Do you have a fear of selling your home privately? Have you been told by an agent that it is much too involved?
It's actually easier than you think! Here are the answers to seven questions you likely have:

1. How do I know how much to ask for my property?
How much are homes like yours in your neighbourhood selling for? (hint: check the real estate agent's website ;)
Or, you could contact a professional appraiser. Their fees are usually quite reasonable.

2. How will people know my house is for sale except for passersby? Traditional ways might include bulletin board notices, newspaper or radio ads but the best way these days is the internet. That's where we come in :)

3. What do I need to do to prepare my home to sell? Haul away any clutter (inside and out). Keep the house and yard as tidy as possible.

4. How do I handle making appointments with potential buyers? Depending on the contact information you provide, whether email, phone or in writing, keep a calendar or appointment book handy to record the person's name, phone number and time of viewing and be sure to confirm it with them well in advance.

5. Are there things I need to have on hand when the potential buyer arrives? Any assessments you may have had done, proof of heating costs, water bills, property taxes, receipts for recent repairs or renovations, proof of building inspections, electrical, woodstove, or chimney (WHET) inspection papers, etc.

6. How do I handle offers? Remember that buyers are hoping to save money as much as you are, so be prepared for offers that are lower than you expected... this is normal. You have the options of either accepting, rejecting or countering the offers and expect to negotiate.

7. What is the procedure when I want to accept an offer? Give the buyer your lawyer's contact information. The buyer contacts their own lawyer who is to submit an offer to purchase to your lawyer. You will then go over the offer with your lawyer and he will explain all the details regarding deposits, conditions and closing dates. He and the buyer's lawyer do all the paper work which you will be kept advised on and called upon for signing, etc. until the happy ending when the house is officially 'sold' and the money is transferred from the buyer to your bank account.