Comprehensive Seller Checklist for Ontario Homeowners

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?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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!