Why use a Realtor vs. Selling Yourself
Maximized Exposure
The key to selling quickly and getting top dollar is exposure. The more people who see your home, the sooner you will find a willing buyer. How do you get the most exposure? If you sell the home yourself, you will get some exposure by putting up a sign, running some ads, and telling your friends. On the other hand, if you work with a REALTOR you will get instant and mass exposure to a large number of prospective home buyers.
MLS®
A REALTOR has access to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). This service, a computerized system operated by the local real estate board, compiles information about listed properties in the area and makes it accessible to member companies. As a result, when a REALTOR lists your home, REALTORS from other companies learn about your home and try to match it with buyers with whom they are working. These buyers may include people from out-of-town who are trying to relocate to your area.
A REALTOR can speed the selling process in other ways:
- By specializing in real estate, a REALTOR knows market values and can therefore
help you set a competitive price for your home.
- A REALTOR can free you from the hassles associated with showing your home
and screen out people who are merely curious.
- A REALTOR is objective when negotiating with buyers and experienced in reading
the fine print of contracts.
- By staying on top of the mortgage market, a REALTOR may know how to wade
through financing tangles and clinch a sale.
- Selling a home is not something that anyone can do in their off-hours. It’s a
specialized service best handled by a professional. Best handled by a REALTOR.
Call Bill Brandsma today!
1-403-606-1765
Meet Bill Brandsma – Calgary’s Trusted Realtor
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or considering selling, I’m here to guide you through every step of the real estate process with professionalism and care. With over 35 years of sales experience, I bring expertise and dedication to ensure your real estate journey is smooth and successful.
I specialize in residential properties across Calgary and the surrounding areas, including homes, farms, and acreages. My goal is to match you with the right property or help you achieve the best possible outcome when selling.
Calgary is a vibrant, modern city that embraces its traditional roots while gaining recognition as one of Canada’s most diverse urban centres. The growing downtown core offers a wealth of options from nightlife, cultural venues, and dining experiences to shopping, recreation, and fitness making it an exciting place to live.
Local market knowledge is crucial, and I’m committed to providing it. I can answer questions about neighbourhoods, schools, market trends, open houses, and strategies to maximize sales opportunities.
Feel free to browse my listings and reach out with no obligation. I look forward to helping you navigate Calgary’s real estate market and assisting you when you’re ready to take the next step!
— Bill Brandsma
Tips & Suggestions for Preparing Your Home for Sale
Does your home have curb appeal?
It’s not necessary to shell out a lot of money to boost your home’s marketability. On the outside (curb appeal), it may be as simple as mowing the lawn or moving a car out of the driveway.
Since your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, take a hard look at the house from all angles.
- What’s good about it? How can you make the most of these features?
- What’s not so good about it? What can you do to correct the problems?
Some suggestions:
- Overall landscaping – don’t let untrimmed hedges, overgrown grass, or clutter in the front yard detract from your home.
- Siding – unless there is damage, usually a good washing will spruce up the look of siding.
- Shutters, screens, windows, and doors have the effect of drawing you into the house. They should be clean, well fitted, and in good repair.
Does your home have Open House appeal?
Showings and open houses are part of the marketing plan to sell your home. Follow these tips and your home will always be ready for potential buyers.
Remove:
- Pets – your visitors may not like them and strangers in your house may stress your best friend!
- Safety hazards – extension cords are a common problem.
- Valuables, fragile items, and cash.
- Clutter – organize counters and tabletops.
Clean:
- Surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Walls and windows.
- Carpeting – and be sure to fix worn spots.
Add:
- Fresh flowers.
- Low wattage light bulbs for areas you’d like to feel cozy.
Remember, there are two kinds of open houses – public and REALTOR – and it’s important that your house looks great for both!
Is a pre-purchase inspection a good idea?
A pre-purchase inspection before selling your home is a wise move. A professional inspection prior to listing gives you the chance to address any issues you might not be aware of, potentially increasing your home’s value and attractiveness to buyers.
Not only does it provide transparency to potential buyers, but it also helps you avoid any last-minute surprises that could derail a sale. By addressing issues beforehand, you can negotiate from a position of strength.
For a reputable inspector in Calgary and surrounding areas, look no further than Bill Brandsma Real Estate. Call 403-606-1765 for a referral. Don’t wait until a buyer’s inspector uncovers problems — be proactive and ensure a smooth selling process.
Improve your home’s curb appeal
Did you know that when you’re preparing your home for sale it’s critical to look at it through potential buyers’ eyes? It’s true. If you look at your home this way, you can potentially not only improve your property’s curb appeal, but you can potentially increase the sale price of your home. And, who wouldn’t want the highest possible price?!
Help potential buyers imagine themselves in their home
By implementing effective strategies for cleaning, repairing, decluttering and neutralizing every room you’ll provide a crisp, clean slate to help potential buyers see themselves living in the space.
It doesn’t have to take a ton of cash to meet your objectives; a little organization and some elbow grease will do the trick.
Get started on your mission today. It’ll definitely be worth the effort! For more tips, contact Bill.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-606-1765 today.
Thinking of selling? Looking for your forever place?
Buying a home can be a complex process and having the professionals on your side can make it much easier. That’s why BILL BRANDSMA is your guy! He is a Realtor you can trust.
Bill specializes in the purchase and sale of residential housing in Calgary and surrounding area as well as FARMS and ACREAGES.
Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned buyer, or are thinking of selling, Bill Brandsma Real Estate will guide you through the entire real estate process. Each and every detail will be handled with professionalism.
Bill always enjoys assisting new clients and looks forward to hearing from you when you’re ready to take the next step.
Call Bill Brandsma today at 1-403-606-1765.
SOLD!
RARE 40.03 ACRE PRIVATE PARADISE!, Water Valley Alberta $929,999
Property sold as quickly as it went to market!
COMING SOON!!
RARE 40.03 ACRE PRIVATE PARADISE!, Water Valley Alberta $929,999
Bring your horses, bring your chickens, build your dream home or live as-is! Propterty is 7 km west of Water Valley – approximately 50 minutes to Calgary, 38 minutes to Cochrane, 51 minutes to Airdrie!
- 40 acres exterior mostly fenced
- Interior yard approximately 10 acres fenced
- 80 x 16 modular (2 bths, 3 bdrms, updated appliances)
- 3x hydrants throughout
- 1000 gallon septic (barn has brand new separate septic)
- 15 GPM well
- Garden – approximately 90 ft x 90 ft -10 ft high deer fenced +Green House
- Automatic 20ft solar gate at driveway entrance
- Barn – Agriculture – Remuda building (November 2022)
- 1792 sq ft (two floors) 32 x 56 x 24
- Floor plan set up to meet minimum County requirements for a bunkhouse
- Upgraded siding, wainscotting and roof 26ga (hail protection) Snow stops also installed
- Structural stamped Engineered drawings
- 4x Stalls (+Tack Door) not installed +included
- Deck – 12ft x 32ft x10ft
- 12 x 13 overhead door
- 8×8 double barn doors
- 1500-gallon septic (separate from house)
- Gas to building
- Electricity/panel set up
- Water to building – installed curb stop (building has ability to be winterized)
- Installed curb stop for livestock waterer (ability to winterize)
- Set up for in floor heating (zone map included)
- Roughed-in washroom and sink (main floor)
Warranty
- 5-years on building envelope, materials
- 20-years on the building structure
- 40-year extended manufacturer’s warranty on metal paint
- Lifetime warranty on foundation systems using Grade-Guard™ or Perma-Columns
Call Bill Brandsma – a Realtor you can trust!
Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned buyer, or are thinking of selling, Bill Brandsma will guide you through the entire real estate process. Each and every detail will be handled with professionalism. When you choose Bill, you’ll have over 35 years sales experience working for you.
Bill specializes in the purchase and sale of residential housing in Calgary and surrounding area as well as farms and acreages.
Bill’s market knowledge and experience will be of great value to you. From real estate queries, to information about neighbourhoods, schools, open houses, maximizing sales opportunities, the local market economy and much more.
Bill always enjoys assisting new clients and looks forward to hearing from you when you’re ready to take the next step!
Call Bill Brandsma today!
1-403-606-1765
