During his fifteen years as a Calgary real estate agent, Len has established himself as a market leader selling hundreds of homes each year.  Len's extensive experience has helped him consistently rank in the top One Percent of Canadian RE/MAX realtors. His team are currently #1 in Calgary, with 96 million dollars in real estate sold in 2006.

Len and his team work hard to ensure that their clients benefit from the latest innovations in real estate technology. So if you have a Calgary home for sale, they will create a marketing strategy that will sell your home for the amount you deserve, in a professional and timely manner.

Contact Len:
www.calgaryhomesearch.com
(403)287-4888

About Realtor Spotlight

 

Do I use a realtor, or sell it myself? Not an easy question for most of us. We've all heard stories of Realtors who put their own interest before their customers, and have experienced it firsthand. But then, we've also seen property sell for atrocious amounts when we couldn't imagine it would ever be worth that - and had we done it ourselves, we may have undercut our revenues!

The first concern is of course the biggest problem with using a realtor: will they undercut the value of your property just to sell it quickly and line their own pockets? Unfortunately this is a double edged sword. Frequently the market may require you to drop the price of your home, and the Realtor is looking out for your best interests - so when are they being genuine with you? This is where trust in your Realtor comes in. It is utterly paramount that you immediately stop working with a Realtor you find slimy or shifty, and if you feel so inclined, go with a reputable individual who you feel comfortable with.

Realtors also take a cut of the profits made on your house - both the selling/listing agent and the buyers' agent, which essentially comes out of your pocket. So most people try to figure out if the price you can get using an agent will offset those fees. What people often forget is the time factor. How much more efficient will a realtor be than you? Is the time it takes to get the deal done and the paperwork drawn up for every offer worth anything to you? If so, how much? Always ask your Realtor if they can *guarantee* you anything in regards to turn around time on your property. That would be a guarantee you could not get by selling yourself.

So if you have decided to use a Realtor they will walk you through the selling process and go through their own system for making your house "market ready," but if you decide to sell the home yourself (FSBO - For Sale By Owner), make sure you check out our checklist below. Even if you are using a realtor take a look, there are some tips your realtor may miss.

Head over to our renovations section for some great home improvement ideas before you sell.

1. Know your timeline. When do you take possession of your new place? When do you want to move out by? When do you have to be out by?

2. Know the market. Not just the Calgary market, but the market for homes in your area. Are houses selling fast, or spending a long time on the market?

3. Price your home. Get a professional appraisal done, and don't deviate too much from this value. However, make sure you make our own opinion by visiting other homes for sale in the area. Rather than set one price, make a range of selling prices that would be acceptable to you, and price your house near the top of that range.

4. Prepare your house.
Clean your heart out, and get a maid if you want a professional job. Make sure to clean inside and out; a good landscaping job and freshly cut grass/shovelled driveway will help sell your property.
A fresh coat of paint is often a must, especially for the front door and entry way where scuffs are predominant.
All appliances, toilets, sinks, etc. must be spotless and in working order.
Replace light bulbs with bright white, and have them all on for showing.
More great tips here.

5. Prepare the documentation. Fill out a "Seller Disclosure" form, and prepare the "Sales & Purchase Contract".

6. Market your house.
Get a sign to put out front of your house.
Make a flyer with selling points on your house. Put some with the sign.
Write a classified ad and put it in your local papers.
Google online listing sites and decide if they are suitable for your listing.
Host an open house on the weekends. Make sure to put away all valuables, and put mats down in the entry way for people to remove their shoes.
Get creative. Market in ways you think will work.
If you are willing to let a Buyer's Agent bring you clients in return for a commission, inform your local real estate office.
Keep track of, and follow up with potential buyers.

7. Receive and negotiate the offer.
If the buyer doesn't have their own get all the proper paper work.
Get a lawyer to handle the offer and paper work.
Counter-offer if you feel you can get more than the offer.
Pre-qualify the buyer.
Negotiate time for inspection, closing costs, and other contingencies.
Have you home and roof inspections done, and resolve any issues.
Open Escrow with Title company.
Complete Title commitment.
Do any repairs necessary.
Complete a final walk-through.

8. Close the deal.

After finishing his Finance degree at McGill University Chris obtained his mortgage brokering license here in Calgary. He has since worked with several of Canada's top brokers, and has quickly gained a reputation as the "go-to" agent for many of Calgary's realtors.

Chris attributes his ability to take complicated scenarios and turn them around in record time to the talented team he works with, and his relationships with over 40 different lenders. "If you have any questions on the current Calgary housing market, your ability to finance your next home, or just need a mortgage put together quickly at a great rate, give me a call!"

Contact Chris:
www.chrispope.ca
cpope@dominionlending.ca
(403)604-8939

About Mortgage Spotlight