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Seller Checklist

The Steps

LET'S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE STEPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME

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Step 1: Find a Realtor

Interview a few realtors to see if their personality and expertise align with your needs and wants.

Qualifications Your Realtor Should Have:

  • Local market knowledge.
  • Good reviews or testimonials.
  • Financial knowledge - they can walk you through the numbers.
  • Works full-time in the industry.
  • Excellent time management and communication skills.
  • Do they show up on time and prepared?
  • Do they communicate with you in a way you understand and feel comfortable with?
  • Network connections - effective realtors rely on their relationships within the industry and their network. Do they work with other agents regularly?
  • Do they have a respected reputation in the industry and the local community?
  • Ask about their marketing processes:
    • How do they market properties?
    • Are they utilizing social media?
    • Do they have a marketing plan for their listings?
    • What are they doing differently than other realtors?
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Step 2: Plan Your Timeline

Timing is everything, and making a plan is a pivotal step in starting the process of selling your home. Here are a few steps to get started:

  • Determine the best time to sell your house with your realtor.
  • Meet with a real estate agent to discuss the best listing and sales strategy based on the local market.
  • Have an idea of where you'd like to move before you put your home on the market.
  • If the current market favours sellers, we suggest you purchase first and then list your house for sale.
  • Have an idea of where you'd like to move before you put your home on the market.
  • If the current market favours sellers, we suggest you purchase first and then list your house for sale.
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Step 3: Listing Prep Walkthrough

  • Create a list of 5-10 things you love about your home and community, and share this with your realtor.
  • Do a walk-through of your home. Your realtor should make detailed notes and/or take photos to ensure they understand the property thoroughly.
  • Provide your realtor with a copy of your most recent tax bill and survey (if in possession).
  • Provide a list of utilities or any rental items and approximate monthly cost - i.e. hydro, water, gas.
  • Provide a list of all upgrades and the age of each - i.e. new floors, bathrooms, kitchen.
  • Provide a list of the ages of your roof, windows, furnace, and air conditioning.
  • Ask your realtor for advice on repairs, upgrades, and staging.
  • If you need more clarification, ask your realtor if a general pre-inspection should be scheduled before the sale.
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Step 4: The Listing Price & Marketing Plan

Work with your realtor to determine the best price - every home is different! If you overprice a property, it could hurt your chances of getting top dollar for your home.

Look over a comparative market analysis with your realtor, which shows the price point based on similar home sale prices in your neighbourhood.

Did you know?

Your home's list price is based on many factors, including the lot size, square footage, location, condition, year the house was built, and market conditions. 

 

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Step 5: Prepare Your House for Viewing

  • Clean and declutter - while we love the memories your home represents, we suggest hiding anything that might be considered clutter.
  • Try to keep home accents as neutral as possible. We want potential buyers to imagine themselves in the space.
  • Deeply clean forgotten places (baseboards, light switches, etc.). Hire a cleaning crew - a few hundred dollars on cleaners can help get you thousands in the sale.
  • Improve curb appeal:
    • Maintain landscaping by cleaning the garden, planting some flowers, and mowing the lawn can go a long way.
    • Clear out the sideyard area.
    • Hide eyesores like trash cans or compost bins.
  • You can hire a professional stager or ask your realtor for suggestions. Note: this is often included in realtor fees.
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Step 6: Market Your Home

  • Discuss your realtor's marketing plan to create the best strategy for your home. Every home is different and deserves a unique plan.
  • Have your realtor schedule high-quality real estate photos for your home. Professional photography can get you thousands more in a sale.
  • Schedule a time with your realtor to do the pre-listing marketing they need - filming video walkthroughs and content for social media blasts, etc.
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Step 7: Showing Your Home

  • Decide whether you want to have a lockbox or schedule appointments.
  • Prepare for open houses.
  • Store critical financial documents and valuables.
  • Maintain a clean and organized home. This is one of the hardest parts to maintain, but it is worth it, as first impressions matter!
  • Ensure there is a plan for pets during showings and they are removed from the property.
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Step 8: Negotiate Purchase Offers

  • Discuss any offers and terms with your realtor. Thoroughly review all terms and conditions to ensure they are reasonable, and there are no surprises upon closing.
  • Make sure to ask all questions about any terms you don’t fully understand. You want to make a clear and informed decision.
  • Ask about the process if multiple offers occur. How are the offers submitted, how will your realtor treat both parties fairly, and how long will you have to decide? Understanding representation is crucial during the home selling process.

    PRO TIP!

    Don't get hung up on only the offer price - unless you are competing, you are leaving room to negotiate. Many terms within an offer should be considered (deposit, closing date, conditions).

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Step 9: Accept An Offer

  • Sign a purchase-sale agreement.
  • After selecting the most substantial offer, sign the purchase sale agreement and any additional paperwork.
  • Buyers will put down a deposit. This is typically held in trust at the Brokerage.
  • Discuss the transaction timeline with your realtor based on the accepted offer.
  • Decide on a lawyer for closing.
    • Once you've decided on a lawyer, you'll need to schedule a time to meet and review documents.
    • Many lawyers are entirely virtual, saving you time from having to meet in person. If you need a recommendation, your realtor likely has a list of preferred vendors to share.
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Step 10: Buyer’s Due Diligence Period

  • Be prepared to allow the buyer reasonable access to your home and property for them to conduct inspections.
  • Along with the home inspection, don’t be alarmed if the buyer wants to schedule specialists like electricians or plumbers to come in and inspect the home.
  • If the buyer submits a repair request, work with your realtor to negotiate a solution between both parties.
  • If any reports were required in the accepted offer (ex., recent work, past permits, etc), provide the buyer with them.
  • Allow access to the buyer to view the property before closing as agreed upon in the agreement of purchase and sale (purchaser visits). This is typically 2-3 times with reasonable notice.
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Step 11: Bank Ordered Appraisal

  • Allow access for the buyer's lender to conduct an appraisal. This is to verify that the home's market value supports the contract price. Most lenders will only provide a mortgage to someone with an appraisal.
  • Typically, they will give you at least 24 hours notice and walk through the property inside and out for approximately 1 hour.
  • Answer all questions the appraiser may have honestly and accurately. If you need help handling a question, discuss it with your realtor.
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Step 12: The Home Stretch

  • Once the buyer has waived the conditions, complete any requested repairs before closing.
  • You should expect the buyer to schedule a final walk-through where they will verify that the property's condition is the same as when they made the offer. This also allows the buyer to ensure the agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
  • Make sure to leave every item included in the list of inclusions on your agreement of purchase and sale.
  • The home must be left clean and free of debris.
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Step 13: Closing The Deal

  • Both parties will pay closing costs and adjustment fees directly with their lawyer.
  • Titles are officially transferred to the new owners.
  • Keys will be distributed.
  • Time to celebrate - Congratulations! You sold your home!

Have Questions?

The home selling process can be confusing and stressful, but we're here to help! We strive to make the process as seamless as possible as we guide you through the transaction from start to finish.

Feel free to let us know if there's anything we can help you with in the home-selling process.

Google Reviews

Alana M.

Alana M.

The first time I spoke with Ian, I wasn’t even thinking about moving. I had questions about some things my landlord at the time was demanding to renew my lease, and he kindly guided me, explaining my rights without asking for a...
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Sara P.

Sara P.

Thank you so much to lan, our realtor, and the team at CHK real estate. My husband and I are first time home buyers, and we knew next to nothing about the process when we began working with lan. Ian came to our home to walk us ...
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Maria J.

Maria J.

Monika Shugan has been spectacular to work with! As first time home owners, and new to Canada, Monika really stepped up in every aspect of this process. Her knowledge of the market along with her experience made this big leap s...
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Maggie H.

Maggie H.

I've known Maggie for over 8 years, and working with her on the real estate side was no different than every other interaction we’ve had - professional, honest, and genuinely caring. She takes the time to understand what you ne...
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Bolu O.

Bolu O.

Finding a new place has never felt this easy. Ian listened closely to every request, offered genuine, well-thought-out advice, and stayed professional from first viewing to key hand-off. His clear recommendations and quick foll...
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Jeff W.

Jeff W.

Monika Shugan is the BEST! From start to finish her attention to detail and communication went above and beyond my expectations. From the initial meeting to negotiating the sale, Monika was amazing. Always quick to respond to a...
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DaShaun A.

DaShaun A.

I had the pleasure of working with Will French and he was the best! Great guy and worked around the clock until we found the best options that checked every box. I’ve even referred him to a few friends
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John L.

John L.

Will helped me find a rental in South Etobicoke incredibly quickly and was always available for multiple showings. He was professional, patient, and provided great guidance and advice about the area. He even returned to the sam...
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Murielle A.

Murielle A.

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Maggie, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible support throughout my rental process. From our first conversation, she was professional, attentive, and genuinely invested i...
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Diana O.

Diana O.

Corrie and her team really get the job done- they bring their experience and intuition to bring forth the best possible outcome even in a tough market. Full recommendations for them whether you are selling or buying or both.
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Jenn W.

Jenn W.

We had the absolute pleasure of working with Monika to sell our mom’s house in Clarkson, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From our very first conversation, Monika was attentive, compassionate, and clear...
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Vicky S.

Vicky S.

I had the pleasure of working with Monika for both finding a tenant for my rental unit a year ago and recently purchasing my new home, and I couldn't be more satisfied with her services. Monika is incredibly professional and al...
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Olimpia G.

Olimpia G.

I was referred to Will by a colleague of mine as I had a very ambitious goal in a very tricky real estate market. My dream home had gone up for sale and Will helped me close on an amazing price with great conditions that worked...
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Kassandra S.

Kassandra S.

I had an absolutely incredible experience with Will French from start to finish! He helped my mother buy a condo and he was extremely knowledgeable and resourceful. On top of that, he was friendly and wanted to make sure that w...
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Carson F.

Carson F.

Knowing many realtors, I chose CHK Real Estate after seeing their great work, and hearing from satisfied customers. When it was time to list my home, Corrie and her team went to work paying attention to every detail, and making...
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Mike K.

Mike K.

Many thanks! Special shout outs to Will French - he sold us on our dream home that we didn't think was possible and connected us to experts in the industry to make this possible. He then sold our condo in a tough market, while ...
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Claire S.

Claire S.

I had an awesome experience working with Will from Corrie Harding Real Estate. Will was amazing—super nice, super knowledgeable, and just really great to work with. He answered all my questions and went out of his way to make m...
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Michael M.

Michael M.

I can't recommend Maggie enough! From the start, she was dedicated, persistent, and always willing to go the extra mile to help me find the perfect property. This process had its share of challenges, but Maggie navigated each o...
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Richards J.

Richards J.

The CHK team has been amazing to work with! Will French has been an awesome agent and made first-time home buying effortless! Very good communication and extremely easy to talk to. Overall I highly recommend Will and the CHK team!
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Jenn R.

Jenn R.

Will French has been an amazing agent to work with. As a first-time home buyer, he's made the process so easy and has eased any anxiety I've had along the way. I couldn't ask for a better person to help with achieve this major ...
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