When preparing your home for sale, you need to fix things up, declutter, perhaps slap a fresh coat of paint on a few walls. That’s all part of getting your property ready for buyers.

But there’s another type of preparation that you also need to do. And, the sooner you do it, the less stressful your move will be.

You need to get all your paperwork together. Here’s what to gather:

• Property documents such as deeds, easements, surveys, liens, etc. • Mortgage documents, plus any other loans (i.e., line of credit) that use the property as collateral.

• Maintenance and service agreements that may continue with the new owners.

• Warranties and guarantees that are transferrable to the new owners.

• Recent utility bills, such as water, electricity, etc.

• Rentals (i.e., water heater rental.)

• Home security agreements and codes.

• Contracts for any work done on an ongoing basis. For example, lawn maintenance.

Getting these records together early will ensure you’re not scrambling at the last minute to find them. Some of these documents, such as warranties, also make for attractive selling features.  Contact me today to find out how else you can make your sale go smoothly!

When considering whether or not to sell their home, many people think about market conditions. They consider whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. They look at trends. They try to time the sale to get the best price for their property.

While market conditions certainly can play a role in deciding whether you should sell now rather than later, many other factors can influence that decision too.

For example, you might have outgrown your home and need more space. Perhaps you need an extra bedroom or a larger kitchen. If you wait until market conditions are perfect, you may languish for months — or even years — in a home that’s too small for you.

The same can be said for downsizing.

Another “non-market” reason you might want to sell your home sooner rather than later is the neighbourhood. Is there another community more suited to your lifestyle that you want to get into? If it’s a particularly desirable area, you don’t want to wait too long to make a move. If you do, you might lose some good opportunities.

There’s also the emotional side of the decision to consider. You might simply want to move for no other reason than you need a change. That’s as good a reason as any to put up the For Sale sign and find your next dream home.

Other non-market reasons for selling include:

• Wanting a shorter commute to work.

• Desiring a different style of neighbourhood. (Rural rather than urban.)

• A change in family situation.

• Living closer to relatives and friends.

• Wanting a particular property feature, such as a backyard with mature trees.

If your current home isn't meeting your needs, contact me today and we can put together a plan taking into account your own unique real estate needs!