Selling your Kitchener Waterloo home in the spring? The time to start is now.

for saleIf you’re planning to sell your house in the spring, you should be getting ready right now. Homeowners, you have to prepare yourselves for your home sale in three ways: physically, emotionally and financially.

Whether you’re employing an agent to help sell your house or you’re going it alone, the following tips will smooth the way for less stress and mystery, perhaps less time and more money.

First, prepare your home for sale. Do your best to put your home in its best possible condition, completely clean and free of clutter. Instead of spending a lot of money fixing up your home, focus instead on inexpensive improvements like a new coat of paint, a weed-free yard and clean and walls, de-cluttered closets.

The price is right. If you set your price too high, your house will sit on the market longer, costing you time and money, not to mention more emotional stress. Realtors use the direct comparison approach, comparing homes similar to yours in size, location and condition that have recently sold and are currently on the market.

Let’s talk about money. If you’re using an agent, you should negotiate commissions fair to both the listing and the selling agents to ensure your home is properly marketed and shown to all potential buyers. If you’re not using an agent to sell your home, are you prepared to pay a commission to a realtor bringing buyers to you? You should decide on your game plan before you begin.

Photos and video. Nearly all buyers start their home search on the Internet. Having a lot of pitchers and a video walk-through is essential in marketing your home.

Posting your home on MLS. The MLS is the most powerful real estate marketing tool at your disposal. If you’re not using a realtor to sell your home, find yourself a “posting agent” who will put your home on the MLS for a fee. It’s worth it.

Flexible times for viewings and showings. We know it’s a not easy keeping your home clean and tidy but unfortunately when people want to see your house, they want to see it on their time not when its convenient for you.

Be responsive to potential buyers. Respond as quickly to e-mails and phone calls. If a buyer has to wait a few days or even a few hours, they may assume you’re not that interested in selling your home. They will continue their search.

Deal with qualified buyers only. Do not take your home off the market until you are sure your potential buyers have the money and the intention to buy your home. An offer isn’t a good one until the paperwork is signed and the banks and lawyers have approved.

If you have any questions or want some advice, please contact me by phone or email. Keith Marshall is a Realtor with Prudential Grand Valley Realty, serving Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.

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