WHEN TO LIST YOUR HOME THIS YEAR?
As we are sure you are aware, the real estate market in Ottawa and throughout the country is in a bit of turmoil. Prices have dropped, properties are on the market for longer than even during what was once considered normal times.
So what is a seller to do the get the most value out of their home in today’s market? Over the past few years almost anything and everything was selling without an issue. No building inspections. No financing condition. No asking the seller to do this or that or throw in some furniture or a lawnmower or snow blower. But today, you MUST GET BACK TO BASICS! Prepare your home to the best you can do and afford. Paint, clean and repair, repair, repair! Make sure your home will pass not only the Buyer’s inspection but a professional building inspection. If you don’t think it will, take care of the issues if you can. Doing all this may not necessarily make your listing price higher but it will make buyers feel good about your home and about making an offer. Offers tend to be higher when the buyer sees that the home is clean and well maintained. THAT can bring you more dollars in your pocket.
If your trading real estate (buying up to a larger or superior home downsizing) it is a bit of a wash. What you are buyer usually rises and falls in step with what you’re selling. Buying up in a down market is usually a benefit to a buyer as in harder times, affordable homes seller better while larger more expensive homes can stay on the market longer reducing their value.
If you are getting out of home ownership (renting) then we recommend the Spring market. This usually gives the best value. We start the Spring market in March and it continues to grow and increase in value as time moves toward Summer. However, the right time to sell is up to you and your needs and circumstances. We sell home 12 months of the year.
We have stuck to the basic of good service, responding to our clients needs and practicing solid real estate techniques and marketing for over 30 years. We’ve lasted in this business for only one reason: We are very good at what we do.
So feel free to call or write. homesbyhartman@realtyagent.com 613-825-9710
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