Real Estate Seller Checklist

So, you are ready to sell your home. Now you have to fiqure out where to begin. Let Markham Real Estate help take the anxiety and worry out of the process. We have compiled a list of the key steps we will take in selling your home.

Make sure you know why you want to sell and set goals based on your objectives.
There are many different reasons for selling a house. Your reasons for selling will determine what is most important to you when setting a price and accepting an offer.

Establish a fair asking price for your house.
We will help you finalize the best asking price for your house but it is wise to have a general idea of your home's current value before the final decision to sell is made. Important elements we will look at when pricing your home are: location, local schools, average home prices in your area, supply and demand in your area, market conditions, possible problems and extras that are special to your home.

Identify potential problems.
Think about what you might have problems with if you were looking to buy your house. If there are repairs that will need to be made, be armed with the knowledge of what it will cost to make those repairs. If a particular room looks awkward, come armed with suggestions as to how you utilized the space to its potential. Again, we will help you with these things but you know your home best and could catch things we may overlook.

Get your house in tip-top shape for showing.
First impressions mean everything. Take the time to access your home inside and out. Check the curb appeal. Make sure the lawn is manicured and the paint on the house is in good condition. Set planters on the front steps or front entry - anything inviting to give potential buyers a good feeling right away. Inside, your house should be very neat and clean. Remove clutter...extra furniture, children's toys and knick-knacks scattered around make the home appear smaller and cluttered making people viewing it less comfortable. If it is cool enough outside, open the windows to give your house that airy feeling and fresh smell. Bake chocolate chip cookies or simmer cinnamon sticks in water. Attempt to please the senses of everyone who views your home. Remember, there's more to a purchase decision than the floor plan and price. The feeling you get when you walk into "the one" is a very powerful thing!

Know and Understand the Closing Costs.
Make sure you understand what money will end up in the bank when all is said and done.

This should give you a good start and the professionals you hire will help you with the rest of the details. Once you make the decision to buy, start looking for a new home as well. It may take a while to sell your own home but you don't want to end up on the street, either. Lastly, keep on eye on the goal sheet you made and your objectives. Emotions and new situations can cloud your judgment and you want to be sure that in the end you acheived what you set out to do.