Phone:403.460.3888 Email: trach@trachrealty.com, jolene@trachrealty.com

Selling your home

Selling your home

Selling your home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Your home is likely your largest asset - this may be the biggest financial move you've ever made, one that requires significant thought and strategy.

As a Calgary Realtor with years of experience and a proven track record, it is my job to guide you through this complicated process, from beginning to end. My combination of skill, experience, and technology ensures that I can sell your home for the highest possible price and in the shortest period of time. I have the tools to meet the demands of a highly competitive, modern market.

Things to keep in mind

Why do you want to sell your home?
Before you begin the selling process, closely evaluate why you're moving. Do you have too little space or too much?  Has your company transferred you to a new city? Or are you simply looking for a change?
A complete analysis of your current position will set a good foundation for your home-selling strategy, as well as for your next home hunt. If, for example, you have already purchased a new home and your goal is to make a quick sale on your current home, this reason will chart the path you take in the home-selling process. If, on the other hand, you aim to net the highest price possible for your home, you need to prepare yourself for a potentially slower process.

Be clear about these reasons, as they will directly influence the amount of time and effort you put into preparing your home for sale, and the amount you set for your asking price.

Buy or Sell First?
This can be a tricky question. After all, if you find a purchaser for your existing home before you've found a new home, you may find yourself living out of a suitcase if convenient closing dates cannot be negotiated. On the other hand, if you find your dream home before you've sold your old one, you may be faced with having to finance both homes and shoulder the extra debt until you sell.
So how do you manage? It can be quite simple. Do your homework and have a good idea about the Calgary neighbourhood and type of home you're looking for. Do an honest evaluation of your family's needs and budget.
Speak to me start your new home search in Calgary as soon as your existing home hits the market.
If you've found a home before you've sold your existing one, use "sale of your existing home" as a condition on your offer. If you don't sell your house within a fixed period of time, you can choose not to go through with the offer. This, however, is a difficult condition for many vendors to agree upon and you may find that you have to forgo your price negotiating power.
Purchasing a home before you sell could be a risky strategy if you're counting on the proceeds from the sale.
If you've found a purchaser before you've found your next home, use "purchase of a new home" as a condition when you sign back the agreement.
Again, it will only be for a fixed time. Even if you have not found the ideal next house by the time the deal closes, you may still wish to proceed with the offer. As a buyer with a "sold house" you will be in a better position to negotiate price.
Pricing your home

When you think about it, there are several other homes for sale competing with your home. Contact me and I will help you price your home competitively to attract qualified buyers. The way I do this is by generating a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report, which will show you a range of prices being paid for homes in your area. You can complete my online form to get a feel for your home's market value.

I Will Help You Every Step Of The Way
I will work with you to develop a unique marketing program, catered specifically to your needs and goals. This begins with my Automated Internet Marketing System - Online Presence: 24 hours a day! This system allows me to respond immediately and directly to every prospective buyer. On my website, buyers can get information immediately about your home.
As soon as you list your home with me, I will enter your listing in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. Other agents can immediately access your property information by computer. Plus, your property will be included in any printed MLS books.
Through my Personal Home Search, your listing will be sent to every prospective buyer in my database, where your home meets their personal criteria. I will continue to e-mail it to prospective buyers as long as your home is on the Calgary market.
Remember, I will be working with you every step of the way to ensure you get the highest possible price for your home in the shortest period of time.

Cost of Selling

Costs of clearing the title, including:

  • Discharge fees charged by encumbrance holders
  • Pre-payment penalties

These may include:

  • Property tax adjustments
  • Final maintenance and utility costs

Should maintain until the latter of either the date when you receive the proceeds of sale or when you vacate the property.

  • Professional moving services or truck rental
  • Moving insurance
  • Packing supplies
  • Moving equipment (dollies, hand trucks)
  • Storage unit rental
  • Snacks, drinks and gifts for friends who help you move
  • Gratuities for professional movers

In the Calgary area standard real estate commissions are 7% on the first $100,000.00 of the purchase price and 3% on the balance of the purchase price. Those commissions attract GST so be prepared for that as well.