Give me 30 minutes of your time. You'll be glad you did!

Here’s what you should know about being a For Sale By Owner. The number one reason homeowners choose to attempt selling their own home is to avoid paying commission, however people who look for FSBO homes, do so in order to save money.

•My goal is to provide OUTSTANDING SERVICE!

•My hope is that you will refer me to your family and friends in the future!

 Top 10 Reasons for Real Estate Representation

1 PRICE
The pricing of your home is perhaps the most crucial factor in making a sale. Although you and I can set the price, buyers determine the value. They’ll compare your home and your asking price to similar homes on the market. If your price doesn’t stack up, they may reject it and move on to the next listing. And the longer your property sits on the market, the less marketable it becomes. Buyers will begin to wonder if something is wrong with it. The main reason homes stay on the market too long is due to the pricing them too high. Together, we will set the correct price.

2 To maximize your home’s appeal
The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference between success and failure. Buyers tend to judge homes by cost and “move-in” quality – the less they have to do to move in, the better and the more they may be willing to pay. I can help you see your home through a buyer’s eyes and suggest simple no cost improvements to maximize space and attract as many buyers as possible. I am a trained Home Stager and when you list with me I will prepare a comprehensive step by step and room by room action plan using only what you own and at no cost to you.

3 Maximize your property’s exposure
In most markets, finding qualified buyers will require more than the standard yard sign, classified ad and open house. In fact, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association, 63% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. Since many sales involve out-of-town buyers, marketing a home requires exclusive connections and a strategic plan that I will be able to help you with.

At the very least, you should have your home listed within the multiple listing service (MLS), which is only open to licensed real estate agents, like myself. Plus, I will spend time behind-the-scenes targeting serious buyers and making the best of your prime selling period.

4 Buyers Are More Comfortable Contacting Agents
Buyers may be leery of contacting you or intruding upon your home. Potential buyers might also be intimidated looking at your home when you are present and feel uncomfortable negotiating directly with you. They often appreciate the accessibility and objectivity of someone like myself.

5 Pre-Screen Prospective Buyers
To save you time and unnecessary traffic through your home, I can help pre-screen buyers to ensure they really are motivated to buy and are financially prepared to do so. Cleaning your home each time it is shown is a lot of work! And for your safety, all showings will be scheduled through my office.

6 Help Guard Against Claims
In today’s litigious society it is imperative that all matters relating to the sale of the property, i.e. physical conditions, history, zoning, etc., be accurately and comprehensively disclosed. Overlooking even one form or required disclosure may lead to an expensive claim. I can provide assistance to ensure that the disclosure forms are completed and provided to the buyer and I am insured against errors.

7 Provide Buyers with Community Information
Today’s buyer seeks to make informed decisions and demands a significantly high level of information related to their purchase. I can provide them with detailed information on your community, schools, local government and much more.

8 Ensure Privacy, Confidentiality and Safety for Both Sellers and Buyers
These days, you don’t want just anyone knocking on your door and touring your home. The best way to help keep you and your family safe is to have someone like myself by your side. I will accompany all potential buyers as they tour your home and will handle all the negotiations.

9 Negotiate for Top Dollar
Reaching an agreement and closing the deal between you and the buyer requires complete objectivity and a thorough understanding of deeds, abstracts, offers, contingencies, disclosures, title searches, etc.. As a skilled negotiator, I’ll keep your best interests in mind and improve your chances of selling your home at the price that brings you peace of mind.

10 Access to the Royal LePage Network
We offer a global network of home selling professionals, state-of-the art technology, tools to handle the details and ensure a smooth real estate transaction.

Kathy Rasmussens is your local Royal LePage real estate expert serving Collingwood, Thornbury, Blue Mountain, Meaford, and surrounding communities of southern Georgian Bay.