When it comes to the sale of your home, negotiation expertise and skills are essential to ensuring you achieve the highest price possible with ideal terms and conditions.

Negotiating is not an easy task and can often take years to master. That's why it is important that you have a skilled real estate professional handle this for you - someone expert in the market, skilled in negotiations and someone who is working solely in your best interests.

In most cases, an offer will be higher or lower than your asking price. Don't be concerned or offended. It's normal. In fact, the best way to think about an offer is as a starting point to a conversation. The buyer is interested. They have proposed a price. The conversation has begun!

Keep in mind...
Counter-offers are normal
Expect some back and forth. They offer. You counter. You eventually come to an agreement.

Momentum is important
Things happen fast at this stage. That's why having a good agent to represent you is vital.

Price isn't the only thing
You can negotiate on conditions, closing dates, assets or chattels included with the property. Don't get stuck on one thing.

Win-win is best
The most successful negotiations may involve compromises for both sides but both parties always feel the transaction was worth it.

Pricing a home right directly impacts your bottom line.

Setting the list price of your home is an art. Too low and you leave money on the table - perhaps thousands. Too high and you scare away buyers - perhaps forever.

To complicate this, your home is an emotional asset. It's hard to see it objectively, as a "product" for sale.

Finding the optimal price requires a combination of expertise, analysis and old-fashioned streets smarts.

The best real estate professionals have mastered the art of setting a price that maximizes exposure and price and minimizes the time it takes to sell. They combine intimate, local and national market knowledge, an exhaustive study of similar homes for sale and an analysis of past sales to arrive at the optimal list price.

It's no easy task, but it's a critical one. Pricing your home right the first time results in more showings, more offers and ultimately the highest price for your home.

If you want to get as much for your home as possible within a reasonable time frame, price it right the first time.

Ready to sell? Give me a call. I'd love to help you get the selling price your home deserves!

Most searches begin online. In fact, over 90% of buyers start their home buying process on the internet.

As you may already know, the most comprehensive website for property searches is REALTOR.ca, a Canada-wide database of all active properties for sale, also referred to as the MLS® or Multiple Listing Service. This website allows you to narrow your search to a specific area, price range, key features and even displays the properties on a map.

The internet can be very helpful for you to get a sense of what's available but keep in mind, it's not a complete picture of the market or all potential properties available. A great agent, working on your behalf, will do an in-depth needs analysis to find all the properties suitable for you, set up a time to view the homes and guide you through the selection process.

Here is what you can't see online:

1. Homes in hot markets that haven't made it online yet
These are desirable homes in great areas, at great prices that often get sold before a property listing is viewable online. The only way to know about these hidden gems is through an experienced real estate professional who consistently monitors the market.

2. Exclusive/private sales not found on MLS®
A savvy real estate profesional is on the pulse of all potential homes for sale, listed and unlisted.

3. Insight and an insider's edge
A real estate professional not only has access to more data than what is available online, but he/she brings more expertise and a wealth of knowledge so you can be confident in knowing you have a complete picture of each property you are considering.

Want help finding your dream home? Call me today!

When it comes to selling your home, the answer is a resounding YES!

Countless studies have revealed that homes that show best, sell faster and for more money.

The majority of people can't visualize how a home could potentially look. They need to see it in order to feel it and imagining themselves in it. The goal is to evoke a positive emotional response to your home - and when potential buyers can't see past paint chips, leaks, clutter and stains, the response is not a positive one. In fact, people tend to focus even more on the things they don't like than on the things they like.

Here are 3 simple rules for preparing your home to "wow" potential buyers.

1. Remove
Get rid of as much clutter as possible. Give it away, sell it at a garage sale, put it in storage or take it to the dump. Just get it out of the house. You want your home to look spacious and tidy.

2. Repair
Chipped paint, cracked tiles, squeaky hinges, leaky faucets. Fix everything you can. If you need a contractor, your agent can recommend one.

3. Renew
Clean, clean and clean again. It's that important! You want your home to look guest-ready. Organize each room so that it looks like a showcase. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way to dramatically improve the look.

Want more tips on how to get your home ready? Call me today!

In most cases, your home is your most valuable asset, and it makes sense to use a professional. A great real estate professional will provide key market insights, sound advice and save you endless hours of time and money - all while helping you reduce the stress of a large purchase so you can truly enjoy the experience of buying your dream home.

1) It's absolutely free.
2) To understand market values and ensure you are not overpaying!
3) To represent your best interests in the transaction. Remember, the listing agent is working for the seller. Your interests need to be protected.
4) To negociate the best possible price and terms!
5) To give you peace of mind when it comes to the countless details.

Looking for help on finding your next dream home? Call today!

The question asked by nearly every home seller. The answer depends on your risk tolerance level and personal circumstances. Review the following scenarios to decide what might be right for you.

Scenario 1 - You are in a seller's market
Typically you want to start with the transation that will take the most amount of time. This means, if you are in a seller's market, you would want to buy first since finding the right home to purchase will likely take more time than it will to sell. Answer: Buy first

Scenario 2 - You are in a buyer's market
On the flip side, if you are in a buyer's market, you wil usually sell first and then buy. Answer: Sell First

Scenario 3 - You are able to write a "subject to sale" offer
A "subject to sale" offer is the best of both worlds; it allows you to purchase a home on the condition that you are able to sell your own. Not all sellers will accept a subject to sale offer, but in a buyer's market, they are more likely to do so. Answer: Buy and sell at the same time

Scenario 4 - You can afford to own two properties
If you can afford to pay the mortgage on two properties temporarily, you eliminate some of the risk involved in purchasign before you sell. Answer: Buy first

Scenario 5 - You have some place you could live in the interim
Whether you sell of buy first, there is a small risk that the possession dates on both properties may no line up. Have a backup plan for a place you can stay while waiting to move into your new home. Answer: Sell first

Not ready to sell but want a change? It might be time for a renovation. But which renovation will net you the highest return when you do decide to sell?

Energy Efficient Renos
Upgrading your insulation or replacing your doors and windows with more energy efficient equivalents are some of the most valuable renos you can do. Not only can they add value to your home but will also decrease your monthly utility bill.

Minor Kitchen Remodeling
A beautiful kitchen is on the wish list of may home buyers. While some kitchens may need a complete overhaul, even a minor kitchen reno is often enough to increase the value of your home.

Fresh Coat of Paint
There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to liven up a home. A neutral tone paint job both inside and outside is the most inexpensive way you can update your home and ensure you attract buyers.

Garage Door Replacement
Replacing an old garage door can dramatically improve the look of your exterior and is one of the more cost effective renovations in the long term.

Front Door Replacement
This is one of the simplest ways to add value to your home. A beautiful entrance has buyers excited to find out what's inside!

You don’t have to win the lottery to get wealthier. Anyone, on virtually any income, can simply adopt these habits:

1. Save a little from each paycheck. Tucking away a percentage of your income and putting 50% of all raises towards savings will build up your savings substantially over time. Automate those saving by scheduling an electronic transfer to your savings account at the beginning of each month. 

2. Avoid credit card debt. Interest rates on those are famously high and can cost you a lot of money each year. Charge only what you can afford and don't miss any credit card payments.

3. Feast at home, not at restaurants. It’s fun to go out to a nice restaurant occasionally. Just don’t make it an expensive habit. There is tons of quick, easy & healthy recipes available on the internet; combine it with a bottle of wine and you have a feast!

4. Watch out for automatic renewals. It’s all too easy to forget to cancel a subscription to a magazine you no longer read — until, of course, you’re charged again!

5. Live below your means. Almost every person who is debt free or financially independent will tell you that one of the keys to their success was to live below their means. In other words, they make a habit of spending less than they earn.

These simple habits can help you get closer to financial freedom. The secret is to do it again and again, week after week, month after month, year after year.

What do you notice when you visit a model home in a new development? Often, you’ll find wonderfully furnished and decorated rooms that anyone could live in.

The operative word here is “anyone”.

Sure, there might be a computer screen on a desk in the den, or a child’s doll sitting in a corner, but for the most part, all the rooms are anonymous. There is a sense of family, but no specific family... the feeling of personality, but no specific person.

The professionals who set up a model home make it anonymous for a reason. They want buyers to view it as their potential home, not someone else’s. These professionals know — based on decades of experience — that this strategy helps sell houses faster and for a better price.

Why not use this same strategy when showing your house?

It’s easy. Just put away that soccer trophy, take down the wedding photo, and box those souvenirs from the family vacation at Disneyland. No, you don’t have to completely empty your closets and drawers. Just pack those personal items that can be seen when a potential buyer views a room. Put away toothbrushes, collectibles, even unopened mail. Don’t forget the fridge door, which is often a mosaic of personal items in most family homes.

If you have lots of personal items, consider renting a storage unit for the few weeks that your house will be on the market. It’s worth the investment.

You wouldn’t think of buying a birthday cake with a stranger’s name on it. Keep that in mind when you show your house. Make it anonymous!

Need more ideas for selling your house faster and for the best price possible? Call today.

Sometimes the reason for putting your home on the market is crystal clear. For example, you might have a job relocation and need to move.

Or, you might have decided to downsize because the kids have left the nest.

However, there are many other motivations to list your home that are not as obvious, and yet are still good reasons to make a move. Here are just a few examples...

• There’s something you’ve always wanted in a home that your current property doesn’t have, such as a wooded backyard.

• You want to be closer to work, or to activities you enjoy, such as golf.

• You want to be closer to family.

• The neighbourhood is changing in a way that no longer fits the lifestyle you want.

• There’s another neighbourhood you’ve always dreamed of living in.

• Your tastes have changed and you want to live in a different type of home.

None of these reasons makes it an absolute necessity to list your property and find a new home. Yet, they’re all worth considering, especially if moving will make you and your family happier, and provide you with a more desirable lifestyle.

Want to talk about the possibilities? Call today

Imagine you were selling your car, and a prospective buyer was on the way over to see it. What would you do? You would probably make your vehicle look as clean and shiny as possible, inside and out.

The same holds true if you’re selling your home and there’s a potential buyer on the way. You want the buyer to be wow’d by your property. Here’s a handy checklist to follow:

• Clean every room. Make your entire house look as “guest ready” as possible.

• As much as is feasible given the time, reduce clutter. Consider packing some items into boxes and storing them in the basement or garage.

• Get pets out of the house. You can take them for a walk, have a neighbour watch them, or take them to a good kennel.

• Turn on the lights, even during the day. You want each room to look bright.

• If there are any maintenance issues, such as a dripping faucet, let your Realtor know. Often, it’s best for buyers to be told rather than discover such issues themselves.
• Open the curtains, except in those rooms where the sun will be uncomfortably strong during the viewing.

• Move your vehicles from the driveway so the buyer can park there. (That can help them imagine living there, which is what you want!)

• Make sure your foyer is especially clean and uncluttered. It’s the first “room” the buyer visits.

• Avoid cooking just before a viewing. Even if the meal is wonderful, the aroma may linger. (Some people don’t like the smell of certain dishes, such as fish.)

• Freshen up the outdoor space. Mow the lawn. Sweep the walkway.

This viewing checklist will help you prepare your home quickly, so when the buyer comes in your front door, there’s a much better chance he or she will be impressed.

Your neighbourhood has a lot of features that can help sell your home faster. Unfortunately, buyers don’t usually notice those features just by driving around. So, you need to make sure they get all the information they need about your neighbourhood.

For example, say homes don’t go on the market often in your area. That’s an indication that the quality of life in the neighbourhood is so good that no one wants to leave! In real estate we measure the area’s “turnover rate”, and it’s handy data to have when listing your home.

Another bit of data that buyers can’t simply see is the local crime rate. But, most police departments keep those statistics. If your neighbourhood has a low crime rate, that’s an obvious plus to sellers.

Demographic data can also be helpful when selling your property. If your neighbourhood has a lot of families, for example, that’s going to be appealing to buyers with kids.

Even local development plans can play a role in making your home more attractive to buyers. If a new ramp to a major highway is in the works nearby, getting to work is going to be easier. That’s a big benefit to commuters.

Other types of data that can help sell your home include:

• Planned local construction.
• Proposals for neighbourhood improvements. (For example, a new playground.)
• Rates at which local property values are increasing.

Any information that shows the advantages of living in your area is going to be useful when selling.

By the way, this is the kind of information I provide to prospective buyers when selling your home. Contact me today.

You never want to smell smoke in your home and realize there’s a fire. That’s why it is important to be diligent about fire safety. Experts recommend that homeowners be especially careful with the following common household items:

• Portable heaters. Never leave one in a room unattended. Make sure paper and other combustible materials are well away from these units.

• Electronics chargers. We all want our computers, tablets and smartphones to charge quickly. The price we pay for that convenience is chargers that pull in a lot of power, making them very hot. Keep them away from combustible material, as well as other wiring.

• Smoking materials. Be careful with cigarettes, pipes, cigars and other such items. Bedding and upholstery, which burn slowly and dangerously, are the source of 75% of smoking-related fires.

• Candles. Never leave candles unattended for any reason. If you must leave the room, extinguish them.

• Flammable liquids. These can include paints, thinners and some brands of cleaning products. Read labels carefully and follow the safety instructions.

To paraphrase a famous expression: An ounce of prevention is worth not having to deal with a house fire.

You’re at work when the thought hits you, “Did I lock the door when I left this morning?” You check your smartphone, see that you didn’t, and click the “LOCK” button. Now your house is secure.

That’s home automation for you!

But, is home automation a good idea? That depends on a number of factors.

On the pro side, home automation can improve your quality of life. There are automation products that will adjust heating/cooling depending on whether or not you’re home, make your morning coffee when you get out of bed, and the list goes on and on. These conveniences save you time.

Home automation can also give you peace- of-mind. It’s comforting to be able to remotely see the inside of your home and check that everything’s okay.

Home automation can also make your property more appealing to buyers. Traditionally, buyers like homes with security systems, and will appreciate other automation gizmos, too. The only downside is the cost. Like most new technology, home automation products can be pricey and may become out-of-date within just a few years.

Thinking about it? Experts advise you to do your research first. Check out product reviews online. Then, if you determine that a particular product is going to benefit you, go for it!

Buyers are using the internet to search for properties more than ever before. In some cases, they can even go on a “virtual” tour of a home using their smartphone or desktop computer. So, you might be wondering if the old- fashioned Open House still works these days?

The answer is yes. Otherwise, you wouldn’t see them advertised. If Open Houses didn’t work, no one would be doing them!

No matter how good the internet gets, it can’t compete with a buyer being able to visit a property in person, walk through the rooms, stand in the backyard and imagine himself BBQ-ing with his family, stroll the area, and meet neighbours.

An Open House makes it easy for buyers to do just that. It’s an open invitation for them to come by at a specific date and time, to see the property and chat with the REALTOR®. It’s a casual environment, which many buyers prefer.

Some buyers, in fact, are more comfortable going to an Open House before scheduling a private viewing.

Will you need an Open House to sell your home? That depends on a lot of factors. When I work with clients, I put together a marketing plan designed to sell the property for the best price possible. Depending on the circumstances, that may or may not include an Open House.

If you have questions about what would be involved in a successful sale of your home, contact me. I’d be happy to chat and answer your questions.