Here is Kashif, broker with Remax Real Estate Centre, giving you some great insight and analysis into how to sell your home during these uncertain times. Agents who can identify market trends after every period of disruption and adapt to them efficiently are the ones who endure.

COVID-19 is the fastest moving, most dramatic issue I have seen in my lifetime. OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association) has designated realtors as an essential service under the financial services category by the Ontario Government. There are people that need to move and we’re here to help!

All real estate agents across the province have been told to limit in-person business. In addition, we have been told to suspend all open houses and agent and public office hours during this state of emergency. The old-fashioned strategy of putting a sign in the front lawn and hosting casual Sunday open houses will not work in today’s climate. More than ever, the marketing strategy that includes technology combined with an online presence will put your home on a pedestal against other active listings in the marketplace.

Here’s what you need to do to get your home sold during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Previous to this COVID pandemic, the statistics and analytics revealed that consumers remained on a listing page for an average of 8-12 seconds. In today’s COVID-19 climate, the new statistics show us that consumers are now spending on average of upwards of 1 minute on each listing. Consumers are diving into the specific details of each and every home more so than ever before. 

Here are the tools and resources that your listing must have to attract potential buyers in the marketplace during the COVID-19 Pandemic!

Matterport Virtual Tours

Matterport creates a realistic digital twin for all types of real estate enabling clients to explore and evaluate properties with ease. Similarly to Google Street View, consumers have the opportunity to click through the home in vivid detail!

Virtual Showings

Physically opening cupboard doors aren’t possible for clients during COVID-19 times, so If the virtual tour isn’t sufficient, virtual showings are the next best resource. Virtual showings allow buyers to view the home from the comfort of their own home while being interactive with the representative on the other end. Whether it is on ZOOM, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or any other app that you are comfortable with, the right realtors are doing showings virtually to be socially responsible and avoid face-to-face contact.

Social Media and Online Platforms

More than ever, having an online presence is vital to selling your home. Your listing is posted to a variety of Real Estate platforms including MLS/Realtor.ca, YouTube, Remax.ca and HomesByKashif.com.  At Remax Global site your property is exposed globally and in several different languages. We have a digital strategy specialist that caters to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Social Media. We also attract many buyers through our very active social media channels, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

Detailed and accurate write-up

Your real estate listing description matters more than ever. It seems like a no brainer,  but if potential buyers read your listing and aren’t impressed, they’re on to the next one.

Floor Plans

In contrast to a blueprint, a real estate floor plan is a basic drawing to scale that shows the property as seen from above while highlighting room sizes. This is a very useful tool for buyers.

These are some of the resources your listing must have to sell your home during the COVID-19 Pandemic. If you are in the market and need to sell, give you home the exposure it deserves then call Kashif Siddiqui at Remax today and put our tools to the test!

Stay safe everyone! We are here for you! Please let us know how we can help.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit provides temporary income support to workers who have stopped working and are without employment or self-employment income for reasons related to COVID-19.

The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit is paid in blocks of four weeks in the amount of $2,000, which is equivalent to $500 per week. A maximum of 16 weeks of benefits can be paid.

Eligibility

The benefit will be available to workers:

• Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
• Who has stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job;
• Who had an income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
• Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment income.

The Benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work as a result of reasons related to COVID-19. If you are looking for a job but haven’t stopped working because of COVID-19, you are not eligible for the Benefit.

Where can I apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

The portal for accessing this new benefit will launch on April 6. Applicants will be able to apply for the benefit retroactively to March 15, 2020.

Pending the launch of the portal, individuals who are without work and are eligible for Employment Insurance can continue to apply for employment insurance.

Wouldn't it be great if you could spot the next up-and-coming neighbourhood before it turns into a highly sought after area? With a little research and by knowing what to look for, you can reap the benefits of buying in a neighborhood on the cusp of revitalization.
?Here are a few clues:
 

1. Recent renovations

If the local city government is willing to invest money into local infrastructure, it can attract other developers looking to build their next project. When government and developers are all-in on an area, homeowners often become more invested in their own homes and community, as well. 

It might be worth taking a trip down to the city building permit counter to see whether staff have input on areas that have seen investment, and what they think the neighborhood might become.

2. Proximity to other popular neighborhoods

Proximity to the desired neighborhood often has positive effects on areas adjacent to it. When rents and home values increase, those closely impacted – like young professionals and families – move outward, seeking more a more affordable cost of living, and the cycle of redevelopment continues. 

3. Influx of young families and professionals

The movement of artists, musicians, painters, tastemakers and other creatives can help change the feeling of a location, beautifying and adding character to it. Once they move in, restaurants and bars often follow.

Job growth and quality school boards are typical incentives for home buyers. Professionals starting businesses bring jobs, or at least more business to the area. Their kids go to schools and local businesses can run efficiently as they provide services to families, which can all help create more attractive areas from a home buying perspective.

4. Business expansion 

There's also a follow-on effect as a result of trendier shops investing in an area. Larger chain retailers or even independent shops can follow suit when they see a big brand willing to put their money into a given area. It gives them faith that a larger pattern of spending and consuming is on the rise. 

5. Transportation 

Any development in an area that improves access to work is logically connected with housing. If a neighborhood was once unattractive or downtrodden, its convenient proximity to employment centers, public transportation, freeways and bridges can lead to whole-neighborhood remodeling. 

Adding transit and transportation to any area will almost always benefit property values. If an area going through transition has plans to implement a transit system, this is a reasonable indication values will go up considering the area is now more accessible to a larger population base.

6. Decrease in crime rates

There are many reasons why a home may sell within days, or sit on the market for an extended period of time.

Often, important elements of the transaction can be overlooked by homeowners who lack the proper experience and try to work on their own, or by homeowners who choose the wrong agent.

Below is our list of the Top 5 Mistakes that Sellers Make

1 – Incorrect Pricing

One of the most common mistakes sellers make is pricing their homes too high or too low.

If your home is priced too high, it may sit on the market for much longer than you would have liked while buyers look at comparable properties that are priced more reasonably. If your home is priced too low, you might sacrifice potential profit.

Selling your home is an art that takes market conditions, demand, home condition and location into account. A good REALTOR® will take all of these factors into account when advising you on a pricing strategy.

2 – Failing to Market the Property Effectively

Effective marketing is a critical factor to successfully selling a home. Unfortunately, it is often poorly executed.

Successful marketing starts with taking great photos or video of your home to emphasize important features. An effective REALTOR® will realize the importance of making your home look great, then prioritizing the right mix of traditional and online advertising.

3 – Not Getting the Home Ready for Sale

Another common mistake homeowners make is not preparing their home for sale.

When a buyer discovers poor maintenance, it may lead them to wonder about other potential problems. Too much clutter, poor decorating choices, or a sub-par curb appeal can prevent the buyer from falling in love with your home.

4 – Hiring the Wrong Agent

Inexperienced real estate agents increase the risk of poor results; knowledgeable agents increase the likelihood of success.

A good REALTOR® should be able to recommend the proper listing price for the current market. He/she should also be able to negotiate effectively on your behalf and help you navigate through the variety of logistical and legal obstacles.

5 – Not Agreeing on Key Details

Many homeowners make the mistake of failing to agree on important details of a sale before they get an offer.

To prevent this from happening, a good REALTOR® will work with you in advance to determine things like your required net proceeds from the sale, your ideal closing date, channels you will agree to and the compromises you need to make in order to close the deal.

Thinking of Selling, Contact me today for a No Obligation, Complimentary & Professional consultation.