Month: October 2016

You probably know that a Realtor does more than just post a FOR SALE sign on your front lawn, or guide potential buyers through your home. But how much more? What exactly will a real estate agent do for you?

Taking the time upfront to understand what to expect from your agent will help to reduce misunderstandings, and make the selling process less mysterious and stressful. You’ll be able to anticipate what’s going to happen next, be prepared to ask the right questions along the way, and be aware of whether your Realtor is meeting expectations.

Typically, you should expect a good real estate agent to:

• Explain the Listing Agreement to you. (This is your contract with the real estate firm.)
• Describe the home selling process, and answer all your questions and concerns.
• Prepare a realistic appraisal based on the expected market value of your home by comparing it to similar property sales in your area.
• Provide you with advice on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, especially during showings and open houses.
• Create a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your home.
• Screen enquiries, schedule appointments, and show your home to potential buyers.
• Field offers from potential buyers, deal with counter-offers, and negotiate the best terms and selling price possible for your home.
• Help you throughout the entire selling process to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.

These services should be the minimum you expect from a good agent. The best agents will actually do more. They will be there for you in the weeks, months, and even years after the sale to make sure everything continues to go smoothly in your new home.

There’s an old saying: What you can’t see won’t hurt you. But, that’s not true. Less than ideal air quality in your home can result in allergies, colds, languor, and even sleepless nights.

Here are some tips that can help:

Let in the fresh air. Weather permitting, open windows and doors to help circulate stale indoor air with fresher outdoor air.

Change the furnace filter. According to studies, most filters on forced air heating systems in homes do not get changed regularly. Tip: Change the filter when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors – at least twice a year.

Easy on the household cleaners. Cleaners that are tough on stains can also have the same effect on your health. So use them with care. After cleaning any surface, wipe the residue dry with a clean absorbent cloth.

Keep things dry. Mould spores thrive on moisture. So make sure bathroom fans adequately remove humidity. A fan should be strong enough so that a piece of paper clings to the intake.

You don’t have to roll an actual red carpet down your walkway every time you show your home. (But it wouldn’t hurt!)

The most important thing is to make sure the journey to your front door is a pleasant one. That’s when buyers form their first impressions.

Make sure the walkway is swept clean and is clear. The last thing you want is for a buyer to trip on a broken paving stone, or get matted clumps of freshly-cut grass stuck to their pant legs!