Do you want to give your home the best possible chance to sell, even during less-than-ideal market conditions? Many real estate agents will suggest a pre-listing inspection to show you where the top areas are for improvement. We suggest taking matters into your own hands even before getting to that point.

Many sellers are unsure where to start when preparing for a sale. This is why we compiled this informative and comprehensive guide and checklist. Reviewing most—or all—of these items will help you sell quickly and for the right price.

Curb Appeal

Tending to the yard is often a secondary concern for sellers who are busy thinking about what colour paint they should pick. However, your outside curb appeal is essential to create a memorable first impression on potential buyers.

While you probably don’t have to invest in extensive landscaping, you’ll want to take steps to present a clean and well-maintained exterior. Mowing the lawn and pulling the weeds are an excellent start. The steps below will go even further and help make your buyers feel at home:

• Power wash the driveway, walkways and siding.
• Fill any driveway cracks.
• Repaint or stain the patio.
• Clean windows and wells.
• Ensure outdoor lights are working.
• Test the doorbell.
• Clean pool or spa, if applicable.
• Add solar lights to the driveway and garden.
• Plant some colourful flowers.
• Trim trees and bushes.
• Clean and paint the front door.
• Keep the driveway, walkways and sidewalks clear of snow.
• Install a new door handle.
• Add new house numbers.
• Remove any unwanted debris.

Looking for even more ideas to dazzle every potential buyer who comes through your door? The posts below can help:

• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• A Back to Basics Guide to Maximizing Your Sale

Living Room and Front Entrance

You’ll want the magic to continue as your buyer makes their way through the front door. Your entranceway and living room don’t necessarily need to be fancy or adorned with designer furniture and trim. However, they should be clean and inviting, and above all, clutter-free to create an impression of spaciousness.

• Hang coats and arrange footwear neatly.
• If there is a closet, keep it neat. Buyers are highly interested in storage space!
• Keep furniture to a minimum.
• Clear off coffee and end tables.
• Remove any ashtrays.
• Organize TV and game remotes.
• Display decorative throw blankets or pillows.
• Replace personal photos and knick-knacks with attractive-yet-impersonal artwork.

Kitchen

The bathroom and kitchen are typically the rooms buyers will scrutinize the most. As far as the kitchen goes, people want to see themselves delighting their inner chefs and preparing meals for friends and family. Even those who prefer not to cook still like to imagine laughing over conversation or enjoying a game night.

If you want to make the most of your sale, it pays to spend a little time, effort and maybe even money sprucing up the areas buyers value most.

• Perform a deep clean of the refrigerator and stove.
• Ensure all appliances are working.
• Wash all cabinet doors and organize interiors to create space.
• Remove magnets from the refrigerator.
• Take out trash and hide the trash can.
• If anything is visible through glass, be sure that the display is attractive.
• If there’s a separate dining room, it should also be clean and well-organized.
• Clear off the dining table.
• Use one nice centrepiece as a focal point.
• Clean any glass displays.

Helpful hint: Make sure the chandelier is at least 60″ from the floor. If it’s under the table, be sure that it is well-centred.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms aren’t just for washing up or getting ready for your day anymore. For many buyers, they are an oasis where you can relax and soak away stress.

Savvy sellers will do whatever they can to transform the bathroom into a spa-like retreat. Fortunately, this usually involves a few minor steps rather than a massive renovation.

• Clean thoroughly so the sink, toilet and bathtub sparkle.
• Wash the floors.
• Scrub away any soap residue.
• Re-caulk the shower, sink, tub and cabinetry.
• Replace worn shower mats and towels.
• Check that water is draining correctly.
• Ensure the toilet flushes.
• Check the exhaust fan.
• Hide garbage cans and cleaning supplies.
• Organize cabinets and drawers.

Storage Spaces

We’ve mentioned it before but it’s worth repeating; potential buyers love storage space. The more you have, the higher the perceived value of your home becomes.

As a seller, you can enhance this highly coveted space by keeping every closet, cabinet and drawer neat – and only half full. (Closets filled to the brim appear smaller than they are.) When a buyer sees that there is room for much more, these spaces seem even bigger and more valuable.

Each closet, drawer and cabinet deserves some special attention.

• Declutter and dispose of every unnecessary item.
• Wipe down the surfaces of all drawers and shelves.
• Organize any remaining items neatly.

Bedrooms

Though buyers may place a high value on the kitchen and bathroom, they will still want to see bedrooms that are cozy, clean and inviting. A few hours tidying up will go a long way.

• Declutter and create empty space in any closets.
• Tuck everyday necessities away.
• Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including ceiling fans.
• Organize nightstands and dressers, displaying only the bare minimum.
• Wash bedding and pillows, purchase new bedspreads if necessary.
• Clean the window, blinds and curtains
• Minimize the furniture for added spaciousness.

Garage

Most home buyers love a house with a garage. If this is a feature your home offers, be sure to show it off accordingly!

• Power wash the floors and surfaces.
• Remove any cobwebs.
• Organize strategically to create space.
• Add bins and shelves.
• Organize tools and equipment.
• Cover exposed wiring.
• Ensure the garage door is working.
• Test the lights.

Do you want to make sure nothing is left to chance when selling your home? The posts below will help you cover all the bases:

• Why Did My Neighbour’s House Sell but Mine Didn’t?
• Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers
• Do I Really Have to Update My Home Before Selling It?

Overall Interior Pre-Listing Checklist

Certain rooms will benefit from more attention when getting your home ready to sell. That said, there are guidelines that apply to the whole house. Paying attention to these finer details sets your listing apart from others in your area and can help you sell for more.

• Clean, wax or even refinish the floors.
• Shine all mirrors and windows.
• Clean fireplaces.
• Lightly oil any squeaking hinges.
• Remove excess or tired-looking furniture.
• Tighten up loose doorknobs.
• Repair holes and cracks in walls
• Repaint with neutral colours.
• Touch up ceilings.
• Wipe down all baseboards and trim.
• Organize the basement.
• Check and replace lightbulbs.
• Add lamps to any dark spaces.
• Dust all lights and ceiling fans.
• Replace personal photos with tasteful artwork.
• Have carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Clean all doors.

In Between Showings

Preparing your house for the market is only half the battle. Once everything is sparkling clean, you have to keep it that way, which presents another challenge. Getting into a daily habit of putting everything away when you’re finished with it will help.

The checklist below will help you touch up your already gleaming home just in time for a showing:

• Remove any dirty dishes from the table and counter.
• Put away shoes and outerwear.
• Have a welcome mat where buyers can take off their shoes.
• Tuck away pet food and supplies.
• Prune and nurture all house plants.
• Place fresh flowers on the table.
• If possible, open the windows to fill your home with fresh air.

Preparing your house for an outstanding sale might seem like a lot of work, but our real estate professionals can make the job much easier. Reach out to us today or call 905-332-9223 to learn more.

Nestled to the south of Burlington, the City of Hamilton is becoming one of the most highly sought-after areas for those relocating from the GTA. Relatively affordable housing prices and a thriving arts and entertainment scene are helping to drive this new trend. 

In addition, Hamilton’s location between the gorgeous Niagara Escarpment and the shores of Lake Ontario also provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the province. There’s no doubt that Hamilton has been underrated in the past, but it’s quickly becoming more popular as time goes on. In this post, we’ll detail what that means for you should you decide to sell your Hamilton home.

Hamilton Real Estate Values Are Rising

Hamilton has long been considered a less expensive alternative to Burlington, Oakville or Toronto. To this day, there is a significant difference between the average price of a house here versus anywhere in the GTA. However, increased demand and a growing reputation as a great place to live mean that gap is quickly narrowing. 

All of this is fantastic news if you’re a longtime homeowner in Hamilton. Your property has undoubtedly grown in value, which also increases your equity and purchasing power. That said, housing values elsewhere are also rising. You’ll need to make the absolute most of your sale to empower your next move.

Are you looking for more tips to streamline your sale? The posts below are a one-stop resource:

• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers
• Why Did My Neighbour’s House Sell but Mine Didn’t?

Mirroring the GTA

Real estate patterns in Hamilton largely match what happens in the GTA. If housing sales are sluggish in Toronto, Hamilton will more or less follow suit. If the GTA goes into a fast and furious seller’s market, houses here will also be in high demand.

The first step to a successful sale is determining what is happening in the market at large as well as in the smaller niche neighbourhoods where your home is located. Understanding current conditions will help you decide how far to go with any upgrades and where to set your initial listing price. The primary market conditions are as follows:

• A seller’s market: This means seller’s have the advantage because there are more buyers than available listings. It’s a great position to be in when you want to sell your home. 
• A buyer’s market: There are too many listings and not enough buyers, which can cause real estate values to drop temporarily. In addition, houses typically take longer to sell. All is not lost, however. Selling in these conditions may be frustrating, but you will soon re-enter the market as a buyer!
• A balanced market: Sellers and buyers are on relatively equal footing. As a seller, you likely have some competition in your neighbourhood, but there are also sufficient numbers of people looking for a new home. All in all, this is also a good position to be in. 

Preparing Your Home for the Market

Whether the market is balanced or leans in favour of buyers or sellers, one thing will never change. You always want your home to make an outstanding first impression. 

1. In a seller’s market, beautiful presentation can help you sell for top dollar
2. In a buyer’s market, meticulous preparation can mean the difference between selling at all or remaining on the market. 

Some homeowners like to go all out with extensive repairs and renovations before bringing their house to market. Others are completely overwhelmed by the idea. The ideal amount of preparation typically falls somewhere in between those two extremes. If you have maintained your home well throughout the years, you may not need to do as much to capture interest from buyers. 

Our advice will vary depending on the condition and age of the property, but there are some upgrades that always work to help your listing stand out.

• Start by cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home from top to bottom. If you do nothing else, a sparkling presentation will help you sell faster and often for more money.
• A little known tip is to highlight your storage space. Keeping closets clean and only half full will help to make them seem bigger and more spacious.
• Make a list of any minor repairs that will enhance the appearance of your home. At the very least, a coat of fresh paint can breathe new life into a room. New fixtures may also be in order, as well as filling in any nail holes on the walls.
• Clean up the yard to enhance the curb appeal of your home. More than ever, buyers place a high value on luxurious outdoor spaces. Adding cozy patio furniture and maybe even a gazebo will help trigger their imagination.

Strategic preparations will help you save time and money while maximizing the sale of your Hamilton home. Learn more in the posts below:

• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home

Competitive Pricing for the Market

When it comes to selling a house in Hamilton (or anywhere for that matter), almost nothing matters more than hitting the market with a competitive price point. You never want to devalue your home or earn less than its fair market value.

Many homeowners believe they can maximize their earnings by setting a high price and then negotiating with buyers. All too often, this strategy can backfire by causing buyers to quickly lose interest in your home.

The right price generates excitement and can actually help you increase your profit potential, especially if multiple buyers are interested. Determining an optimum value takes extensive research and analysis along with a healthy instinct that comes from years of experience in the local market. 

Your Hamilton real estate agent can help by assessing all of the positive attributes of your home and comparing them with those that have recently sold in your area. With the perfect balance of pricing and preparation, you can look forward to a successful sale in any market!

Do you want more local advice before listing your home? Our top Hamilton and Burlington real estate agents are happy to guide you through every step. Reach out to us here or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office today.

The passing of a loved one is always difficult. Feeling a little lost is normal as you wonder how the world will look without that person in your life. The healing process will begin in time.

However, if you have been named the executor of the will, you will have to manage your responsibilities while simultaneously contending with your grief. It can be challenging, but you owe it to your family to do your best.

Fortunately, this is not a task you ever have to undertake alone. In this post, we will help you navigate the real estate market even when dealing with a loss.

Connect With a Real Estate Team

Few things can alleviate your burden like having a compassionate expert to guide you through it all. Not only will you have up-to-date advice on getting the best results when selling the home, but you will also have a compassionate ear and someone to listen to you.

A successful real estate team that has worked in your area for several years will also come with a professional network of vetted experts, tradespeople and anyone else you may need along the way. Having one point of contact for everything will make for an easier transition.

The first step is to find a real estate agent you feel comfortable with and who has a track record of success. 

An estate sale is one of the most challenging tasks someone can ask of you, but you’ll find plenty of help in the posts below:

• What Resources Are Available When Selling a Family Member’s House?
• Do I Really Have to Update My Home Before Selling It?
• Can You Successfully Sell a House With a Stigma?

Understand the Legalities 

Needless to say, there are legalities involved when selling a house you don’t own. It’s more complicated than a standard transaction, and the intent of this post is not to provide legal advice. We recommend working with an experienced lawyer to ensure all of your i’s are dotted and your t’s are crossed.

However, understanding the big picture will help you proceed. Let’s start by reviewing the difference between a Power of Attorney and an executor.

1. You need Power of Attorney when a loved one asks you to sell a house on their behalf while they are still living.
2. To sell real estate after a loved one has passed away, you will need to be an executor.

Estate planning is never a conversation anyone enjoys. However, taking care of these legal details in advance will make things much easier for survivors who are also carrying the weight of grief.

The last thing you want to contend with is endless paperwork and phone calls while trying to figure out what to do next. Making arrangements ahead of time will go a long way towards streamlining the process so that everyone can move on and begin their healing process.

Will Capital Gains Apply?

Taxes are another unpopular topic, but you will need to deal with it as an executor. Most assets are subject to capital gains if they have increased in value. This includes jewellery, investments and real estate.

In June 2024, the amount of appreciation subject to capital gains increased from 50% to 67%. You will have to add any profit to your income or to that of the estate.

Capital gains can be complex, and even more so when dealing with an inheritance. This is one more reason to work with a lawyer and a financial advisor to ensure nothing is left to chance.

The good news is that primary residences are still exempt from capital gains. If you keep the home as a secondary property, capital gains could apply if you sell later and the value increases. 

Preparing an Estate Home 

Getting a house ready for sale can be an overwhelming prospect at the best of times. It can be even more difficult when you’re also weighed down by emotional complications. This is when you should really rely extensively on your support network. When everyone does their share, no arduous tasks fall on the shoulders of any one person.

Removing your loved one’s personal belongings takes time and can be very emotional, another burden best shared by friends and family. Together, you can take the time to carefully consider what items have value, either sentimental or monetary, and what can safely be disposed of.

If you decide to invest in home improvements before selling the home, the posts below will give you some great 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

Should You Renovate or Sell As-Is? 

As your real estate agent assesses the property, they will likely spot areas of improvement that could help you fetch a higher price. That said, you may be limited by time constraints, especially if you do not live in the area.

Whether to engage in these home improvements or sell as-is is an option you will have to weigh carefully. The good news is that modern technology makes it easier to manage these tasks even from afar. At the very least, minor repairs, such as painting and adding curb appeal, can add a surprising amount of value to the property.

Professional staging as a final touch will help make your home even more appealing to potential buyers, potentially resulting in a faster sale and a higher price. A local real estate agent can check in on the property regularly to ensure that it remains show-worthy.

Once the background work is complete, an estate sale will often proceed without a hitch. Now that the ball is rolling, a skilled real estate agent will work with buyers and negotiate on your behalf to ensure the maximum return.  

Have you been entrusted as an executor? Our caring Hamilton and Burlington real estate agents can support and guide you through every aspect of an estate sale. Reach out to us here or call 905-332-9223 to connect with us today. 

Selling your home can be an exciting and busy time. It’s easy to get caught up in the madness, but it’s essential that you don’t. During this time, you need to have everything prepared and ready to go. For the best results, you and your Realtor® should work together to create a comprehensive and strategic plan. Before you get too far into the process of selling your home, take a look at some of the most important things to remember first.

1. Repair and Replace

If you’ve been planning to sell for a while, chances are you’ve gradually made larger upgrades to the home. Still, nearly every listing will get better results with a little attention and a few improvements. You will be amazed at the difference even minor updates can make. 

When you want to sell your house quickly and at the best price possible, you’re going to have to make it shine. This is the time to perform those updates that have been placed on the backburner all these years. This includes painting, calling your plumber to fix those little leaks, repairing holes in walls, replacing house numbers, updating any outdated appliances, re-caulking or re-grouting tiles in the bathroom and kitchen and fixing any broken locks, doors, screens or any other minor upgrades that need to be done. 

Of course, each home is different. Significant upgrades like a kitchen remodel can often make it easier to sell a house, but will also take time and money. Your real estate agent can help you weigh the costs against the potential return to ensure it is worth your while.

If you’re unsure, consider the impression on the buyer if you choose not to make a certain repair. If it’s something they are likely to want to do themselves, you can save yourself the hassle. However, if a minor issue inadvertently sets off red flags in the buyer’s mind, it is worth fixing first. A repair that costs a couple of hundreds dollars now might mean the difference between a fast sale or sitting on the market. If you’re still in doubt, your local real estate expert can help. 

Looking for more ideas on how to get your home show worthy? The posts below will give you a great starting point:

• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home
• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• Does Curb Appeal Still Matter When Selling A House Today?

2. Landscaping

Curb appeal should never be underestimated when selling your home. Remember that the outside is the first thing a potential buyer will see, and you want to make the best possible first impression. You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune on landscaping, and you don’t have to (nor should you) invest in something major like a swimming pool or sunroom.

Once again, a few minor upgrades can go a long way when it comes to selling your home. If you can impress the passersby who see your “for sale” sign, potential buyers will also be intrigued.

Small upgrades that can improve the curb appeal of your house include:

• Green, even grass
• Colourful flower gardens
• Outdoor furniture
• Updated mailbox and/or house numbers
• Exterior lighting and pathway illumination

Simply arranging the outdoor furniture in a way that promotes a welcoming atmosphere can be especially helpful. For example, a dining or lounging area on the porch or backyard helps buyers imagine spending time outside with their friends and loved ones.

3. Décor and Clutter

Nearly everyone understands that decluttering is important before selling a home. However, not as many people fully understand the reason why this matters so much. You want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living inside your house. Clutter is a major deterrent, which is why cleaning and decluttering relentlessly is critical before buyers come through. 

Your personal photos and souvenirs might mean a lot to you, but potential buyers don’t need the reminder that this is your space. The best way to describe this process is to think of it as creating a blank canvas. Nothing you can do can appeal more to a buyer than what they “see” for themselves. You’re allowing them to fall in love with your home rather than trying to force a certain aesthetic.

The best thing you can do to sell successfully is to help them see their own life instead of yours. To ensure that they can do so, simply put your personal items into storage bins and store away neatly and take this time to declutter your home. Taking this step will also help you when it comes time for you to pack your home and move.

Once your personal items have been stored away, you can add a few finishing touches to the aesthetic of each room. You can appeal to the tastes of just about everybody with neutral and soft pastel colours.

4. Home Staging

Staging your home professionally is a key step in the selling process. By staging each room, you can truly bring the full potential of your home to light for potential buyers. You can help highlight the features of each room, all while helping enhance the size and functionality of each space.

However, before you invest in any furniture in artwork, it’s important to know that there is a big difference between designing your home for your own purposes and staging it to sell. 

Staging to sell is about capturing a buyer’s imagination and increasing their excitement about the idea of living in your home. Often, it can facilitate a faster sale and help you earn more money from the process.

Many real estate agents and teams work with various home staging companies. Woolcott Real Estate doesn’t stop with a consultation – we provide complimentary staging services to every client we represent!

5. Deep-Cleaning

It’s time for a little elbow grease. Giving your home a deep-cleaning improves the aesthetic throughout your house and can even eliminate odours. This is especially important if children or pets currently live in your house. 

• Take this time to clean all windows, inside and out, which will allow for maximum sunlight inside the house. 
• Shampoo and vacuum all carpets, wash and wax floors and trim, scrub tile and grout in the bathroom and kitchen areas.
• You can also consider power washing the outside of your home, which removes years of dust and deep-seated dirt and can make the exterior seem brand new. 
• Don’t forget to scrub the inside and underneath appliances, especially if you plan to include them in the sale of your home. 

After everything is sparkling clean, adding some house plants or fresh cut flowers can really boost the final result.

6. Organize Your Documents

Having all of your documents and paperwork organized and ready can really help save time. Not only will you be providing your real estate agent, banking institution and everybody else with the correct information, but you’ll be speeding along the process and verifying your credibility too.

Having the deed, any receipts from recent renovations, transferable warranties and home inspection reports easily accessible is a critical part of a seamless transaction – especially when it comes time to close.

During the selling process, you’ll also want to ensure you have fast access to your listing agreement with your Realtor®, and the agreement of sale. Since these are often digital, we recommend saving them in a labeled folder in your inbox as well as downloading them to your computer. 

7. Moving Essentials

If your house is on the market or has been purchased – it’s go time.

This is where the fun begins. You have a chance to sort through everything you’ve accumulated over the years, sort through what you’d like to keep, toss, or sell and really declutter and organize your life. Once you’ve decided what is going to move with you, you need to pack it and move it properly. Creating a moving checklist will help you stay organized and on schedule.

Your checklist could include the following:

• Boxes
• Storage containers/tubs
• Bubble wrap
• Moving vehicle(s)
• Movers and helpers
• Arrange time away from work
• Arrange for pet or child care
• Installation of services (Hydro, Cable, Internet, Telephone, etc.)

You should also make a list of the services that you must change your address with. This includes your Ontario Health Card, Ontario Drivers License, Passport, Hydro, cell phone companies, banks, credit cards, work and schools.

Would a little more background knowledge about the market make you feel more at ease about your big move coming up? The posts below might help:

• Fact Vs Fiction About Working With A Real Estate Agent
• FSBO vs Real Estate Agent Assisted Sales: What’s Better?
• What’s in Your Listing Agreement?

8. Select a Realtor®

Arguably, selecting a reputable and experienced Realtor® is the first and most important step. There are so many benefits to working with a real estate agent or real estate team. An experienced professional can help you sell your home quickly and at the best price possible. Not to mention the assistance that they can provide with the paperwork, home staging, financial aspects and more. There is no substitute for this guidance and support when in the middle of a life-changing event like selling and moving to a new home.

Are you planning to sell a home in Hamilton, Burlington or the surrounding areas? Our experienced real estate team is ready and waiting to help every step of the way. Reach out to us right here or call 905-332-9223 for more information. 

Everyone is aware of rising costs in this day and age. You can’t so much as go out for coffee or brunch without noticing the price creep. A dollar there, a dollar here—it seems that nothing is safe from  inflation.

If you’re selling a house, you may anticipate earning a high profit thanks to the rising prices of real estate. However, the increasing costs of everyday life can also affect your transaction. In this post, we’ll explore the challenges of selling your home for outstanding results even in a market where buyers are closely watching their funds.

Understand Your Buyer’s Perspective

You can really begin to understand how inflation affects your sale when you think about the transaction from your buyer’s point of view. This could be a simple task if you plan on buying a new house after yours sells–because you will soon be in their shoes! How will you feel in the next few months as you begin to navigate the market?

When you begin to browse the listings, it can seem that the only thing not going through the roof is your income. You may need to rearrange your funds to come up with a down payment and budget carefully to ensure you’ll be able to handle your monthly mortgage, all while being prepared for any maintenance or repairs.

On top of all of this, you have your daily living expenses that keep getting higher as time passes. These rising costs are something you will bear in mind as you create your home-buying budget. You might even find yourself reconsidering the size of house you need and what neighbourhood you decide to settle down in.

Now that you’ve put yourself in your buyer’s shoes, you have a better idea of what you’re up against when selling your home during times of high inflation. You can begin to create a strategy to meet these challenges.

Knowing what buyers want is the first step to selling in any market. The posts below will give you some valuable insight:

• Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers
• Why Am I Not Getting Offers on My Home?
• What Offer Should You Accept?

Targeted Marketing

Effective marketing in real estate doesn’t just mean reaching the maximum number of people. When the market is slower and buyers are being more selective, we want to reach the right demographic. Casting a wide net wastes time and money. Zeroing in on those who are most likely to buy is the key to a successful sale.

An experienced real estate team will have numerous tools at their disposal to help you narrow it down. It starts with an online listing with beautiful photos on high-traffic websites where buyers are seriously looking. 

Customized marketing plans will combine the most effective online and offline strategies to target qualified buyers wherever and whenever they are searching. Even that is just the beginning. The real power is actually in networking, which is why it’s recommended that you work with a well-connected real estate team.  

A Spot-On Pricing Strategy

Setting a low price might seem like a sure way of selling your house quickly. However, there are some flaws in this strategy.

1. Selling your home at a fair price is essential so you will be able to move on to your next step.
2. A price that’s too low can actually backfire. Buyers may see a red flag rather than great value and simply move on to the next listing. 

Your pricing must make sense to you and your buyer to sell your home successfully. The perfect amount communicates excellent value to your buyer while empowering you for whatever comes next in your life.

Impeccable Presentation Is Critical

Presentation has always been a factor in the successful sale of a house. It’s even more critical now that inflation is top of mind for everyone. The good news is that there are still people in search of a home like yours.

However, they tend to be more discerning about what they want and need. Many are still willing to pay more for great value, but you have to help them see your home for the gem that it is.

You’ll need to take your home presentation to a whole new level if you want to earn top dollar from your sale. Before potential buyers come to visit, each room should feel warm, welcoming and absolutely pristine. Here are a few ways to prepare your house to impress: 

• Clean and declutter until your home is spotless and everything is in its place.
• Put away all personal photos and mementos so that your buyer can see it as their home rather than your space.
• If there are minor repairs, be sure to make them before buyers come through. You may be surprised at how much a fresh coat of paint can transform a room.
• Remember to tidy up the outside, especially the front yard. You’ll want to ensure your home looks stunning from the outside since this is the first thing a buyer will see. Many people highly value outdoor spaces, so make them as visually appealing as possible.
• Professional staging can enhance the effect and allow your buyer to imagine what it’s like to live in your space. It’s a technique that can lead to a faster and more successful sale, which is why Woolcott Real Estate provides complimentary staging services to all clients.

Looking for more ideas to turn your home into a showstopper? The resources below will give you some ideas:

• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home

Patience Is Essential

Selling your home during high inflation may be more challenging. It may take time to get the results you want, and rushing the process will only cause unnecessary stress.

With a flexible strategy and a healthy dose of patience, it is still possible to sell your home and be happy with the results. A local real estate team can help you stay positive and proactive while advocating on your behalf. 

Do you have questions about selling your home in the current market? Our team of experts is happy to help with anything you need. Contact us here or call 905-332-9223 to connect with us right away. 

After owning a house for several years, the time has come to consider a change. Whatever your reasons for moving, you will soon have some life-altering decisions ahead of you. Whether to buy first or sell first is the age-old question. 

The answer is not cut and dry and can be different depending on the person and the scenario. A big part of the decision will come down to what’s happening in the market right now. 

However, your personal goals and ambitions should always be the primary deciding factors. In this post, we’ll talk about the implications of buying first or selling first so you can choose what’s right for you. 

How the Market Impacts Your Decisions

Sometimes, the market leans heavily enough in one direction to simplify your choice. In a hectic seller’s market, each listing sells in the blink of an eye because there are not enough houses to satisfy the insatiable demand from buyers.

In this scenario, you can almost be sure that your home will sell successfully, often within days of hitting the market and above your asking price. Buying will be much more challenging since you’ll soon find yourself competing with other buyers for the few available listings. 

In this case, many people decide to get the hard part out of the way and buy first. Once they’re sure they have a place to go, then they put their existing house up for sale.

Now let’s examine the opposite scenario. It’s a slow buyer’s market, with numerous houses for sale and very few people searching. Your house sits on the market for a long time, and you may have to make several concessions before finally finding a buyer. 

Selling your house can be a bit like pulling teeth under circumstances like these. Once it’s over, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Since finding a new house will be so much easier, selling first might be your best course of action.

Generally speaking, the advice is to buy first when the market is hot and sell first when things slow down. That said, there can be unusual circumstances to consider before selling or buying your next home even when the market seems simple and straightforward.

Are you facing any unusual challenges when selling your home? The posts below can help you rise above:

• Why Sellers Hesitate to List Their Homes for Sale
• What Resources Are Available When Selling a Family Member’s House?
• Can You Successfully Sell a House With a Stigma?

What Are the Risks of Each Option

Knowing the market and planning for success will help you minimize the risk involved with any transaction, whether you choose to sell or buy first. Of course, nothing is without its downsides or challenges, so let’s take a look at the implications of both.

Buying First

When buying first, the biggest risk is that it might take longer to sell your existing home than you planned. You also have no way of knowing precisely how much you will earn from your sale. Your house may go for well above your asking price, but no one can guarantee this will happen. If you decide to sell first, you should always be prepared for the possibility that you might have to carry two mortgages for the time being. 

You can minimize this risk in three ways:

1. Make sure your house is cleaned, updated and staged before you buy your next home. Buying first does not mean you have to be unprepared to sell quickly!
2. Set aside an emergency fund in case you do have to cover the costs of two properties for a time. Alternatively, you can arrange for bridge financing.
3. Work with an experienced real estate team who can showcase your home to a network of qualified buyers.

Depending on the market and your personal circumstances, the advantages of buying first can far outweigh any negatives. 

• With your new home already secured, you don’t have to rush or worry about not finding a place on time. 
• You can begin moving your belongings before your existing home closes. 
• If prices are rising in the meantime, you’ll grow your equity twice as fast for a short time.

Selling First

Selling first is almost always the safest option in most markets and for most homeowners. Even so, this path can have its disadvantages.

• Once your house sells, you’ll need to find a new home quickly. This added pressure can be stressful, especially if listings are limited.
• The moving process is also rushed as you need to be out of your existing home on your closing date.
• In the worst-case scenario, the market might change, and houses become more expensive once you start looking. 

In spite of these risks, there are several reasons many people decide to go this traditional route. In many cases, the peace of mind is well worth it. Selling first is particularly advantageous in a balanced or buyer’s market.

• Budgeting for your new home becomes much easier and more accurate since you will know exactly how much money you have in your pocket after your sale is finalized. 
• You’ll have a competitive edge over other buyers because you don’t have to include a condition of sale in your offer.
• You won’t have to worry about your house taking too long to sell or being on the hook for two mortgages. You’ll have the proceeds from your sale securely in the bank by the time you need to provide your deposit on your new home. 

Whether buying or selling, it pays to have a plan. The posts below will help you be ready for anything:

• What Is Bridge Financing and Do I Need It When Selling My House?
• A Home Seller’s Guide to Closing Costs
• Should You Use the Same Agent to Sell and Buy a House?

Hidden Factors to Consider

The decision to sell or buy first can also depend on the structure of your house itself and the neighbourhood you live in. For example, imagine you currently own a home with a very unique design. As spectacular as it may be, it can take longer to sell. 

On the other hand, some listings in highly desirable neighbourhoods go very quickly and at high dollar amounts. These niche markets can run counter to how the market is behaving overall.

An experienced real estate team will help you plan for the unexpected and make the most out of every hidden opportunity. With expert guidance, you can maximize the sale of your current home while negotiating the best possible price on your next. There’s no better way to streamline your transition to the next chapter in your life.

Do you have questions about when or how to sell your home in the current market? Our experienced real estate team can give you the information you need to move forward. Contact us today or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our offices.