Selling Your Home

Thinking about selling your home? You've come to the right place. Selling a real estate property

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takes a little patience and a lot of preparation before you can see the pay-off. In this section
you’ll find information and advice and steps of the home selling process, from capitalizing on
housing market conditions to closing the sale smoothly so you’re completely satisfied.



And when you’re ready to put your house up for sale, count on Royal LePage to show you the
way. We’ll help you sell your home faster and easier, getting you full value for your investment.

Each year the change of seasons prompts many people to make a move to their next home and,
thanks to the added incentive of today’s extremely low interest rates, it is making the decision
that much easier.



While many of life’s major transitions involve some nail biting, buying or selling a home
needn’t require a leap of faith thanks to all of the information that is available through
TorontoRealEstateBoard.com, a website that Greater Toronto realtors developed with your needs
in mind.



Getting familiar with the market should be a first step in preparing for your move, and doing so
is simple with reports on current conditions, updated twice monthly, on the website.

Through the Market Watch report, produced at the close of each month, you have access to
detailed information specific to your neighbourhood, like the month’s total sales, average prices
and the number of days the property was on market.



There is even a quarterly report designed for those only interested in the condo market. If you
prefer to take in information visually, videos and charts that capture market information are also
available through my website main page.



Accurate financial planning is also key to a successful move, and to help you prepare, my
website includes calculators such as ones that determine land transfer taxes and rebates where
applicable or mortgage payments. You will also find information on a wide range of government
programs designed to help homebuyers and sellers.



Learning about a number of other factors that may affect your transaction is beneficial as well.
Videos and articles will give you insight into issues like the importance of signing a Buyer
Representation Agreement, the requirements of anti-money laundering legislation and how we
safeguard your information to protect your privacy.



When you are ready to get your home on the market be sure to consult a realtor. Ask your
friends, family and colleagues for referrals.  Once you have made this important choice, you can work with your realtor to identify homes suited to your needs by browsing available properties in the GTA through the site’s direct link to

realtor.ca. You’ll even find a directory of open houses scheduled in your area.



Negotiating the terms of an agreement is one of the many areas where your realtor’s skills and
knowledge can help you achieve a successful outcome. You can also strengthen your position,
though, by familiarizing yourself with the standard forms used in a transaction. Plain-language
explanations are also available on my website in the buyers and sellers section.



Equipped with all of this information, you’ll definitely increase the likelihood of a favorable
transaction. However, it’s no substitute for real experience. That’s where your realtor comes
in. By taking advantage of all of the tools and skills we have to offer you will set yourself for a
smooth transaction.



How to get your home in gear for a quicker sale



You’ve invested years getting your home to look just the way you want it. The interior is
splashed with vibrant colours, family photos hang from the walls, and treasured keepsakes fill
your shelves and tabletops. You love your home, but your needs have changed and it’s time to
move.



It may go against instinct, but the same decorations and set-ups that make the home feel cozy
to you may actually turn off potential buyers. Buyers want to easily imagine a house as their
own, and it can be hard for them to see beyond a current owner’s style. The advice that any good
real estate agent or interior designer will give you is to neutralize and do needed repairs and
adjustments before you show your home.



If you’re serious about showing your home in the best light in order to attract more offers at a
price you’re happy with, follow these interior preparation tips:



View the house through the buyer’s eyes



Take a walk through your home and scrutinize every room from a buyer’s perspective. Better
yet, get a friend or neighbour to do it for you to ensure objectivity. If you have any problem
areas, consider a home renovation. Don’t forget to walk around the exterior, too.



Fix minor repairs



Buyers prefer to see a home in move-in condition, and even small things such as a dripping
faucet can detract from the value of your home. Repair any cracks, holes and chipped paint in
every room. Tighten loose knobs, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers. Fix tight doors
and windows, squeaky floorboards and loose stair banisters. Repair caulking around tubs and
sinks, and fix that leaky faucet.



 

Improve security



Household security is a sought-after feature in homes, and simple solutions such as adding
window locks and motion-sensor lights outside can boost the attractiveness of your property. In
densely populated urban areas, simple additions such as blinds and shutters are great for
improving privacy.



Don’t be too unique with décor



Many potential buyers are willing to pay a premium for good décor. To appeal to the highest
percentage of home viewers, keep your décor simple and modern with neutral wall colours. A
contemporary and minimalist space attracts the most buyers and brightens up the look of your
home, whereas unusual accessories and strong wall colours will limit your pool of buyers. This
is also true for renovations. The right renovations can often boost the price of a home, but be
careful not to do it with too much flair. Your unique style may set you apart, but it will also scare
some buyers away.



 

Keep your neighbourhood in mind when renovating



Actual returns on renovations depend not only on the renovation itself, but also on how your
home compares to your neighbours’. If your home is already above market value for your
neighbourhood, your renovation may not yield a higher return. Buyers looking at moderately

priced homes won’t be able to pay a premium for luxury finishes. Ask your real estate agent to
give you an assessment of homes in your area before embarking on costly renovations.



De-Clutter!

 

People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year,
you probably don't need it. If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away? Remove all
books from bookcases. Pack up those knickknacks. Clean off everything on kitchen counters. Put
essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use. Think of
this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.



Check Curb Appeal.



If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home,
you'll never get her inside. Check my quick tips on giving your exterior a face lift.



Renovation Tips To Sell For Top Dollar



From simple aesthetics to washroom overhauls, Royal LePage has identified the top renovations
that will increase the equity of a home.



1. Freshen up: Adding a new coat of paint can freshen up a house and make the interior look
like new, not to mention more spacious. For homeowners looking to sell quickly, neutral colours
are recommended.



2. Floors: Today, hard surfaces are all the rage. If genuine hardwood exceeds budgets, laminate
works well. Buyers like to see hard floors throughout, so if possible, be sure to lay down
laminate in dining rooms and living rooms, and even in bathrooms and bedrooms. While a range
of hardwood qualities, textures and colours exists, it's best to opt for a neutral wood colour to
accommodate the widest possible array of tastes and décor.



3. Light Fixtures: Old or standard-grade light fixtures, electrical and light cover plates can
easily date a house. To modernize and add distinct flair to the interior, consider installing new
light fixtures. Remember to go green and use compact fluorescent light bulbs, where possible.



4. The old adage, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" is extremely true
when it comes to selling a home. To increase curb appeal and entice buyers, ensure front lawns
are tidy and gardening is minimal. While there is no need to go overboard and plant an expensive
Japanese maple tree, adding some standard shrubs and flowers will make a home more inviting.



5. Style: Similar to the issue with old light fixtures, knobs and backsplashes can make a kitchen
seem outdated. Sleek, stainless steel hardware designs have the biggest and most positive impact
on people looking to buy a home.



6. Fencing: Building a fence and a deck instantly boosts a home's appeal. Keeping kids and
pets in the yard and nosy neighbours out, fences provide the back and side yards with a sense of
privacy.



7. Bathrooms: A bathroom situated on the main floor is increasingly seen by homebuyers as
an essential fixture in their next purchase. While many older houses were built with bathrooms

only on the second floor, many homeowners are resorting to transforming closets or adding new
rooms to accommodate two-piece powder rooms.



8. Up-to-Date Ensuite: Today's homebuyer prefers bathrooms that have spa-style tubs and
modern faucets. Granite and marble tiles are now readily available and can be purchased at
relatively affordable prices.



9. Flow: The flow of the house is becoming the most sought after feel in a home. The open
concept allows you to maximize the look and feel of your space and give a more appealing flow
to your home.

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10. Kitchens: While prices can vary when renovating a kitchen, one thing is certain: kitchen
makeovers bring one of the highest returns on investment. With homeowners spending more
time in the kitchen than any other room, it's no surprise they want the best possible style and
functionality. Stainless steel appliances, ceramic sinks and clean lines on cupboards rank as the
more preferred finish options. Since kitchens and baths can be such a personal space, it's wise
not to select a dramatic style or colour scheme, since your tastes may not be the same as the next
owner's.