Seller Services

Service Goal

My service goal is to get your property sold:

-at the best possible price;
-with the most favourable terms;
-in the shortest time;
-with the least inconvenience.

I will execute a comprehensive marketing plan using the latest technology and proven business practices to ensure your property receives the broadest possible market exposure. You will receive constant updates and advice throughout the selling process resulting in an appropriate and enforceable sales contract.

Your property sold at the best possible price because:

We agree on a competitive listing price based upon current market trends and a professional comparative market analysis (CMA);

I market your property to achieve the broadest possible exposure through MLS, the Sutton website, my personal website, feature sheets to other realtors, signage, ads, and open houses until sold.

Your property sold at the most favourable terms because:

I ensure your interests are protected and your priorities reflected in legally researched contract terms based upon industry best practices;

I guarantee that your Contract of Purchase and Sale will be totally enforceable in all respects or you owe me no commission whatsoever.

Your property sold in the shortest time because:

A competitive price + superior marketing = the fastest possible sale

Your property sold with the least inconvenience because:

I determine the best marketing and contract negotiation strategies to minimize your time involvement, while leaving you in complete control of the process and all decisions.

Understanding Buyer Behaviour

The most effective marketing strategy is based upon buyer behaviours. Research has shown that one buyer behaviour is critical to successful real estate marketing. According to a national study, buyers found out about the property they eventually bought through:

40% - through the listing firm or a realtor in the listing firm;
20% - through a cooperating realtor;
18% - through ads for other houses;
8% - through the realtor at an open house at another property;
7% - through a relocation referral to a local realtor;
1% - through an open house;
4% - through a combination of the above.

CONCLUSION:

The most common way that buyers find out about the property they buy is through realtors. Therefore, the most effective marketing strategy is to ensure as many realtors as possible know about your property listing.

My marketing strategy uses several methods to ensure as many realtors know about your property as quickly as possible after listing. Then hundreds of realtors, both locally and internationally, work to sell your property as quickly as possible.

What Property Factors cause Buyers to Buy?

In the same national study, buyers gave the following reasons in order of importance for choosing the property they eventually purchased:

74.6% - Location;
72.7% - Price;
58.2% - Number of rooms;
39.1% - Condition of house;
39% - Proximity to schools;
30% - Lot size;
30% - Closet space;
20% - Proximity to Shopping;
20% - Built-ins;
19% - Outdoor environment;
19% - Number of bathrooms.

CONCLUSION:

Buyers consider many property attributes when making their purchase decisions. The above data shows those attributes that are considered most important by most buyers. Because you cannot change the location,size or many other attributes of your property, the most important factor within your control that will contribute to selling your house is a competitive listing price.

My marketing strategy focuses upon establishing a competitive listing price based upon current market trends and a comparative market analysis to ensure your property sells as quickly as possible and at the best possible price.

Current market trends

Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island are both experiencing a hot real estate markets with rapidly increasing prices and high sales volumes. While there are many buyers for property, both locally and internationally, the property inventory available is limited. Therefore, it is a great time to sell - it is a sellers' market. See Market Data for Nanaimo and Parksville/Qualicum.

CONCLUSION:

Because of the hot market and strong trend of higher sales prices, the listing price selected for your property should be at the higher end of the listing price range that we agree upon. It is important that realtors do not underestimate the value of your property during a rising market.

My marketing strategy is to use the higher end of the listing price range that we agree upon to ensure you get the most for your property.

However, it is also important to bear in mind that all boom real estate markets come to an end and are usually followed by a period of reduced property prices (a correction). Your listing price must match the market reality in order to sell during the rising market.

Research has shown that if a property is over-priced by just 5%, chances are only one in twenty that it will sell in under 12 weeks.

In order to sell your property in under 12 weeks, my marketing strategy is to adjust the listing price as necessary based upon feedback received from viewings and realtor tours during the listing period.

Comparative Market Analysis

I will prepare a comparative market analysis of similar properties in your neighbourhood. We will compare your property to properties that are actively listed (your competition), those that have recently sold (market reality), and those where the listing expired without a successful sale (because the listing price was unrealistic). The general format of a comparative market analysis is shown below.

Twelve Weeks or Less Marketing Plan

With a competitive listing price, I guarantee that the following marketing plan will sell your property within twelve weeks, or you owe me no commission whatsoever!

So, how long will it take to sell?

As stated, twelve weeks or less with my marketing program. But some properties sell in days, while others may take months. Factors affecting the time it takes include:

1) Competition – potential buyers will evaluate your property’s listing price in comparison with other properties currently available on the market;
2) Price – if the property does not sell while similar properties have sold, the property is probably overpriced for the current market;
3) Property characteristics – if the property has serious defects or shows poorly, sale may be delayed or prevented until the defects are corrected.

You can help to sell your property more quickly and at a higher price by:

(1) Improving curb appeal: cut the lawn, trim hedges/shrubs, weed and edge gardens, pick up litter, rake up leaves;
(2) Dealing with maintenance/repairs issues: repair leaky taps and toilets, clean furnace, tighten door knobs and latches, touch up paint, clean and repair windows, repair soffits and eaves troughs, replace burned out bulbs, repair cracks in plaster, oil squeaky doors; paint front door;
(3) Cleaning: carpets, appliances, bathroom fixtures, porch, garage;
(4) Preparing for showing: ensure air smells fresh, turn on all lights, light fireplace, open drapes, play quiet background music, remove clutter.

Also, it’s best to be absent if possible during showings (this includes pets). Leave the negotiations and buyer’s questions to me.