“Your professionalism and friendly disposition were very welcome and made things much easier for Pat and myself. The quickness of the sale blew me away and for a time it felt not real at all.”

~ Susan Eckert

Thinking of Selling?

Darren can provide you with a complimentary market evaluation of your home. A computerized analysis is prepared exclusively for you containing a summary of the recent real estate transactions in your area for properties that are similar to yours. He will carefully take into consideration any special features of your home that could substantially affect the price range in which it should be listed. Your property will be properly priced with attention to YOUR needs. Darren’s mission is to help you sell your home quickly, profitably and professionally at all times.

When you're selling your home, there are a number of advantages to working with me

I know real estate values in your neighbourhood and will help price your home competitively by preparing a market analysis of homes that have sold, competing homes that are still on the market and homes that were on the market but didn't sell.
I will establish a marketing strategy for your home, ensuring that it's exposed to as many potential buyers as possible.
I take care of the tasks involved in selling a house, ensuring that the transaction is simple and low-stress for you.
I am an expert in the home selling process and will advise you of your rights, options and obligations.
I am an experienced negotiator and will work for you to get you the best possible price.

Selling Your Home

Along with the physical advertising and marketing of your home, there are a few other factors to consider when putting your home up for sale.

Pricing your property right

If you price your property too low, it may sell quickly, but you'll lose out on money. If you price it too high, it may not sell at all. Your agent can help you figure out the best asking price for your home.

The benefits of the right price

A well-priced property may generate competing offers, which will drive up the final price. Other real estate professionals will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to their buyers. Your home will sell faster because it is exposed to more qualified buyers.

Listen to the market

As part of your pricing strategy, I will put together a comparative market analysis, which is a good indicator of what today's buyers are willing to pay. It compares the market activity of homes similar to yours in your neighbourhood:

Homes that have recently sold represent what buyers are willing to pay.
Homes currently listed for sale represent the price sellers hope to obtain.
Listings that have expired are generally overpriced or have been poorly marketed.

Don't overprice your home

Some sellers believe that if they price their home high initially, they can lower it later. Instead of making you more money, this strategy could end up hurting you.

Early activity is key. As soon as a home comes on the market, agents and potential buyers sit up and take notice. If it's overpriced, interested parties will quickly lose interest. By the time the price drops, the majority of buyers are lost. When a home has been for sale too long, buyers will be wary and may reject the property.
You'll miss the right buyer. You may think that interested buyers can always make an offer, but if your home is overpriced, potential buyers looking in a lower price range will never see it. And those who can afford a home at your asking price will soon recognize that they can get a better value elsewhere.
You could run out of time. You may end up having to drop your price below market value if your home doesn't sell initially. Price it right the first time, and you won't end up having to sell it for less than it's worth.

Preparing your home for an inspection

If you're selling your home, be prepared for a visit from a home inspector, who will be checking out the property on behalf of possible purchasers. Take a look through your home using these steps, and repair any problems to ensure that your inspection is a success.

1. Make sure the structure is sound. Check to see if any renovations have damaged the structure. Look for termite damage. Ensure that "settling" hasn't caused damage to the foundation or support beams and joists.

2. Check if electrical and wiring systems are safe. Loose wires or incorrectly installed or wired receptacles, switches or electrical box problems are hazardous and should be fixed. All homes should have a minimum of 100 amp service.

3. Look for leaks. Water can leak into unexpected places, causing extensive damage over time. Examine the underside of sinks and dishwashers, along ceilings, on floors or along basement walls. Plumbing fixtures, water-using appliances, drain pipes, water supply inlets and outlets, basements and roofs can all be causes and sources of water damage.

4. Resolve safety issues. Make sure windows open easily and lock securely, and entrances/exits can be securely locked. Correct hazards such as hidden curbs, loose railings and stairs, uncapped wells, etc.

5. Check plumbing. Faucets should run easily and shut off completely, bathtubs should be properly caulked and grouted, toilets should be bolted down securely, drains should be clog free, and the water heater should be in good working order.

6. Make sure your heating and cooling systems work. Make sure they are up to date, clean, in good working condition and have clean filters. Check refrigerant in air conditioning units.

7. Have a friend take a look. A general, unbiased overview of your home by a neighbour or friend may reveal issues you might have overlooked.