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Preparing for the Market

London, Ontario Area


To better prepare you for the market we have provided this information so you:

1.  Get to know us better.

2.  Are reassured you have chosen the best Real Estate Team for the job.

3.  Can familiarize yourself with what we will be doing to get your home sold.

4.  To let you know what we need from you to get the job done so we can achieve the highest sale price, with the fewest problems and in the shortest time!

 

OUR CORPORATE CHARTER

Our Enduring Purpose

  • To ensure that our clients are given the guidance and information that they need to move them toward their future real estate goals.

Our Future Focus

  • To create a fun, empowering, exciting and high energy working environment that encourages personal growth.
     
  • To continue, on an ongoing basis, the improvement of our Real Estate services to our clients before, during and after the transaction.

Our Timeless Values
(Who we are)

  • We are a dedicated group of individual professionals who, through our high energy, skills and commitment to integrity, strive to exceed our clients' expectations.

Our Guiding Principles
(What we know)

  • We can’t always do things right - however we can always do the right thing.
     
  • Our values are one of the factors that differentiate us in the real estate market.
     
  • The real estate market will always be competitive and ever-changing. We must consistently adjust our strategies in order to assist our clients in meeting their real estate goals.
     
  • We need to be aware of market trends.
     
  • Nothing will change, unless we change.

Our Operational Practices
(What we do)

  •  We strive to exceed our clients' expectations not just meet them.
     
  • We are open to everything and attached to nothing.
     
  • We provide an environment that enables team members to fulfill their own personal obligations.
     
  • We pursue efficiency and continuous improvement in our systems without compromising the quality of our work.
     
  • We work together, as a single team, with each member making an individual contribution to a successful end result.
     
  • We have exceptional attention to detail in all aspects of our work.
     
  • We continue to show appreciation to our clients, to those who assist our clients and to our community.
     
  • We actively seek to communicate with our clients and those who work on their behalf, even after the real estate transaction is complete.

Our Promise

  • We promise to be true to our enduring purpose, make every effort to achieve our future focus and take consistent action in line with our values, guiding principles and operational practices.

 

 

MEET THE MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM

 

 

Joyce Byrne
Broker, Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Seller  Representative Specialist (SRS), MA, HBA
joyce@homesforsaleinlondon.com

  • LICENSED since 1986
  • GRADUATE of Western University and Fanshawe College
  • Provincial BROKERS License
  • Formerly a Real Estate BRANCH MANAGER for Canada Trust Realty
  • Completed courses necessary to achieve MARKET VALUE APPRAISAL (MVA) and Fellow of the Real Estate Institute (FRI)
  • Yearly AWARD Winner
  • Relocation Specialist
  • One of London's TOP TEN Realtors
  • Top 1% INTERNATIONALLY
“Delivering What Others Only Promise!”
 
   

 

 

Sylvia Twinn

Stephanie Irvine Designs
Stager/Decorator/Designer
Phone: 519-432-1355
si@stephanieirvinedesigns.com

Stephanie is more than a Home Stager, she's a professional Interior Designer and Decorator.  Stephanie received her diploma in Design from Fanshawe College.

She meets with our sellers to perform a complimentary staging consultation to advise them on how they can showcase their homes to their fullest advantage before they actually go on the market.

Stephanie also provides a Complimentary  Decorating Consultation once our buyers  have purchased their new home through our Team.

Stewart Mussolum

Associated Real Estate Inspections
Phone: 519-494-3986
info@arei.ca

Associated Real Estate Inspections (AREI) has over 28 years of Trade Experience in Heating and Refrigeration and over 30 years of Building and Renovation Experience. 

They have also passed all the necessary examinations and abide by a Code of Ethics, which the firm supports. Their Inspectors must also fulfill at least 24 hours of Continuing Education every year!

Associated Real Estate Inspections is a Member of and Certified by NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) as well as Certified and Trained by PHII (Professional Home Inspection Institute) in the field of Residential Property Inspection.  AREI is also Certified in Commercial Property Inspections in Ontario.

Associated Real Estate Inspections inspects every property to the highest standards possible and endeavors to answer any questions or concerns clients may raise at the time of the inspection or at any time in the future!

Sylvia Twinn

Club Tours
Photographer/Videographer
Phone: 519-808-5469
order@clubtours.ca

Club Tours offers professional real estate photography and videography services to our Team. Our services can include a video, still photos and panoramics of the properties we have listed for sale!

With current technology and everyone’s busy schedules, the majority of properties sold today are first viewed on the internet. A great photo/video display will capture and keep a buyers attention on your property.

Our photographers strive to capture the true essance of each and every property we list!

 

WHAT SELLERS SAY ABOUT OUR TEAM

"The quick sale of our home was in large part due to proper pricing and Joyce's unique marketing strategies. Two of the more prominent strategies were Joyce's Exclusive Homebook and her Feature Cards. We've never seen a Realtor put up signs throughout the house pointing out special features that are often overlooked. We believe making people aware of all these little extras in our home made it more attractive than some of the other houses on the market and helped sell it for more money."

GREG & JOYCE PRENTICE
913-885 Southdale Road W
London, ON
519-657-8835

"I met Joyce when a friend became one of her clients.  I was very comfortable talking with Joyce, asking my "dumb" questions.  She was always very capable & serious, but we had lots of laughs.  Everyone who came into our home or hearing us talk about Joyce said they were very impressed and many said their previous real estate dealings did not compare.  My experience with Joyce and her team was positive; I have told everyone to go to Joyce."

DOROTHY COOLMAN
300-1110 North Centre Road
London, ON,N6G 5H2
519-850-7093

"We are pleased to recommend Joyce Byrne’s Real Estate Team. We have used Joyce's Team in the sale and or purchase of three properties over the last 20 years.

Joyce and her team provide the highest professional services. Complementary home inspection, staging and decorating services are included. Also provided are these written checklists that we found extremely helpful.

  1. What Sellers Need to Know About Property Inspections
  2. Detailed Recommendations of how to stage each room in your house, as well as the outside property and gardens.
  3. The Costs of Buying a Home in a Nutshell
  4. Seller’s After the Sale Checklist
  5. Moving Checklist (Starting with One Month before you move through to Moving Out and Moving into your new home)
  6. Their Team’s Business Directory

Joyce and her team are detailed oriented and will help with every aspect of their services.

Joyce takes the time to get to know you and your wishes. She works hard to get the best price when selling your home and buying your next home. You are in good hands!"

LAURIE & LES MACNEIL
57 Pine Valley Drive
St Thomas, ON, N5P 5K3
519-637-8545

 
 

WHAT REALTORS SAY ABOUT OUR TEAM

"We found our referral experience very successful.  Your team was in constant contact, was well organized and most importantly produces results.  The client we referred has settled in and is very happy with their purchase.  We will not hesitate to refer other clients to your team.  Thanks for your hard work."

BONNIE & PAUL JONES
Sutton Group Heritage Realty, Pickering, ON
1-905-619-9500

"Joyce came highly regarded from an agent in our office and I must say she was a total professional from start to finish. She was great with my clients, and maintained consistent with providing updates throughout the entire process. Thanks for everything!"

SCOTT MORGAN
Sutton Group Heritage Realty, Whitby, ON
1-905-655-3300

"I have known Joyce Byrne for some 30 years. When she sold a Mount Brydges property I was involved in she delivered an impressive service and sold the property at listing price. Just this past summer I referred Joyce to a very good friend of mine who was looking for a condo in London. Again Joyce delivered on a sale despite some interesting challenges. I would recommend Joyce Byrne to anyone looking to sell or buy a property, she communicates effectively, she delivers on what she says she is going to do and she is a joy to do business with, I doubt there is a better Realtor in Ontario."

JACK BIERNASKI
Reva Realty Inc., Bancroft, ON
1-613-332-1338

 

 

MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT'S WORTH!

 

 

 If you are considering selling your home, now or in the future, here is just some of what Our Team has to offer!

1. INNOVATIVE MARKETING

• Aggressive and innovative marketing which leads to more qualified buyer prospects and an auction-like atmosphere to the bidding process resulting in a higher sale price!
 
• Our Monthly contact program for buyers and Realtors, our affiliation with networking groups such as LPMA, ORRT,  etc as well as our website,which is Canada's Most Complete, are just some of the unique marketing techniques that more than triple the number of buyers inquiring about the homes we market.

• This results in not only more money for the homes we sell, but a shorter sale time too!!!

 2. GET IT DONE!

 • Statistically, homes took, on average, 18 days to sell last year.

 • However, homes listed with Our Team sold in 7 days - less than half the time it takes other Realtors to sell their listings!

 • And a faster sale time leads to MORE MONEY!!        

 3. SHOW ME THE MONEY!

 • On average London area agents sold their listings for 100% of the asking price in 2019.

 •  We sold our listings for 107% of the asking price!! And based on the average sale price in 2019 for a residential property in our area of $409,858  that's $ 28,690 more in your pocket!

 4. PROVE IT!

  • The properties we list for sale have a 27% greater chance of selling!! According to the
     local  Association of Realtors, there were 13,893  properties listed for sale in 2019 but only
     10,125 sold.

  • This means that only 73% of all the properties listed for sale actually sold!

  • In contrast, we sold 99% of all the properties we had listed!!! 

  • On average, a Realtor with the London  St Thomas Board of Realtors,  sold only
    6 properties last year!  Joyce Byrne was involved in 65 transactions. 

5. EXPERIENCE/TEAM APPROACH

  • Our team has over 68 years combined Real Estate experience!

  • The average Realtor in North America has only 10 years experience.
 
  • Only 3 out of 10 Realtors  in Canada handle a minimum of 10 listings in an entire year!!

  • Joyce's Team has been involved in over 2000 transactions.

                                        "EXPERIENCE ISN'T EXPENSIVE, IT'S PRICELESS!"

 6. LESS HASSLE

• Cancellation Guarentee:  We provide a written guarantee that  removes the risk involed in
   making the wrong decision when choosing a realtor!
 

OUR GOLD PLAN FOR SELLING YOUR PROPERTY (An example of one of our plans)

1. Evaluation at a COMPETITIVE MARKET PRICE based on the special features of your property compared with other properties sold in the area and those presently for sale.

2. Our Exclusive "COMING SOON PROGRAM" with Sign rider.
 
3. HOME ENHANCEMENT: Our Team has a Professional Stager whose advice and guidance is part of our Gold Plan.

4. Our Exclusive STAGING TIPS BROCHURE, available to you on our website, has over 100 Suggestions to get you more $$ for your property.

5. PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION: This is a fabulous tool to attract buyers, get more $$, prohibit renegotiations, facilitate multiple offers and encourage firm offers!
 
6. Place and maintain our FOR SALE SIGN on your lawn.  It's your salesperson on 24 hour duty.
 
7. VIRTUAL TOURS AND STILL PHOTOS: Included in our full service package is a professional Virtual Tour and Photos by our Team's Videographer.
 
8. Our EXCLUSIVE HOMEBOOK on your property available on MLS.
 
9. Highlight the special features of your home on MLS and Realtor.ca.
 
10. Circulation of the listing details on the MULTIPLE LISTING SYSTEM (MLS): with up to 50 colour photos, a Virtual Tour, your Feature Sheet, Mortgage Sheet,  Survey if available, List of Schools and any other documents we receive that we can post online!  Giving your home full exposure to all active Realtors in Canada.
 
11. We will design a COLOUR BROCHURE with the features of your home, which we will make available on MLS and on Realtor.ca!

12. A Custom Mortgage Sheet will also be posted on MLS.
 
13. We will place your home on REALTOR.ca with up to 50 colour photos, thereby exposing it to thousands of buyers across Canada in a way few Realtors can.
 
14. Exposure on our Web Site with a link to a virtual tour.
 
15. Provide A DIRECT LINK from Realtor.ca to OUR WEBSITE so buyers get much more information on your property.
 
16. Expose your property with a full Colour Photos and Virtual Tour on OUR COMPANY'S WEBSITE: www.suttongrouppreferred.com.

17. You will have access to over 50 Home Services.

18. Team Approach  (It doesn't cost any more to hire the whole team).
 
19.
 We will control the use of the HOUSE KEY so you are not tied down.
 
20. We have available 24 Hour TELEPHONE SERVICE (puts interested buyers in our hands within minutes of their call).
 
21. Distribution of your specially designed website to all the LOCAL TOP REALTORS on our database.  No other Realtor offers this!
 
22. Screening of all calls and QUALIFYING ALL BUYERS whenever possible (this way you eliminate those who cannot afford your home).
 
23. A CALL TO ALL SALESPEOPLE known to be active in your neighbourhood, followed by an email with a link to your specially designed colour website.
 
24. We will consult OUR EXTENSIVE DATABASE (over 2000 contacts) for possible buyers (contains mailing info on many professional groups & trades people, etc.).
 
25. We will keep a record of inspections, showings, reactions to advertising etc. and we will let you know.  We FOLLOW-UP and OBTAIN FEEDBACK.
 
26. We will use our connections across North America to expose your home to OUT-OF-TOWN BUYERS.
 
27. Through a selective marketing process we will "ADVERTISE IN MULTIPLE MEDIUMS" that will help us reach the largest number of targeted buyers.

28. Full Market Review Every 30 Days.
 
29. We advertise on Facebook with a Link to your Virtual Tour.

30. We advertise on Kijiji with a Link to your Virtual Tour.

31. We advertise on Linked In with a Link to your Virtual Tour.

32. We regularly distribute a copy of your Feature Sheet at our Ontario Wide Networking Group.

33. Directional Signage may be installed to attract more drive by traffic.

34. We will market through Relocation Officers across North America.

35.  Complimentary Staging Accessories  may be  Available.

36. We will look for opportunities to use our Reverse Offer Program.

37. We will offer you our Public Open House Program if applicable.

38. We will offer you our Agent Open House Program if applicable.

39. A Bonus Payment can be made to the Selling Agent (attracts more Realtors and Offers!)

40. We attend all NEGOTIATIONS acting as your agent.

41. We obtain a deposit cheque and see that it is certified within 48 hours of the acceptance of an AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE. 
 
42. We provide the Buyers and their Realtors with every assistance in OBTAINING SUITABLE FINANCING.
 
43. Our Team will assist your SOLICITOR in every way possible between the date of acceptance and the closing date.  We forward all paperwork to both your Solicitor and Buyer's Lawyers.

44. You will receive our Seller's After The Sale Checklist. "Our Exclusive Tool".

45. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: We can provide you with help whether relocating around the block or around the world.

46. We offer Property Management Services (great for vacant properties or absentee landlords)
 
47. CLOSING THE SALE: Joyce and her Team will monitor and inform you of the progress of your transaction, including satisfaction of contingencies, throughout the entire transaction.
 
48. AFTER SALE SERVICE: Our Team will also contact you after closing to follow up on any details and be sure you are entirely satisfied.

SELECT YOUR AGENT NOT JUST BY THE PRICE THEY PRESENT, BUT ON THE NUMBER OF ACTUAL BENEFITS AND SERVICES THEY CAN PUT TO WORK FOR YOU!

 

TIPS FOR HOME STAGING

HOME ENHANCEMENT: Our Team has available a Professional Stager whose advice and guidance is part of our services.

1.  Start with your curb appeal. Go beyond cutting the grass and consider planting flowers. Think of this as drive by appeal – look at the front door – does it need a new paint job? Next, get a new welcome mat and make sure the house numbers are visible from the street.

2.  Maintain the yard and garden by weeding deadheading, removing debris and pruning dead branches. Add a bird bath or bird feeder to bring in the feeling of life. Keep the walkways and driveway free from snow and salt so its safe for viewings.
 
3.  Don’t overlook the minor details. Review your home for all minor flaws, paying attention to the smallest detail. When added together, the smallest details chip away at your equity.
 
4.  Put away the family photos and collectibles. Pack anything smaller than your fist.
 
5.  Purge the guilt. Don’t keep things you really don’t like. If you received something as a gift or inherited an item you don’t like, ease your guilt by passing it onto someone who will really enjoy it and/or can put it to good use. That goes for children’s projects, too. If you can’t bear to get rid of them (the projects, not the kids), take a photograph of your child with the project and free up much needed storage space.
 
6.  Entry, Bedroom and linen closets all need attention too. Pack away 1/3rd of everything to show off the generous storage space.
 
7.  Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses; pay particular attention to the fixtures, cleanliness and ambiance in every aspect of preparing these areas – try to make each space appear like it has never been used.
 
8.  Correct lighting is important for every room. Ensure proper lighting by turning on all overhead lights and lamps throughout the house so each room and space is light and bright. And remember to include outdoor lighting – over fifty percent of viewings take place at night.
 
9.  Clean reflective surfaces. Clean the windows inside and out and check other reflective surfaces throughout the house to bounce extra light.
 
10. Create that “move-in today” feeling. Correct placement of furniture, plants, lighting and accessories is a crucial component of professional staging. Making these a priority, lifts the positive energy in a house making the space feel comfortable and balanced to prospective buyers.
 
11. Address all the best features of the house. Ensure that your house shows well by highlighting the focal points and opening the sight lines and traffic patterns. This way, buyers can easily walk through a room without running into the back of the sofa or peering over a piece of furniture to get a look at the back yard.
 
12. Consider a pre-sale inspection. It’s best to find out what the bargaining chips will be before marketing your property. Finding out if there are major repairs necessary before you sell, puts you in the driver’s seat, plus, you can fix the flaws before buyers have a chance to negotiate down your selling price.  Our services include a Pre Sale Home Inspection!
 
13. Don’t gamble with your equity: if getting your house ready to sell seems like too much trouble, consider how much trouble buyers will think it is. You don't want to send them elsewhere.

 
 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE A SHOWSTOPPER

Showing a house is a lot like going on a first date: you try to look well groomed even if that's not how you normally look!  The old adage about first impressions being the most important is just as true for your home as it is for you.  A clean house gives prospective buyers the impression that the whole house is well maintained including the out of sight items such as plumbing or heating.

Most sellers know that a tidy house can help their home sell faster but clean is a relative term.  What one person finds acceptable could send another running for the door.  Real estate agents and brokers have seen it all: ring around the bathtub, pantyhose hanging off the shower curtain, sinks full of dirty dishes, living rooms littered with toys,and dust bunnies behind the sofa the size of prairie tumbleweeds.

There are three main incentives to keeping your house in perfect show condition: your home may sell faster, you may get more money for it and by removing the clutter you will allow people to focus on any improvements you've made to your home.  (It's hard to see the new tile floor in the bathroom when it's covered in wet towels!)

Long before your first showing, take stock of your home.  Do you have piles of magazines you've never finished beside your couch?  Are your closets and drawers overflowing with clothes you're hoping will come back in style?

Do you trip over a pile of shoes when you walk in the door?  Be brave and pack up anything you don't use on a regular basis and give away whatever you haven't used or worn in the last five years - bell-bottoms couldn't possibly make another comeback! A good guideline to aim for is the uncluttered, unobtrusive look of a hotel room.

While you may feel that achieving such a high level of cleanliness is seemingly impossible for amateurs, your efforts will pay off!  Begin by washing walls, windows and doors and shampooing carpets.

If you have hardwood floors you may want to get them professionally cleaned and varnished.  Put a drop of oil in squeaky joints. 

Pets should be taken out with you during showings for everyone's benefit. If you have a cat, ensure that the litter is changed or cleaned daily. Cat odour can be a great hindrance to the sale of your home since people may worry that the odour will be permanent. Open windows shortly before a showing if possible. Also remove all pet dishes, beds and toys for your showings. It's best that your buyers do not know there are any pets at all.

For the exterior of your home, a fresh paint job can do wonders.  If painting your entire home is prohibitively expensive consider making small updates such as painting the trim or just touching up rough spots.

The garden is another outdoor area many homeowners overlook despite the fact that it is the first thing prospective buyers will see.  Keep the lawn and bushes trimmed.  If you were never much of a gardener you can still have fresh flowers by cheating a bit - make a quick trip to the garden store. In winter be sure be sure to shovel walkways, drives, decks, patios and a pathway to the shed.

Most small annual flowers are available for less than $3.00 per plant.  Choose flowers in only two or three colours to create a sense of uniformity in your garden or just go with white for a clean look.  An attractive flowerpot on the front porch can be a nice touch.

Don't be surprised if people also want to see the garage.  Some buyers feel the garage reflects the general maintenance of the entire property.  Unfortunately, if you are like most people you enter your garage half expecting to be attacked by your belongings.

If you have nowhere else to store the items you don't want to give away, at least try to put them in boxes piled neatly along one wall.  Designate one area for bikes and another for sporting equipment. Better yet, rent storage space nearby

Once you've completed these tasks, it's important to maintain the neatness of your home (inside and out) on a daily basis while you have it up for sale. If you start with a clean house, it's easy to wipe off a counter or run the vacuum over the carpet to get it into good condition and ultimately complete the sale.

 
 

OUR HELPFUL SELLING TIPS

Follow these helpful instructions to ensure the highest dollar possible:

1.  PRIOR TO PICTURE DAY: We will be scheduling an appointment with you to do a professional photo shoot and virtual tour of your property.  Before the photographer arrives you will want to complete your decluttering.  Of course our Team Stager will have been over to guide you in this.  One of the best ways to decide if your home is decluttered enough: look through the lens of your camera.  This is the way the buyer will see your property on our website, in the feature sheet, and on Realtor.ca.  It may surprise you. 

2.  CONTRACTORS: Have your carpeting, furnace, and air conditioner serviced/cleaned. Have the service people attach dated stickers where they can, and also supply you with readable receipts you can leave out on the table.

3.  A Day with the HANDYMAN: Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors, crooked fences, decks that need staining/painting, leaking faucet and the like are noticed by the prospect.  Have them fixed.  Call us if you wish to hire a handyman, we can recommend a great one.

4.  From Top to Bottom: The attic and basement are important features.  Remove all unnecessary articles that have accumulated.  Display the full value of your storage and utility spaces.

5.  Step High – Step Low: Prospects will do just that unless stairways are cleared of objects.  Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.

6.  Closet Illusions: Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats and other articles neatly placed, will make your closets appear adequate.

7.  Dear to Her Heart: Is the KITCHEN.  Remove all clutter from counters.  Take all magnets off the fridge.  These take the buyers attention away from what is important and they are not the things you want buyers noticing.  Make sure all appliances are sparkling.

8.  Check and Double Check: Your BATHROOM.  Bright, clean and model  property condition bathrooms sell many homes.

9.   BEDROOMS are always outstanding features.  Arrange them neatly to make them look as large as possible.

10.  PAINTING: Paint any rooms that are not neutral or have not been recently painted.  Touch up any nicks and scratches. If you feel painting is too much work or too costly, imagine what buyers will feel like.  

11.  Organize Your BASEMENT and Workbench in an effort to make everything look spacious and highly organized.  Buyers feel an organized and neat property is a well cared for one.

12.  DECLUTTER all counters, shelves, mantles, tables etc… to the point of being bare looking. (As in a model property).  Usually one item per small table and 3 items on mantels and shelves.  Obviously you have to live here too so you must decide how much you can live with or without.

13.  Have your FIREPLACE and/or WOODSTOVE inspected & cleaned.  Be sure to get receipts you can read and that are dated for all services completed by a professional.  Put a copy of the receipt on the table for buyers to view.

14.  CHILDREN: Get them involved in the sale of your property.  Reward them for keeping their rooms and the whole property tidy, and coach them on taking appointments by phone or leaving that to you.

15.  LOVE ME. LOVE MY PET: Does not apply in property selling.  The presence and the odour of a pet should be avoided during showings.  Remove your pets during showings. Cats and cat boxes bring tears to the eyes of a surprisingly large number of buyers (due to allergies, not tender feelings).  Be sure litter boxes are cleaned frequently and if possible remove before showings. Hide food dishes, toys and dog and cat beds too or take them with you when you go out for the showings.

16.  SMOKE DETECTORS: Make sure you have one on every level and that they all work as it is now the Fire Code. A working carbon monoxide detector is now necessary also.

17.  Dust the outside of your FURNACE AND WATER HEATER.  Take a broom to any cobwebs in the basement.

There is a detailed list of staging tips available to you on our website as well as a Professional Staging Consultation.

 

WHAT SELLERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROPERTY INSPECTIONS

According to home inspectors, there are up to 100 physical items that come under scrutiny during a Home Inspection.

Whether you own an older property or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection.  If not identified and dealt with, any of these items could cost you dearly in terms of a sale that fails to complete!

That's why it's critical that you read the following information

If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale, or worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. Thats one of the reasons we include a PRE LISTING INSPECTION IN OUR SERVICES.

Below is a list of some of the items a Home Inspector looks at:

  • Hinges, doorknobs and cabinetry hardware.
  • Faucets and Toilets.
  • Humidifiers, Air Cleaners, Furnaces and Central Air Conditioners.
  • Wiring, especially any handyman work that may not meet codes. If you have knob & tube wiring (older homes) you may have to have an electrician replace it as home insurance can no longer be obtained.
  • The Attic, to be sure there are no leaks or mould and the sheeting and insulation looks good.
  • Eaves troughs and downspouts to be sure they run away from the foundation.
  • Screens and Windows.
  • Electrical Outlets.
  • Fireplace and Chimneys to be sure they are functioning properly and are clean.
  • Skylights. Do yours leak? Are there water stains?
  • Ceilings. If you have had a plumbing or roofing problem repaired, be sure to paint the ceilings if they were damaged.
  • Bathroom ceiling fans to be sure they are operational.
  • Water pressure.
  • Your windows, roof, basement, etc to be sure there are no leaks.
  • Light fixtures and Fans to be sure they are in working condition.
  • Your Garage Door Opener.
  • Your interior and exterior Doors to be sure they close properly?
  • Sump pump - is it in working order?
  • Foundation walls: any cracks, leaks, sinking? Are your supports and teleposts structurally sound?

Should the buyers wish to do a Home Inspection they will add a clause to their offer making it conditional on the inspection being satisfactory.  We will schedule the inspection for a time convenient to both you and the buyers.  The buyers will be there with their home inspector, and all are accompanied by the Buyers Realtor.  It is preferable that the home owners are not present during the home inspection.

 

SELLERS TO DO LIST

1. Locate all documents you received from your lawyer when you bought your home, including your survey (not applicable for condos).

2. Have your property assessment available.

3. Cut a key or keys for the front door.

4. Call your mortgage company to get details on discharge fees if any, payments, (whether they include your property taxes), what was the original term on your mortgage, when your mortgage is up for renewal, and the interest rate.

5. If available provide us with a copy of your previous Home Inspection Report.

6. Locate any photographs (pool, landscaping, property in different seasons etc.) that you may have available and email to Joyce.

7. Locate renovation bills, copies of all contracts and contractors’ names for any work you have done since you have owned the property and any information the previous owners left.

8. Provide us with a list of outdoor plants, trees, shrubs and flowers.

9. Include any floor/home plans you may have.

10. Use your imagination:  Have available  paint samples, neighbourhood watch flyers, lists of area babysitters, neighbourhood committees, etc.

11. Give us a copy of your utility bills, one from summer and one from winter unless you are on a budget plan, then you need just one. Your water heater bill for the month or quarter should be included.

12. Locate all appliance warranties, pamphlets/manuals etc., (including air conditioner and furnace information) that will be included with the sale.

13. If you live in a condo, you may want to locate your condo bylaws, budget statement and any notices from your property manager.

 

WHAT TO DO ONCE YOUR PROPERTY IS ON THE MARKET

1.  Be sure you have completed the Seller’s To Do List and followed the selling tips included here.  This is your #1 PRIORITY in order to receive higher offers.

2.   Keep your property ready for LAST MINUTE SHOWINGS. We know how inconvenient this is, but it is very important.

3.   Leave any bills, receipts, invoices, manuals, brochures etc on an easily accessible table or if you prefer give me the bills, receipts and invoices to scan. It is probably best to DISPLAY THE MARKETING at all times in case of last minute showings.

4. The purpose of the marketing material at your home is to answer questions a typical buyer asks.  

5.  When prospective buyers arrange an appointment, LEAVE THE PREMISES entirely. This makes them feel more comfortable.

6. DO NOT DISCUSS price, terms, possession or other features with customers, neighbours, friends, or other Sales Representatives.  It is a small city and word travels quickly.  Confidentiality can mean more money in your pocket! Refer questions to us.

7.  Should you be OUT OF TOWN for the day or away on holidays, be sure to email Joyce with your contact info so we can reach you.

8.  LISTEN TO THE MARKET with us. If your segment of the market is quiet, there is little we can do. If however, we do not get showings in an active market, we are not positioned correctly and we should consider a change. If we get showings but no offers, chances are our price may be a little high or our condition requires review.

 

PRIOR TO SHOWINGS

1. Be sure your lock box is easily accessible. DO NOT LOCK YOUR SCREEN DOOR.

2. Be sure your marketing display is left out.

3.  Check the temperature… cool in the summer (but not freezing) and toasty warm in the winter. Turn on the gas fireplace if you will be back shortly.

4.  Fresh cut flowers help to set the stage. Use scented disinfectant if pets live inside. Smokers should do so outdoors while the house is up for sale.

5. Turn on every LIGHT including lamps! This makes the home warm and cheery. Agents may leave the lights on or turn them off unless you leave a note that says "TURN LIGHTS OUT" or "LEAVE LIGHTS ON".

6. Open all shades, blinds and drapes and let the sunshine in.

7.  Smell is the strongest of our five senses.  Keep a kettle of cider on the stove with cinnamon sticks.  It is an easy way to give your home that apple pie smell without the hassle.  All you have to do is warm it up before the showing. Or you may prefer to light a scented candle before the showings, just remember to blow it out before you leave.

8.  Turn the stereo on low to a soft “easy listening” station and turn it on very low. 

9.  Winter Tip: Buy store bought logs and light a fire in your fireplace.  Of course only if you will return to your home shortly after showings. If you have a gas fireplace have it on for showings, again only if you will return to the property shortly.

10. Do a walk through of your home to be sure everything is show ready.

11.  If you get caught at the property during a showing, do not attempt to show your property; you may inadvertently disclose a compromising fact or you may give buyers information they are not interested in and lose their enthusiasm.  Let the Realtor show your home.  Even though it sometimes seems the Buyer's Realtor could not sell ice water in the desert, bite your tongue.  Realtors sometimes find that buyers wish to discover the ambiance of properties on their own rather than have amenities pointed out.

(Joyce’s tip: Leave a bowl of Wrapped Candies on the foyer table.)

 

 

SHOWINGS AND FEEDBACK

Showings are PRE-ARRANGED with you. We will make arrangements with you in advance on how you would like showing appointments to be handled.

Most Realtors make appointments to show in half hour increments.  So say between 1 and 130 pm and 6 and 630 pm. It is best to leave 15 minutes before and return 15 minutes after the latest time just in case.
 
Occasionally, an Agent will drive by with a buyer who would like to see your home ASAP.  Capitalizing on the magic of the moment, the Agent may come to your door to request a showing on the spot.  Be certain they can identify themselves with a business card and if it is convenient, accommodate the showing.  If not, let the Agent know when they can show your home or perhaps ask them to return in 20 or 30 minutes.  
 
Unfortunately, No Showsare not unheard of and even the most careful Agent may not show at the appointed time.  They may be running late (some buyers look at one home longer than another), or the buyer may have decided against your area or your style of home after seeing the first couple of homes that day.  Most Agents call to explain, but even the best sometimes forget.  Please call to let us know if this happens so we can follow up.
 
Our “Exclusive” System
of tracking every showing, with the Sales Representative’s name, company and phone number usually prevents “No Shows”!!


Keep the cards of all Realtors who show the home OUT OF SIGHT.  EVERY TIME an Agent requests a showing of your property, our "Exclusive Feedback" form is emailed to their attention.  That salesperson, in turn, completes the form and gets it back to us after their showing.  If we don't receive this form back within 48 hours (excluding weekends), we call the Sales Representative and ask how the showing went.

This feedback strategy is particularly helpful to our sellers, as it lets them know what reactions and opinions potential buyers and agents had concerning their property.  We may receive feedback on the price and condition, as well as suggestions on improvements.  Sometimes they have questions about the property that, once answered, can lead to a sale!  It also gives us a chance to 'sell' the property to other professionals by highlighting and reinforcing some of the features and benefits of our sellers' properties.

At lease once a week or more often, we will contact you with the results of these showings.We GUARANTEE to keep you informed!!


SELLERS SERVICE GUARANTEE

We GUARANTEE Every Service We Offer or YOU CAN FIRE US!

Entering into a listing agreement with a Real Estate Agent can be a risky business.  Every Sales Representative will promise the world when it comes to effectively marketing your property, but how many of them can back that up with solid performance?

According to a recent survey, 72% of home sellers were dissatisfied with the performance of their agent, even if that agent had sold their property!!

We are offering you a way to list your property that is totally risk-free.

We are so confident that our real estate system will work for you, that we guarantee you the right to cancel our listing agreement at any time prior to accepting an offer to purchase on your property, with 7 days written notice, should we fail to follow through on our Action Plan.

Success in real estate is selling properties in a timely fashion and for Top Dollar.  We are confident that we can do this for you because we have helped over two thousand sellers just like yourself get their properties sold.

Our pledge is to provide you with the highest level of service in the real estate industry and our commitment to this pledge is 100%.

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519-471-8888    London, ON
Sutton Preferred Realty Inc., Brokerage
Independently Owned and Operated
181 Commissioners Rd W
London ON
N6J 1X9
Copyright © 2007 Joyce Byrne Realtor
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