Buying and selling a home, especially the first time, is a big deal, literally. Participants on both sides of the table usually have many questions and more than a few anxieties. It’s all quite normal, according to realtors. Not being at least a little bit emotional when so much is at stake would be strange. A trusted, experienced real estate agent can be a buyer or seller’s best friend, for they have seen it all before. When it comes to selling a home, here are a few of the questions agents say come up again and again.

How much do I have to spend to get the place ready for the market?
Typically, it’s not as much as people think (there could be exceptions). A real estate agent can usually tell what really needs to be done, and may be able to advise how to get it done for the least amount of money, and quickly. First-time sellers are advised to ask an agent before spending a lot of money unnecessarily. We have heard of people who were so concerned about how their homes looked that they were reluctant even to let an agent see them before spending money on fix-ups. Better to let the experienced eye see the place as is, and tell you what needs doing. It could save you a bundle.

How much is my home worth?
This is the big question, obviously, and getting it right is crucial. Listing too high, even in a hot market like Toronto, can result in a no-sale. There is so much housing market data available these days that it’s fairly easy to arrive at a fair price in any given area of the city. Agents look at comparables and can usually come up with a figure that will work. It is part of their job, after all. As recently revealed, even in Toronto many homes are listed too high and must then be re-listed for significantly less. A seller should be aware of that, and take the professional’s advice to heart.

How long will it take to sell my home?
The average time on the market in Toronto is around thirty days. Most homes sell in the first week or two, but three or four weeks is nothing to worry about. If the home is well priced, and the real estate agent is doing his/her job, showing it to as many potential buyers as possible, it will probably sell in that time. If it doesn’t, the realtor will be the first to let you know why, and it is most likely the price.

Is staging a home really worth it?
According to the National Association of Realtors in the US, staged homes sell 88 per cent faster, and for 20 per cent more money than those left as they are. Enough said. Even if the percentages are a little off for the Toronto market, they’re pretty convincing. Some real estate agents even offer free staging as part of their service, though don’t count on it. You can always ask, though.

Am I required to be there when my home is being shown?
No. Not only are you not required, you are not welcome. In fact, say some realtors, there is no conceivable situation in which it is appropriate for the owner to be present when buyers are going through the home. There are simply too many things that could go wrong and kill a potential deal. Don’t take it personally.

Should I Stage? And Other Common Home Sellers’ Questions by Josephine Nolan | Condo.ca