As a seller, you have the option of selling your home on the mls or privately.  This page will discuss the Public vs. Private Markets options.

In order for your home to be properly marketed to Buyers, you must "list" your home on a private or public market. The differences between having your home on a public market and having your home listed privately are many.

First, exposure is greater on a public market. Imagine you were selling your guitar at a garage sale. You may be lucky to have sold it to a "passer-by" for $50.00. Now imagine your guitar is auctioned on ebay, where the exposure is not limited to a handful of bargain-hunters - but is, in fact, being viewed by a multitude of consumers who are in the market for your guitar and are willing to pay full value of your product.

The private market usually implies there is no formal representation. Selling your home privately puts you at the helm of providing all proper legal agreements, for-sale signs, open house signs, newspaper ads in the often neglected and pictureless classified section, announcements, marketing, and most importantly, your time. A large advantage of the public market has to do with the fact that consumers feel more comfortable dealing with products that are formally introduced to the marketplace. For example, wouldn't you feel more comfortable purchasing a watch through a watch store than from a street vendor? The watch store provides receipts and warranties and a service department, while the street vendor can't even guarantee they'll be found in the same area next week. If your watch malfunctions after a day or two, who do you turn to? If you wouldn't even buy a watch on the street, why would you hand over your life savings to someone selling his/her house from the street?

Representation from a well-established company and reputable sales associate can eliminate Buyer Hesitation and increase product exposure.

The Formal Listing Process:

If you have decided to have your home listed by a professional licensed realtor, you have just saved yourself time, money and energy. The only two requirements that you are responsible from here on in are:

1. Keeping your home clean for all the showings and open houses your agent will provide.
2. Accepting and signing the best offer.

A listing appointment usually produces an agreement between you and a broker that you are allowing that brokerage to handle the sale of your home. The meeting also generates an MLS marketing checklist that will be used to showcase your home to both the public and all sales representatives and brokerages belonging your city's board (and surrounding city/town boards). Measurements are done - MLS write-ups are filled out - signage is placed.... Immediately, your home is being marketed!

My Personal Marketing Plan:

Consultation: Together we establish the highest possible list price based on recent comparable homes sold in your neighbourhood. With client input, we will develop a customized marketing approach and advertising campaign to create maximum exposure for your home.

MLS Listings and Signage: Your home will be entered onto the Agent MLS System as well as the Public MLS System. For sale signs are placed in front of your home. Don't worry about nosey neighbours - these could possibly be the gossip-mongers who will eventually get your home sold. The for-sale sign also provides agent, office, and website information for those who would like to book an inspection.

Web-Site Advertisements: Your home will be showcased on my two personal Real Estate Websites, the company website, and on 400 of our RE/MAX Realty Specialists agent's websites. These are all great forums for showcasing your home, as 90% of Buyers today begin their home-search on the internet. The web-sites also offer Open House information to get the most traffic to your home during Open House time.

Deluxe Feature Sheets: A deluxe feature sheet will be designed to encompass and highlight the Selling features of your home. These full-colour brochures ensure your home stands out when Buyers compare your home to other listings in your neighbourhood.

Advertising: Instead of private classified advertisements, RE/MAX Realty Specialists consistently advertises in the Resale Homes Magazine, the Mississauga News, The Toronto Star, The Toronto Sun, The Globe and Mail, and our websites. Just-Listed cards are given out throughout your neighbourhood to promote word-of-mouth advertising.  I don't use these print mediums much, I rely on the internet and google.  That's why I spend so much time optimizing my site for google in Mississauga, read more here about this topic and how my site will help you when you sell in Mississauga

Open Houses: Both Agent Open Houses and Public Open Houses are key factors in showcasing all aspects of your home (interior, exterior). Even the most eloquently written advertisement pales in comparison to a physical tour of your home. Without either of these Open Houses, your home may not be fully marketed.

Communication: Agents who have taken clients to your home are contacted and prompted for feedback. All feedback from inspections, open houses, phone-ins, etc... are quickly shared with you, the vendor. Daily e-mails indicating progress are sent, important and weekly calls are placed so that you are NEVER wondering what is happening with the marketing and sale of your home. Communication doesn't end with the sale of your home. Updates, market information, checklists, and calls "just to say hi" are given.

So, what is your plan with this opportunity and what is your next step in the real estate process?

Overall average prices.

So, if you are thinking of selling and buying a homes this year, should you buy or sell first?  I've had many clients purchase before they sell.  I just want you to have all the information so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.  You may read more about buying or selling first here

Read about what happened in real estate last month.

I wish you much success, good health and happiness today and always! 

Mark