Things to know about selling real estate in Vancouver

---

Your best strategy to get top dollars starts with a fair and accurate market evaluation of your property. It's neither the seller's will nor any agent's sweet talk to determine how much a piece of real estate is worth; it's the market! I will use the latest sales transactions of similar properties in your area, other active listings on the market and recently expired listings (i.e. not sold) to prepare a detailed Comparative Market analysis (CMA) for you. The report will show you the fair market value of your property, based on objective and current market information.

Together we can set an asking price that can strategically attract sincere buyers and generate interests and activities. The two-week time window after a property is listed in MLS (Multiple Listing Services) is considered most critical. You don't want your listing to become stale and susceptible to harsh negotiations by any prospective buyer.

Preparation matters. Before a property is put on the market, it is worth taking the time and effort to clean up, de-clutter, fix a few small repairs, add some aesthetic features, or even deal with any oil-tank issues. If the home is already vacant, consider the option of staging it with nice furniture to make it more appealing to the buyer. To have your house 'dressed up' for sale can come a long way. You want that 'emotional' connection between the physical features and the buyers. Continue reading to find out how I can be your best resource to get the top dollars. 

As the seller, you are responsible for the following costs:

1. Real estate commission, plus 5% Goods and Services Tax (It is usually calculated at 7% of the first $100,000 of the sales price and 2.5% of the remainder. The amount will be shared between the listing and buying agents)
   
2. Lawyer/Notary fees
   
3. Costs of clearing title, including discharge fees or prepayment penalties.

In order to get the top sales price for your property, you need a knowledgeable and hard-working agent like me as your strong business partner. I will never push you for a decision but will ask the right question at the right time to coach you through the process. Most importantly, I will always show you my respect and have your best interest in top priority.

If I represent you as the listing agent, the following are some of the basic services that I will provide:

1. Prepare a complimentary market evaluation of your property by using a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), based on the latest market information.
   
2. Explain and discuss pricing strategies with you in order to capture the highest possible price in the market with the least amount of time.
   
3. Offer tips and support to make sure that the property is most presentable and appealing to the prospective buyers.
4. Take photographs to highlight features of your property.
   
5. Prepare a professional and accurate feature sheet, and post your listing on MLS (Multiple Listing Services) and expose it to all interested agents and prospective buyers immediately.
   
6. ​Take accurate measurement of various rooms and spaces, and create a floor plan through a professional company.
7. Host 'Agents Open House' and 'Public Open House' strategically.
   
8. Coordinate viewing appointments with buyers or their agents at the least inconvenience to you.
   
9. Report regularly on inquiry activities, level of interest and feedback from show appointments.
   
10. Update on recent sales, new or expired listings in the neighbourhood.
    
11. Negotiate with buyers or their agent with your best interest in mind.
    
12. Should the opportunity arise, handle multiple offers to maximize the best return for you.
    
13. Ensure that there is a legally binding contract of Purchase and Sales to secure the deal.
    
14. ​Follow up through Completion Date to make sure that the entire transaction is smooth and complete.