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Hiring The Right Agent

Selling your home can be exciting, but also an overwhelming process. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that you receive the best return on your investment and find a buyer who will appreciate your home as much as you do. To achieve a successful home sale, it is important to have a clear understanding of the Fort St. John market, prepare your home for showings, and effectively market it to potential buyers. From setting the right price to staging your home for showings, there are many factors that can impact the success of your home sale. With careful planning, execution, and the right realtor (cough* Elizabeth Chi) you can increase your chances of finding a buyer and closing the deal.

The Partnership between Seller and Agent

Selling your home is a partnership between you and your real estate agent.  I make the following recommendations to all of my clients here in FSJ, and more often than not the clients willing to go the extra mile see the results the fastest!

Price It Correctly

Pricing your home correctly is crucial for a successful sale. By working with an experienced agent, you can get an accurate estimate of the value of your home based on comparable home sales in your area. This will help you price your home in a way that is competitive and attractive to buyers.

Use Professional Photography and Staging

High-quality photographs and staging can make a big difference in how your home is perceived by potential buyers. Professional photography and staging can help your home stand out online and in person, making it more attractive to buyers.

Create A Sense Of Urgency

If your home is priced correctly and presented well, you can create a sense of urgency among buyers by promoting it as a "hot property" and encouraging them to act quickly. This can help generate multiple offers and drive up the final sale price.

Highlight Unique Features Of Your Home

If your home has unique features, such as a swimming pool, a finished basement, or a large backyard, make sure to highlight them in the listing and during showings. These features can make your home more appealing to buyers and increase its value.

Be Flexible With Showings

Being flexible with showings can make it easier for buyers to view your home and can increase the chances of generating multiple offers. Make sure to allow for open houses and private showings at a time that is convenient for potential buyers.

Be Open To Negotiation

Even if you have priced your home correctly, it is still possible that buyers will want to negotiate the price. Be open to negotiation and be prepared to make concessions, such as including appliances or making repairs. This can help you close the deal and generate multiple offers.


By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is priced correctly, presented well, and marketed effectively to attract the right buyers and generate multiple offers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about selling your home in the Peace Region!



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I have sold a property at 7911 98 AVE in Fort St. John

I have sold a property at 7911 98 AVE in Fort St. John. See details here

4 Bed/3 Bath home for a great price in a cul-de-sac near walking trails! 3-level low-maintenance living with room for the whole family. Bright main floor with newer vinyl plank flooring. Large functional kitchen with so much cabinet space overlooks the large living room, plus there is a separate dining room! Office nook, great for working from home. Rare rear mudroom with access to the backyard & alley access providing extra parking options. The upper level offers an inviting landing & 3 of the bedrooms. Have I mentioned the closet space!? So much storage here. The primary bedroom offers his & hers closets plus 4-piece ensuite. All of this and there is a finished basement with a family room & a 4th bedroom. Massive storage area & all plumbed in for a 4th bathroom.

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New property listed in Fort St. John - City SE, Fort St. John

I have listed a new property at 9216 90 ST in Fort St. John. See details here

Welcome to your new home located in the heart of the City, a stone's throw away from Toboggan Hill & trails! Stunning 5 bed, 2 bath house fully updated in the last 5 years, making it the perfect blend of modern amenities & classic charm. Enjoy new sub/flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures & cabinetry throughout. Gorgeous kitchen with tile backsplash to the ceiling, sleek hidden dishwasher, range hood & floating island. Fabulous built-ins in the finished basement are attractive & functional. Value-adding structural improvements: Newer roof, furnace, insulation, H/W tank, doors, trim, vapor barrier & more. Large rear yard with new detached 24' X 31' garage with loft storage & alley access. Garden beds, natural gas hookups, a greenhouse & so much more to love.

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New property listed in Fort St. John

I have listed a new property at LOT 113 112 AVENUE in Fort St. John. See details here

Amazing opportunity in a prime location! Over half an acre, corner lot in eyeshot of the Fort St. John Hospital and Anne Roberts Young Elementary. This lot sits adjacent to the high-end neighbourhoods of Whispering Winds & Panorama Ridge subdivision zoned for neighbourhood commercial in an area lacking shops and services. City walkways outline this property on 2 sides. What are you waiting for! Some photos show potential development plans that have been drafted. *

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New property listed in Fort St. John - City NE, Fort St. John

I have listed a new property at 9711 107 AVE in Fort St. John. See details here

Pristine fully updated rancher family home with a fully finished basement. Fantastic central location on a quiet street less than a block from Alwin Holland School, plus a short distance to services & shops! Bright, clean 5 bed 2 bath home is cute as a button. Large picture window & fireplace feature wall in the living room that is open to the renovated white kitchen with SS appliances, recessed lighting, slade-looking sink, tile backsplash & soft close drawers; a great place to gather around the island with friends & family. The kitchen opens to the large fenced yard with alley access, shed & south-facing sundeck for the warm afternoons. Finished basement with a primary bedroom including walk-in closet! A family room & office nook in space.

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New property listed in Fort St. John - City NW, Fort St. John

I have listed a new property at 10018 117 AVE in Fort St. John. See details here

This 9-year young half duplex at Garrison Landing is a stunner! Short distance to walking paths, College & in the desirable Finch catchment. With 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, it offers the space of a detached house. The colossal unfinished basement has room for 3 more bedrooms, a family room, & a bathroom - perfect for a growing family. Enjoy a large modern kitchen with tonnes of cabinet space & a dining room overlooking the sundeck & fenced backyard. Primary suite with 2 closets & 4-piece ensuite, PLUS the laundry room is conveniently located on the same level. There's an attached heated garage for those long winters, with a BONUS of on-demand hot water. Highly sought-after floor plan in this modern elegant home!

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, March 26, 2023 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 8415 98 AVE in Fort St. John. See details here

Open House on Sunday, March 26, 2023 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Immaculate turn-key home with a dream 26' X 29' garage with 12' ceilings & 10' door, 2X6 construction & radiant heat plus a fenced lean-to for additional parking & storage. This quality home is walking distance to elementary & high school with quick access to walking trails & Tobaggan Hill Park. The main floor feels so grand with vaulted ceilings, large windows for maximum brightness & wood-stove secondary heat for those cozy winter nights. Open Kitchen with tile backsplash, island and a pantry with pullout shelves. Pick your primary! Both floors offer potential main suites, with a 4-piece ensuite in the bsmt. A large rec room could easily offer space for an additional bedroom. Enjoy summer nights around the fire in the treed, fenced pristine backyard.

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WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH?


The number one question I get from clients is “Hey Eli! what is my home worth right now”?


Pricing your home correctly is crucial for a successful sale. If a home is priced too high, it may sit on the market for an extended period of time and eventually sell for less than its true value. On the other hand, if a home is priced too low, the seller may lose out on potential profits. 

Proper pricing takes into consideration the current market conditions, comparable home sales in the area, and the condition and features of the home. A real estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the appropriate price range for a home. By pricing the home correctly, it will attract more buyers, generate more interest, and ultimately lead to a quicker and more profitable sale.


FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE LISTING PRICE


A knowledgeable agent will be able to provide you with the following information to help you make an informed decision about pricing your home.


  1. Market trends: It's important to stay up to date on the current market conditions in your area. This includes looking at the number of homes for sale, how long they have been on the market, and the average sale price.

  2. Comparables: Comparable home sales, also known as comps, are properties that have recently sold in your area that are similar in size, location, and features to your home. By analyzing the sale prices of these homes, you can get a better understanding of the value of your own property and how to price it correctly.

  3. Competition: Knowing the competition in your area is important when pricing your home. How many similar homes are currently on the market? Are they priced higher or lower than your home? By understanding the competition, you can price your home in a way that makes it stand out and attract more buyers.



Balancing the price you want with the price the market will bear can be a tricky task. As a seller, you want to get the highest price possible for your home, but you also want to ensure that it sells quickly. The key to achieving this balance is by understanding the current market conditions and the value of your home.

Pricing your home correctly can save you a lot of time and hassle. This means that you can move on to your next step with less stress.  It is natural to have an emotional connection to your home and at times clients choose to list for more than my recommended list price.  


LISTEN TO YOUR FORT ST. JOHN REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Listing your property too high can have a number of negative consequences. When a property is priced above market value, it can be perceived as overpriced and unattractive to buyers. This can lead to a longer time on the market, fewer showings, and fewer offers. Buyers will be less likely to make an offer on an overpriced property, and those who do may offer significantly less than the asking price.


Additionally, if your property is on the market for a longer period of time, buyers may begin to question why it hasn't sold yet. This can lead to a perception that there is something wrong with the property, which can further lower the perceived value and decrease the chances of a successful sale.


THE FIRST OFFER IS USUALLY THE BEST



Moreover, the first offer is usually considered the best offer. As the property stays on the market for a longer time, the seller's urgency decreases and buyers are less likely to make an offer. This means that the first offer that comes in may be the best offer, and it is important to evaluate it carefully and consider the terms of the offer before making a decision.


The Fort St. John spring real estate market is predicted to be a little softer than the previous couple of years. By listening to your real estate agent about pricing, you can ensure that your home is priced correctly, presented well, and marketed effectively to attract the right buyers and generate multiple offers. This can lead to a quicker and more profitable sale and help you achieve your desired outcome.

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How to Get The Most Money For Your Home in Fort St John


Deep Dive into Home Staging

When it comes to selling your home in the FSJ market, making a great first impression is key. One of the most effective ways to do this is through home staging. The goal of home staging is to showcase the home's best features, highlight its unique selling points, and create an emotional connection with the buyer. As a top selling Century 21 Fort St. John real estate agent, I know firsthand the importance of staging when it comes to selling homes in the Peace Region.

Preparation

Home staging involves preparing a home for sale by making it as attractive and appealing as possible to potential buyers. This process includes cleaning and decluttering the space, making necessary repairs, and neutralizing the decor to appeal to a wider range of people. Once the foundational tasks are completed, furniture arrangement and accessorizing are used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that highlights the home's best features.

Techniques

Staging techniques, such as furniture arrangement, lighting, and accessorizing, are the creative elements that bring a space to life. Furniture arrangement involves arranging pieces in a way that maximizes space and functionality, while also highlighting key features of the room. Lighting is also an important aspect of home staging, as it can help to create a warm atmosphere. 

Accessorizing involves adding finishing touches, such as pillows, throw blankets, and decorative items, that can help to personalize the space and make it feel more livable. When it comes to staging techniques, it's important to strike a balance between making the space look appealing and avoiding over-accessorizing, as this can detract from the overall look and feel of the home. The goal is to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, and that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

Vacant Properties

Vacant properties can often feel cold and uninviting and it can be difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. Staging a vacant property can bring warmth and life to the space, making it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.

How much should I spend?

The amount you should spend on home staging will vary based on several factors, including the size of your home, the condition of the property, the type of market you are in, and your overall budget. However, a good guideline is 1-3% of the listing price.  A small investment in home staging can pay off in the form of a higher sale price and a quicker sale. I recommend prioritizing the areas of your home that will have the greatest impact on the sale. Starting with small updates, such as decluttering and neutralizing the decor, can be a great way to make a big difference without breaking the bank. An experienced agent can guide you through the most important areas to focus on or they may recommend a professional stager/interior designer for larger higher price-tag projects.  Staging is typically paid for by the homeowner but in special circumstances or high-end listings, an agent may want to contribute if it means a successful sale in a shorter time.

Exterior Staging

A well-staged exterior can be just as important as the interior. Exterior staging involves updating landscaping, painting the exterior, and making small repairs to create a welcoming and inviting first impression for potential buyers. I provide my clients with exterior staging recommendations that can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home in the Energetic City, and we will be elaborating on this in a future article.

Return on Investment

Staging your home is an important step in the selling process, and can significantly increase your chances of a successful sale. Properly staged homes in Fort St. John have been shown to sell faster and sell for anywhere from 5% to 20% more than un-staged homes, depending on location, market conditions, and specific features of the home.


Want to stay up-to-date on the latest real estate market trends in the Peace Region? Connect with me on social media channels for valuable information and insights!

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New property listed in Fort St. John - City SE, Fort St. John

I have listed a new property at 8809 79A ST in Fort St. John. See details here

Are you looking for a bright & cheerful 3 bedroom home that offers open concept living great for entertaining? Well this 2 storey gem offers that PLUS a fabulous sunny fenced backyard with a large deck to enjoy the many fruit trees, mature rose bushes & raspberry bushes! It gives you a great outdoor living space to enjoy these beautiful sunny days! This home is very well maintained, there’s a fresh coat of paint throughout, a large master bedroom, and lots of storage! Don’t miss out on this one.

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