5 Most Common Home Seller Questions
Selling your property is just as important as buying it. As a homeowner your number one priority should be getting the maximum value for your home. Unfortunately this isn’t the easiest task to accomplish. That’s why we provided the most common home seller questions and answers!
1. How much is my home worth?
This is a number that heavily depends on the home’s individual factors. A common tactic is to look at figures of properties in your area, using an online valuation tool (RBC Home Value Estimator), searching “how much is my house worth?” or getting a comparative market analysis by asking your local real estate agent. You can also opt to hire a professional home appraiser because lenders usually require a home appraisal before they approve a mortgage. Among other things, appraisers evaluate:
- Market: The region, city, and neighbourhood in which your home is located.
- Property: Characteristics of the house, including renovation improvements and the land it is located on.
- Comparable properties: Sales, listings, vacancies, costs, depreciation and other factors to similar units in your area.
2. Should I be present for viewings?
In most cases, it is not recommended for the seller to be present during the viewing, as it can make the buyer feel uncomfortable and unable to ask certain questions. Be sure to allocate time for yourself to be away when you have a viewing planned. Homeowners being around the property can also curb buyer interest. Home inspections are a good sign, as they are more intensive and show a sign of serious interest in your property!
3. Should I stage my home?
The perfect answer for this situation is yes, having a staged home increases your sale value. A staged home sells quicker than an empty one. It has been proven that a staged home can help potential buyers better visualize the space in your home. The major difference between a staged and unstaged home is the overall appearance and ambience provided to buyers when viewing your estate. Staged homes cater to buyers and feature a number of qualities that could make your home deemed “buyable.” Overall, staging your home can make you money, and according to the National Association of Realtors, 71% of agents believe a well-staged home increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer!
4. Do I really need a real estate agent? Why not sell it myself?
Unless you are a real estate agent yourself, many would recommend going with an agent. Real estate agents have the benefits of time tested experience, a working knowledge of the market, and the ability to accurately price a property to ensure a quick and easy sale.
5. How does the market look right now? Should I list now, or later?
Unless you are a professional agent, it is very hard to determine when really is the right time to list a home. There are simply too many factors to be aware of and too many shifting variables. Therefore market knowledge is the reason to hire a realtor. Your agent should be able to tell you the current days on the market for home sales, market absorption rates, average sale price and more. In the real estate market, knowledge is essential!