Many people talk about the challenges of buying a home for the first time, but what about selling a home? Many Ontario sellers are faced with changing real estate laws, a shifting marketplace and a lack of information about selling when they first put their home on the market. Here are some tips that can make the process less overwhelming for prospective sellers.

Picking the right real estate salesperson is a must for anyone looking to sell a house. The right person will make the process much easier, while a bad fit can add a great deal of stress. Be sure to interview the agent or brokerage on their experience, references, process, services and fees. You can also double-check their certifications and history of disciplinary actions on the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s website.

Paying close attention when setting a listing price and discussing a selling strategy can save sellers a great deal of stress later on. When setting a listing price, be sure to factor in closing costs, legal fees and moving expenses. Checking the local real estate market and the prices of comparable properties can also be a helpful step.

Sellers should be clear from the beginning about what kind of selling services they are hoping for from a real estate agent. For example, some people just want their home listed while others expect home staging, advertising campaigns or the overseeing of open houses. It is a good idea to have a lawyer review any contracts with agents or brokerages early on to avoid surprises or legal challenges.

Source: The Toronto Star, “Listing your house doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Joe Richer, Accessed on March 30, 2018