Real estate professionals are experts at navigating all aspects of the buying and selling process, including negotiating on your behalf. We can also explain today’s market and break down what it means for you.

Don’t go at it alone. Partner with an agent so you have advice and an expert to count on each step of the way.

When it comes to buying a home, there are a number of key milestones along the way.

The process includes everything from building your team and understanding your finances to going house hunting, making an offer, and more.

When you’re ready to start your journey, partner with a professional so you have trusted guidance at every milestone in the process.

NOTE that link references are from U.S. Sources; but still relevant !

Are you in the market to sell your home? Home staging is one of the top marketing tools used by Real Estate agents, and Barb Lunter of Bludog Staging and Redesign Ltd agrees that having your property professionally styled and staged will result in a faster sale and appeal to a larger market.

The media have raised the bar for how a home should appear to potential buyers. Real estate and renovation programs have educated the modern consumer and as a result a home should look as professional as the homes featured in the media. In the real estate market, when it comes time to sell your home there are two simple rules you should follow to ensure a timely sale: Price it well and make it look amazing.

Home staging prepares a property for sale by making it appealing to the highest number of potential buyers. A stager will create a strong visual impact within the home that will increase the marketability and liquidity of the property. This
doesn’t necessarily have to cost a lot.

Check out a VIDEO we shot on the power of home staging HERE !

Stagers will evaluate the inside and outside the home depending on your needs. Services include everything from simple de-cluttering to adding furniture within rooms to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. A professional stager has the ability to transform a relatively uninspiring home into an inviting, warm and comfortable space for prospective buyers to envision themselves.  Every Seller we work with receives a Home Stage Consultation for FREE.

The bottom line is that good staging is worth every penny. Whether it’s a small job or a large project, a good staging plan will be well worth it in the end.

The common notion that spring is a better time to sell than winter is being challenged by today’s hot seller’s market conditions. A recent Royal LePage survey found that 79% of real estate professionals say they would advise their clients to sell this winter, rather than wait until spring; significantly higher than the 64% who say they would have given that advice prior to the pandemic citing that current demand is outstripping supply in another year of unusual winter market activity.  

If you are considering listing your home this winter season, be sure to review our top ten tips for preparing your home for a winter sale!

1. Include both winter and summer photographs of your home in the listing so prospective buyers can better imagine themselves in the property all year round;
2. Clear a path to the front door and pathways around the home. Make sure the walkway is free of snow and ice; 
3. Turn up the heat in your home to a comfortable temperature;
4. Seal up any drafts in windows and doors;
5. Provide shoe covers or slippers, or lay down a large mat, so visitors don’t leave your floors looking messy for the next appointment. Don’t forget to remove winter boots and coats from your hall to make the area look bigger and so that visitors have a clear space to enter;
6. Up your winter curb appeal: Upgrade your mailbox and house number; add winter floral arrangements with hearty outdoor perennial planters
7. As the days are shorter and it gets dark earlier, keep outdoor lights on during showings; 
8. Whenever possible, show your home during the daytime and let lots of natural light inside;
9. Make the front door and entrance look warm and welcoming with seasonal decor;
10. And, showcase how outdoor spaces can be enjoyed even in the colder months. Be sure to clear off outdoor furniture that can be used in winter

While we expect the Bank of Canada to maintain their commitment and do not expect any rate changes by the end of 2021, some lenders have recently increased their long-term rates.  And so, serious buyers are more motivated than ever to find a home before the end of the year.

But the sense of urgency they feel is complicated by the lack of homes for sale in today’s market. According to the latest statistics from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver: From one year ago, the inventory of active homes has decreased by 47%.

What Does This Mean for Sellers Today?

With buyers eager to purchase but so few homes available, sellers who list their houses this fall & winter have a tremendous advantage – also known as leverage – when negotiating with buyers. That’s because, in today’s market, buyers want three things:

• To be the winning bid on their dream home.
• To buy before rates rise
• To buy before prices go even higher.

Your Leverage Can Help You Negotiate Your Best Terms

These three buyer needs give homeowners a leg up when selling their house. You might already realize this leverage enables you to sell at a good price, but it also means you can negotiate the best terms to suit your needs.

And since buyer demand is still high, there’s a good chance you’ll get offers from multiple buyers who are willing to compete for your house. When you do, look closely at the terms of each offer to find out which one has the best perks for you.

If you have questions about what’s best for your situation, your trusted real estate advisor can help. They have the expertise and are skilled negotiators in all stages of the sales process.

Bottom Line: 

Today’s buyers are motivated to purchase a home this year, and that’s great news if you’re thinking of selling. Connect with your real estate professional today to discuss how much leverage you have as a seller in today’s market.