Just the prospect of moving can be very stressful. Here are 10 things to consider that will help you get full market value as quickly as possible.

1) List your property with a knowledgeable Agent who you feel will fully represent you and your property with the highest degree of competence and integrity.

2) Price your home realistically. Put your asking price above what other comparable homes have recently sold for, yet below what comparable homes which are for sale, are asking now. Your Agent is able to provide you with all the information necessary for you to make an informed decision.

3) List your home on your local Multiple Listing Service. Serious Buyers trust a Real Estate Professional who will work with them to find solutions to their real estate needs. Real Estate Professionals only work with qualified Buyers who are ready, willing, and able to buy. Therefore, with over 9,000 agents in the Lower Mainland, Sellers greatly increase the chance of selling at a higher price, in a shorter length of time.

4) Often your best offer is your first offer. Normally, Buyers are at various stages of the buying process. There are some Buyers who are just beginning their search, and some Buyers who have been looking but are not ready to make a buying decision. Then there are Buyers who have done all their homework and are ready to buy right now. Quite often when a new listing comes on the market, they are the first ones to make a good and serious offer. Don't lose them because you haven't done your homework. Your Agent has done the homework and is in the best position to guide you.

5) Prepare your home ready to show at it's best. The quickest and most affordable way to make your home look its best is make sure the yard, lawn and gardens are maintained and clear of debris. Also powerwash outside areas where necessary, make the windows shine, clean out all closets and storage areas of junk, shampoo carpets, and use soap and water liberally. If you can afford to spend a little more money, paint can change the whole appeal of a home inside and out. New carpets, updated kitchens, and bathrooms are also generally good investments.

6) When showing your property to prospective Buyers, make sure that the Buyers are able to appreciate your home in comfort. Make sure that all the lights are turned on throughout house and that the curtains and drapes are opened. Make sure the temperature is right. It's important that Buyers are comfortable and free from distractions so make sure that children and pets are not underfoot. Avoid the preparation of food that may cause unpleasant cooking odours . Do not “hover?over Buyers during their inspection. Your Agent knows the best way to show your property and make the Buyer feel at ease.

7) Have copies of all documents ready to assist Buyers in completing their due diligence. Such documents may include a copy of the certificate of title, a fully completed Property Condition Disclosure Statement, a feature sheet with all the salient listing information about your house, a copy of the most recent Survey Certificate if available, and any and all receipts, permits, warranties, and guarantees pertaining to any work or repair that has been done to the property. If the property falls under the Strata Property Act, you will be required to provide the Buyer with a copy of the most recent financial statements and the last 24 months minutes of the meeting of the Strata Corporation. Your Agent will arrange to have all the necessary documents ready so that interested parties are able to make a buying decision without delay.

8) Make sure your home is being advertised 24 hours a day by making the information available on the Internet. If your property is listed with an Agent on M.L.S., the information is also available to Buyers at www.mls.ca , and www.realtylink.org .

9) Make sure that you are able to deliver title free and clear of all financial encumbrances as required by the contract. Check with your mortgagee about paying the mortgage out early, and what penalties might be incurred.

10) If your property is Tenant occupied make sure that you are able to deliver possession of the property to the Buyer in accordance with the legal requirements under the Residential Tenancy Act of BC. Your Agent is able to advise you on this matter.