Unstoppable Starts Here

When you decide to work with a REMAX® agent, you can feel confident you’ve made a smart choice (and not just because REMAX is the #1 name in real estate(1).

There’s a reason more buyers and sellers think of REMAX than any other real estate brand(2), and it lies in more than 50 years of experience, adaptability and evolution. This brokerage is not a pop-up, a trend or a fad. These roots run deep, and experience runs wide — network-wide. You can trust the REMAX foundation was built strong.

Founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, REMAX stands for “Real Estate Maximums.” The new name and concept intended to disrupt the industry by creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture that affords its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with greater independence.

And disrupt it did.

Now, with more than 145,000 agents in nearly 9,000 offices and a presence in over 110 countries and territories, nobody in the world sells more real estate than REMAX(3).

It took unstoppable grit, continuous learning, agile navigating and, most of all, passion. That’s why the REMAX network offers more real estate sales experience than other agents, giving you the confidence to navigate any market with a trusted professional.

1Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness. 2Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness among buyers, sellers, and those planning to buy or sell; asked, when they think of real estate brands, which ones come to mind? 3As measured by total residential transaction sides.

Find the REMAX Agent

That’s Right For You

Choosing the right agent can make a difference in the quality of your entire home-selling experience. And working with a REMAX agent means you unlock access to current market information. Ask your REMAX agent to set up market reports and listing valuations in MAXTech℠ powered by BoldTrail and Listing alerts on remax.ca.

TOP QUESTIONS TO ASK AN AGENT

1. Are you a full-time real estate agent?
2. How much experience do you have in my neighbourhood?
3. Can you provide references?
4. How many homes have you listed and sold in the last year?
5. What services and resources do you offer?
6. How does the homeselling process work and what is expected of me?
7. How long are homes in my neighbourhood usually on the market?
8. How would you price and market my home?
9. How many open-house tours do you conduct? Are you willing to add more?
10. What disclosure laws apply to me?
11. What does the listing agreement entail and what is your fee?
12. What happens if you (or another agent) find a buyer to purchase my house?
13. What happens if I’m not happy with your services?
14. Anything else I should know?

You Got This

Selling a home can be complicated. From preparing the property and marketing the listing, to the negotiations and paperwork — there’s plenty to do. If you’re ready to begin the selling process or simply want to plan ahead, this guide is an ideal starting point.

EXPLORE THESE HELPFUL TOPICS INSIDE

• How to find the right listing agent.
• The do’s and don’ts when listing and showing your home.
• Selling strategies for move-up buyers.
• Important terms you should know.

Sellers Do's & Dont's

DO

Financially Prepare
Discuss all expenses and strategies for listing and marketing your home with your agent. And remember, the rate you pay an agent is negotiable, so consider the options and what it means for your bottom line. But be wary of deep discounts — more deals may mean an agent has less experience. A reputable agent, such as a REMAX agent, will be upfront and highly detailed, helping you to make confident and well-informed decisions.

Clear Out & Clean Up
You want potential buyers to imagine your house as their own, so clear out the clutter. Remove excess home décor, pack up the collectibles, put away the kids’ toys and eliminate pet evidence (unless your home includes a pet amenity like a dog-washing station). You’ll also want to clean everything, from the baseboards to the ceilings and every spot in between. In addition, keep the house at a comfortable room temperature and avoid strongly scented air fresheners.

Update & Upkeep
Impress house hunters with simple yet visually appealing updates. Inside, consider swapping out old light fixtures, painting the walls a light neutral colour with white trim and replacing older carpets with new hard flooring. Outside, remember to trim bushes and trees, pull weeds, keep the grass cut or the driveway shoveled and add greenery and flowers for a flattering first impression.

Organize & Categorize
Arrange furnishings to complement the size, traffic flow and natural light of the room. If you’re not sure, consult a professional stager. You’ll also want to organize all of your paperwork: inspection reports, property disclosures, appliance manuals, etc. Then, categorize them in an easy-to-access binder for quick reference. A REMAX agent can help with all of these details.

Respect & Respond
Stay open to professionals’ (appraiser, inspector, stager, etc.) suggestions on what changes can be made to make your home more broadly appealing. And don’t be offended by a low offer; discuss a plan with your agent to respond to the buyer. You’ll likely let them know the offer was too low, but that you are serious about accepting a better one.

DON’T

Fall Behind
Selling your house is hard work, but it’s important to stay up to date on your responsibilities. Once you find a buyer, you must continue caring for the property as well as paying your mortgage and utility bills so you don’t have extra costs to cover at closing.

Get Impatient
The time it takes to sell a home varies based on market conditions (and you may start to feel antsy). But no matter how fast or slow the sale of your house moves, it’s important to avoid entering into negotiations with buyers who aren’t preapproved for a mortgage. Also, listen to your agent and set the price according to market conditions. Pricing it too high can keep it on the market and make it appear unattractive, flawed or stale.

Hide or Hover
Your home needs to be ready when buyers are. So it’s best you don’t request a 24-hour notice or allow your phone or emails to go unanswered. Also, inform your agent of any audio or video equipment in and around the home, as local laws and rules may require action for home tours. And finally, make sure to leave during showings. Buyers appreciate space and may feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts if you’re present. A good agent will share feedback from each tour to keep you informed.

Forget To Think Beyond the Sale
If you have an existing home to sell, you might anticipate excess funds after closing. But if you’re purchasing another home, it’s recommended to check in with your real estate agent and mortgage professional before acting. Life happens. You might need to replace a car, find a new loan, add to credit card balances or pull from savings. A quick check-in can help you understand how these actions may impact your finances, so you can avoid unforeseen complications in the future.

Do It All or Leave It All
Working with a real estate agent can be invaluable. Why try to do it all when you can hire a professional agent with the experience and expertise to do it for you? However, when you hire a real estate agent, don’t leave it all up to them. You’ll have a number of personal responsibilities to manage to help make your homeselling experience successful.

CLEAN UP THE CLUTTER

When listing your house and preparing for showings, it’s best to organize your space. A good rule of thumb is to sort through all the items you don’t use regularly and sort them into three piles: pack it, donate it and discard it.

Pack It
If you’re packing up, consider renting a portable storage container, they’re delivered to your home, picked up when full and stored until you need them again. Just note: if your property or HOA doesn’t allow portable units, look into a nearby storage facility as a backup option.

Donate It
For the items you’re donating, a number of charities now offer scheduled donation pick-ups. Visit your favorite charity’s website to learn when they’ll be in your neighbourhood.

Discard It
For the items your’re discarding, first make sure they can be discarded. Certain items need to be recycled or properly disposed. Check with your municipality website to find a convenient and affordable way to properly dispose of certain materials. If what you have truly can be discarded, consider renting a dumpster for large quantities.

SIX STAGING SUGGESTIONS

Not interested in hiring a professional stager? Consider these six staging suggestions to help enhance your home:

Download the RE/MAX Home Staging Guide!

FIX

minor flaws and imperfections; buyers don’t want deferred maintenance issues.

REMOVE

excess furniture from rooms and clutter from countertops to make spaces appear larger.

CLEAN

and organize everything including garages, closets, storage rooms and laundry rooms. Buyers look everywhere.

WASH

windows, pull back curtains and turn on lights in dim rooms to brighten areas and make rooms appear larger.

PAINT

walls in light neutral tones and pack up family pictures so buyers can envision their décor preferences.

MANAGE

your yard; shovel the paths, mow the lawn, plant flowers and remove cobwebs from the door frames and light fixtures.

Three Strategies for

Move-Up Buyers

As a move-up buyer, you’re likely in a better financial position than when you purchased your first home, and a REMAX agent can help optimize your new selling strategy. If you have an existing home, you probably have savings or equity, which can make the move feel less like a compromise and more of a thoughtful selection. That said, the logistics of upgrading your location and home can present new challenges and requires a carefully considered plan. Here are three options for the smart move-up buyer.

SELL FIRST, BUY LATER

The “Sell First” strategy is ideal if you’re a move-up buyer who doesn’t want to be stuck paying two mortgages simultaneously. It also reduces the chances of having to lower your asking price if the sale isn’t happening at your preferred pace. This is a good option for move-up buyers who are banking on the proceeds of their sale to fund their new property. By selling first, you’ll know exactly how much money you have to purchase your next home.

TIME AND ALIGN YOUR PURCHASE AND SALE

Aligning your purchase and sale closing dates can be tricky. Remember that there are three parties to these transactions: you, the person you’re buying from and the person you’re selling to, each with possible varying contingencies. You’ll also have to move out and move in on the same day. In this scenario, flexibility is your best friend. You’ll need to plan ahead, research neighbourhoods, be preapproved for a mortgage and have started the organizing and decluttering process before the big move.

BUY FIRST, THEN SELL

If you’re buying in a seller’s market, then buying first might be the way to go. By buying your new home before selling your current one, you won’t feelrushed into settling for a property that doesn’t meet your needs, or having to seek temporary housing while you shop in a tough market. You’ll still live in your existing home, allowing you time to shop and continue looking until you find that perfect place.

Note: This could require a bridge mortgage. Your move-up strategy will depend on a number of factors, such as your financial situation, the current housing market conditions and your comfort level. Prepare yourself by choosing to work with a knowledgeable REMAX agent who can ensure a smooth transaction at both sides of the offer table.

Download the Home Seller Resource Guide Today!

Download

Home Seller's Glossary

By familiarizing yourself with these home-selling basics, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions

Asking Price

The price that the seller has agreed to list their property for. The asking price is different from the selling price, which is the final price that has been agreed upon by the buyer and seller.

Balanced Market

There is an equal balance of buyers and sellers in the market, which means reasonable offers are often accepted by sellers, and homes sell within a reasonable amount of time and prices remain stable.

Bridge Financing

A short-term loan designed to “bridge” the gap for homebuyers who have purchased their new home before selling their existing home. This type of financing is common in a seller’s market, allowing homebuyers to purchase without having to sell first.

Buyer’s Market

There are more homes on the market than there are buyers, giving the limited number of buyers more choice and greater negotiating power. Homes may stay on the market longer, and prices can be stable or dropping.

Chattels

Unattached items in the home that can be removed without doing any damage to the property, such as curtains, but not the curtain rods since they are physically attached to the home. Chattels are usually not included with the home purchase, unless specified in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

Closing

This is the final step in the home-selling process. Once all offer conditions outlined in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale have been met, at the end of the closing period, ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer and the keys are exchanged on the closing date outlined in the offer. Dates vary by location. Be sure to ask your real estate agent.

Contingencies

When the sale of the home hinges on predetermined conditions, such as “conditional on financing” or “conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.” If the conditions are not met, the buyer can back out of the deal.

Counteroffer

When the original offer to purchase a home is rejected by the seller, the seller can counteroffer with adjustments, usually to the price or terms of the purchase, such as the closing date.

Curb Appeal

The appeal of a home when viewed from the curb. Curb appeal includes the home’s exterior, front yard and anything else that’s visible from the street.

Comparative Market Analysis

A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a report on comparable homes in the area that is used to derive an accurate value for the home in question.

Fixtures

Items that are physically attached to the home and require tools to remove. Fixtures are included as part of the purchase. Examples of fixtures include ceiling lights, cabinet hardware and appliances. If the seller plans to take any fixtures with them when they move, either remove them prior to listing the home, or be sure to specify the fixtures in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

FSBO

Acronym for “For Sale By Owner,” meaning the seller hasn’t retained the services of a licensed real estate agent or broker to assist with the sale of their home.

Home Value Estimator

A home value estimator is a tool, typically found online, that helps seller’s estimate the value of their property. The result is an estimate and is different from a detailed CMA provided by a real estate agent.

MLS

The Multiple Listing Service, commonly referred to as MLS, is a database established by cooperating real estate brokers to provide data about properties for sale.

Offer

An offer is a legal agreement to purchase a home. An offer can be conditional on a number of factors, commonly conditional on financing and a home inspection. If the conditions are not met, the buyer can cancel their offer.

Seller’s Market

In a seller’s market, there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. With fewer homes on the market and more buyers, homes sell quickly in a seller’s market. Prices of homes are likely to increase, and there are more likely to be multiple offers on a home. Multiple offers give the seller negotiating power and conditional offers may be rejected.

Staging

Preparing a home for sale to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The staging process often includes decluttering, depersonalizing, deep-cleaning and minor updates such as painting and rearranging furniture.

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Discover expert advice, market insights, and step-by-step guidance for selling your home in Regina and area.
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RE/MAX® Voted Most Reputable Real Estate Company in Canada

Posted on June 30, 2023 by REMAX Crown Real Estate

Posted in Why REMAX

RE/MAX® Voted Most Reputable Real Estate Company in Canada

Buyers and sellers across Canada have trusted RE/MAX agents for years. This stems from their unparalleled experience, productivity, and professionalism in the ever-changing real estate market, but is also derived from the overall reputation of the RE/MAX brand.

According to Leger’s 2023 Reputation Study, RE/MAX was ranked the most reputable real estate company in Canada.*

Leger is the largest Canadian-owned market research and analytics company. Their 2023 Reputation Study provides a comprehensive analysis of the reputation of 299 Canadian companies across 30 sectors of activity. Each company is analyzed based on six criteria, and is evaluated by more than 2,000 Canadians, with more than 38,000 Canadians surveyed in total.

The six core pillars of corporate reputation that are measured in the study include: financial strength, social responsibility, honesty and transparency, quality, attachment and innovation.

RE/MAX’s reputation ranking also experienced year-over-year growth in 2023** and is among the top 100 most reputable companies in Canada*** proving that RE/MAX continues to rise above its competitors and earn the trust of more homebuyers and sellers.

“Behind every successful real estate transaction is a foundation built on trust,” says Christopher Alexander, President of RE/MAX Canada. “We’re honoured to be recognized as the most reputable real estate company in Canada, and we look forward to continuing to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals in this ever-changing market.”

To view the full 2023 Reputation Study from Leger, click here.

*Based on Leger’s 2023 Reputation Study that provides a complete sector analysis of reputation for 299 companies in Canada. Data collection was conducted from November 22, 2022 to January 25, 2023. ©2023 RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

**Based on Leger’s 2023 Reputation Study that provides a complete sector analysis of reputation for 299 companies in Canada. Data collection was conducted from November 22, 2022 to January 25, 2023. RE/MAX reputation improved by 3 points compared to Leger’s 2022 Reputation study. ©2023 RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

***Based on Leger’s 2023 Reputation Study that provides a complete sector analysis of reputation for 299 companies in Canada. Data collection was conducted from November 22, 2022 to January 25, 2023. ©2023 RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

Source: remax.ca

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How Will a REALTOR® Help Me Prepare My Home to Sell?

Posted on May 26, 2023 by REMAX Crown Real Estate

Posted in Why REMAX

How Will a REALTOR® Help Me Prepare My Home to Sell?

Looking to sell your home but unsure how to begin? After living in a home for some time, it's common to overlook factors that can affect its selling price. While many envision a smooth, effortless sale process, the reality is that it can be complex, time-consuming, and involve numerous elements. By working with a realtor, you gain the advantage of maximizing your property's value. Realtors possess market knowledge and can provide valuable guidance to prepare your home for a successful sale.

Is a REALTOR® and a real estate agent the same thing? Not exactly. A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps with real estate transactions. A REALTOR® is a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and must follow the organization’s strict standards and REALTOR® Code of Ethics. That said, not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®, but every REALTOR® is a real estate agent.

How Will a Realtor Help Me Prepare My Home to Sell?

Embarking on the journey to sell your home involves several crucial steps. We take you through the process and discuss what to expect from your agent so you can increase your chances of a successful sale.

Identity Goals and Timeline

A real estate agent will schedule an initial consultation to identify your needs. They will interview you to understand your reasons for selling and your timeline. For example, if you want a quick sale, the agent may recommend pricing the property slightly below market value to attract more potential buyers. When touring the property, an agent will observe and ask questions to better understand the home’s current condition, including any upgrades or renovations. This will help the agent manage the seller’s expectations and provide valuable advice on achieving the best possible outcome.

Conduct a Market Analysis

A realtor will typically conduct a market analysis to set the ideal price for your home. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an essential tool to determine the market value of a property. They will identify Comparable Properties (Comps) recently sold in the area with similar features, including the number of rooms and bathrooms, size, time of construction, and style. The realtor will then adjust the selling price based on comps. For example, if you have a newly renovated kitchen, the estimated value will be higher than a comparable home. They will also consider other market factors, like the number of similar properties for sale, average days on the market, and the general trend of the local real estate market. The realtor will compile their findings into a CMA report and provide you with the estimated market value of your property.

Develop a Pricing Strategy

Real estate agents have experience pricing homes and negotiating deals. They can leverage this knowledge to set a price to attract offers while leaving room for negotiation. A skilled realtor might recommend listing the property below market value to attract multiple offers. This strategy can create a bidding war, potentially leading to a final selling price above market value. An expert agent can maximize the seller’s profit by asking all potential buyers to submit their best and final offer by a specific deadline or negotiating with each buyer separately to push the price up. They can grab the interest of a wider group of prospective buyers and stimulate competition.

Recommend Home Improvements

An experienced realtor can suggest ways to improve your home’s appeal. Fresh paint can do wonders as it brightens a home and makes it more inviting. Remodels can be expensive, but minor upgrades like new countertops, updated backsplashes, or modern appliances can increase your home’s value. New fixtures in the bathroom or a new vanity can make a big difference. A realtor can also guide you on how to stage your house. This includes decluttering, rearranging furniture, or even hiring a staging professional. Stagers know how to highlight a home’s strengths and downplay its weaknesses. They can also help potential buyers visualize how they might use different spaces in the house.

Boost Marketing Efforts

Real estate agents have a broad network that can get your property in front of many potential buyers. They have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS), widely used databases in the real estate industry. Many realtors hire professional photographers and videographers to capture your home’s best features. They may also use drone photography for aerial shots, create virtual tours, or use 3D technology to provide buyers with a comprehensive view. They utilize online marketing strategies, such as social media promotion, email marketing, and targeted ads, to reach a more diverse audience.

Negotiate Offers

Agents help clients evaluate offers and counteroffers when negotiating, ensuring they get the best possible deal. For instance, a seller may receive multiple offers from potential buyers. The agent can help guide the seller through choosing the right offer, perhaps the one with the fewest conditions rather than the one with the highest dollar amount. This approach can help the seller to quickly seal the deal with less hassle or back-and-forth if this is the seller’s priority.

RE/MAX has offices in more than 100 countries and boasts of real estate professionals who are among the most experienced in the industry. We work towards finding you an agent who understands your needs and can guide you through the complicated home selling process.