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 

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.

Source: remax.ca

One of the biggest questions that tends to arise in the months leading up to December, is whether or not people should decorate their homes for the holidays while trying to sell. This is an interesting topic, as some people prefer to see what homes look like when decorated, while other people prefer to see the space without the distraction of decorations.

RE/MAX Influencers – a panel of RE/MAX Sales Associates from across Canada – provided some insight and tips into how you should go about staging your home during the holiday season.

Try to Take Photos Beforehand

One great tip that was offered up by the RE/MAX Influencers was to, if possible, have the listing photos of your home taken before decorating. This will allow potential buyers the chance to see your space both with and without decorations, and also will keep the listing photos from looking outdated if your home is still on the market in the months after the holidays.

Keep it Simple & Generic

Another tip that was provided by the Influencer panel is to keep your decorations simple and generic. While you may normally go full out with decorating for the holidays, try to keep the décor simple if you’re trying to sell. This will help keep your home from looking too cluttered and will allow potential buyers to see where their own decorations might fit if they are thinking of making an offer.

Keeping your décor generic will also help prospective buyers to envision themselves in your home, as not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Keeping things simple and generic will allow your home to be viewed as being festive and cozy, while also being approachable to potential buyers.

Some examples of simple, generic décor could be adding things like throw blankets on the end of beds or adding a festive wreath to the front door.

Tuck Personal Items Away

While it may be tempting to pull out festive family photos from past holiday seasons and put them on display, it may not be the best idea if you’re trying to sell during the holidays. By tucking personal items away, as mentioned above, you allow potential buyers to see themselves in the space, without being distracted by personal items that belong to the current owner.

One Influencer made a great comment, suggesting that, if you have a Christmas tree decorated to only place “fake” wrapped boxes under the tree and to remove any tree ornaments that may hold value and sentiment to keep them safe and help protect your privacy.

Don’t Overcrowd the Space

When decorating for the holidays, it can be tempting to go all out with décor. It is important to keep space in mind when decorating, so you aren’t blocking any key viewpoints or are restricting access to parts of your home that potential buyers may be trying to look at.

If you typically decorate with a large, bushy Christmas tree, consider getting something that is slimmer to help make your space appear more spacious.

Keep it Classic Outside

When staging your home for the holiday season, many people only think of the indoor spaces. The outdoor curb appeal matters too! You may love putting out your festive holiday inflatable decorations every year, but consider keeping those tucked away for the time being if you are actively showing your home during the holiday season, as they may not be everyone’s ideal décor options.

The RE/MAX Influencers suggest keeping outdoor lighting simple and classic by using white/yellow bulbs and string lights to keep your outdoor décor simple, while also looking sophisticated and classy. Consider utilizing any pillars or railings on the front step/porch by wrapping them with string lights and a garland, or putting down a holiday themed doormat to help welcome prospective buyers to your home.

For more articles from our expert Influencers, click here.

Have more questions about the home-staging process, or are you ready to move forward with your sale? Contact a RE/MAX agent today, or download the RE/MAX Home Staging Guide.

DOWNLOAD THE RE/MAX HOME STAGING GUIDE

Source: www.blog.remax.ca

So, you have decided to sell your home. No matter what your reasonings are for moving, such a big change can be overwhelming. It can seem daunting with everything you need to know.

Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Selling your home can be emotional, which is why it helps to have an expert guide you through the process. Your RE/MAX agent has the expertise you need to make it easier to move on, and help you get the best price for your home, and offering guidance on things like home staging. So, what is home staging anyway? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Home Staging?

If you think it means putting on an off-Broadway production in your living room, you’re wrong – but you’ve come to the right place to get the right answer! To put it simply, home staging is a way of presenting your home for sale in a way that helps prospective homebuyers to imagine themselves living there. The process usually includes:

1. Depersonalizing your space

Even if you’re really proud of your Taekwondo trophy (as you should be!), if it’s on your mantelpiece you should pack it away, along with family photos. (Yes, even the ones of the dog.)

2. Decluttering

Though you may not see it, you probably have years’ worth of items on display such as that coffee table book on origami, your favourite collection of spoons, K-Pop memorabilia, mementos and well, stuff that can be packed away. You may see it as taking away the home’s personality but it’s actually taking away your personality, which allows buyers to see a blank slate that they can put their own personal stamp (or stamp collection) on. Try to think of it as less to pack on moving day. This is the objective of home staging.

3. Redecorating

Changing out stained or worn furniture, painting, reorganizing, decorating can help buyers see the value of your home. Worn out items can distract buyers from looking at the space. This is where a professional home stager is very helpful.

You real estate agent can also advise you on which renovations might help get the best ROI.

Who Pays for Home Staging?

The seller typically covers the cost, with the idea that they will recoup the cost (and then some!) in a higher sale price. According to the National Association of Realtors® a survey by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals revealed staged homes (with an investment of one per cent of the listed price) sell up to 30 per cent faster on average for 20 per cent more. These are the key benefits of home staging. Hmmm… suddenly, it doesn’t seem as sad to put away that picture of Grandma on your nightstand!

How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

This all depends on the degree of staging required. An older home may need some more intensive updates, such as painting, replacing hardware and light fixtures, or renting new furniture for a period of time. On the other hand, a home that is relatively new and/or updated may only require some simple depersonalizing and decluttering, which costs nothing. In terms of the home staging service, if the seller engages a professional stager then they’ll incur a service fee, which differs by stager. If the seller takes a DIY approach, it’ll just cost them some time and sweat equity.

Have More Questions?

If so, you’re not alone. RE/MAX Canada hit the streets in a new video series to find out just how much (or how little!) the average person knows about the housing market, and offer some answers in the process.

Still have questions? Connect with a RE/MAX agent to get the answers you’re looking for.

DOWNLOAD THE RE/MAX HOME STAGING GUIDE

FIND A RE/MAX AGENT NEAR YOU

Source: https://blog.remax.ca/what-is-home-staging/?rmxv=1667328514&fbclid=IwAR1hdwJL476q4j43RB4b3wUEQuy4C3gWSKo08aut0NjOfxTG7Jxp5BG0LZc

Do you believe in superstitions stigmas and the supernatural? whether you believe in them or not, they can have a very real impact on how long it takes to sell your home and the price you’ll get for it. As a homebuyer, even the mere thought of a haunted house can have you running for your life. With that said, there’s always an upside, and in the case of a stigmatized house, an unbothered buyer could be in store for a quick closing and a great price.

Did Someone Say *GULP* Haunted House?

Most people would agree that living in a murder house might be creepy, and it may be enough to turn buyers off, regardless of tight market conditions – which some industry observers might consider even scarier than an other-worldly house guest. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, it can impact your decision to buy or your ability to sell.

What is a “Stigmatized Property?”

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, a stigmatized property is one with “an intangible, non-physical attribute that could elicit an emotional or psychological response from a potential buyer.” Aside from past murders and current hauntings, there are some other factors that can be considered stigmatic and thus, problematic:

Unlucky Numbers

Some swear by numerology while others have real-to-them reasons behind their inclination toward – or against – certain numbers. So much so, that something such as a specific street address, the floor in a building, a unit number or a price tag can take some houses on the market, out of the running. In Canada, the number seven is considered to be lucky by some, while 13 is thought to bring bad mojo. To avoid unsellable units, some condo developers will omit a 13th floor in their buildings. Even a closing date of Friday the 13th can bring on bad vibes.

Feng Shui

The principles of Feng Shui hail from Chinese culture, and focus on the arrangement of your environment to allow for a gentle flow of energy, known as “chi.” Good Feng Shui is thought to promote good health and fortune. Bad Feng Shui in a home can include a staircase facing the front door; a “poison arrow,” when a T intersection or tree is pointed at your front door; or a front door that aligns with a back door, causing chi to rush through and out – along with your luck.

What are the Rules of Disclosure?

When selling a home in most provinces, there’s no rule whereby the seller must disclose stigmas to the buyer. Quebec is the only province that requires the disclosure of “the presence of an unexplained phenomenon” to potential buyers. If this is a make-or-break factor for you, take the “buyer beware” approach. In order for buyers’ agents to serve their clients well, they should be aware of any stigma sensitivities.

Tips for Homebuyers

Since the seller has no legal obligation to disclose stigmas, concerned homebuyers should be proactive about asking questions, doing their research and, when in doubt, just ask the neighbours! This doesn’t only apply to ghosts, but can be an all-around good strategy to learn more about any home you’re considering purchasing.

Tips for Sellers

If you happen to live in a haunted house and are selling, consider applying some simple home staging strategies to downplay your home’s creepy characteristics. Paint it a fresh, bright colour inside and out. Declutter and remove personal effects, like the photos of your dead ancestors and their urns that line the fireplace mantel. If your furniture is damaged or outdated, consider renting some more-contemporary pieces to usher your home into the modern era. Of course, you’ll want to clean the place from top to bottom, to get rid of any cobwebs and skeletons in the closet. Consult a professional real estate agent to help you determine popular selling features in your area, and how you can raise your old home from the dead, so to speak.

The Up-Side of Buying a Haunted House

On the other hand, if you’re a homebuyer who’s willing to overlook some silly superstitions, stigmas and spirits, a haunted house or one located at #13 Elm Street just might offer a real steal of a deal! Connect with a RE/MAX agent to help you negotiate an offer.

Source: https://blog.remax.ca/buying-selling-haunted-house/

Thinking of putting your home on the market this fall? That's terrific! Getting your home ready for sale is just as important in the fall and maintaining curb appeal requires different attention then in the spring and summer. Follow these six tips for selling your home this fall, and you might just get it sold before the last leaf falls.

Tips for Selling Your Home this Fall & Easy Fixes to Help Buyers Fall in Love

1. Don’t ‘Leave’ a Mess

While fall leaves are gorgeous to look at on trees, once they hit the ground they no longer add to the beauty of your property. Make a good first impression and get rid of leaves with a leaf blower or rake so the first thing sellers see is your home, not the amount of raking they will have to do each year! Clear walkways, your driveway and your lawn and be sure to pick up any stray branches as well.

2. Fall for Flowers

Gardens and landscaping can add to curb appeal when selling your home. Decaying plants, especially at the front of your home, don’t exactly say, welcome. If your summer flowers have died, it’s best to replace them or remove them.  Consider planting mums or fall flowers in flower beds and adding fresh mulch. (Mums can withstand cooler weather and come in beautiful fall colours). If you don’t have a garden or prefer not to plant flowers in them, try using urns or large pots instead.

3. Don’t be a Bore, Paint your Door

A freshly painted front door in a complimentary colour can give your home an upgraded look and help set it apart from other homes in the neighbourhood. Early fall, before wet and cold weather hits is perfect for painting as the summer humidity and bright sun can cause a paint job to peel or crack. Another way to dress up your door is to change the hardware. Having new locks or handles without scratches or dents in an updated finish can make your door seem like new. This attention to detail can make the right first impression as buyers enter your home.

Hint: Choose a colour that will brighten up your façade and compliment your brick. While it’s best to keep exterior paint colours neutral on windows, garage doors and siding, the front door is a chance to use colour. Have grey brick? Consider a deep red or blue. Not sure what to choose? Ask a RE/MAX agent for staging advice or download

4. Lighten Up

Let’s face it without the summer sun, on darker days the inside of homes can look dreary. Here are some tips to minimize the impact of duller days.

• Clean your windows and screens on both sides before listing

• Make sure all blinds, and window coverings are open as wide as they can go

• Show your home earlier in the day if possible

• Consider outdoor landscape lighting, patio lighting or solar pathway lighting

5. Give Sweater Weather Vibes

Keep your home feeling cozy from the outside in. Incorporate fall décor around your home’s exterior – it can be as simple as a wreath on the front door to a fully staged fall patio session, complete with chunky knit blankets and all! Inside, consider highlighting your fireplace if you have one, minimize clutter and placing a throw on the couch. Make your home feel welcoming and buyers may just want to stay.

6. Festive Frights Not Always a Delight

If you’re selling your home during Halloween season, unless you’re selling to the Addams Family, you might want to nix the spooky décor. If you want to decorate, use pumpkins or décor that can be easily stored away during showings. Just be sure the festive spirit doesn’t dampen the buying spirit of those viewing your home.

Fall is the time for new beginnings. Follow these tips to help get your home sold and hopefully before you know it, you will be starting yours.

Still looking for a home to move into? A RE/MAX agent may help you find something before you get your house sold. Need advice on how to get your home ready for sale? Get the unfair advantage of a RE/MAX agent with expertise that can help you evaluate your home and advise you on how to get your home ready to sell in the current market.

Source: https://blog.remax.ca/6-tips-for-selling-your-home-this-fall/