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How to Increase Your Home’s Value Before Selling

Posted by Kendra Auringer on May 12, 2025

Preparing to sell your home? You don’t need a massive renovation to make a big impact! Here are simple, ...

New property listed in SE Cordova Bay, Saanich East

Posted by Kendra Auringer on Apr 23, 2025

I have listed a new property at 4904 Cordova Bay Rd in Saanich. See details here Located in the heart ...

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Selling Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Selling your home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the process. From preparing your property for sale to navigating negotiations, there are numerous steps involved in successfully selling a home. If you find yourself thinking, “I want to sell my home but don’t know where to start,” fear not. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each stage of the home-selling journey, empowering you to achieve a smooth and successful sale.

Step 1: Determine Your Goals and Timeline

Before diving into the selling process, take some time to clarify your goals and timeline. Ask yourself why you’re selling and what you hope to achieve from the sale. Are you looking to downsize, upgrade, or relocate? Understanding your motivations will help shape your approach to selling and inform important decisions along the way.

Step 2: Research the Market

Familiarize yourself with the current real estate market conditions in your area. Research recent sales, property values, and trends affecting local housing demand. Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com offer valuable insights into market dynamics and comparable listings. Understanding the market will help you set a realistic asking price for your home.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home for Sale

First impressions matter in real estate, so it’s essential to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing your space to create a neutral canvas that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. Make necessary repairs and upgrades to enhance your home’s appeal and address any issues that could deter buyers during inspections.

Step 4: Set the Right Price

Pricing your home correctly is crucial to attracting buyers and maximizing your sale price. Work with a real estate agent or utilize online tools to conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) and determine the fair market value of your home. Consider factors such as location, property size, condition, and recent sales of similar homes in your area when setting your asking price.

Step 5: Market Your Property

Once your home is ready for sale and priced competitively, it’s time to market it to potential buyers. Create a compelling listing with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and key selling points highlighted. Utilize both online and offline marketing channels, including social media, real estate websites, signage, and open houses, to reach a broad audience of buyers.

Step 6: Show Your Home

Make your home available for showings and open houses to allow prospective buyers to view the property firsthand. Keep your home clean, organized, and inviting during showings, and be flexible with scheduling to accommodate potential buyers’ preferences. Consider staging your home to showcase its full potential and help buyers envision themselves living there.

Step 7: Negotiate Offers

As offers start to come in, carefully review each one with your real estate agent and consider factors such as price, contingencies, and terms of sale. Negotiate with buyers to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that meets your needs and maximizes your proceeds from the sale. Be prepared to counteroffer or negotiate repairs after the home inspection if necessary.

Step 8: Close the Sale

Once you’ve accepted an offer, work with your real estate agent to navigate the closing process. Complete any remaining paperwork, provide requested documentation, and coordinate with the buyer’s lender and closing agent to finalize the sale. Attend the closing meeting to sign the necessary paperwork and transfer ownership of the property to the buyer. Congratulations – you’ve successfully sold your home!

Conclusion

Selling your home may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a rewarding and successful experience. By following these steps and working with a knowledgeable real estate professional, you can navigate the selling process with confidence and achieve your goals. So, if you’re ready to sell your home, take the first step today and embark on the journey toward a successful sale.

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I have sold a property at 302 3111A Havenwood Lane in Colwood

I have sold a property at 302 3111A Havenwood Lane in Colwood on May 15, 2022. See details here

Welcome to Pacific Landing a seaside community with Ocean Views of Esquimalt Lagoon! Located in the Breton Building you will find this 2 bed, 2 bath top floor corner unit featuring an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen w/ large Island (upgraded appliance package & quartz counters), cozy gas FP in a sundrenched living room w/ dining area, primary suite w/ spa inspired 5 pc ensuite & walk-in closet, 2nd bed & laundry rm.Other features include energy efficient heat pump, hardwood & heated tile flooring,secure parking, & community garden!Complementing this must-see listing is an entertainment sized deck w/ views of the ocean, perfect for morning coffee & all your outdoor entertaining. Take advantage of the coming amenities to be added to this development including yoga studio, community kitchen & coffee shop! A serene location with walking trails and the ocean all at your doorstep. Just a short drive to amenities and only 20 minutes to all that downtown Victoria has to offer.

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I have sold a property at 12 1956 Glenidle Rd in Sooke

I have sold a property at 12 1956 Glenidle Rd in Sooke on May 31, 2022. See details here

This sunny south facing two bedroom condo in Billings Spit is a fantastic opportunity for first time buyers. Tastefully renovated in 2020 there is nothing to do here but move in. The functional spacious entry welcomes you in and gives you the space you need for your gear. The beautifully renovated kitchen is a real treat with its island eating bar, new stainless steel appliances, subway tile back splash and custom concrete counters. Right off of the kitchen is a true designated dining room for ease of living and with the space to entertain. The living room is bright featuring large window slider doors onto a covered deck, and has a wood burning fireplace. Also inside you will find two great sized bedrooms, in suite laundry, large covered deck and a fully re-done bathroom. Wonderfully located on a quiet street walking distance to Seabroom park, Kaltastin park, and Billings road beach. Don't miss out on this one and view today!

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I have sold a property at 5 1063 Goldstream Ave in Langford

I have sold a property at 5 1063 Goldstream Ave in Langford on Jul 27, 2022. See details here

A/O in place waiting on deposit. Updated and immaculate town home in a well-run complex. Main floor includes bright kitchen, separate dining room, living room with electric fireplace & patio doors leading to private fenced patio & backyard. Upstairs, 3 large bedrooms & full bathroom. Master bedrm includes large walk-in closet. Additional features; large front patio area, huge playground for kids & two parking spaces. Close to shopping malls, amenities.

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I have sold a property at 10231 Youbou Rd in Youbou

I have sold a property at 10231 Youbou Rd in Youbou on Apr 28, 2022. See details here

A rare, breathtaking and pristine sunny south facing lakefront lot on Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island. This beautiful piece of property weighs in at over 1.3 acres and yet is only minutes to town. The bare land lot is ready for you to build your vacation retreat. Build on either the waterfront or on the mountain side lot the choice is yours. A dock is already in place, just bring your ideas and start living the lake life now. Quick possession in time for summer. Leave the everyday hustle and bustle of the city behind as you create lasting memories for you and your family with this perfect lifestyle choice.

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I have sold a property at 3391 Hilton Rd in Duncan

I have sold a property at 3391 Hilton Rd in Duncan on Mar 15, 2022. See details here

This is a perfect family home located on a huge 14,000 sq ft lot! The main level offers 3 spacious bedrooms, open kitchen, dining room, living room with a fireplace and a large 4-piece bathroom! The lower level has a cozy family room with an additional large bedroom and a nicely updated bathroom with laundry. This level also includes a self-contained one bedroom suite with a separate entrance. This well maintained home comes with many updates including a new natural gas furnace, newer roof and hot water tank. Outside you will find a very spacious lot with a large private backyard area. There is ample parking for your vehicles, RV, boats/toys! This property has potential for rezoning to add a shop/garage. Enjoy being walking distance to all levels of schools, sports fields and shopping in this up and coming neighborhood.

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I have sold a property at 4750 Sahtlam Estates Rd in Duncan

I have sold a property at 4750 Sahtlam Estates Rd in Duncan on Dec 1, 2021. See details here

Quiet country living. This 9 acre property in the beautiful Cowichan Valley has endless potential. The one bedroom loft style home was built in 2012 and features a fully screened in outdoor living space allowing you to enjoy your property year round. The property itself has a hot wried fenced horse area, a covered feed area and dry storage for hay as well as an exercise ring. The chicken coup is predator proof and fully fenced in. A bunkhouse on the property has power and a woodstove making it the perfect work from home office or secondary bedroom. There is limitless potential here. All measurements are approximate and must be verified by the buyer if important.

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I have sold a property at 105 3255 Glasgow Ave in Saanich

I have sold a property at 105 3255 Glasgow Ave in Saanich on Nov 29, 2021. See details here

This is a great opportunity for first time buyers, investors, or downsizers! Beautiful 2br/1bath condo with large private patio facing the grassy courtyard in a well-managed strata building. Spacious & tastefully renovated throughout. Great layout featuring a functional kitchen, large living space with separate dining area, (pressed logs) fireplace, 2 spacious bedrooms with a large walk-in closet in the master bedroom and cheater ensuite. Common areas include laundry room down the hall (brand new machines), bike storage, lockers, workshop, parking stall (low monthly rental fee from the strata). Hot water is included in the strata fee! Rentals allowed, pets welcome, no age restrictions (but bylaws state adult oriented building). First floor common area hallway upgrades are currently underway. Parks, restaurants, tennis + basketball courts nearby. Minutes from Uptown and Mayfair Mall, easy access to downtown, UVIC, and both highways to the ferry/airport and the Westshore/Sooke/Up Island.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, March 15, 2025 11:00AM - 12:30PM

Please visit our Open House at 6 3338 Whittier Ave in Saanich. See details here

Open House on Saturday, March 15, 2025 11:00AM - 12:30PM

This beautifully updated home is move-in ready and welcomes pets of any size! This home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including a newly renovated ensuite.The main level feels bright and open with 9’ ceilings and a refreshed kitchen featuring brand-new cabinets, and new appliances. The updated flooring throughout the home gives it a modern feel, while a new heat pump ensures year-round comfort.The private backyard is perfect for entertaining, offering plenty of space for summer BBQs or relaxing with friends and family. Plus, your back gate opens directly onto Rudd Park—nearly 5 acres of green space! This mostly off-leash park features a playground, a sport court, and fields for soccer and baseball.Centrally located in a fantastic Victoria neighbourhood, you’re just minutes from Uptown, Mayfair, and Tillicum shopping centers. The Galloping Goose Trail is nearby, making cycling and commuting easy.A wonderful home in an unbeatable location—come see it for yourself!

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What are my top staging tips?

Start with curb appeal. The first thing potential buyers will see is your home’s exterior, so make sure it’s looking its best. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and remove any clutter from the front yard. You may also want to consider painting your front door a bright, inviting color.

Declutter and depersonalize. Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so remove any personal items, such as family photos, religious symbols, and political paraphernalia. You should also declutter each room, getting rid of any unnecessary furniture, accessories, and belongings.

Create a neutral color palette. Buyers are more likely to be drawn to homes with a neutral color palette. This means using light colors on the walls and ceilings, and avoiding bold or busy patterns. You can still add pops of color with furniture, accessories, and artwork.

Arrange furniture strategically. When arranging furniture, keep in mind the flow of each room. You want to create a space that is both inviting and functional. Avoid crowding furniture together, and leave enough space for people to move around comfortably.

Add fresh flowers and greenery. Fresh flowers and greenery can add a touch of life and freshness to any room. Place small bouquets on coffee tables and end tables, or hang potted plants in corners.

Pay attention to the details. Small things can make a big difference when it comes to staging your home. Make sure all of your light fixtures are working, and that your doorknobs and faucets are clean and polished. You may also want to consider adding fresh towels and linens to the bathrooms, and making the beds with neat, clean sheets.

By following these tips, you can stage your home in a way that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

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MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.