Knowing When It’s the Right Time to Sell

Kelly L. Macdonald | April 26th, 2016

 

Sometimes life dictates to homeowners when it is time to sell.  It may be in response to a new marriage or relationship, or perhaps a death or divorce.  The promise of a dream job in a faraway city tells you that it is time to move.  Sometimes, although nothing is forcing you to uproot, you may be thinking that a move is in the best interest of you and your family.  In that case, homeowners are left struggling with the question, “Is now the right time to sell?”

The first step toward answering this question is to sit down with a knowledgeable Realtor, discuss those common considerations that arise in any discussion of selling and then weigh the pros and cons specific to your unique situation.

 

Why are you contemplating selling?  - You may be looking to downsize, upsize or rightsize to meet the needs of an evolving household.  Or perhaps you are looking to cash in on a hot seller’s market with inflated values.  More often than not, selling a home is just one step in a much larger plan.  If your reason for selling is related to easing financial stress, make sure you have considered other options, such as a refinance or debt restructuring that may be available to you.

 

What are your long-term real estate goals?  - As always, in making major life decisions, it is important to keep your eye on long-term objectives and balance these against your short-term needs.  Make a list of long and short term living arrangement goals and go over it with your Realtor.  Get familiar with the neighbourhoods that interest you for your next home and don’t forget about the option of converting your current home to a rental property as part of your overall investment portfolio. 

 

Are market forces working in your favour?  When inventory of homes for sale is low and there are more buyers than homes for sale, conditions are ripe for a seller’s market.  Home prices tend to remain high due to the scarcity of product on the market.  Experienced real estate professionals understand that market forces are constantly in motion and quick to change.  Consult with a Realtor to see if the current trends favour a quick sale of your home for top dollar.

 

Is your property ready to show? Today’s homebuyers are sophisticated and knowledgeable.  Even in a strong seller’s market, your home may languish on the market or sell for less than it is worth if it is not ready for its close-up.  if you have unfinished projects and a lengthy to-to list to get your home looking its best, it might be better off to postpone a sale,  if possible, until you can attend to the needed repairs,  deferred maintenance items, and general cleaning and uncluttering that should be finished before you list. 

 

Deciding whether or not to sell and when to do it is not an easy decision.  Many factors need to be considered and weighed before staking a “For Sale” sign on the front lawn.  Make it easy on yourself and work with an experienced Realtor to guide you through the decision making process.

Are you buying or selling a home in Calgary? Do you want an agent who has the enthusiasm and energy to get things done, with your best interests in mind at all times? Contact me at 403-617-8758, kelmacdonald@gmail.com or www.kellymacdonald.ca and let's make good things happen!

 

 

About Kelly Macdonald

Kelly Macdonald is a Realtor® with The Real Estate Company in Calgary, where she has been living (and loving it!) since she was 10. Kelly offers her clients a unique mix of youthful vigor, creativity and technical and design savvy on one hand, and professionalism and transactional expertise from her business degree and strong administrative background on the other. Kelly is also a devoted wife and mother of two, with whom she finds time from her busy schedule to play scrabble and walk by the beautiful lake of their home in Southeast Calgary.