Heritage Group Ltd.,
Brokerage *
Real Estate Broker
ABR, AHWD, BPOR, CNE, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, RSPS, SFR, SRES, SRS
(905) 727.0075 or 1-800.463.0002 Ext.2216
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Thinking of Selling?
Selling a home can be the largest business transaction most of us will ever make. It is time consuming and complex.  Its outcome is far from certain.   Eric can help to ensure that you come out a winner.  Not a loser.
Arriving at an accurate estimate of value for your home is one of the most important jobs. This entails analyzing your home and comparing it to other similar houses for sale or recently sold in the neighbourhood. It may also involve a broader market survey using sales statistics available.  In the end, you will be sure the price you set reflects the true value of your home under current market conditions.  It is up to you what you want to sell your home for.  Eric can provide the information to help you make an educated decision.  A price you can live with.
Eric can provide you with the following services:
Experience / Education / Proven Record
Video and / or Slideshow tour of your home.
Custom Web sites with your address
Google Ad Word
Professional staging consultation
Daily attention to your listing
Updates in the form/time you want them.
Detail multi-page brochure.
Custom signage
Air Miles
Memory CD/DVD
On-line Appointments
Real Estate Channel Television 260
Professional cleaning service.
Every option used on MLS.ca  / REALTOR.ca
Exposure: Century21.ca, Upper Canada Mall,  Bob Villa, + numerous other Web sites.  
Custom Open House Music CD
Concierge services
Discounts from C21 Heritage partners.  
Donations to local charities.
Feature Sheets
Social Media
Posted on hundreds of Web sites.
Plus  + + + + + + +

NEVER sign a Listing Agreement for more then 60 days.  Why?  Do you really want to be locked into a contract if you made the wrong choice?     
  

Someone You Can Trust -The most important thing when choosing a real estate professional is to find someone you can trust.  Eric has a history of success and integrity in real estate that you can depend on.  Eric is  an experienced negotiator with expert knowledge of the local market.  You can count on Eric to always work with your interests in mind, and to represent you and your wishes to the best of his ability.

Commitment -  In the least amount of time possible, Eric will get you the best price on a home that is perfectly suited to meet your requirements, not just today, but for years to come.

Best Service - Choosing a real estate representative who has the tools, skills and experience to make your dream a reality can be as challenging as the home buying process itself.  Let Eric make it simple for you.

Always in Touch - Good communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship.  You can count on Eric to provide you with the information you need on a schedule and in a manner that suits your requirements.

Eric wants the same thing -  to be 100% satisfied, both with his service and with your new property.  Eric will involve himself in your home search as much or as little as you like, and will communicate information to you on a schedule and in a fashion that suits you best.  Eric’s goal is to make every customer a customer for life.

If you are looking for a detailed, quality approach to real estate give Eric a call.  You will never have to be concerned about speaking to an un-registered so called “team” member, other then his receptionists.

Marketing Fees are becoming common practice with some REALTORS®.  A marketing fee is charged to a cooperating brokerage who brings a buyer into purchase your home.  In Eric’s opinion, he does not agree with this practice on regular real estate listings for numerous reasons.  

Before hiring any REALTOR®, Eric urges you to contact the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).  RECO’s purpose is to protect you, the consumer. Speak to the REALTORS®  past clients, not just the ones the REALTOR® has given you.  Speak to your family and neighbours, ...   Also, obtain the services of a GOOD Real Estate lawyer.  Don’t sign anything without allowing your lawyer to review it first.   If you are buying a property, shop for a reputable Home Inspector.  Both NACHI and OAHI are registered associations.  Interview your home inspector.  Find out exactly what he/she will do.  Example: Will the home inspector go on the roof?  What will they cover if they missed something?  …
   
 
      Ask your REALTOR® / yourself the following;
1. How much labour will you spend weekly on my listing?
2. How much money will you be investing?
3. Who’s in control?
4. Are you charging other REALTORS® a fee to sell my home?
Example: Marketing Fee
5. What experience do you have as a Buyer REALTOR®  & a Seller REALTOR® ?
6. Ask yourself; Do I trust this person?  Am I comfortable with this person?
7. Can you provide me with references / testimonials?
8. What knowledge do you have of the area?
9. What education do you have?
10. Is Real Estate your fulltime job?
11. How do you contribute to my community?
12. Ask to see actual listings the REALTOR® has SOLD in the last year.
13. Does the REALTOR®  have a Web site?
If so, how often is it updated?  How many hits daily does it receive?
14. Are you mainly a listing REALTOR® .   Listing Realtors usually market using
newspapers / flyers / bus benches … that is the OLD way of marketing.
The REALTOR®  is marketing themselves making YOU think they are
working on your home.
15. How will you market my home?
16.  Will I receive a professional market analysis?
17.  What percentage of your business is based on referrals?
18.  How are you perceived by your colleagues within the industry?
19.  Have you ever been disciplined by any Brokerage you have worked for?
20.  Have you ever been disciplined by RECO, TREB, YRREB, …
21.  Have you ever been sued?
22.  Do you have support staff?  If yes, will you take responsibility for
the errors they create?
23.  If I leave you a message, how long will it take you to contact me?
Will you guarantee this time?
24.  Do you plan on going on vacation over the next “X” months?
25.  Can I TERMINATE my listing anytime?  Know the difference
between TERMINATION and SUSPENSION.
26.  How many homes are you currently marketing?
If the REALTOR®  is marketing more then four at the same time ask
yourself if you are really getting your money’s worth.
27.   Will you be marketing my home on more then one Real Estate board?
Example: If your home is located in Innisfil, will it be marketed on
both the Barrie & Toronto boards.  Obtain proof.
28.  If there is an inquiry on my home who responds?   How quickly?
29.  How long have you lived in this region?
30.  How does your average sale price compare to list price?
NOTE: A number of REALTORS®  are terminating listings & putting them
back up as a new listing.   Ensure you have the ENTIRE history.
31. What marketing plan do you have that is different from everyone else's?
32.  Do you have any marketing materials of your listings I can review?
33.  What commission do you charge?  What if I sell the home myself?
34.  What is your marketing / pricing philosophy 60 days or more down the
road?
35.  Are you thorough and complete when you upload my listing?
36.  Do you have a Resume?
37.  Are you automated with a personal facsimile machine, Blackberry, mobile,  pager, …?

If you are planning on selling your home, interview at least four REALTORS®.  You maybe surprised!             

Good Luck!

How to Sell Your Home Book
Eric provides all his clients who are selling with this book.   
This is the companion to the “How to Buy a Home book”.  
The purpose of this book is to help make the selling experience as simple and stress-free as possible.  

S E L L E R    Expenses
Brokerage commission on the sale price.
HST on brokerages commission.
Moving and storage expenses + HST
Solicitor expenses. (Increases if mortgage is involved.) + HST
Mortgage transfer / closure costs.  (Penalty Costs)
Closing cost adjustments.
(Could be credited. Example: if taxes have been pre-paid.)
Agreements / contracts with attached items that are leased / rented.
Items that you may have agreed to fix before closing.
Items included within the listing.  Example: Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer, Dryer, …
Utility disconnection charges + HST
Your time.  Example: Setting up your home for a showing.  Address changes …
If you have a WELL / Septic tank try to have the latest water tests, flow test, and last septic cleaning bill available.   There is a good possibility that the buyer will request this information.
Land Survey, how old is it?  There is the possibility that you may be requested to produce a current survey for your property.
Depending on the property you may need an electrical inspection.
Some Sellers obtain a home inspection on their property.  I recommend you do so for a number of reasons.

Please note: Each property is unique so there is the possibility of additional Seller fees.   


S E L L E R    T I P S
First impressions are often the ONLY impressions.  Is your home ready?
Click the clip board to open & download a PDF check list.

Many cosmetic changes can be made with minimal time and expense. Yet, they can influence how quickly your property sells and at what price. Buyers will be comparing your property to competing properties. The following are a few practical tips to help your property stand out above the rest.

CLEAN
Presenting a clean home to a buyer shows them the home has been valued and well cared for.

REPAIR
Making certain repairs will present your property in a more positive light to prospective buyers, and can also add to its value. If you think the repair is too expensive or too much trouble to fix chances are potential buyers will too.

GET RID OF THE CLUTTER
By removing clutter you will make your property feel larger, brighter and more open to a buyer’s personality. If your property is uncluttered and neutral, prospective buyers can explore it comfortably and envision it with their own personal touches.

Clean up after your pet on a daily base.
Odour from spices, smokers, pets, perfume, basements, etceteras, can put potential buyers off from inspecting your home. Suggest inserting a disposable dander, pollen, charcoal filter in your furnace monthly. Turn your furnace setting to fan. Let the air circulate throughout your home.
If you have a musty basement, consider a de-humidifier.
Is your home attractive from the street?
Cut lawns, trim shrubs.
Shovel snow from driveways and all sidewalks.
Consider fertilizing lawn.
Weed and edge gardens.
Clear lawn of toys and leaves.
Bird feeders create a pleasant mood.
Plant flowers near the walking areas.
Example: Patio, front door.

WHAT IS THE FIRST IMPRESSION AT THE DOOR?
Clean front door and windows.
Touch up paint if required.
Clean and tidy foyer and porch.
Ensure doorbell works.
Replace door hardware if required.
Repair fences.


Does your home appear well maintained?
Replace burned-out light bulbs.
Clean or replace wall switch plates.
Tighten doorknobs, cupboard latches.
Correct carpet bumps, loose tile, sticking doors.
Professionally clean carpets.
Repair cracked plaster, chipped paint.
Repair leaky taps and toilets
Check caulking around tub and basin.
Fix any broken windows.

THINK OF YOURSELF AS THE BUYER.    DOES YOUR HOME GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF SPACE?
Clear kitchen counters
Clear halls and stairs of clutter
Organize and clean closets
Store unnecessary furniture
Clear out basement, attic, garage

The Showing
It is better if no one is in the home for a while. Buyers tend to feel uncomfortable with the owner present. It usually prevents the buyer from asking questions.
If you must stay home, stay in one area. Work in the garage or shed in the back yards.
Turn the television off.
If you have an intercom put on an easy listening instrumental station. Turn the intercom stations on low. If you do not have an intercom, put on a soft instrumental easy listening CD. Ensure it repeats.
NEVER follow the sales representative around the house during a showing.
NEVER offer any information.
NEVER answer any questions the potential buyer may have. This is the job of the real estate professional.
As a professional stager I have numerous other tips that will assist you in making your home look its best.  Call for more ideas.

The referral of your friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give me. "Thank you for your trust!" back to top
® Copyright 2003 – 2024 Eric McCartney All rights reserved.
* Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., Brokerage is independently owned and operated.
® and TM Registered Trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate LLC Used Under License.
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