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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 31, 2008 - 23 5 tips to help you sell your home fast There is no question that in many parts of the country, houses are currently on the market longer. As a seller, this slow-down means there is more competition for a limited pool of potential buyers. Consider the following five tips to place your home on the fast track to sale: Price It Right The first 30 days are the most critical. If your home is priced too high, interested buyers may never even tour your listing. The longer the property is on the market, the fewer the prospects. Deciding the value of a home isn't an exact science. Yet, there is data to help you determine a fair asking price that is right on target. You may want to hire a real estate appraiser for an objective, unbiased estimate. Then consult with a real estate professional who can help you determine true market value based on a comparable market analysis. Make Your Home Irresistible Unless they are looking for a fixer-upper, most homesellers are more likely to make a bid on a home that they can enjoy immediately. Therefore, you need to create an environment the buyer can't resist. Evaluate the home from a buyer's point of view. An experienced real estate professional will be able to offer an objective view and will also know what buyers are asking for. Create Traffic If you want buyers to see your home, you must first find the buyers. Work with your real estate professional to design a marketing plan that is flexible and capitalizes on your property's most desirable features. Go with a Professional Selling a home is more than just putting a sign in your yard and having a listing on the Internet. And in a competitive market, you don't really want to take the chance of making novice mistakes that can slow the selling of your home. By hiring a real estate profes155 CHARTWELL ROAD South East Oakville Building Lot; 100ft x 334ft lot surrounded by multimillion dollar estates. Build your own dream home. $2,800,000. South East Oakville completely renewed Williamsburg style home with magazine level 260ft western exposed park like lot. $2,495,000. BILL SCHIAVONE & STEVE DIAMOND Real Estate Talk sional, you get the benefit of an experienced marketer and negotiator who is familiar with real estate issues in your community. A real estate professional can offer worthy advice on pricing and staging your home based on their vast experience. Plus, there's the added value of the peer-to-peer networking among real estate professionals, which can bring buyers and sellers together. Offer Incentives Offering incentives can be just the impetus a potential buyer needs to select your property over others. You may want to consider offering a carpet or paint allowance. Or, pay for a professional home inspection or a home warranty ­ and, depending on your market and budget, offer to pay some of the closing costs. Don't be discouraged if there are competing homes for sale in your neighborhood. With just a few smart moves, you can turn a buyers' market in your favor. Bill Schiavone and Steve Diamond can be reached at 905.338.6550. Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. 157 SYBELLA DRIVE Expanded & Fully Renovated, approximately 3,500sq.ft. gourmet kitchen & stunning backyard oasis ideal for entertaining. $1,395,000. 180 WEST LYNN ROAD Custom Bungalow south of lakeshore, Mtagnificent .56 acre lot. Open concept design with exceptional finishes. $1,390,000. BRAD RAYNER sales representative SUTTON GROUP ABOUT TOWN REALTY INC., BROKERAGE (905)689-7900 brayner@sutton.com ES 19.5 ACR JUST RIGHT CARLISLE ACREAGE PRICE ADJUSTED $659,900 Overflowing with value. Treat yourself, this 5+2 bedroom home has it all. Spacious main level, and full finished basement. All this on a 19.5 acre property with a bank barn. Call Brad today. e-mail: 1486 SEAGRAM AVENUE Custom Re-built & Renovated split level home in sought after coronation park on mature .26 acre lot, ideal for entertaining. $1,299,000. 323 MACDONALD ROAD Rare Century Home in old Oakville full of character and charm, inviting front porch and very private mature yard with in-ground pool. $959,000. 1483 BRIARWOOD CRES. Custom Build your dream home on a generous 60ft x 130ft lush lot in high demand family friendly Morrison area. $619,000. 1300 OLD BRIDLE PATH Classic Arthur Blakely model, ideal 4 bdrm executive home in prestigious Glen Abbey location, timeless curb appeal. $588,400. 1263 INGLEDENE DRIVE School Rich Falgarwood custom bungalow thoroughly updated on premium oversized ravine lot. Over 80k in premium upgrades. $579,000. 1405 CRAIGLEITH ROAD Signature Fernbrook freehold T/H in prestigious Joshua Creek. Ideal end unit with 2,520sq.ft. of open concept living space. $564,900. 2241 GRAND OAK TRAILS Ballantry Built 4bdrm, 3,000sq.ft. executive home in family friendly West Oak Trails. Steps to parks schools and shopping. $499,000. 2115 REBECCA STREET Oversized Updated split level in desirable West Oakville on huge 75ft x 150ft mature lot. Must be seen to be appreciated.$459,000. FREE! Search over 1,200 homes for sale in Oakville www.livinginoakville.com Dan Cooper, Broker, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. Brokerage (905) 338-3737. LE AS E LE AS E 2247 NEWCASTLE CRESCENT Beautiful & Inviting, 3 bdrm, T/H in West Oak Trails. Perfect for first time buyers. Close to parks, schools & shopping. $297,900. 1071 QUEENS AVENUE Ideal location, close to Oakville Place, GO & TC. Open concept, 2 bdrms, master with balcony. Easy living condo lifestyle. $249,000. 327 ALLAN STREET Prime Olde Oakville walking distance to Downtown & GO. Huge great room, large kitchen, finished lower level & fenced yard. $3,250. 1278 KINGS COLLEGE Executive Lease. 4bedroom family home located in prestigious Glen Abbey backing onto ravine close to school, parks & amenities.$2,500.