Most people move up and down on the property ladder at least a few times throughout their lives. The journey begins with that first exciting purchase and moving into a brand new house of your own.

As your family grew, space in the home was at a premium. Eventually, you decide to sell in favour of moving up to something more spacious. As the children grow and leave the nest, you may no longer need all of that space.

If retirement is around the corner and the cost of living becomes a concern, the idea of downsizing might start to seem more appealing. The trick is to approach the transaction with a little preparation, a plan and realistic expectations. In this post, we’ll talk about a few of the reasons to consider downsizing so you can enjoy a transaction that is as seamless and joyful as possible.

The right real estate team is essential when you’re counting on results. Learn all about the Woolcott Advantage right here.

Why Downsize Now?

If you are considering downsizing, it’s important to first evaluate the reasons why. Everyone has a personal reason for deciding to move. Some are downsizing by choice, while others may be facing extenuating circumstances. Divorce, death, illness or the call to drop everything and travel the world could be the driving force behind the change.

Retirement, preference or an empty nest are the primary motivators to consider a smaller home. The timing comes down to your individual goals and needs. Whatever your reason, it’s important to do everything you can to ensure a successful sale of your family home.

Are you downsizing or helping someone else? The resources below can guide you through the process:

• Should You Sell Your Home and Become a Snowbird?
• Selling a Home for Someone Else? Here’s What You Need to Know
• What Resources Are Available When Selling a Family Member’s House?

Elevating Your Retirement Lifestyle

No one wants to spend their later years struggling to make ends meet. You’ve worked hard to provide a high-quality life for those you love, and now it’s your turn. If retirement is on the horizon, selling your existing home allows you to free up some equity to fund your future plans.

In fact, any real estate you own can be considered a part of your portfolio, such as a rental property or vacation condo. Whether you decide to sell all, some or none of it, you want to be sure to know the numbers and how much you will need for a comfortable retirement.

Remember that you will also have real estate fees, moving costs, land transfer taxes and legal fees, all of which can cut into any profit from the sale of your home. This is why you need a skilled and knowledgeable agent who can help you maximize the full value of your sale.

Cleaning, decluttering and staging all play a part, as does understanding the local market and what buyers are looking for right now. The higher the price your home commands, the more funds you will have at your disposal once your working days are behind you.

Do you want more tips on selling your home at top dollar? The posts below will give you some ideas:

• Our Full-Service Real Estate Team’s Guide to Marketing Your Home
• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results

Less Space, Less Work

A key indicator that it might be time to downsize is you find that your large home causes more frustration than joy. If the thrill of that huge garden has lost its shine, or you balk at the costs of heating and cooling, the time may be close at hand.

Other signs include having empty rooms in your house or spaces that only seem to exist to gather clutter. If you are no longer interested or able to care for your larger property, a smaller home may be in order.

It may surprise you that it isn’t just older people who are downsizing. More and more, homeowners in their late forties and fifties are opting for the carefree lifestyle a condo or townhouse provides.

Just imagine – a garbage shoot where you no longer have to drag your bins to the curb by a specified time. No cutting the grass in the summer or shovelling in the winter might be just what the doctor ordered. If the kids are gone, it’s a good time to reassess what you want most in life.

In many of these cases, it isn’t just about saving money, but also time. You’re no longer tied to a large family home, which means you can move forward with any travel plans you may have. There’s no need to ask a neighbour or family member to check in on the place; you can just pack up and go when the spirit moves you.

How can you choose the right agent when selling your house to downsize? The posts below will help you know what to look for:

• Should You Use the Same Agent to Sell and Buy a House?
• Fact Vs Fiction About Working With A Real Estate Agent
• FSBO vs Real Estate Agent Assisted Sales: What’s Better?

Expanding Your Possibilities

Downsizing to a smaller space can be as much about the change in scenery as it is about the cost. Just remember that smaller isn’t always cheaper. Real estate values can vary greatly depending on your location.

For example, selling a house in Burlington can yield an excellent return, especially if you originally bought when property values were low. However, your proceeds are not likely to cover a beachfront condo on the West Coast. On the other hand, selling a house in the GTA and moving to a less expensive city or town can leave you with funds to spare. Whatever your plans are, it’s critical to be realistic.

Downsizing, no matter what the reason, can be both scary and exciting. Focusing on factors you can control is one way to ensure a positive experience. With a little research, you can find an experienced real estate team to guide you through the process of selling your existing home and deciding your next steps.

A plan and an expert by your side will eliminate some of the guesswork from your move. When the time is right, downsizing can be a new beginning that you approach with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Do you want to talk more about strategy when selling your home? Our top agents in Burlington and Hamilton are happy to help you get the results you’re looking for. Connect with us today right here or call 905-332-9223 to take the next step.

Are you considering selling your home and moving on? If so, you should be aware of some of the obstacles your potential buyers may be facing as they navigate today’s hectic and fast-changing market. In this post, we’ll address a few aspects of real estate that have changed over the last few years.

No matter what the market is doing, an accurate assessment of the value of your home is essential. Book your free home evaluation right here.

Stress Tests Are More Stringent

Even if interest rates are going down, it doesn’t necessarily make it easy for buyers to pass the dreaded stress test when applying for a mortgage. The stress test applies to insured mortgages – including those with more than 20 percent as a down payment. Financial institutions don’t qualify loans at the existing rate; they cushion it by a couple of percentage points to ensure the buyer can still afford their mortgage if rates increase.

How does this affect you as the seller? The stress test has an immediate impact because it affects how much a potential buyer will be able to qualify for. They, in turn, will be seeking to get the best value that they possibly can. It doesn’t mean that the right person won’t pay a fair value for your house. It does mean you may have to take extra care in preparing your home so that buyers can see themselves living there.

Your pricing is also a critical component of the sale. It always has been, but it is even more important when buyers are cautious. Again, it doesn’t mean undervaluing your property. It may seem counterintuitive, but a compelling price point could attract more attention and actually lead to a higher sale price in the end.

The stress test might also affect your next steps, especially if you plan to buy a new home after your transaction closes. Earning the highest possible price now could mean you need to borrow less, which minimizes the impact of the stress test on your purchase.

Are you selling a home to buy a new one? The resources below can help guide you along:

• Should I Buy or Sell First?
• What’s in Your Listing Agreement?
• Should You Sell Your House or Rent It?

Why Have a Stress Test?

Although the stress test may sound like bad news to both buyers and sellers, this rule is actually meant to stabilize the real estate market and avoid a crash in the future. After all, no one wants a repeat of 2008! Testing a buyer’s proposed borrowing against an elevated interest rate will help homeowners avoid overwhelming payments that they can’t afford.

Canadians already have a high amount of debt, and this safeguard will help ensure that borrowers are taking on a risk that they will be able to manage – even if mortgage rates increase.

Other Changes to Canada’s Housing Rules

In addition to the stress test, there are other new implementations for the mortgage industry. Years ago, the federal government eliminated 30-year amortization periods for high-ratio mortgages (loans where the buyer places a down payment of less than 20%). Again, the intent was to stabilize the market and prevent Canadians from being too overloaded with debt.

Since then, houses have become more unaffordable for first-time buyers. Beginning in 2024, 30-year mortgages are back even for buyers with lower down payments – with a few caveats.

• The buyer cannot have purchased a home before.
• The buyer must purchase a newly constructed property.

Longer mortgage terms come with numerous advantages and disadvantages for the buyer. Unfortunately, this rule doesn’t help you much when selling a resale property; it can be challenging to compete with new construction, especially in a softer market that favours buyers.

That said, newly-built homes aren’t for everyone. They can be more expensive than resale homes, which could negate any benefit from a lower payment with a longer mortgage. In addition, some people prefer an established neighbourhood and an existing house with character. The trick is to promote your listing in a way that attracts the most likely buyers.

Effective marketing and presentation are critical if you want to maximize your sale in today’s market. The posts below can help:

• Selling Your House in Hamilton? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results

Woolcott Real Estate Is Here to Help!

Anything that makes buying more challenging will also affect you as a seller. Just remember that you don’t have to navigate this new reality alone. Your best bet when selling is to connect with a local real estate team who knows what people are looking for when buying a house today.

Do you want personalized guidance and support to get the best possible value when selling your house? We can help! Reach out to us right here or call 905-332-9223 to connect with an experienced real estate agent today.

No matter the reason, selling an elderly parent’s home can be a difficult and emotionally fraught decision. Their home is full of cherished memories, and leaving is one of the hardest things anyone will ever have to do. After making the decision, it’s time to start navigating a real estate market that has drastically changed over the last few years, which complicates the process even further.

Getting the house ready for a sale is one thing. Preparing your parents for this massive change in their lives is another story altogether. Sheryl Maciel, an agent with Woolcott Real Estate (and an Accredited Senior’s Agent), shares her top tips to make this process as easy as possible for all involved!

Looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable Realtor®? Learn more about the entire Woolcott Real EstateTeam right here.

Patience Is Key

When someone chooses to move out of their family home when they’re older, it is usually a very emotional time for them. The longer they have lived there, the more bittersweet the prospect becomes. However, it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. One of the keys for a seamless and happy transition is to look forward to the next step instead of dreading it.

For an elderly family member, the idea of giving up mobility, independence and all of the memories that they have in this home can be a major obstacle. Your first step is to get your parents to look to the future, not to the past. Remind them of how much more time they’ll have to enjoy their families instead of caring for a family home. There may even be funds left over from the sale to take that dream vacation they’ve always wanted.

A great deal of care and patience will help your parents with their downsizing experience. Whenever possible, give them the time they need to decide on their next move. If they need to look at old photos and reminisce, allowing them to do so in their own time will make the process easier for all. Discussing the various options for their next home is also key.

Selling a house on someone else’s behalf is one of life’s toughest challenges. The resources below will help you get through it:

• How Do You Sell the House of Your Loved One?
• What Resources Are Available When Selling a Family Member’s House?
• Preparing to Sell Your Parent’s Home

Work With An Experienced Real Estate Agent

Unless you have extensive real estate knowledge and are out there in the market, selling a house can be stressful. For older parents who have owned their home for a long time, the new landscape can seem even more intimidating. Nothing eases this stress like having an experienced professional to take you by the hand and walk you through each stage in the process. Someone there to answer your questions and concerns is invaluable.

Even better, look for an expert who is an Accredited Seniors Agent. These professionals have specialized training to make downsizing as easy and stress-free on seniors as possible. Selling an existing home and buying a new one can be such a sensitive time for everyone in the family. A caring Realtor® steps in as an unbiased third party to help you make logical decisions and to provide the resources and support needed for a streamlined transition.

How do you find the right real estate agent to help you when the time comes? The posts below will give you some insight:

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

Pricing The Home To Sell

Not knowing how much a house is worth can be one of the biggest deterrents to your parents pulling the trigger and deciding to sell. Current real estate values can seem outrageous to your parents, who likely paid far less when they originally bought the home years ago. You don’t want them to shortchange themselves. At the same time, it’s hard for them to put a monetary value on the place that they have loved.

Once again, an experienced real estate agent can help. They will sit down and share comparable sales to help determine what the home should be listed for. They’ll make sure your parents base their decision on logic and current statistics. Once you have an idea of how much the house is likely to earn in the current market, you can look to future plans that are affordable.

If you want to earn the maximum value from the sale of your parent’s house, few things matter more than accurate pricing. For more information, read What’s Your House Really Worth next.

Prepping For Sale

With all of this background research behind you, it’s time to actually get the home ready for the market. Many visual deficiencies in the home can easily be fixed, which will make the listing more appealing to potential buyers.
This can include some painting, steam cleaning carpets and giving the home a very deep clean.

Disruptive renovations are likely not necessary, so there’s one less thing for you and your parents to worry about. Instead, you can focus on decluttering and removing personal effects, such as family photos and souvenirs. This can be an emotional step, but it’s imperative so potential buyers can visualize themselves in the space. Finally, work with a team that incorporates staging into their process as it will help modernize the home and get it photo ready.

If you don’t have time or energy to spare, the resources below will help you keep it simple without sacrificing results:

• Do I Really Have to Update My Home Before Selling It?
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home

Going Live With Marketing

Your agent will handle the details of putting the home on the ML ® and marketing the listing to potential buyers. During this time, your parents will need to keep the home show-ready, which can be emotional and exhausting for seniors.

Your real estate agent can have a chat with you and your parents to discuss the various options to deal with this disruption in their routine. For example, perhaps they can stay with a relative while their home is on the market.

Alternatively, a friend or family member might take them out for a coffee so they can relax and socialize during appointments. No matter what, our goal is to make the selling process as easy as possible at every step.

Do you want more information on helping your parents or an elderly family member get their home ready for sale? You can reach our team right here or call 905 332 9223 to talk to one of our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington today.

Thinking about moving to Hamilton? You’re not alone! We get asked this all the time, especially from people considering the jump from Toronto.

Funny enough, I asked myself the same question when I was debating my move back in April 2023.

I grew up in the Hamilton/Waterdown area, but I had spent the last decade in Toronto—living in places like Kensington Market, Cityplace and Roncesvalles. I was a city girl through and through.

So when I bought my 3-bedroom house in Strathcona for way less than what I sold my Toronto condo for, I started to panic. Why? Because I had fully embraced the Torontonian lifestyle. I was all about the downtown restaurant scene, knew every hidden wine bar, and my gym had every fancy amenity you could think of (cold plunge? check. spin classes? check. in-gym restaurant? check.). Plus, I could walk or bike pretty much everywhere.

How on earth was Hamilton going to compete with that? Was I going to be bored out of my mind?

Curious about Hamilton? Learn even more in our community guide right here.

Fast forward a year, and I can honestly say I’m glad I made the move. Hamilton has something special—a pulse and character that I didn’t even realize I was missing in Toronto.

Sure, there are times I miss the convenience of having everything within walking distance. But being closer to nature, enjoying a lower cost of living, and still having amazing restaurants to try has made a huge difference. Plus, I’m just a 42-minute drive from my old Roncesvalles neighbourhood, so it’s not like I’m that far removed from my city roots.

The Pros and Cons of Moving to Hamilton

Pros:

1. Food Scene Hamilton’s food scene is on fire. Seriously. You’ve got everything from cozy cafés to farm-to-table dining popping up everywhere. My go-to spots are Le Tambour Tavern on James Street North, Rosales Diner on Dundurn Street South, and Undefined on King William. There’s always something new to try, and the quality is top-notch.
2. Access to Nature As someone who loves the outdoors, I used to think High Park and the Waterfront Trail were the ultimate escapes. But in Hamilton, you’ve got nature in your backyard. This city is literally called the “City of Waterfalls” for a reason—there are over 100 waterfalls right here! Plus, the Bruce Trail runs through the city, and you’ve got easy access to the Escarpment and some beautiful conservation areas for hiking and biking.
3. Affordability Hands down, one of the biggest reasons people are flocking to Hamilton is the affordability. Take it from me – you can get way more bang for your buck here than in Toronto. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking to upsize, Hamilton’s housing prices are far more reasonable, and you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing your lifestyle.
4. Arts + Culture Hamilton has a thriving arts scene. Vibrant street art, murals, and galleries are everywhere. The annual Supercrawl in September is a must-do. It takes over James Street North, turning the entire area into a festival of live music, art, and food. Plus, we’ve got venues like the FirstOntario Centre bringing in big-name acts and shows. It’s a pretty creative, energetic place to live.
5. Varied Neighbourhoods One of the coolest things about Hamilton is how different its neighbourhoods are. Sure, people think “downtown” or “the Mountain,” but there’s so much more. Places like Dundas, Waterdown, and Ancaster have a more suburban vibe, while areas like Flamborough and Binbrook offer that rural charm. There’s really something for everyone, depending on what kind of lifestyle you’re after.

Thinking of buying your first home in Hamilton or know someone who is? The posts below can help:

• Our Ultimate Handbook for First-Time Buyers
• A Gift Guide for the First Time Buyer in Your Life
• 7 Amazing Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent

Cons of Hamilton Life:

1. You’ll Want to Have a Car Yes, there’s public transit (HSR), and you’ve got access to GO trains. Plus, there are some decent bike paths. But let’s be real—Hamilton is still very much a car city. Owning a car will make things a lot easier, especially if you’re commuting or need to get around beyond the city core.
2. Quieter Pace Hamilton is definitely quieter than Toronto. It took me some time to adjust to the slower pace, especially after being so used to Toronto’s constant buzz. That said, it’s not a ghost town—there’s still plenty happening here with restaurants, events, and arts. But if you crave the hustle and bustle of Toronto 24/7, it’s something you might miss.
3. Traffic and Infrastructure While traffic isn’t as bad as Toronto, Hamilton has its moments. Rush hour, or if there’s an accident on the Skyway or the Linc, can be a headache. Also, some areas of the city still feel a bit dated when it comes to road infrastructure, so navigating the city can feel like a work in progress.
4. Limited Job Market for Some Sectors Hamilton has a lot of opportunities if you’re in healthcare, education, or tech. But if you work in fields like finance, advertising, or high-end professional services, you might find fewer job prospects here. A lot of people still commute to Toronto because the job market isn’t as wide-ranging in certain industries.

Planning to sell your home and move on to your next great adventure? The posts below will help you make the most of it:

• What Everyone Needs to Know About Selling Their First Home
• A Back to Basics Guide to Maximizing Your Sale
• Should You Sell Your Home and Become a Snowbird?

The Verdict

So, is Hamilton a good place to live? Honestly, it depends on what you’re after. If you love being close to nature, want more affordable housing, and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with a vibrant food and arts scene, Hamilton might just be perfect for you. Plus, you’re still close enough to Toronto if you ever need your big-city fix.

For me, Hamilton isn’t just a place I moved to—it’s a place I’m happy to call home.

Do you have questions about buying a home in Hamilton or the surrounding areas? One of our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can guide you through each step. Reach out to us right here or call (905) 332-9223 to connect to an agent today.

When you’re selling your home, one of the first major decisions you’ll have to make what your initial list price will be. The truth is, there’s a lot more to it than most sellers believe. Set your price too high, and you may not get any offers. Too low, and you may not receive full value for it (in fact, some buyers may even believe there’s something wrong with your property and move on).

Contrary to what many homeowners believe, you can’t base your selling price on what you paid when you purchased the home. The good news is that it’s unlikely that your home has decreased in value, especially if you owned it for several years.

It’s not unreasonable to expect a positive return when selling, but it all depends on the current market.
Extensive background research is a must, and a finely-tuned instinct about local real estate will also help. These are just a few reasons why working with an agent who knows the ins and outs of pricing is crucial.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, here’s what you need to know about setting the perfect price.

Curious about what your home might be worth in today’s market? Book a free evaluation right here.

A Realistic Home Price Can Earn You More

If you want to earn the highest possible amount from your home, setting a higher price might seem to make more sense. A little wiggle room at the top means you can negotiate with buyers and still come out ahead. However, this advice is badly out-of-date. Many experts would argue it was never valid in the first place.

That’s why our team members at Woolcott Real Estate go deep when it comes to uncovering the right price for your listing. Using the latest information and analyzing the market trends allows us to pinpoint a value that generates a high level of excitement to attract as many potential buyers as possible. This is what happens when we find the perfect sweet spot, neither too high nor too low.

Pricing is one of the most critical factors in whether your home sells or for how much. You’ll find even more helpful resources in the posts below:

• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• Why Did My Neighbour’s House Sell but Mine Didn’t?
• What’s Your House Really Worth?

Understanding the Real Estate Market

Setting a high price doesn’t help if you can’t find a buyer who will pay what you are asking. The local market will have a massive impact on the amount that makes sense for your home. Let’s start with how much demand is out there right now for a house like yours —and how does it stack up against supply?

• When demand is sky high, that will be reflected in your price. If inventory levels are also low, buyers will naturally expect to pay more.
• If buyers are scarce, you may have to consider a lower starting price to get people interested in your home. This goes double if inventory levels are high.

No matter how you look at it, ongoing market trends are bound to play a role in what buyers will pay for your property. It’s not about how much you feel like your house should be worth. It’s about its value in the eyes of buyers who are seriously considering a purchase.

Timing can also matter. For example, spring is typically the most active season for Hamilton and Burlington real estate. Buyers who flood the market at this (usually competitive) time of year may be willing to pay a little more for their dream home. That said, seasonality has taken a back seat to market conditions in recent years. With a well-thought-out strategy, anytime can be a great time to sell.

Lastly, economic factors can have a significant impact on home prices. Interest rates—especially those that apply to mortgages—affect the number of buyers who can afford to purchase. This is something else you must factor in when deciding on your price.

If your price is on point, the next step is to execute a solid marketing strategy. You can learn all about our process in Our Full-Service Real Estate Team’s Guide to Marketing Your Home.

Your Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)

The only way to accurately price a home is to form a clear picture of what buyers are willing to pay for it. To uncover this information, your real estate agent will look at recent market activity in your neighbourhood—and pull together a comparable market analysis (CMA).

This crucial document will look at recent sold prices for local homes that are very similar to yours. Location—including schools, amenities, and overall desirability—is one of the most critical factors. When it comes to the property in question, everything from square footage and number of bed and bathrooms to overall age, condition, and layout is going to be relevant. If your property has any highly-unique or unusual features, your agent will look at those too!

Let’s imagine your CMA turns up a number that leaves you less than thrilled. Is there anything you can do? The good news is that some updates or upgrades can impact the value of your home, so be sure to hold on to those records and receipts. The key is to know what will offer the best return for the least investment and focus on what matters most. Even then, it’s important to remain realistic about current market conditions.

Showcasing your home in its best light can help you earn more from your sale. The posts below will give you some ideas:

Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home

The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home

Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results

A Customized Strategy for You

Finding useful comparables is both an art and a science. Only an experienced local agent can examine all the relevant factors, find truly similar properties, and make informed recommendations based on what they find. Having said that, the sum you settle on is ultimately up to you.

That’s why a true professional will also factor in your goals and preferences. For example, if you’re adamant about trying to get multiple offers (and it makes sense given current conditions), your agent might suggest pricing on the lower end of your potential range. This step can drum up competing bids in a hot market.

While many sellers have ideas about what their home is worth, they’re often based on anecdotes that you should take with a grain of salt. Fortunately, a skilled local agent can help you strike just the right balance—and achieve your selling goals!

Interested in learning more about the selling process? Our Hamilton and Burlington real estate agents are happy to answer all of your questions. Contact us here or call 905-332-9223 to connect with an expert today.

You have no shortage of options when searching for a real estate agent to help you sell your home. Everywhere you look, there’s a billboard with some of the top names in the industry smiling down at you. The question is, how do you narrow it down? Expert representation often means the difference between lacklustre results (or even no sale at all) and earning top dollar in minimum time.

With so much at stake, this is one decision that you want to get right. The first step is to determine what criteria matters most to you. One of the most significant questions is whether the agent you’re considering is local. Do they regularly work in the area where you live (if you’re selling) or the community where you’re hoping to buy? Though any licensed agent can help you from anywhere, a local expert is likely to get you the best results.

Here are a few reasons why you should work with a local real estate agent.

They Know the Area Intimately

As a seller, a professional who knows your community will be well-positioned to prepare and market your property for your target demographic. They know the community inside and out, such as where the best parks are and the catchment areas of all the top schools. There’s just something more personal about working with an agent who can recommend a great cafe or restaurant nearby.

Local agents also know the buyers and what they are looking for. They can answer every question about the community with confidence, which helps to make your home and neighbourhood even more attractive.

Need more advice on how to maximize your sale in any market? 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
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results

They Understand Pricing at a Deeper Level

Pricing a house seems simple in theory. In practice, it’s a completely different story. And almost nothing matters more when it comes to a fast sale at the highest amount. A little too high, and many people won’t consider your listing seriously, which reduces your ability to capitalize on early excitement about your home. Too low, and you are likely to sell for less than you should.

While anyone can look up the latest data on the real estate board website, it takes a true local to fully understand what those numbers mean to the buyers actively searching. An agent with a thorough understanding of the local market will be able to pull together an incredibly thorough comparative market analysis (CMA). Knowing the ins and outs of local home prices will work to your advantage during negotiations.

Setting a compelling price begins with knowing the current market. Learn more in What’s Your House Really Worth?

They Know What Buyers Want

When an agent prepares your home for the market, they consider your “most likely buyer.” They create a very real, life-like profile of this person and get to know what they want and what they prefer to avoid.

From pricing to staging to marketing and beyond, a strategic plan will be based in part on local knowledge. Of course, a true professional will also understand potential buyers coming from outside the area, like from Toronto and the GTA.

Knowing the buyer’s mindset is essential when selling your house. Learn more in Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers.

They Have Local Connections

Imagine this. Shortly after you’ve listed your home, a pipe breaks. You don’t have a reliable go-to professional. You can’t just pretend you don’t notice since you legally must disclose this flaw to buyers. Without a well-connected real estate agent in the vicinity, you may start to panic.

The good news is, a local agent with a strong network can refer you to a trusted contractor who can make the repair. And just like that – your home is show-worthy again!

The same is true if you need top-notch local cleaning, staging, landscaping services or a really good real estate lawyer. No matter what, your agent should be the first person you ask. After years of living and working in a community, a respected real estate agent has many opportunities to build strong professional networks—which is good for their clients.

Need to troubleshoot your home sale? The posts below will help you overcome almost any obstacle:

• Why Am I Not Getting Offers on My Home?
• The Deal Fell Through. What Happens Now?
• Why Did My Neighbour’s House Sell but Mine Didn’t?

They’re Available

Few things are more frustrating than not being able to get a hold or your agent when you have an urgent question. As a seller, you want someone you trust and who will be there for you when it matters most. Any professional who offers a high level of service doesn’t make their clients wait long. They’ll jump at the chance to call or even meet up with you in person to keep you in the loop.

Working with a local agent may not seem crucial, but it could actually make the difference between receiving top-tier service and…not. It’s best to keep that in mind when you’re choosing a professional to work with!

Ready to start your buying or selling journey with a local agent? Get in touch right here or call our offices at 905-332-9223 to find out if we’ll be a good match!