The winds of change in the Canadian real estate market have just made it a little easier to weather for those looking to sell their home. On October 24, 2010, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) signed an agreement with the Competition Bureau that opens up the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), for a fee, to anyone looking to sell their home privately or through a real estate agent.
News & Views
In the past, if you were looking to sell your home, and have it listed on MLS, you had to work with a real estate agent to access this service. Until now, real estate agents had exclusive rights to use MLS, which meant sellers had no choice but to pay for a full service package (and higher commissions) with these real estate agents in order to benefit from the MLS's wide exposure.
With the agreement between CREA and the Competition Bureau, selling your home yourself has become much easier. Those planning to sell their home themselves now have options other than paying for a full service package. You can choose the services you want from a real estate agent and pay only for those services. This could mean only paying the fee to list your home on MLS. Since the MLS is usually the first stop for most prospective home buyers, listing your home on this service is a definite plus.
Although selling privately is not for everyone, the choice to do-it-yourself can now allow you the option of a MLS listing, without the full fees of a listing agent. You'll still need to pay a commission to the Buyer's agent - the agent who represents the purchaser of the home. And buyers will benefit too, with more housing choices to select from, now that sellers aren't locked out of the MLS.
Tips
Cold weather can make selling a home in the winter months a challenge sometimes. No one likes going out in the cold, even if it's to look for a new home. So, sellers shouldn't be surprised if they see fewer people coming by to view their home in the winter. Luckily, there are ways to spruce up your house and make it more inviting during a cold snap.
First, make sure to shovel the driveway and sidewalk in front of your property. After, spread some sand or salt to give visitors more traction when approaching your home. Don't forget to sand any steps leading up to the door as well! Set the thermostat a few degrees higher leading up to your viewers' arrival, then turn it back down just prior to their visit, so that the heating system does not kick in while they are there - some HVAC systems are very loud and may discourage buyers from purchasing your home. This will also keep your viewers warm and cozy on a cold winter day, a perfect reason to stay and browse a bit longer.
Make sure the house is well lit, both inside and out. Open window coverings and turn on lights to enhance the brightness of your home - Don't forget to use energy efficient bulbs. Here's one more detail that might impress viewers: put out some pictures of your house in the summer months to show them how beautiful it can be with green grass and a lush garden.
These tips won't cost you much, but could warm buyers up to choosing your home.
