Sellers Guide

CONTENTS

 

GATHERING INFORMATION

In order to meet your individual expectations, we need to gather valuable information about your home, your goals for selling, and your future plans. If you have any additional concerns, we will work to make the process easier for you.

HOME DETAILS

There is essential, factual information we need to gather which will be addressed in our standard real estate forms. However, when we prepare listings, we love to have your input. You are encouraged to share your favourite attributes of your home; whether it is the layout, backyard, energy efficiency, or neighbourhood! This insight helps us in the marketing of your property and the negotiation of offers.

FUTURE PLANNING

It is important to share your anticipated timeline with us, including your ideal closing date and if you need assistance beyond the offer process and closing day. We will walk you through your offer and keep you on track with important dates. We can also aid in relocation, with recommendations and tips. Knowing your needs and plans for the future ensures us that you will be satisfied and prepared when closing day comes.

PROPERTY DISCLOSURE

The Residential Property Disclosure Statement (RPDS) is one of the documents you will sign when you decide to list. This document shares information specific to repairs, upgrades, and issues that you have experienced while living in the home. If you have been in your home a long time it may be hard to remember all repairs or renovations that have been completed. Nonetheless, this is all pertinent information for potential buyers. Please start to give this advanced thought.

EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS

There are often items in our homes that have sentimental value, ranging from light fixtures to specific furniture. Some of the items are considered part of the structure of the property; such as light fixtures, built-in cabinetry, or mirrors. These are called ‘fixtures’. Items like furniture and decor are called ‘chattels’. If you are aware of any fixtures that have sentimental or personal value, please let us know. It is best to exclude these items in the listing documents or, even better, to have them removed and replaced with other fixtures. This can prevent miscommunication later, as buyers occasionally ask or expect for specific items to remain with the property.

STAGING

In preparation for putting your home on the market, there are repairs and updates you should do that will improve saleability and may increase value. We realize that not everyone has the ability or inclination to do repairs or staging of their home. Staging is not required in order to list with us; however, it is highly recommended. We have an extensive list of tradespeople to help you with the various aspects of staging.

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PRE-LISTING CHECKLIST

Information and items we will need to collect from you

• Contact information & preferred contact method. Email is the best way to contact us as it is most frequently monitored.
• Utility costs for at least 12 months: hydro, water, natural gas, wood (cords/pellets), propane, etc.
• Additional pertinent documents buyers may request: warranties, receipts for upgrades, covenants, etc.
• A key for the lockbox
• Your job title, place of work, and/or retirement status
• We will need to view a photo ID for the Individual Identification Information Record, a form we are required to fill out under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, referred to as FINTRAC.

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LISTING DOCUMENTS

Read all documents and contracts thoroughly before signing them.

WORKING WITH A REALTOR®

Explains the role of your REALTOR®. Signing acknowledges that you understand how your REALTOR® will be representing you. This document is required by the New Brunswick Real Estate Association. It is not a contract.

LISTING AGREEMENT

This is the listing contract between you and the listing agent (the company) and your REALTOR® whereby you consent to list your home and have representation.

RESIDENTIAL DATA FORM

States details and information regarding your property. This information will be used to put your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and will be on-line for potential home buyers view.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURE

This is where you disclose basic information on the structure, plumbing, electrical, heating, and water systems related to your home. It is also where you share information about your neighbourhood, as well as details on upgrades and issues you may have experienced. Accuracy is important; fill this out to the best of your ability. If an answer is unknown, do not guess. Either seek out the appropriate information or answer “I don’t know”. Any issues disclosed are best outlined with details, whether they occurred today or the first day you moved into your home.

HOME SELLER’S GUIDE TO RADON

Explains radon, its presence in your home, and its effects on health. This document is required by the New Brunswick Real Estate Association at the recommendation of Health Canada. It provides general information and a spot at the bottom where you acknowledge that your REALTOR® has explained radon to you. This is a good time to learn what buyers will expect for radon testing and remediation.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Showing your home in its best light helps it shine on the market.

Photos are taken either by Rebecca, who is an architectural photographer, or another professional photographer. Hannah is a licensed and insured drone pilot. She captures picturesque photos and videos of your home from above.

A 3D virtual video tour provides an interactive viewing experience. For more information on this, visit matterport.com and try the demo. This technology makes your home more accessible to buyers and reduces the number of people in your home who are not interested in making an offer.

The photos and videos are a lengthy process; they can take 1-2 days depending on the size of house, time of day, and weather. We will accommodate you to the best of our ability nonetheless, and you can expect the results to be excellent! Our goal is to have your property online within five days of your signing the listing documents.

This is a helpful checklist to aid you in preparation for photos, so that your home’s best features can be highlighted.

Outside

• Lawn mowed and landscaping pruned (summer)
• Driveway, walkways, and decks shoveled (winter)
• Driveway clear of vehicles and debris
• Garbage cans, gardening tools, and toys out of sight

Inside

• Home is clean, neat, and tidy – no dust, cobwebs, fingerprints, or footprints
• All light fixtures working properly – ideally with same type/colour light bulbs
• Windows cleaned so they shine (screens removed if possible) Bathmats and dish towels removed
• Curtains and blinds open
• Personal items (such as toiletries and fridge clutter) removed Beds freshly made
• Garbage cans, cleaning supplies, and clutter out of sight
• Pets removed from home or kenneled so they do not interfere with equipment

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MARKETING

Where buyers will see your property:

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SHOWINGS & Feedback

Depending on the price range of your home and many other factors, including time of year, you could expect showings to start right away.

Keep your home generally tidy, fresh, and smelling nice for last minute showing requests.

We provide feedback from showings as much as possible, but REALTORs® are not required to provide feedback. We work hard to answer all questions and comments promptly and keep you updated on showings. We will keep in touch with you regarding market trends and suggestions while your house is listed; however, please note that unlicensed assistants are prohibited by law from answering certain types of questions, which generally includes real estate questions. If you are looking for expertise on selling your home or how the market is faring, please discuss with a licensed salesperson on the team!

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ONCE THERE IS AN OFFER

Time is of the essence.

Once we receive an offer on your property, we will contact you immediately. You can choose to accept the offer, counter, or reject it; the negotiating process can often take a couple days. Once both parties have agreed to the Purchase & Sale Agreement and all conditions, we will keep in contact with you to make sure all conditions are met in a timely manner and to insure the sale goes smoothly.

We advise you to read your Purchase & Sale Agreement and all amendments very carefully. If the Purchase & Sale Agreement states that the home requires work to be done and you sign off these changes, then all work must be completed as stated, usually with receipts provided to the lawyers on closing day. Please keep in touch with us regarding when work is being done and who is doing this work. It is beneficial that you share receipts and other important information regarding this work.

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OFFER DOCUMENTS

Read all documents and contracts thoroughly before signing them.

AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE

This is the primary contract, stating the price, when conditions of sale will need to be met, and legal matters such as title searches. When both parties have come to an agreement, the finalized details will go on the counter-offer, which is the very last page.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

A checklist for the sellers to ensure that the home is in proper condition on closing day. It pertains to driveway being clear of snow, home being clean, etc.

PROPERTY INSPECTION AMENDMENT

After the inspection, the buyers have several options:

1. They can ask the sellers to do repairs on unsatisfactory results.
2. They can request a price reduction to the cover the costs of repairs.
3. If the results are unacceptable to the buyers, the offer becomes null and void.
4. They may find issues but accept them and purchase the property “as-is”.

DUAL AGENCY AGREEMENT

Only applicable when the buyers are clients of RE/MAX (including clients of your REALTOR®). This document is used to show that you are aware of the situation and how my role as a sales representative changes in dual agency representation.

WELL AND SEPTIC SCHEDULE

Known information on the well and septic systems for rural properties must be disclosed on this document.

Please note that rural properties are also generally subject to a condition on water testing. There are two tests; the biological test (E. Coli and coliform) and mineral/trace elements test. The biological test must show that no coliform are present in the water, as potable water is necessary in order to receive a mortgage.

MINIHOME SCHEDULE

Information on the make and model of the mini home is shared in this document.

CONDIMINIUM SCHEDULE

Information regarding the unit, the condo board, etc. is disclosed on this document. It also has instructions for additional documents, such as by-laws, that you must provide to the buyer.

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SELLERS’ CLOSING CHECKLIST

Congratulations! Your home is sold! Here is how you move forward:

These items are necessary in order to complete the transaction:

• A solicitor (lawyer) is necessary to continue your real estate transaction. Contact a solicitor as soon as possible to retain their services in your home sale. Once they have confirmed they are available to help you, let your REALTOR® know who you have chosen. The RE/MAX office administrators will forward all documentation to the solicitor.
• Complete any and all work listed on your offer documents, including maintenance schedule and inspection amendment. Send all receipts to your REALTOR® and your lawyer.
• Arrange for the transfer/disconnect by your service providers of hydro, gas, alarm, phone, cable, insurance etc. NOTE: hydro, gas and other utilities the buyer needs for their pre-closing inspection should NOT be disconnected until after closing. This includes propane tanks remaining hooked up with propane available for the pre-closing inspection so buyer can confirm they are in good working order, otherwise closing could be delayed.
• If needed, ensure all funds to cover closing costs are available at time of closing
• Thoroughly clean or schedule a cleaning company for final cleaning

These items are helpful reminders:

• Schedule moving company
• Submit all contact information, extra keys, and garage remotes to your lawyer Schedule any necessary time off for moving
• Arrange for school, veterinarian, medical, and dental records etc. to be transferred
• Notify banks, stores, and credit card companies of address change Notify insurance providers of address change
• Notify newspaper and magazine subscriptions of address change Notify employer and child care provider of address change Redirect post
• Inform family and friends of new contact details

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CLOSING COSTS

There are several expenses associated with selling a home. These figures are only an estimate, as some of these costs may not be needed in your situation.

HOME INSPECTION

Some sellers pre-inspect their home so there are no surprises when an offer comes in. You can expect to pay between $350-550 for an inspection.

PAINTING

This can freshen up your home and attract more buyers. The cost varies depending on how much needs done, but you can expect to pay $400-3000.

LEGAL FEES*

This is the fee the lawyer will charge for their services to research and transfer the title and funds. You can expect to pay $600+/- in legal fees.

MORTGAGE PENALTY*

This depends on the terms of your current mortgage.

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HELPFUL CONTACTS

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TESTIMONIALS

“I would recommend her service to anyone looking to either purchase their dream home or sell. We used Rebecca for both services and throughout the process she was completely professional, timely and dedicated. When we put our house on the market we had an offer in less than a week!”
-Jennifer

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“We found Rebecca to be professional, resourceful, honest and collaborative. Along the way, we had many laughs and we ultimately made the sale.”
– Sarah

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“I found Rebecca very knowledgable, helpful and accommodating. I would recommend her to anyone looking for real estate in Fredericton.”
– Katrina

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“Rebecca is top notch. She sold my condo in record time. A pleasure to deal with. Would highly recommend!.”
– Chris

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