Category: Sellers

Selling Your Home in a Competitive Market

Posted on by teamrealty

Selling Your Home in a Competitive Market

 

Selling a home can be a challenging process in any market, let alone a competitive one. With so many properties up for sale, it is essential to take strategic steps to ensure that your home appeals to as many potential buyers as possible. In this blog, we will discuss several tips for selling your home in a competitive market.

 

Enhance your curb appeal.

 

In a competitive market, you want to avoid blending in with your competition. Maximizing your curb appeal is a great way of bringing attention to your home.

 

Curb appeal is the overall aesthetic of a property’s exterior when viewed from the street. This includes the home itself, along with any landscaping, decor or other outdoor features. It’s often the first impression that potential buyers will have of your property, making it an important factor to consider when you’re marketing your home.

 

An essential aspect of curb appeal is maintaining the exterior of your home. This can include anything from the color and style of the siding or brick to the condition of the roof and gutters. If the exterior of your home has been showing some wear and tear, consider making the necessary repairs to give it a fresh look. Repaint or power wash the exterior, fix any cracks in the foundation and replace any outdated windows or doors.

 

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s exterior appearance is by sprucing up your landscaping. This can include planting new grass, flowers, trees, shrubs, trimming back your greenery and adding mulch to your garden beds. A well-maintained, visually appealing landscape can make your home more inviting and attractive to buyers, both online and in-person.

 

Work with an experienced REALTOR®.

 

While some homeowners may consider selling their home on their own, a skilled REALTOR® can provide valuable insights, expertise and resources that can make the selling process smoother and more successful. Working with a knowledgeable REALTOR® not only gives you access to their strengths, but the strengths of those in their network. This can include:

 

  • Home Inspectors
  • Mortgage Brokers
  • Financial Advisors
  • Home Stagers
  • Builders & Contractors
  • Cleaning Services
  • Photographers
  • Pest Control

 

Use professional photography.

 

Most browsing in today’s day and age is done through online listings, making photography an incredibly important part of the selling process. A picture is worth a thousand words, and this couldn’t be more true for something as integral to your life as your home.

 

Potential buyers want to see clear, well-lit and detailed images of a property before deciding whether or not to schedule a showing or visit it in person. High-quality photography can help to immerse buyers, creating an emotional connection before they step foot on your property. The right pictures can do justice to the best features of your property and highlight its unique selling points. For example, if a home has a stunning view or a beautifully landscaped yard, high-quality photography can help to capture these features and make them stand out to potential buyers. This can be a great way to stand out among your competition.

 

Not only that, professional photographers are often well-equipped with advanced technology. They can use high-end editing software to help adjust the lighting and colour of their photos to accurately match the look and feel of your spaces. Some may offer the use of drones to take incredible aerial shots of your home, which are otherwise impossible with a normal camera.

 

Be flexible with your showing schedule.

 

It’s crucial to be as accommodating as possible with your showing schedule, as you never know what opportunities you may be missing out on. Through doing so, you can increase the chances of finding the right buyer quickly, and at the best possible price.

 

Being flexible with the showing schedule can also help to build a positive relationship with buyers and their agents. By actively responding to their requests and making the process as easy as possible, a seller can demonstrate that they are motivated to sell and willing to work with potential buyers to find the best solution for everyone involved. This is especially important in a competitive market, as it could give you the edge over a seller who is not as eager.

 

Questions?

Selling a home can be a challenging task, especially in a competitive market where there are many other properties for buyers to choose from. However, by taking the right steps and working with experienced professionals, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and at a fair price. If you have any further questions about selling your home in a competitive market, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. We have an experienced team ready to meet your every need.

Preparing your Home for Sale

Posted on by teamrealty

Preparing your Home for Sale

 

Getting your home ready to hit the market is a critical step in a successful sale. You want to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward. In this blog, we’re going to cover a few quick tips and tricks to make sure your house is one to remember.

 

What should you be doing?

 

First, make sure to depersonalize your spaces. This is because you want prospective buyers to imagine their own living space, rather than feeling like they’ve intruded on yours. Then, declutter your home and rearrange furniture to create more space for visitors to relax and explore. Decorate your home so that it highlights the unique features and selling points which others of the same vintage or in the same area may not have.

 

Lighting is a crucial step when you prepare for an open house. Making your home brighter can be a great way to show off your kitchen, foyer or other communal spaces in your home. Consider replacing your lighting or adding lamps to darker rooms. Draw back curtains, blinds and take measures to brighten your spaces to make them feel more inviting and welcoming. If there are any spaces that could benefit from natural light, let it in.


Make sure your outdoor spaces have been maintained as well as possible, measures being different depending on the season. During the warmer months, make sure to keep your lawn cut, trees trimmed and your gardens pruned. During the colder months, remember to salt your driveway and walkways frequently to keep visitors safe. Also make sure to create an inviting front porch to attract more potential buyers and welcome them to your home.

 

What shouldn’t you be doing?

 

Don’t leave a mess! Any dust, stains or other small messes can leave a bad impression on your guests. Don’t leave anything personal like documents, medications or fragile items sitting on shelves or behind cupboard doors. Guests sometimes like to open cabinets and drawers to see how much space they provide.

 

Any more questions?

If you have any further questions about preparing your home for sale, feel free to reach out and ask away! We’ll be happy to help you with your needs.

The Role of Technology in Real Estate

Posted on by teamrealty

The Role of Technology in Real Estate

 

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it has become increasingly important for those in real estate to keep up with the latest innovations that affect the industry. However, familiarizing yourself with the ever-changing landscape of real estate technology can often be a challenge, even for the most tech-savvy of individuals. 

 

The Role of Technology in Real Estate

 

By working with a trusted brokerage like Royal LePage Team Realty, you’ll be able to make the most of the opportunities available to you, allowing you to succeed with confidence and ease. After getting to know you and the situation that you’re in, our knowledgeable agents can identify the most promising tools and applications for your specific needs. Our industry experience and expansive professional network can provide you with a wealth of resources, allowing you to streamline your process and achieve your goals, no matter if you’re a buyer or a seller.

 

Promotion / Awareness

 

In the age of the internet, digital promotion is a must. On the one hand, sellers can rest assured that their home is being promoted to as wide an audience as possible.

 

  • Through the MLS® system, your home is exposed to a large number of buyers browsing online.

 

  • Team Realty’s websites, a resource to showcase our client’s listings and any scheduled open houses, in addition to introducing our team of professional real estate agents.

 

  • REALTOR® social media platforms are great for promoting listings and virtual tours.

 

  • Many individual REALTORS® also have websites for promotion of their listings.

 

On the other hand, it helps buyers find a home that truly checks all of their boxes. Buyers no longer have to wonder if they’re looking at the best option available. Because of the above-mentioned services, it’s much easier than it’s ever been to find a home that meets their short and long-term goals. Through the MLS® system, buyers can filter results by location, price, beds, baths and many other features.

 

Staging / Showing

 

The process of staging and showing a home has also become more essential. This was especially true throughout the global pandemic, as many REALTORS® have adapted their practices to include virtual tours and showings, allowing buyers to experience another home from the comfort of their current one. Digitally or virtually staging a home, without materially altering the main components or the perspective of any given room, can be a useful tool for presenting a vacant home online.

 

Professional photography has always been an effective tool for promotion, and this is especially true now. With advanced technology like 3D cameras and the use of drones, professionals can take incredible shots of the home and property from angles otherwise impossible with a regular camera.

 

The Role of Technology in Real Estate

 

Data Gathering / Analytics

 

Another strength of digital promotion is that it is often trackable, allowing sellers and their REALTORS® to document any successes or shortcomings the listing may have across various platforms. Many platforms allow us to see how many people have looked at a listing, as well as information on how other competitors in your area may be doing.

 

Here’s what data analytics may reveal, depending upon the site:

 

  • Number of Views

 

  • Time on Page

 

  • Bounce Rate (How many people left quickly after viewing the listing)

 

  • Location of Visitors and where they originated from

 

  • Conversion Rate (How many took action after viewing the listing)

 

Documents

 

There are now many technology services being used by our team of real estate professionals, such as DocuSign, that allow for legal/financial documents to be completed online. This allows:

 

  • The ability to review and sign documents from where and when it is convenient for you.

 

  • Any easy way to organize and access your important files.

 

  • Cloud-based technology which keeps your documents backed up, preventing loss.

 

  • Less of an environmental impact.

 

Networking

 

We have access to a vast network of experienced professionals from a wide variety of industries — a network that technology has only strengthened. This makes it easier to help you every step of the way. If you would like to streamline your real estate process as much as possible while also finding the best results, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Preparing Your Home for a Spring Sale

Posted on by teamrealty

Preparing Your Home for a Spring Sale

 

As a homeowner and future seller, it’s important to be aware that the real estate market will fluctuate with the changing seasons. The springtime is typically regarded as the most ideal time for buyers to begin their search due to a variety of factors, such as weather conditions, the school year cycle and the number of homes available. If you’re planning on listing this spring, you’ll need to ensure that your home will stand out and attract more potential buyers, no matter how competitive the market is. To do this, there are a few important actions that need to be taken — well before the snow melts.

 

Fresh Coat of Paint

 

There are quite a few touch-ups and repairs that can help your home go the distance in terms of curb appeal and overall attractiveness to potential buyers. For starters, you should consider applying a fresh coat of paint. This not only pertains to the walls and ceilings inside of your home, but the windows, doors, sheds, fences and any other large surfaces found outside. It may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but the effects of time can wear away at the brightness and boldness of your chosen colours, taking away from your home’s appeal, and ultimately its value.

 

You don’t always need a drastic change in paint colour, but sometimes one is recommended if your current colours aren’t buyer-friendly. Remember that since your goal is to sell, you should typically paint your home something more neutral, like a white or a cream colour. This way, it’s easier for potential buyers to view the home for what it is, without any bias if they don’t like your stylistic choices.

 

Upgrade Energy Efficiency

 

When it comes to the value of your home, energy-efficiency is a significant factor in this day and age. Buyers are more financially and ecologically conscious than ever before, leading to an increase in demand for homes that check off these boxes. Energy efficiency isn’t strictly about appliances, either. This has to do with your home’s ability to keep itself warm in the colder months and maintain healthy airflow in the hotter ones — without running an expensive power bill. Keep your HVAC appliances well-serviced, but also make sure to patch any gaps in your insulation and seal any cracks around your windows and doors where heat may escape.

 

The use of smart devices, such as smart thermostats, can also help minimize excess energy use. They can be easily customized and pre-programmed to suit your needs, and some can even detect the temperature in your home to optimize power usage accordingly. Through Enbridge, detached, duplex and row townhouse homeowners who heat their home with natural gas may qualify for a $75 discount on the purchase of a smart thermostat. This can help you save now, and in the long run.

 

Renovations

 

Renovations can play a large part in the sale of your home. Yes, it’s true that any medium or large-scale renovations require a significant budget — but strategic upgrades can prove to be extremely rewarding as they often provide a healthy return on investment. If your budget is relatively low, consider one of these low-cost, high impact home upgrades.

 

Kitchens and bathrooms can be a great focal point for your upgrades, as they provide you with many different angles of approach. These spaces are used regularly, providing both visual appeal and functional value to the household. Replacing your appliances can be a great place to start, as they come in great variety and different levels of performance to suit the look, feel and budget you’re aiming for. If you’re going the full distance and remodeling the whole room from scratch, remember to leave some extra wiggle room in your budget for any unforeseen circumstances.

 

Finishing your basement can also be a great direction for your renovation budget. A finished basement can take on many different functions, such as a home gym, home theatre, home bar or games room. The possibilities are endless, but please note that finished basements will often carry the best return on investment if they’re designed for miscellaneous use. This way, the basement will still look visually appealing, but the purpose of the space will be up to the buyer’s discretion.

 

Make sure not to go too far with renovations though, as you could risk too much of a visual mismatch between the interior and exterior of your home, or one between rooms. This can lower the value, ultimately reversing any effort you’d put in.

 

Landscaping & Gardening

 

Proper landscaping and gardening are effective ways to boost your curb appeal and give a strong first-impression. Not only that, but well-kept outdoor spaces often imply that the home is also in equally good condition. This is incredibly helpful when potential buyers are doing their initial online searches, as it will catch their eye, likely putting you high up on their list of places to visit. A nice-looking property can also pique the curiosity of those passing by, leading to an increase in listing traffic and sometimes more offers coming your way.

 

  • Dethatch your lawns. This involves raking away any dead grass, allowing your grass to absorb sunlight and other critical nutrients for its growth and overall health.
  • Aerate your lawn. Aerators are often available for rent or offered as a service by most landscaping companies, depending on what works best for you.
  • Consider applying fertilizer. Fertilizer can improve the strength and fullness of your lawn, allowing it to resist the elements better.
  • Plan colour coordinated garden spaces in both your front and back yards. Make use of both annuals and perennials to create some diversity. This can help tie your property together visually.

 

Contact a Skilled Agent

 

It’s always good to contact a skilled REALTOR® well in advance, as there are many best practices and fine details that need to be addressed ahead of time. In addition to helping recommend which items you should address prior to listing, Royal LePagers have access to an extensive network of experienced professionals from a wide variety of industries (legal, financial, construction, inspection, etc.) to help you close on a successful sale. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

How does location influence desirability and value?

Posted on by teamrealty

How does location influence desirability and value?

 

Location, location, location. You’ve heard it a thousand times when it comes to real estate, and you likely understand what it means. But which aspects of your location are of most influence when it comes to determining the desirability of your property and ultimately affecting its value? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at which factors play the largest roles in raising or lowering your home value.

 

Education

 

The most pressing questions on the minds of young families surround the future and wellbeing of their children. Quality education checks both of these boxes, drastically influencing their decision making. If your home is close to a school with a positive reputation, this can influence  the value of your property upward for those buyers. (Here is a site where you can search for nearby schools.) This is even more the case if your home is within walking distance of the school, as their children won’t have to endure long bus rides. On the flip side, if your home is far from quality education, this can push families away.

 

Development

 

If the neighbourhood or community in which you live is currently expanding outward, this can increase the value of your property. People see this as a way to “buy low”, as the value will generally increase as the area develops. As more shops, schools, recreation facilities and other locations open nearby, it becomes a more desirable place to live. Many properties in the downtown core were first purchased for a mere fraction of what they’re worth now, and the same applies to anywhere else.

 

Businesses, Services, Amenities

 

Nearby businesses, services and other amenities are a factor in determining property value. Not only is it a matter of convenience, but long commutes and burning gas can add up in a hurry. Similarly, lack of access to public transit can be a dealbreaker, especially if you’re dealing with younger buyers who would prefer to save each dollar they can by taking the bus, train, etcetera.

 

Parks, Trails

 

Close proximity to vast outdoor spaces can heavily influence a buyer’s decision. Spaces like these are valuable to those with children, or pets who require frequent exercise. They’re also an ideal spot to meet others in the area with similar interests, growing their social network once they’ve moved in. Parks and walking trails can also function as the perfect recreational space for the buyer if they have an interest in running, hiking, biking or any other outdoor activities.

 

Noise, Light Pollution

 

As they expand, noise and light pollution are unfortunately increasingly common in well-developed areas. In a world as loud, busy and chaotic as the 21st century, a sense of peace and escape from the noise and commotion is incredibly desirable for some buyers. If your home is in a suburban or rural location with little to none of either kind of pollution, this is a key feature worth promoting.

 

Any questions?

If you have any further questions, or would like your home appraised for its value, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have an experienced, qualified team with a network of industry professionals to help you sell your home, or find the next one.

Professional Photographers Make a Difference

Posted on by teamrealty

Professional Photographers Make a Difference

 

Browsing listing options as a buyer can be intriguing and exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming and exhausting. There are many options to choose from, each listing with their own set of unique benefits and areas for improvement. Buyers can’t tour them all, so what will set them apart? 

 

Quality professional photography can create the ultimate first impression for those browsing the market. Not only are their cameras capable of capturing well-lit, high-resolution images of your home, but the photographers themselves are also well-equipped with advanced techniques and editing skills. This, combined with a skilled agent, can create the listing that best represents your home. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the many advantages of hiring a professional photographer.

 

Technology

 

At a base level, photographers carry high-resolution cameras that can capture crystal clear photos of your home. But beyond that, there is an ever-expanding variety of advanced technology that can give your home an edge over the other listings.

 

This technology can vary from hardware to software. With the rapid advancement of drone technology, professional photographers can often take stunning aerial photos and virtual flythroughs or tours of your home and property. This can be advantageous if your home has a large lot, beautiful green spaces, or sits in an ideal location. Drones themselves are rather expensive, but professional photographers will often put them to use if owned. In terms of software, editing tools like Adobe Photoshop can be used by photographers to add an extra layer of beauty to the photos of your home, always ensuring that the original subject is not being misrepresented.

 

Presentation

 

If you’ve used a professional photographer, it’s clear to buyers that you and your agent have put effort into your listing. Upon first impression, buyers will generally infer that your home and property are both well-maintained. If potential buyers decide to pay the home a visit, they won’t feel duped or cheated since the photos will be well-representative of the space.

 

This can be a real game changer when your listing is compared online to others where photos were taken by the seller or the agent themselves. Lack of quality photography can be a deterrent if other listings in the area are consulting the professionals for their services.

 

Technique

 

Professional photographers are often experienced having captured a variety of homes and properties. This gives them the technique required to capture the best angles and most important qualities of your home. Working together with your agent, strategy can be implemented to make sure your listing attracts as much interest as possible.

 

Reach out!

 

If you have any questions about the buying or selling processes, including who to contact for services like these, Royal LePage Team Realty will be of eager assistance. We have access to a vast network of industry professionals that can help promote your listing.

What Could be Lowering the Value of Your Home?

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What Could be Lowering the Value of Your Home?

 

If you’re looking to sell your current home, you’re going to want to receive the highest value you can from the eventual sale. There are many elements of your home that could be increasing the value, but there are also equally many factors that could be lowering it. In this blog, we’ll go over some of those factors and how to prevent or overcome them.

 

Location, location, location.

 

Location is arguably the most important factor when it comes to the value of any home. Where you are can be a deterrent for many reasons, including lack of nearby businesses, services, activities, trails or parks. Long commutes anywhere generally aren’t desirable, so your proximity to other communities will matter. On the flip side, being too close to something or somewhere, such as a convenience store / gas station or a highway, can lower your home and property value. Understand whether the nearby schools are highly-rated, as most families that could be looking at your home will prefer a high quality of education. Also keep an eye open for any nearby foreclosures in your area. The circumstances of a foreclosure can vary, but they can be an immediate red flag for anyone looking in and around your neighborhood.

 

Your home is out of date.

 

It may be the case that your home has become out of date, either functionally or stylistically. If your budget permits, try to upgrade or install at least one or two features in and around your home. You can generally get significant ROI (return on investment) from upgrading your kitchen or bathrooms. If you feel your backyard could use a boost in functionality or personality, consider installing a deck or another outdoor structure to create a more appealing space. Be careful not to upgrade your home too much, as a visible mismatch between the inside and outside of your home may deter possible buyers. If your home has too many outdated stylistic features like stippled ceilings or carpeted floors, this can also deter buyers from giving your home a chance, as they imagine having to conduct the renovations themselves.

 

Your home could use a good cleaning.

 

A little elbow grease can go a long way to improving the saleability of your home. A clean home generally indicates a well-maintained home. Don’t be afraid to move some of the furniture to get into those hard to reach areas, they can stand out the most when buyers are having a look around. Unclean windows are definitely a turn off for buyers who are trying to look through them to the view beyond. 

 

Your property and/or the exterior of your home are not well-maintained.

 

Don’t neglect your curb appeal in favour of your interior spaces, as curb appeal can be a very important factor when it comes to the value of your home. Make sure to put a focus on outdoor property maintenance while you’re looking to sell, as a well-maintained property indicates an equally well-maintained home. Your front yard and entryway are most people’s first impression, both online and in person. Avoid a bland or barren front porch and make sure that your home stands out visually. If your property is already well-maintained and decorated, consider the exterior features of your home such as doors, windows, roofs and walls. Over time, they’ve likely developed wear and tear, prompting a refinishing, reinstalling or simply repainting of the surfaces. Taking these measures will motivate more potential buyers to look further into your listing, possibly reaching out and/or making an offer.

 

Any questions?

 

If you have any further questions about selling, or would like to schedule an appraisal, feel free to reach out and let us know!

Understanding The Fall Real Estate Market

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Understanding The Fall Real Estate Market

 

It’s no secret, the seasons play a big role in the real estate market. As fall comes around, you may feel as if you’ve missed out on the prime of the real estate market.

 

Although spring is typically the busiest time in real estate, the fall market is often a close second, with summer holidays coming to an end people are ready to get back to it. There are a number of reasons why buying or selling a home in the fall can be advantageous. In this article, we’ll touch on the benefits of both sides of the fall real estate market.

 

Fall, as a buyer.

 

For buyers, the fall market presents a number of opportunities. There are typically fewer buyers competing for homes, which gives you a little more negotiating power. There is still generally more demand than inventory left, though. But we have definitely been seeing a shift in the market where there aren’t as many bidding competitions on homes. Homes have also been sitting on the market a little longer giving you the opportunity to really get your ducks in a row before jumping in. Additionally, in the fall, closing dates tend to hold more importance than other factors as they want to avoid closing in the winter months.

 

While the market is shifting, it’s still incredibly advantageous to get pre-approved before beginning your search.

 

Fall, as a seller.

 

Sellers may also find that the fall market can work in their favor. Serious buyers are more likely to still be looking in the fall, and may be more motivated to find a home before the seasons change. Buyers are also faced with dwindling inventory as fewer houses become available as winter approaches. As a result, you may have less foot traffic overall, but more buyers who are seriously considering your home.

 

Contact the experts.

Lastly, make sure that you contact experts with years of professional experience before moving forward with your sale or purchase. If you have any further questions about the fall real estate market, feel free to reach out and we’ll be glad to help.

How Do Agents Determine Property Prices

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How Do Agents Determine Property Prices: Breaking Down the Comparative Market Analysis on Your Property

For those who have experience buying or selling real estate, the term Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is something you may have heard about in the past. Broken down, the term refers to determining the value of a property for sale, and is an important part of the selling (and buying!) process. For sellers, determining the appropriate listing price is essential to your marketing strategy and contributes greatly to the success in selling for the best price. For buyers, this data is good to know when looking to submit your offer. If a house is priced way above the comparable properties in the area that have sold or are listed for less, you may not want to enter with an offer 50k above asking. But, how DO agents determine property prices? 

To ensure a home is fairly priced, it’s important to perform an accurate market analysis of the property. This is an extremely important process that REALTORS® receive extensive training on. We ensure our agents have exclusive access to a wealth of data and resources. This ensures that they provide the most accurate information and analysis possible.

Broken down, these are just a few of the major factors our agents consider when evaluating your home for sale. 

Complete a Thorough Property Analysis

First thing’s first, in order to do an accurate market analysis on a property, you need to collect all of the information on the subject property. Some of the details you will need for a complete analysis include: 

  • Bedrooms, Bathrooms (full and partial)
  • Additional Rooms (basement, office, den)
  • Number of Floors
  • Age of Residence
  • Special Features and Home Improvements
  • Size and Square Footage
  • Lot Size
  • Community and Neighbourhood Influences
  • Local Amenities
  • Property Tax Information

Gather Prior Existing Data

In order to get the best estimation of the current house price, you and your agent will be required to collect existing data on the subject property. This typically includes the details concerning the last sale of the home, such as when it was sold and for what price. The previous listing for the home may have some of this data, depending on when it was purchased last. If you do not know the sold price, your agent should be able to locate that data. Agents will also take into consideration the increase in home value for that specific neighbourhood when collecting this information to provide you with an accurate estimate on the current value of your home.

Consider Comparable Sold Prices

Housing prices vary for a list of variables including but not limited to the type of home, size, bedrooms, bathrooms, upgrades, and neighbourhood. This is what makes it essential to compare similar properties when completing a complete market analysis .  For instance, if you are selling a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single family home, you should compare it with other 3 bedroom 2 bathroom homes in the area, instead of the 2 bedroom condominium down the road.

When searching for comparable previously sold properties, it’s best to look at comparable sales occurring in the last twelve months, with +/- 10% square footage of the subject property, and the age of the building, which should fall between +/- 5 years of the subject property. 

Comparable Current Listings

Just as your agent would do with comparable sold prices, they will also be taking into consideration current listing prices to complete the most accurate evaluation of your property. They will begin by looking at comparable homes, and take into consideration how many days on the market (DOM) the listing has been active. If the home has been on the market longer than others in the area, it may be safe to assume the listing price is too high, and is deterring interest in the property. When setting the price for your home, this is an important factor to keep in mind, and can help your agent work to market your home more effectively.

Figuring out how to complete a real estate market analysis is not only necessary to determine the best price point to list your home, it is essential to get an accurate pre-approval from a lender if you are looking to buy another property for your relocation, as it reflects the amount of equity you hold. The points listed above are only a starting point. This may seem like a daunting task, however, your agent will have complete access to much of the data and formulas needed to provide an accurate evaluation and get your home sold for the best price possible.

Contact one of our qualified and knowledgeable TEAM members today to schedule your FREE market evaluation. 

Carriage Trade: Buying and Selling Luxury Real Estate

Posted on by teamrealty

With beautiful backdrops of Parliament and Gatineau hills, the Rideau River and more, Ottawa is a magnificent city that many flock to when searching for a town in which they can settle down and place roots. For those looking for homes that are as luxurious as the views they crave, Royal LePage TEAM Realty has a specialized selection for you to choose from. Our carefully selected luxury listings are designated Carriage Trade Properties and are available to buyers searching for homes of unprecedented extravagance. 

Carriage Trade features homes that capture the essence of luxury with stunning landscapes, design, fascinating views, unique and modern features, enhanced interior design, top-level amenities, and historical significance that exceed the expectations of most homebuyers. These homes are a curated collection of the most exclusive homes being sold in Canada’s most sought out neighbourhoods, and Ottawa is home to many. 

What is a Luxury Home
Luxury homes are high priced homes, typically over $900,000, with coveted features that are unmatched by other family homes in Ottawa. Those that stand out most include:

  • Car Lifts and Washes
  • Elevators
  • Private Guest Quarters
  • Heated Driveways, Walkways, Patios
  • Rooftop Patios
  • Swimming Pools or Water Access
  • High-Level Security Systems
  • Concierge 
  • Wine Cellars
  • Spas and Gyms

Identifying Carriage Trade Properties
Other than the price of the property, there are a few ways to identify which homes in Ottawa are dignified Carriage Trade Properties. Each Carriage Trade listing will have a sleek black sign that notes the home is marketed as Carriage Trade. You can also locate all of our Carriage Trade listings on Carriage Trade Luxury Properties for a defined list of available properties in Ottawa, the surrounding areas and across Canada.

Carriage Trade Communities
Ottawa has many different luxury listings located all throughout the city. Communities can have an impact on the home being listed as Carriage Trade, however, location is not always a requirement. As more homes are being built and remodeled to reach this status, luxury homes are no longer found in just a few select communities. Today, Carriage Trade homes are listed in the Glebe, Sandy Hill, Barrhaven, Kanata Lakes, Bridlewood, Carleton Place, Manotick, and many other pockets throughout the city and outlier communities. 

Extraordinary International Marketing
Properties that have such significant features and listing prices often require extraordinary marketing techniques. If you are selling your luxury home, Carriage Trade’s marketing program is designed to enhance global exposure to your listing. In making connections between international homebuyers and Canada’s luxury real estate market, Carriage Trade is the number one destination for buying and selling Ottawa’s most exclusive homes.

For sellers looking to capitalize on their luxury home investment, in utilizing the customized marketing plans, sophisticated marketing materials and advertising media, Carriage Trade listing signs, and our experienced REALTORS® at Royal LePage Team Realty, we can provide an elevated property appeal and sell your luxury real estate listing with ease and for top dollar.

For expert advice and consultation on selling your exclusive luxury property in Ottawa or the surrounding area, take advantage of the Royal LePage Carriage Trade luxury real estate program. Our full-service TEAM is dedicated to selling your property the right way. Contact us today!