S E L L E R S P R E S E N TAT I O N
ABOUT BERNADETTE DESCHENES When I bought my first home, I was completely taken with the real estate market. It fascinated me, and I wanted to help others move through what seemed like a complex system. It’s much easier to navigate when you work with an agent who is dedicated, professional, and reliable. That’s exactly what I bring to the table. For over seven years, I’ve helped clients find the right properties and buyers, and answered their questions at every step along the way. I have an incredible network of connections, and will help you make smart decisions that save you money. I’m easy to reach at any time and I pay attention to details. My clients know I’m not chasing target numbers. I’m there to give you honest and sound advice when you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. You don’t need a sales pitch from me, you need straightforward information about your investment. Whether you’re a home buyer, seller, or long-time investor who loves the nitty gritty market details, finding the right property match is always a thrill. I’ll do everything I can to make that happen. Together, we’ll navigate Ottawa’s real estate market with confidence and ease.
Bernadette Deschenes
OTTAWACAPITALPROPERTIES Cell: 613-.808.6756 Bernadette@OttawaCapitalProperties.com
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SELLING WITH BERNADETTE Even if you want to sell your home quickly, take a moment to be sure you’re working with the right person — someone who can sell your home for what it’s worth. When you work with me, we’ll sit down to talk about why you’re selling, draw up a basic time line for the sale, and set out a detailed process outline. Here are two starter questions that will help me understand your needs: WHY SELL? Do you want to move to a larger home or property? Do you want to be in a different neighbourhood, school district, or city? Even if the answers seem obvious to you, consider how each option will affect your lifestyle, opportunities, and finances. When you’re clear about why you’re selling, I can give you great options tailored to your situation. WHEN SHOULD I SELL? Most people want to sell as quickly as possible. If you’re in a hurry, I can speed up the process by giving you a market analysis and an action plan before we list your home. That will help us hit our goals as fast as possible. If you don’t need to sell immediately, we’ll review the market conditions and find the most favourable time for your listing.
BERNADETTE’S SALES APPROACH My approach is simple — I do what it takes to sell your home for what it’s worth, in a timely manner. OPEN COMMUNICATION: Communication is vital to my success. I’ll involve you at every step, whether it’s establishing a sales price, holding open houses, accepting offers, or closing the deal. I promise to communicate with you on a regular basis. DAYS ON MARKET: Having fewer days on the market means you can move on with your life. What’s more, the right number of days can save or earn you thousands of extra dollars. It can also give you the peace of mind and comfort you need when you’re taking a major step in life. LIST-TO-SALE PRICE: Most agents who close too quickly cost you money, as they typically sell below market average. I know how to close quickly while targeting an above average list-to-sale price. How do I do it? I’m dedicated, organized, and well informed, and that means thousands of dollars in your pocket. WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: Many sellers initially price their homes too high, assuming they can reduce the price later. But interest peaks when your home is fresh on the market, and it declines as time goes by. You have to know how to take advantage of that window of opportunity. I’ll show you how.
HOME EVALUATION Everyone wants to know what their home is worth, and that value can change dramatically from year to year. The National Capital Region has a dynamic real estate market. Prices shift based on local, regional, national, and international economic conditions, migration into the city, and political sentiment. Inventory levels are supply and demand-based. I have my finger on the market’s pulse and will show you properties that sold recently in your neighborhood. That’s critical to determining the value of your home. Factors that determine your home’s worth: - Area above grade and total number of bedrooms - Recent renovations, upgrades, or updates - Basement development with a bedroom and/or a suite plus walkout - Number of garage parking stalls - Location in the community (quiet or busy street, cul-de-sac, near a park, views, etc.)
OPINION OF VALUE Buyers’ opinions matter. Properties priced too high will sit on the market and become “shop worn” and won’t sell as easily. Ideally, we’ll price your property at comparable market value. Studies show that a property listed at 15% over market value has a 20% probability of sale; 10% over market value has a 30% probability of sale; 5% over market value has a 50% probability of sale. Properties priced at market value have a 95% probability of sale. Comparison is the best way to evaluate the value of a single family home. A property is worth what a buyer will pay for it, and that is determined by supply and demand. I’ll compare your home with similar ones that sold recently, while considering your unique location, amenities, lot size, condition, and financing terms. Which criteria determines a home’s true value? Criteria That Determine Value
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Location and Size account for the majority of value. Amenities contribute less.
HOME PREPARATION - EXTERIOR > Have an easily visible house number > Clean/repair eaves troughs and down spouts > Tidy and clean garage/car port > Put exterior lights on timers; light the house well after sunset > Replace cracked and broken window panes > Be sure doorbell and door hardware work well > Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames, fascia, etc. > Mow, edge and weed lawn frequently until the home is sold > Cut back overgrown shrubbery > Invest a small amount in seasonal flowers > Repair visibly broken shingles/tiles on the roof > Remove stucco water stains using a mild bleaching agent > Pick up litter > Mend and paint fences
HOME PREPARATION - INTERIOR > Leave lights on and drapes open during the day > Set the heat at a comfortable temperature > Have fresh flowers/plants in several rooms > Repair chipped plaster > Touch up paint as required > Make sure doors and cupboards close properly > Repair leaky taps and toilets > Replace burned out light bulbs > Oil squeaky doors > Clean and polish mirrors, fixtures, and taps > Redo caulking around tubs and basins if necessary > Clean floors > Empty garbage containers > Tidy closets and cupboards > Hide or lock away valuable property > Be sure pets are absent or contained during showings > Repair or replace all torn screens
TOP 3 LIST: PRICING, TIMING, Many factors lead to your home’s successful sale, and three stand out from the rest. PRICING: An overpriced home can work against you, and an undervalued property doesn’t generate the right amount of buzz. Pricing your home properly requires experience, an understanding of the market, and a track record of success. I’ll make sure you’re in the right range to sell quickly at a great price.
Activity (Amount of Interest)
TIMING: Sellers and agents often experiment by starting at a high price and dropping it over time. This is not the best approach. If your home stays on the market too long, interest in it will drop and buyers will perceive it negatively. The Wall Street Journal reports that the week a listing goes up it gets nearly four times the visits it gets a month later, which is when most sellers initiate a price reduction. By then it’s too late.
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NEGOTIATING NEGOTIATION: “The higher the price, the better the offer.” Don’t be fooled by this popular saying. Price is not always the determining factor in negotiations. Remember, the initial offer is not usually the final price. It’s influenced by a number of terms and conditions, and as your agent, I’ll help you evaluate every proposal and maintain your market position. Negotiate the Right Way I take my responsibility to fairly negotiate contractual terms very seriously. It’s my job to help everyone get to a win-win agreement. You may have to deal with multiple offers before choosing the right one. As your agent, I promise you a thorough and objective assessment of each offer to help you make the right choice.
ATTRACTING BUYERS Attract buyers immediately. Sellers and agents tend to experiment with price by starting high and dropping it over time. This rationale is not the best approach. A listing gets the most attention on its debut. As the reports, the week that a listing goes on the market, we estimate that it gets nearly four times more visits on real estate websites than it does a month later, which is when most sellers will initiate a price reduction.
THE OFFER PROCESS THE INITIAL AGREEMENT AND DEPOSIT: An agreement is a legally binding arrangement between the purchaser and the seller. It may require consideration, which means an initial (and additional) deposit. That money is held in trust while the rest of the conditions or contingencies in the agreement are settled. WRITTEN RECORDS: I’ll help you convert all the verbal agreements (including counter offers and addenda) into written agreements you and the buyer can sign. Together, we’ll draft all the paperwork you need, and I’ll always give you copies for your records. THE CLOSING SCHEDULE: Once you accept an offer, I’ll give you and the buyer a time line to mark every stage in closing the contract. Meeting these time requirements ensures smooth negotiations and clarifies what each party needs to do to uphold their end of the agreement. I’ll keep you updated during this process so you’re prepared for each step.
WEB SYNDICATION As a web-savvy agent, I make great use of the Internet and online tools. More than 80% of buyers search for homes on the web, so an online push is the best way to connect with them. My web presence and online network help me reach thousands of trusted buyers online. Did you know that 99% of buyers search for a home using three search engines? I’ll promote your sale to as many buyers and agents as possible on these platforms. It’s critically important that your home gets the exposure it needs online. My web syndications mean your home is seen on my website and mainstream, high-traffic sites.
WHERE DO BUYERS COME FROM? 51% INTERNET (home searches & research) 34% REALTOR® 4%
Call on yard sign
4%
Friend/relative/neighbor
4%
Open House
2%
New Builder
1%
Local newspaper and magazines
1%
Know the sellers already
TESTIMONIALS We were so pleased with Bernadette’s professionalism and patience as we decided to purchase our first home! This was a huge decision for us, and Bernadette made us feel more than comfortable every step of the way. Chantal
For the past year, we’ve used Bernadette’s services (Ottawa Capital Properties) as a property manager for our three student rental properties. Bernadette has resolved every issue extremely quickly and professionally. If you’re looking for peace of mind at a reasonable price for rental properties, you won’t be disappointed with Bernadette. I highly recommend her property management services. Five stars for sure! Paula Bernadette is amazing! She is always immediately available, very knowledgeable, and quick to answer any questions. We will definitely recommend her to others and look forward to continuing work with her. Jamie & Aaron Bernadette’s ‘above and beyond’ attitude makes her stand out from the other agents in town. Her efforts went beyond my expectations. Such excellent service! She has a great network of experts in the field, which helped me make timely decisions about repair work before the sale. I strongly recommend hiring Bernadette as your agent whether you’re selling, buying, or looking for property management. Michelle X
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY
Bernadette Deschenes Licensed Sales Representative
613.808.6756 Bernadette@OttawaCapitalProperties.com www.ottawacapitalproperties.com