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The Independent, Canadian Statesman Weekender, Bowmanville, Saturday, December 4,1993 21 Use a Professional Realtor to Sell Your Home This article is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market Are you thinking of selling your home? If so, you'll need professional help to ensure that your home gets maximum exposure and is well- marketed. You'll want to enlist the services of a real estate practitioner to make sure you achieve your goal. The listing is the beginning of a selling process that includes a well- thought-out and detailed marketing plan, accessibility to a wide range of potential buyers and commitment to professional service. It also means you'll receive friendly, helpful advice throughout the sale of your home. Technically speaking, a listing is an authority granted by you to a real estate broker to act as your agent in offering your property for sale or lease -- according to the terms and conditions set out in the listing contract. contract. When you list your home with a real estate brokerage, you're entering into a binding agreement with that firm, so it's important to choose a company and a real estate salesperson salesperson that you're satisfied with. To find the right firm and individual, try interviewing three Realtors and ask them about services they'll offer when they' list your home. What you can expect Your realtor will conduct a thor-. ough inspection of your property to help determine what your home's market value is. He or she will take accurate measurements along with a detailed description of the property. You'll also be asked for documentation documentation on taxes, surveys, title deed and mortgage information. As well, it's important for them to know if there are any limitations on the property property which might affect its value- such as a right-of-way. The Realtor will also ask you questions to get a better idea of your sales circumstances (whether you are pressed for time or not) and what your expectations are. For instance, you may have no pressing need to sell your home and are willing to wait a year until the. right offer comes in. On the other hand, if you're being transferred to another job posting, you'll have more time constraints. These are things your Realtor should know, so that he/ she can recommend a marketing approach approach that best suits your needs. The real estate professional also needs to do a market value comparison comparison to see what comparable homes in the area are selling for. You'll also decide how long the listing will be for and whether it will be put on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Use of MLS gives your home maximum exposure in today's marketplace marketplace because it offers the Realtor the opportunity to use the facilities and services of other Realtors through a system operated by the local local real estate board. Only Realtors (members of the Ontario Real Estate Association and Local real estate boards have access to MLS. Understanding Value & Price Before listing your home, you should understand that there is a difference difference between the market value of your property -- and the price you ask for. Often, the two are not the same. For instance, a Realtor may estimate estimate the market value of your home to be $180,000 -- but if you're under pressure to sell in a hurry, he/she may advise you to list below $180,000. On the. other hand, if you're not pressed for time, your Realtor Realtor may advise you to list it slightly above market value. Teamwork One of the most important steps in listing a property is for the Realtor to develop a good working relationship with you. At this stage, you, the broker broker and salesperson are forming a team for the purpose of selling your home. As an owner you'll be responsible for trying to assist in the market of your property where possible -- without without actually becoming physically in volved in showings. The Realtor will tell you about preparing the house, arranging showings showings or open houses and tell you about what's involved in offer presentations. presentations. Once the listing is complete, the Realtor will check his/her contact lists and begin to try and pinpoint and pre-qualify potential purchasers for your home. This way, you avoid an endless parade of totally disinterested viewers through your house. If an offer to purchase is procured while the listing is in force, and you accept it, you then owe the real estate brokerage firm a commission for having having its services. You should realize that there is usually a holdover clause in listing agreements. This means that even after after the listing expires - if one of the purchasers introduced to the property through the marketing activities of the broker buys it within a specified time limit -- a commission is owed to the brokerage. For more information about the listing process, contact a Realtor who specializes in your area. OPEN HOUSE Sat. Dec. 4,2-5 p.m. 44 Rhonda Blvd. Hwy. #2 South onto V\àverley St., right onto Rhonda Blvd. Exceptional Value 4 bedroom raised Bungalow, is completely finished. Separate living room, dining room, 2 baths, large family room with a brick fireplace. Attached single garage and workshop, with forced air gas heat and central air. Well kept and close to all amenities. Call Josephine Snider Sales Rep. 433-4747 HO ME LIFE ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD. v ■ • IN TOWN-$169,900. Call Marg Bain at 623-2661. HOCKIN Needle Exchange Program Started in Durham Region A pilot Needle Exchange Program, called Project X, has been started in the Durham Region. People with used needles can take them to the John Howard Society office office at 492 Simcoe Street south in Oshawa from Mondays to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The aim of Project X is to reduce the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and other blood-borne infections among injection drug users and their sexual partners, and to protect the public from indiscriminate disposal of infected items in public places. The goals of the project are to provide provide access to clean needles and condoms condoms for those involved in risky activities activities and to provide information regarding safer needle use and safer sexual activities. Also, the project will provide refer rals for counselling and treatment if needed. There will be an assessment to see if an ongoing needle exchange program program is needed in Durham Region. The project is being offered at no charge to individuals using it as a preventative preventative measure since HIV, Hepatitis Hepatitis B and other blood-bome viruses are spread through ' blood-to-blood contact when injection drug users share needles. Studies have proven needle ex- 1 change programs help slow the spreading rate of HTV. Studies also indicate indicate dmg users seek treatment once rapport has been established and needle needle exchange programs do not lead to increased use of drugs in the community. community. The project is in the hands of the Needle Exchange Steering Committee which has members from Addiction Research Foundation, AIDS Committee Committee of Durham, Colbome Residential Services, Destiny Manor, Hostel Services, Services, John Howard Society, Police Services, YWCA and the Durham Regional Regional Health Department. HORSE LOVERS LOOK HERE 39 acres just east of Newcastle Village. 1/2 mile training track, 68" x 24' barn. Bungalow with a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario. $219,900. Call Brad Hockin 623-0398. Celebrating Our'20th Anniversary 123 KING STREET EAST BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO 905-623-4115 EXTRAS GALORE! 3 bedroom with partial ensuite, Roman tub, separate shower. Eat-in greenhouse greenhouse kitchen with Hollywood lighting, dishwasher. Fireplace with hearth. Walkout. Close to schools, shopping and 401. $139,900. Al Beard 987-4035. . . V '.v.vS.'^V-X \ \ V" ■ ■ NICER THAN NEW COUNTRY BUNGALOW This "Texas Size Rancher" offers almost 5,000 sq. ft. of tastefully finished finished country class. $224,900. Call Rob Perkin 623-3624. A RARE FIND This 3 bedroom home is only 2 attached garage, walkout to yard course. Call now! 0398. FOR $119,900. Bowmanville link years old. Single paved drive and backing on water Brad Hockin 623- < ». v OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY, 2 - 4 6 SUMMERFIELD CRT. Immaculate bungalow in Bowmanville. Walkout to deck overlooking inground pool. Rec room with bar and wood- stove. Gleaming hardwood floors. Great starter or empty nester! $154,900. Call Rob Perkin at 623-3624. TOP OF THE TOWN Elegant century home in west-end Bowmanville. 1/2 acre corner lot with huge shade trees on quiet street. Call Rob Perkin 623-3624. Asking $249,000. RENTERS - CONSIDER THIS! For only $5,000. down and $1,000. per month including taxes you can own a 3 bedroom brick home with 1.1/2 baths, close to downtown' Oshawa. Only $109,900. Call Brad Hockin 623-0398. r. : | : : " * VACATION AT HOME Play golf, tennis, lawn bowling or take a walk on the beach, all near this 2- bedroom, maintenance-free home at Wilmot Creek. Large living room and kitchen with walkout to wrap-around deck. $69,900. Call Marg Bain 623- 2661. Fenelon Falls LEATHER FASHIONS! A huge selection of quality, classic leather apparel in a rainbow of colours for LADIES and MEN VISIT FENELON "It's Worth It" Open year round . including Sundays, DECEMBER SALE!! Now on all coats. Extra Specials on Suede & Nubok FREE Spray with ad & purchase Also Antiques & Gifts 12 Francis St. W. Fenelon Falls • 705-887-1700 _ Over FRANK! -- Real Estate Service 234 King Street East, Bowmanville Telephone 623-3393 Toronto Line 686-1035 W. FRANK REAL ESTATE LIMITED REALTOR fsst L A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 2,306 sq. ft., 4 Terry Witherspoon* CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION 623-3393 MEANS NO TRAFFIC! bedroom executive home in Just listed! Bowmanville. Spotless 3 bedroom, 4 Newcastle. Huge master bedroom with ensuite, level backsplit, bricked floor to ceiling fireplace family room with fireplace. Try an offer. Asking in rec room. Central air, central vac, fenced yard $174,900. and much more. Asking $144,900. Call Terry Witherspoon* at 623-3393 or 983-8296. '•i§§! llllpji Z~™ i , *■ mfe % ,~ Trw; ~. BANK SALE 96 X 200 FOOT LOT 3 bedrooms, 2 - 4 piece baths, living room, dining room, double car garage converted to workshop. Bowmanville. $159,900. u 8SS3E GORGEOUS CENTURY HOME 25 ACRES 623-3393 Circa 1850. Bowmanville. 1 1/2 storey, 2 fireplaces, original trim and floors. 4 paddock, 12 stall barn, 45 minutes east of Metro. $339,900. Call Charlie Reid* 623-3393 or 983-5914. CUSTOM BUILT BACKSPLIT, ORONO 3 bedrooms, hardwood floors,- upgraded carpet, family room with fireplace, separate dining room and living room. Paved drive. Private. $165,900.