Seller Essentials: Your Top Questions Answered + Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Value
Preparing to sell is a huge decision. We've compiled 40 of the most essential questions every seller asks to ensure you feel confident and informed throughout the entire process.
Initial Strategy & Listing Process
1. What exactly makes Fayez Shehab stand out from other agents?
My focus is your peace of mind and delivering an optimal result. I reject the "cookie-cutter" approach. I use a personalized listing strategy based entirely on your individual goals and the unique priorities of your home, backed by a compassionate and authentic team.
2. How does Fayez Shehab determine the perfect listing price for my home?
Pricing is a blend of science and strategy. I thoroughly analyze three key areas: The Current Real Estate Market (overall trends), what Comparable Properties in your neighborhood have sold for, and Your Personal Goals (your timeline and financial needs).
3. What is the difference between list price and sale price?
The list price is the price we advertise your home for on the MLS. The sale price is the final negotiated price the buyer pays. In a competitive market, the sale price can often exceed the list price.
4. What is the best time of year to sell a home?
Generally, the Spring market (March to June) sees the highest volume of buyers and often the highest prices. However, every season offers advantages (e.g., less competition in winter). We will time your listing based on your specific home and goals.
5. How long is the typical listing contract?
Listing contracts are often for 90 days to 6 months, depending on your home's complexity and current market activity. We need enough time to execute a full marketing plan without feeling rushed.
6. What are my obligations as a seller once I sign a Listing Agreement?
Your main obligations are to provide accurate information about the property, cooperate with the showing schedule, and maintain the property until the closing date.
7. Does your commission fee cover the buyer's agent as well?
Yes. The total commission discussed in your Listing Agreement includes the percentage offered to the cooperating brokerage (the agent who brings the buyer). This structure ensures maximum exposure for your home on the MLS.
8. What exactly is a Seller Disclosure Statement?
This is a document where you, the seller, disclose all known issues or defects with the property. Being honest upfront builds buyer trust and legally protects you from future claims about latent defects you knew about.
9. Do I have to fix minor issues before listing the home?
Not necessarily. Small repairs can make a big difference to buyers, but major repairs might not yield a return. I will recommend a fix-it list that offers the best return on investment for your money and time.
10. How will the age of my roof/furnace/windows affect the sale?
Buyers and their inspectors always look at the age of major systems. While older systems are not a deal-breaker, we should be prepared to address them through pricing or negotiation, as a buyer may request a credit for replacement.
Staging, Marketing & Showings
11. Is professional preparation (decluttering/staging) mandatory for every sale?
Most homes see a significant return on investment when professionally presented. While not mandatory, I always recommend de-personalizing and decluttering. I offer a complimentary consultation with a professional stager so you can see exactly how to showcase your home to achieve top dollar.
12. What is Fayez Shehab's marketing reach?
I provide a consistent, robust marketing system with both local and global reach: Paid Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns, promotion across all social media channels, and exposure on MLS, RE/MAX.ca, RE/MAX.com, and global.remax.com (available in over 100 countries).
13. Do I need professional photos and videos?
Absolutely. In the modern market, the first showing is always online. Professional photography, virtual tours, and engaging video content are non-negotiable for attracting serious buyers and achieving the best price.
14. What is the purpose of the virtual tour or 3D walkthrough?
These tools allow serious buyers to tour your home 24/7 without physically being there. They significantly reduce unnecessary physical showings and ensure that the buyers who do book a showing are already highly interested.
15. How do potential buyers view my home?
All viewings are booked through a structured appointment system via MLS. My office confirms the time with you. A temporary lock box is often installed for agents to access your home during these confirmed appointment windows.
16. Should I ever allow someone to view my home without an appointment?
Never. For your security and accountability, do not let anyone into your home without a confirmed, scheduled appointment. My system ensures that every person who enters your home for a showing is a verified REALTOR® and is recorded.
17. What should I do when a buyer is viewing my home?
It is always best to leave the home during a showing. Buyers need space and time to envision themselves living there. If you must be present, be discreet, quiet, and let the buyer's agent do the talking.
18. What if I have pets?
It is recommended to remove pets during showings when possible. This helps avoid safety or liability issues and reduces distractions for potential buyers. If removal isn’t feasible, please secure pets in a crate or a dedicated room, or arrange for them to be out during the scheduled window. We also suggest airing out the home, cleaning litter areas, and minimizing pet-related odours and noise to ensure the best first impression.
19. What should I hide or remove before listing?
Remove all unnecessary clutter, personal photographs, expensive valuables, and sensitive documents. Think "model home" staging—clean, neutral, and minimalist.
20. What is a "Feature Sheet," and why is it important?
A Feature Sheet is a professional brochure provided at the home during showings. It highlights key upgrades, local amenities, and selling points that might not be obvious, serving as a lasting takeaway for the buyer.
Offers, Negotiations & Legals
21. How are offers presented to me?
Your listing agent will present all offers to you in detail. In a multiple-offer situation, I will outline the pros and cons of each offer, including the price, conditions, deposit size, and closing date, so you can make an informed decision.
22. What is an offer "with no conditions"?
This is a firm offer. It means the buyer is submitting the offer without the need for a home inspection, financing approval, or any other contingency. This is highly desirable to sellers as it immediately makes the sale firm.
23. What are the most common conditions I might see in an offer?
The two most common conditions are financing (the buyer needs time to finalize their mortgage) and a home inspection (the buyer needs time to hire an inspector).
24. What happens if I receive a low offer?
You have three choices: accept the offer, reject the offer, or counter the offer with terms that are more favorable to you. I will advise you on the best negotiation strategy based on the market.
25. What is the role of the lawyer in the selling process?
Your lawyer handles all the final legal procedures, including reviewing the agreement, discharging your existing mortgage, dealing with property title transfers, and ensuring you receive the sale proceeds on closing day.
26. Can Fayez Shehab's team represent both the buyer and me (the seller)?
Yes, this can happen, but we handle it with strict professionalism. We implement a clear firewall between the two agents to ensure your best interests are always protected.
27. What is "assignment" or "flipping" in an offer?
This is a condition that allows the buyer to transfer the contract to a third party before closing. It is common with investor buyers, but we must discuss the risks and terms thoroughly before accepting.
28. Am I allowed to remove "Fixtures" from the property?
Any item that is permanently attached (a fixture) is generally included in the sale. If you wish to take a fixture (like a unique light fixture), it must be explicitly excluded in the listing agreement and the offer.
29. What is a "Deposit Release Clause"?
This is a clause sometimes requested by sellers that allows a portion of the buyer's deposit to be released early (before closing) to the seller for use. Buyers are often hesitant to agree to this.
30. What happens if the buyer misses a deadline in the agreement?
If a buyer misses a deadline for removing a condition (like the inspection deadline), the contract may automatically become null and void, and we can then accept offers from other buyers.
Closing & Post-Sale Procedures
31. When does the sale go "firm"?
A sale is "firm" once all conditions (like financing approval, inspection clearance, etc.) have been removed or waived. If the initial offer had no conditions, the sale is firm the moment you accept it. At this point, the property is officially sold!
32. What happens if the buyer backs out of a firm deal?
If the buyer walks away after the sale is firm, they will lose their deposit. We would then have the right to re-list the property and potentially sue the buyer for any financial losses incurred (like the difference in sale price).
33. What is a "Home Inspection," and what does it involve?
The buyer hires a licensed inspector to check the home's condition, looking for issues that may affect the price, such as structural, mechanical, electrical, or building code issues. The inspection can take several hours.
34. What happens if something is discovered on the home inspection?
This usually leads to negotiation. The parties may agree on a price adjustment or a repair credit. If no agreement is reached before the deadline for the inspection condition, the offer becomes null and void.
35. What is the Final Walkthrough?
The final walkthrough is done by the buyer just before closing (often 24-48 hours prior). Its sole purpose is to confirm the property is in the same condition as when they purchased it and that all agreed-upon repairs are complete.
36. Do I need to be present for the closing?
Generally, no. Your lawyer handles all the final paperwork and fund transfers on your behalf. Your main responsibility is simply to ensure the home is completely vacant and clean by the closing time.
37. When do I have to be out of the house?
You must be fully moved out and have all your belongings removed by the time of closing (usually around 6:00 PM local time). You should plan to be completely out of the house by the morning or early afternoon.
38. How are property tax and utility adjustments handled on closing day?
Your lawyer handles this. If you have pre-paid taxes or utilities past the closing date, the buyer will reimburse you for the unused portion. This is handled through the final Statement of Adjustments.
39. What documents should I leave for the new owner?
It is a thoughtful gesture to leave operating manuals for appliances, the furnace, and any installed systems (like alarms or central vacuum), plus details about garbage collection and utility contact information.
40. What is "Capital Gains," and should I be concerned?
If the home you are selling is your Principal Residence in Canada, the profit from the sale is generally not taxable as a capital gain. If the property is a rental or secondary home, we need to discuss potential tax implications with your accountant.
