdown? Top Spots for Nature, Fitness, and the Best Coffee
  

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 4. Webster Falls

Webster Falls is the largest waterfall in the area… and one of the most popular. It is only a 600-metre walk from the parking lot to the falls, so if you’re looking to get some exercise in, I recommend hiking from Christie Lake to Webster Falls. It’s about 40 minutes and is super easy to navigate. All you have to do is follow the signs that indicate the Spencer Adventure Route.

What are your favourite hikes in the Hamilton area?

Planning to buy or sell a house in Hamilton or the surrounding areas? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you get the results you need. Reach out today with any questions you have, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.

Selling a house can seem simple in theory. In practice, the process gets complex, especially in today’s fast-moving market. There can be life circumstances that complicate the transaction. Alternatively, a legal issue might arise.

Whatever the reason, it’s discouraging when a house sits on the market without getting the results you want. Fortunately, as long-time real estate experts in Hamilton, Burlington and the surrounding areas, there isn’t much we haven’t successfully overcome.

In this post, we’ll show you some of the ways you can deal with very specific obstacles so you can look forward to a successful sale and a streamlined transition.

An accurate, unbiased assessment is the foundation of your effective home-selling strategy. Start by booking your complimentary home evaluation with our experts.

Table of Contents

1. Finding a Private Buyer
2. Issues With the Title
3. Selling a House in the Midst of Divorce
4. I’ve Inherited a House: Now What?
5. My Property Has a Tenant. Can I Still Sell It?
6. Selling a House With a Stigma

Finding a Private Buyer

A home sale isn’t like any other commodity. Finding a buyer who can and will purchase your house almost always requires comprehensive marketing and assertive networking. However, as with any rule, there can be exceptions.

What happens if you already know someone who wants to buy your house? Maybe a friend or a family member has long admired your property and asked to be the first to know if you ever thought about selling.

At first glance, it’s the perfect situation, and you can’t believe your luck. It might seem as though you can save yourself a lot of time, trouble and expense in getting your house ready. Maybe you don’t have to go on a crazy cleaning spree or make those cumbersome repairs after all!

Before you breathe that much-desired sigh of relief, there are a few things to consider.

• Will you be leaving anything on the table if you choose not to officially list your home? Without exposure, you really have no way of knowing how much interest your listing would generate from other buyers.
• Perhaps even the buyer you’ve lined up might be willing to pay more if you took the time to prepare and stage your home in its best light.
• Have you covered all of your bases legally? A slight misunderstanding over disclosure obligations, advertising claims, drafting the contract or the closing process could cause disruptions if you’re not careful. Even using images from a professional photographer you hired years ago could cause problems if permission to use them has expired.

Even if you find a buyer yourself, you might still need a real estate agent to protect you and streamline your closing process. For more information about private or FSBO (For Sale By Owner) transactions, read the posts below:

• What if I Find a Private Buyer for My Home?
• FSBO vs Real Estate Agent Assisted Sales: What’s Better?
• Selling A House To A Family Member In Canada

Issues With the Title

Some selling problems are easy to spot, like a house that hasn’t been updated since the 1980s or clear signs of a leaking basement. Others are a little harder to notice, but might turn up on a pre-listing inspection, like electrical or plumbing issues.

On the other hand, title issues are completely invisible. Some will come to light during the closing process as the lawyer reviews the deed. However, you want to be aware of how your title is set up in the first place.

• Joint Tenants is the most common arrangement. There are no issues with the transfer of ownership as long as all owners agree to sell. Inheritance law is also more straightforward. If one owner passes away, ownership automatically transfers to the surviving partner.
• Tenants in Common can be a little more complicated. To start with, succession works differently. Instead, it must go through probate before transferring to the beneficiary named in the Will.

In addition, listing a house under Tenants in Common is less straightforward. You can sell your share at any point, without permission from the other parties. However, finding a buyer who is willing to purchase a partial interest can be difficult.

Married couples and families make up the bulk of real estate purchases, and they may not be inclined to make an offer – unless all parties agree to sell. You may need to concentrate your efforts on investors. Alternatively, one of the other owners might agree to buy you out.

Do you have questions about how your title impacts your decisions later on? Learn all you need to know in  Can You Sell Your House Under Tenants in Common?

Selling a House in the Midst of Divorce

Selling a house and moving on to something bigger, more convenient or in a more desirable neighbourhood is one of the happiest transitions anyone can hope for. Unfortunately, not every home sale is easy, particularly when going through a divorce.

The first thing to do is to try to keep the situation as amicable as possible. If that seems like a tall order, remember that the sooner you sell your home, the sooner you can begin the healing process. Cooperation now won’t just make your transition less stressful, but also potentially more profitable. What can you do?

• Start by connecting with a family lawyer to protect your interests. (As real estate agents, we can provide general information, but we can’t give legal advice. It is always best to consult a professional.)
• Decide whether or not one spouse will buy the other out. Often, this is the simplest option, and it creates the least amount of disruption for any children involved.
• Reach out to a real estate agent to streamline the selling process and help you get the best price and terms for the home. If the divorce is contentious, you may each want a separate Realtor®.
• Clean and declutter thoroughly. Removing every personal touch helps buyers imagine the space as theirs. This step is especially critical during a divorce when there may be signs of conflict in the home.
• Speed may be of the essence, but you’ll still want to perform any critical repairs and stage your home to impress potential buyers. When working with a full-service real estate team, we can handle most of these tasks on your behalf.

Do you want to know more about how real estate sales work during a divorce or separation? Start by reading the posts below:

• Who Gets the House in a Divorce in Canada?
• How to Sell Your Home After a Divorce
• How to Sell a House Fast

I’ve Inherited a House: Now What?

Receiving a house in a Will is an incredible and overwhelming gift, especially as real estate becomes more unaffordable to the next generation. However, it does leave you with some decisions to make.

Should you keep the property and remodel it to your needs? Or is it better to sell the home so you can keep your eye on something more suitable for your lifestyle?

• First things first, you will need to get through the probate process.
• Next, you’ll want to know the rules around taxes and capital gains. If you are currently not a homeowner and this will be your primary residence, you should be exempt. However, you may be subject to capital gains when selling a second property that has increased in value.

Preparing the home for the market is one of your most critical steps. Even relatively new properties can benefit from a few updates. If the home has been in the family for many years, it may need even more attention. A real estate agent can help you decide what upgrades are likely to pay off and which ones you can skip.

Do you want to know more about what to do with an inherited home? Read Selling an Inherited Home next.

My Property Has a Tenant. Can I Still Sell It?

As the homeowner, you’re entitled to sell your home whenever you wish. However, a tenant on the premises does complicate the process. You still need to respect all terms on the lease, as will the new owner once they take possession. In other words:

• You cannot evict the tenant just because you intend to sell the property.
• The tenant does not have to make any repairs or stage the home.
• You can show the home between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. as long as you give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice.

Once the transaction changes hands, the new owner will need to wait until the lease expires before they can move in. Alternatively, they could submit an N12 form stating that they or an immediate family member needs the home for their own purposes. Even then, the tenant can appeal to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), which delays the process.

For the best results, communication is the key! A tenant who feels respected and listened to will be far more cooperative in helping you prepare and sell the home. You might even work out an arrangement to end the lease early by mutual agreement. This path uses the N11 form, sometimes known as “cash for keys.”

Do you want to know more about the steps to selling a tenanted property? Read Can You Sell a House When You Have Tenants next.

No matter what might be standing in your way, there is always an answer. Sometimes, you may need to adjust your expectations. Or you may need to level up your strategy. You’ll get even more valuable home-selling tips in the posts below:

• Selling a House with Pets
• Expert Tips for Selling a Home in Winter
• Why Did My Neighbour’s House Sell but Mine Didn’t?

Selling a House With a Stigma

A house could be beautiful, in perfect condition and priced to sell quickly and still sit on the market for weeks or even months on end. What went wrong? For some reason, there’s something about your house that makes buyers hesitate.

• Maybe it’s supposedly haunted.
• Perhaps a heinous crime once took place on the premises.
• There may be nothing wrong with the home, but it has sat on the market too long, and now buyers are starting to wonder. (Note: This is why you must have an accurate and compelling price point right out of the gate.)

Whatever the reason, buyers like the house itself, just not the baggage that comes with it. What can you do?

You might be tempted to try to hide the stigma and hope the buyer doesn’t find out. This technique can backfire, however. Honesty is almost always the best policy, especially when it comes to real estate disclosures.

When selling a house with a stigma, extensive marketing is often the answer. Some people will not buy the house no matter what. Others will be less inclined to worry about the stories, especially if the price and presentation are on point. Still others might be intrigued and want to buy the house because of the stigma, not just in spite of it! If we can reach the right audience, your stigmatized house is as good as sold!

Do you want more details on how to deal with stigma in real estate? Check out Can You Successfully Sell a House With a Stigma?

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Are you looking for answers to your unique situation? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you overcome nearly any home-selling challenge. Reach out today with any questions you have, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.