Anyone have home-selling advice?

[teija]

Well, it has been a lovely almost-4-years in our little 2-bedroom apartment (first-time homeowners) but my hubby and I have decided that now being over a year into marriage and into our 11th year living together it is probably time to up-size.

We're considering listing our place on the market over the next few months (yes, I know...bad time for selling...but good time for buying).

I'm sure there are plenty of already-owners out there who have had to sell before, but for us it is a new experience as this is our first place. Does anyone have any hints/tips, experiences or things they have learned that would be useful for me to know? I hate going into things blindly...

Thanks everyone!

[josephl]

Do your research and get the absolutely best condo(I assume condo) sales guy in your neighbourhood. He will have the contacts of other agents with clients that are looking and might have some himself. He will also know comparables in your neighbourhood and will know exactly what to list for for a quick sale.

In my neighbourhood(strathcona), we have one guy who specializes in the area and he inevitably has a 'sold' sign up after the first open house, and usually at a price higher than list, with multiple bids. Other agents who list in the neighbourhood, take months. His commission is slightly higher but there is a lot to be said for cleaning up only once, having only one open house and have it sold. Open houses are a pain...take it from someone who sells and moves every 3 years or so

[gklaw]

A weak market is the best time to up-size. Get a house IMO, you need the land to appreciate value. Too much fees and politics in condo.

[Victor]

You should talk to Andrew Leung of Dominion Lending. He's a mortgage broker and a sponsor of BCA. He can guide you to where you need to be

Here is the link to his contact Andrew Leung - Dominion Macklem Mortgages Ltd.

He's a great guy. Highly recommended

[fraggalrock]

A good Realter is everything,and stage your place well.I rented a storage locker and took more than half of what I own to it.It opened my place right up,take down family photos and knick knacks and make sure everything is organized.As much white as you can have in kitchen and bathroom.My place sold in 5 hours.

[djamm]

Well, I am in the process of selling a 2 Bdrm 2 bath in Maple Ridge so I can relate.
My best advise is to spend the time and really make your current place look and feel like a showcase "dress it up" or "stage it for sale"...get a locker if you need to hide some of your personal stuff (DE-CLUTTER).
Spend the money on paint!!! Paint everything with fresh neutral colors. Next levlor rocker switches and plugs...Remove as much sign of brass and replace with brushed steel...new carpet, refinish hardwood etc.
I personally wouldn't list between Dec 15 - March15. Price it aggressively, but cover your investment if you can. Finally, I would suggest seeking out a proven Realtor with a "hot" record for selling. (not always the best when buying)
I finally agree with Gordon that a weak market is always the most cost effective way to upgrade! And yeah avoid a Strata whenever possible...

Good luck,

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yup, staging your house so that it looks open and ready for them to move in is very important. Some buyers have a hard time imagining what the place will look like without your stuff so get as much clutter outta there. Open curtains and let in the natural light (few want to buy a dark place). Air out the place (maybe some Frebreeze) so it doesn't smell like your last meal is still on the stove.

[gklaw]

O. Make sure you fish tanks are in top notch condition. I know a builder always include a built in fish tank

[Acipenser]

As far as fish tanks go, you might have to take some down, when we listed our town house I had over 400 gallons running in my kitchen :0 . Our realtor suggested I shut a few down.

[Ladayen]

Hmm.. nothing to add about selling tips. Just a note/reminder to come up with as much cash as possible on your downpayment. It will save you much more money down the road.