Vieira Team Seller's Guide

You can expect the utmost in service and attention when working with Vieira Real Estate Associates. We are firm believers that when selling what is most likely your biggest asset, you deserve quality service, attention to detail and a proven marketing strategy to get you the most possible return with minimal inconvenience and stress. We treat every deal as if it were our own while taking the necessary steps to maximize results and make the process as smooth as possible. Please review our 10-step overview of the selling process below:

Step 1: Hire a Real Estate Sales Representative that is an Expert in Your Area

Most neighborhood experts will know the types of homes, different models and lot sizes available in the area and therefore be able to provide an accurate assessment. They will also know potential buyers in the area and will likely have relationships with agents that also work the area. When choosing an agent, remember you need to trust them and will have to get along with them. Don’t hire an agent because of the price! Don’t get stuck with a Realtor that tries to buy your listing! Sales Representatives market your home, hire one that will get you the best exposure and therefore favourable terms and the top price.

Step 2: Prepare Your Home for the Market and Have Your Home Professionally Staged

Get everything done in advance and remember people are looking for their dream home - try and present yours with that in mind. Have a consultation with a professional home stager. They will provide you another perspective and are trained to best present a home for buyers. They will discuss things such as furniture placement, colours and lighting to highlight the best features of your home. They can also bring in items to compliment your decor. 

You should also ensure the home is extra clean as buyers see this as a sign of good maintenance. Also, fix the small things! This goes a long way in showing the home has been cared for. Get everything done before going on the market and ensure the house is ready to be shown on day one.

Step 3: Professional Photos and Marketing Materials Should be Prepared in Advance

Your listing is only new once and should be listed with all photos, virtual tours and marketing materials ready to go. Once it hits the market, the listing will be blasted to numerous buyers looking for your type of property. Ensure that it goes out complete which will generate immediate interest with the current buyer pool. These are likely the people willing to pay the most for your property.

Step 4: Now You are Ready to Show Your Home

When showing your home, try and be out of the house during the showings. This will allow the potential buyers to be comfortable in your home while looking around. Also, ensure the house is tidy and clean at all times: beds made, grass cut, dishes put away, etc. Light up the home, open blinds and turn on lights. You want buyers to see it as bright and spacious. It’s all about making an impression on the buyers.

Showing appointments are generally booked for one hour. Showing REALTOR®’s will call your listing broker’s office for appointments. The office staff will then call you to confirm and then release the lockbox code back to the showing REALTOR®’s office. Codes are never given directly over the phone. Ensure that your listing agents’ office has extended hours and showings are booked through the broker as some smaller brokerages have the Realtor® book their own showing appointments. This causes delays in confirmations and ultimately agents not showing or canceling.

Step 5: Feedback During the Showing Process is Extremely Important

You and your REALTOR® need to know what potential buyers think about your home. Feedback such as "too small" can mean you are overpriced because buyers are looking for more space for the price. "Too dark" could mean that it needs lighter paint colours. Feedback will also allow your agent to track interest and should an offer come through, they would be able contact all interested parties.

Step 6: The Offer Presentation

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When an offer comes in it may be presented by the Buyer’s REALTOR® or it may be faxed or emailed to your REALTOR® and they will come present it to you. The decision on how it’s presented is up to the seller. Generally the deal gets negotiated within a few hours, however it could go for a number of days. Most offers/deals will have conditions that could take up to 5 business days or longer to clear. These conditions could include financing, home inspection, obtaining insurance, etc. This means that even after there is an accepted offer, the deal is not FIRM until the Buyer waives or fulfills the conditions.

Should you receive multiple offers there is many strategy’s that can be used to maximize your price and terms. A seasoned Realtor® will know how to handle it.

Step 7: Once You Have an Accepted Deal, You Will Need to Hire a Lawyer to Close the Transaction

There are a number of local real estate lawyers your agent should be able to recommend, should you not already have someone in mind.

Step 8: The Buyer May Have Some Revisits to Your Property Prior to Closing

You should get 24 hours notice prior to the revisit and it should be at a mutually agreed upon time. The Buyer’s lender may also request an appraisal of the property which will require a visit as well.

Step 9: Time to Move

Moving can be a stressful time if you’re not prepared. Make sure you are proactive with planning your move. Hire a mover early or as soon as you know your dates.

Step 10: Closing Day You Should Vacate the Home Prior to the Money Being Transferred

You will meet with your lawyer a couple days before closing to sign the necessary paperwork.

On the closing day, your lawyer will call to let you know the funds have been received and the deal is closed.