10 tips for selling your home fast

1. Choose your real estate broker wisely

Find a broker you feel comfortable with and who will meet your needs. A well-known broker handling dozens of properties, for example, might not be available enough for you. Ask friends, family and co-workers if they can recommend someone, and interview a few candidates before making your choice. Whomever you choose, make sure they have thorough knowledge of the market in your area and have a valid licence from the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ).

2. Set a realistic price

A price that is too high will dissuade potential buyers and keep your property on the market longer than necessary. That’s why it’s important to set a realistic and competitive asking price. Compare your home with others in the area that are for sale or have recently sold. Also take into account factors that can influence your property’s value: year of construction, type of building material, lot, the building’s condition, etc. Your broker can help with this. If you’ve decided to sell the house yourself, call an evaluator, an impartial professional whose job it is to determine an appropriate price.

3. Market your property effectively

Putting your home on the market requires organization and efficiency. Take advantage of the various media available: special-interest newspapers and magazines, classified ads, websites and social media. Post as many photos as you can to show off your home at its very best and from every angle. You can also entrust the marketing aspect to a commission-free real estate sales company. And if you have an agent, he or she will handle this side of things.

4. Thoroughly clean from top to bottom

Every homeowner should give their property a thorough cleaning before opening the doors to visitors. Windows, carpets, walls, ceilings, joints around the bathtub and sinks—your entire home should be free of dust, dirt and unpleasant odours. A prospective buyer’s first impression has a huge impact on how they remember their visit.

5. Maximize your property’s value

Real estate professionals all agree: a house that’s welcoming is more likely to attract a buyer. To create the right atmosphere, follow the golden rules of home staging. Streamline and depersonalize the décor, harmonize and freshen up the interior, repair visible defects, and choose subdued, relaxing lighting.

6. Don’t hide anything

Transparency is essential. If you had water leaking in last spring, even if you’ve repaired the damage, you must let potential buyers know—you don’t want to face any legal action down the road. If you have any doubts about the physical condition of your house, have it inspected before putting it on the market.

7. Know your rights and obligations

Did you know that the seller is responsible for any defect in a home, even if they aren’t aware of them? Read up on the sales process as well as the seller’s and buyer’s rights and obligations. Reliable resources that can help include CAA-Quebec’s Residential Advisory specialists, the OACIQ, Éducaloi (bilingual) and lacopropriété.info (for condos, in French).

8. Learn how to cut through red tape

If you’re selling without an agent, familiarize yourself in advance with the legal documents required during the sale process (e.g., Promise to Purchase and addenda). Reading them beforehand will help demystify the complexities in a stress-free environment—as opposed to when you’re caught up in the excitement of receiving an attractive offer. If any questions remain, consult your notary or the OACIQ website for answers.

9. Sell first, then buy

Are you planning on buying your new property before finalizing the sale of your current home? This practice is dangerously widespread, and often a big mistake. What if a prospective buyer withdraws their offer after having your home inspected, and you have no others lined up? You might have to lower your asking price—or worse, end up carrying the costs of two properties.

10. Follow up with your real estate broker

If you’ve retained the services of a real estate broker to guide you through the process, make sure they’re working for you! Ask for a weekly report and inquire as to the number of calls about the property as well as any comments visitors may have made. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, enquire about their marketing strategy—in short, take an interest in the broker’s work.