Confidently Sell Your Home With Doma Group

The best time to sell a home in Vancouver is typically during the spring season when buyer activity is at its peak. Warmer weather and longer daylight hours make it easier for buyers to view properties, and families prefer to move before the new school year begins in the fall. However, the best timing also depends on your personal circumstances, such as job relocation, financial goals, or changing family needs. The Doma Group can help analyze market trends and determine the ideal time to list based on supply and demand in your specific neighbourhood.

Selling a home in Vancouver involves several costs that sellers should be aware of. The most significant expense is the real estate commission, but additional costs include legal fees, which can range from $1,000 to $2,500 for a lawyer or notary to handle contracts and closing documents. If you are breaking a fixed-rate mortgage, you may also face mortgage penalties, so it’s essential to check with your bank or lender. Other expenses may include staging, home repairs, and moving costs, depending on your situation. Sellers who are also purchasing another home should consider the Property Transfer Tax (PTT), which applies when buying property in BC.

The time it takes to sell a home in Vancouver varies based on factors such as location, price, and overall market conditions. In a seller’s market, where demand is high and inventory is low, homes can sell within a few days or weeks. In a buyer’s market, where there are more listings than buyers, properties may take longer to sell, sometimes a few months or longer. Proper pricing and strategic marketing play a key role in how quickly a home sells. Working with an experienced real estate agent at the Doma Group ensures that your home is positioned effectively in the market to attract serious buyers.

It is desirable to stage your home before selling, as it can significantly impact how quickly your property sells and at what price. Staging enhances the presentation of your home by making it feel more spacious, inviting, and modern. Professionally staged homes often attract more buyers and can lead to higher offers. Even if you don’t hire a professional stager, small improvements such as decluttering, removing personal items or photos, adding neutral décor, and enhancing curb appeal can make a big difference. Buyers are more likely to form an emotional connection with a well-presented home, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.

While not all repairs are necessary before selling, addressing major issues can prevent potential buyers from walking away. Structural problems such as a leaky roof, outdated electrical wiring, or plumbing issues should be fixed to avoid red flags during a home inspection. Smaller updates like painting, updating light fixtures, and improving landscaping can also help make your home more appealing without significant investment. If you’re unsure which repairs will provide the best return on investment, contact us today so we can guide you on what matters most to buyers.

If you receive multiple offers on your home, Doma Group real estate agent will present all offers to you and help you evaluate them based on price, conditions, and the strength of the buyer’s financing. In a multiple-offer situation, you can choose to accept the best offer, negotiate with one buyer, or ask for improved offers from all interested parties. Some buyers may include subject conditions such as financing approval or a home inspection, while others may submit a higher offer with fewer contingencies to stand out. Your agent will guide you through the negotiation process to ensure you secure the best possible deal.

A conditional offer means the buyer has included conditions (also called subjects) that must be met before the sale is finalized. Common conditions include financing approval, home inspections, review the property disclosure statement, read strata documents (if a stratified property) and the sale of the buyer’s current home. If these conditions are not met within the agreed timeframe, the deal can fall through. An unconditional offer, on the other hand, means the buyer is committing to the purchase with no contingencies, making it a more attractive and secure option for sellers. However, it’s still essential to evaluate all aspects of an offer beyond just the price, such as the buyer’s ability to close the deal.

If you are selling your primary residence, you are exempt from capital gains tax in Canada, meaning you do not have to pay taxes on the profit from the sale. However, if you are selling an investment property or secondary residence, you will need to speak to your accountant or tac professional in order to calculate the amount of capital gains payable from the sale. For non-resident sellers, a withholding tax may apply, and additional steps may be required before the sale is finalized. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand your specific tax obligations and minimize any unexpected costs.

While it is possible to sell your home without an agent, working with the Doma Group provides expert guidance, marketing exposure, and negotiation skills that often result in a higher sale price, in less time, and a smoother transaction overall. An experienced agent can help you accurately price your home, market it effectively through professional photography and online listings, and handle complex legal paperwork. Additionally, real estate agents are skilled negotiators who ensure you receive the best possible terms from buyers. Many sellers find that the benefits of working with an agent far outweigh the cost of commission, as it leads to a faster sale and fewer complications.