When considering whether or not to sell their home, many people think about market conditions. They consider whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. They look at trends. They try to time the sale to get the best price for their property.

While market conditions certainly can play a role in deciding whether you should sell now rather than later, many other factors can influence that decision too.

For example, you might have outgrown your home and need more space. Perhaps you need an extra bedroom or a larger kitchen. If you wait until market conditions are perfect, you may languish for months — or even years — in a home that’s too small for you.

The same can be said for downsizing.

Another “non-market” reason you might want to sell your home sooner rather than later is the neighbourhood. Is there another community more suited to your lifestyle that you want to get into? If it’s a particularly desirable area, you don’t want to wait too long to make a move. If you do, you might lose some good opportunities.

There’s also the emotional side of the decision to consider. You might simply want to move for no other reason than you need a change. That’s as good a reason as any to put up the For Sale sign and find your next dream home.

Other non-market reasons for selling include:

• Wanting a shorter commute to work.
• Adapting to a change in your family situation.
• Wishing to live closer to relatives and friends.
• Yearning for a particular property feature, such as a backyard with mature trees.

So, don’t just consider market conditions when deciding to sell. Look at all the reasons and then move forward with confidence. After all, you can sell and buy in any market.

When you put your property up for sale, you want to make sure that potential buyers get all the information they need on the features of your home and its surrounding area. If, for example, a buyer doesn’t realize there is a great school just a couple of blocks away, he might cross your property off his shortlist.
An effective way to make sure something like that doesn’t happen is to create three lists.

1: The “I’ll miss it” list.

Chances are, there are things about your home that you’re really going to miss when you move. It may be the spacious living room, ideal for entertaining. Or maybe it’s the nearby park with scenic trails, perfect for walking and biking, or the large deck that has just the right combination of shade and sun to make spending time on it so pleasant. Whatever you’ll miss, put it on the list! Those are features that will probably interest buyers too.

2: The “Just the facts” list.

What are the facts about your property that a buyer needs to know in order to consider purchasing it? This may be a very long list including such items as total square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, property taxes, size of the lot, and more. This list should also include special features such as upgraded kitchen features and the nearby golf course.

3: The “repairs and improvements” list.

Buyers are interested in the state of repair of your home, and in any improvements you have made to it. On this list, include all repairs you have done during the past three years and, if possible, attach receipts. It’s especially important to include anything that has been replaced, such as a furnace or roof. If you’ve done any major remodeling or renovations, include the details on those too.

Want more tips on selling your home? Call today.