Selling

Start with free OREA tip books

Selling a home is a complex and often very emotional process. Just casually mention to family, friends and colleagues that you plan to sell a property, and watch the advice pour in. Everyone has a story to tell: a great deal made and lost, a bargain that wasn’t, the frustration of a price war, and so on.

Truth is that selling a home is a major business transaction — one of the biggest most of us ever make. It requires tremendous knowledge and experience and a clear understanding of the legal issues and potential pitfalls.

That’s why it helps to use the services of a real estate professional who is a member of a real estate board. REALTORS® have the training, knowledge and experience to help you every step of the way — from the moment you think about selling, to the time when the business transaction has been finalized.

Whether you are just thinking about selling, or have already enlisted the services of a real estate professional, the Ontario Real Estate Association’s (OREA) has “tip” books that will help take the mystery out of a process often viewed as complicated and confusing. You can order free copies of How to Sell Your Home by calling OREA at 1-800-563-HOME.

Many of the books available on real estate selling can be complex and confusing, assuming a lot more knowledge on the subject than most , especially first-timers, possess.

But not this handy and manageable guidebook. It is an easy-to-use, step-by-step guide that takes you through the process of selling a home without a lot of confusion. The many terms used in real estate are explained in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Make no mistake, though. This handy book can’t replace the knowledge, skills and expertise of a REALTOR®. They will show you how to find and work with one, as well as with a lawyer and other professionals who will generally be part of your real estate team.

This book take you through the real estate process step-by-step. You can read it cover-to-cover or just zero on certain topics. With their check lists, work sheets, loads of tips, hints and advice, these books can help ease the stress of buying or selling real estate.

Whether you are selling a home for the first time or have done it before, How to Sell Your Home helps you assess your reasons for selling and discusses alternatives to consider such as refinancing and renovation.

You’ll also learn about the cycles in the real estate market and the “seasonality” of home sales that may affect your decision on “when” to sell. For example, changing interest rates can affect market cycles; chilly winter weather may draw out fewer buyers, but you’ll also be competing with fewer homes on the market.

If you’re pondering whether to buy first or sell first, this book will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of both and the various options. For example, how to get bridge financing (borrow funds for the purchase of your next home when the sale of your current home is not yet complete) if needed.

The book provides tips on how to find and work with a REALTOR®, how to determine a realistic asking price and how to enhance your home’s appearance. It also explains how a REALTOR® will help you market your home effectively, what to do when you receive an offer and how to complete a sale.