Mar 30 | Posted by Barry

Top 10 Lists seem to serve as the “best road taken” as their results generally are derived from both the positive and negative prior experiences of others. Taking a cue from David Letterman (fortunately without the humor) and counting down, here is my list. It should be noted that while this list counts down, the order of importance may vary given the selling environment or market conditions of the day.

10. Presentation. Are your kitchen and bathroom counter tops clear? Are there burnt out lights? Is there mold in your shower? Are your closets over-stuffed? Have you removed finger print marks at room entries and children’s wall drawings? Is there any equipment that would suggest a current problem rather than a problem already remedied like an old floor heater or mouse traps?

9. Exteriors. For some, it was the first introduction to your home. Are the grounds manicured? Is your garden over-planted or could it use some new flowers? Is your driveway all cracked and rolling? Maybe a fresh resurfacing is in order. Are your walkways clear and level and free of debris? Sometime just a few hundred dollars can remedy a tired front lawn.

8. Terms of the offering. How much notice is needed to confirm a potential buyer visit? Does your agent have easy access? Are you flexible on the closing date? Do your mortgage terms inhibit the marketability of your home? Are you receptive to the buyer’s conditions and which ones do you avoid?

7. Staging or Fluffing and clutter. The difference in the two is merely defined by the use of your furniture or someone else’s. A Fluffer can work generally with what you have while a Stager will bring in rental pieces. Does the interior of your home need a facelift? If yes, the answer may lie in this point. You may be best served to rent storage space for your excess clutter. There is nothing worse than not being able to gain entry to a room or closet or having to step over items in order to view. Remember that things on the floor make your rooms appear to be smaller than they are.

6. Water. Signs of leakage or musty odors are sales killers. Fix your roof in advance of any water seepage. Water travels and it is often too hard to figure out the source of the stain. Remember that an ignored leak is a catalyst to mold.

5. Renovations, repairs and updates. Always repair as it will show potential buyers that you are proud of your home and that it is well maintained. Often new kitchens and bathrooms are desired but the dollar more received is less than the dollar spent. Updates may prove to be a better route. Your agent should be able to advise you on what will achieve a better net rather than a quicker sale.

4. Timing. Maybe your motivations to sell are not in sync with the marketplace of the day. Is it a seller’s market or does it favour the buyer? Has the government banking industry’s latest intervention impeded the market? Personal needs and commitments are important. Certainly if you are buying and selling in generally the same period, values are all relative. But if you are retiring, your home may be your largest asset and it may serve you well to wait or take advantage of a robust marketplace.

3. Hopefully you have either been previously introduced to the adage “location, location, location” or maybe you are viewing this list prior to purchasing and therefore it is not too late. Often the homes with great locale appreciate more than the ones without.

2. Price. This is always a sensitive point. The seller often seeks out an agent on the basis of the highest opinion and overlooks the unfortunate practice of some to compete on that level and ignore the valuable advice of a better agent. Taking the wrong road by having to go through a series of price reductions and extended terms often nets the seller a whole lot less than had the home been priced properly in the first place.

1. Hire an agent who has a proven track record, is well seasoned on changing markets, can give sound advice, is an advocate of the seller's needs and can prioritize the aforementioned list or provide some points of their own.