Sellers Info

Contact us for your home’s market value.

Selling a home is probably one of the most important financial transactions you will make in your life. So, it is necessary to understand the kind of relationship you might be entering into with a Sales Associate, from an Agency such Sea to Sky Premier Properties.

You’re Relationship with the Agency

A Sales Associate working for Sea to Sky Premier Properties works within a legal relationship called agency. The agency relationship exists between you, the principal, and your Sales Associate, the company under which the individual salesperson, who is representing you, is licensed.

The essence of the agency relationship is that the Sales Associate has the authority to represent the principal in dealing with others.
Agencies and their Sales Associates are legally obligated to protect and promote the interests of their principals as they would their own.

The Sales Associate has the following duties:

  • Undivided loyalty. The Sales Associate must protect the principal’s negotiating position at all times, and disclose all known facts which may affect or influence the principal’s decision.
  • To obey all lawful instructions of the principal.
  • An obligation to keep the confidences of the principals.
  • The exercise of reasonable care and skill in performing all assigned duties.
  • The duty to account for all money and property placed in a Sales Associate’s hands while acting for the principal.
  • You can expect competent service from your Sales Associate, knowing that the company is bound by ethics and the law to be honest and thorough in representing a property listed by their own Sales Associates in a single transaction.
  • Assist you with pricing your property at a fair market rate ,after explaining the market in your area
  • Identify and estimate costs involved in a transaction
  • Negotiate contracts and prepare counter-offers at your discretion
  • Present all offers promptly
  • Explain real estate terms and practices
  • Provide and explain forms used
  • Advertise your property as agreed in Schedule "A" of the Contract
  • Recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will increase you’re selling price
  • Recommend how to stage your property for a better return.
  • Identify and estimate costs involved in a transaction

A realtor who is not your Sales Associate cannot:

  • Negotiate on your behalf
  • Inform you of his/her principal’s top/bottom line
  • Disclose any confidential information about his/her principal unless otherwise authorized
  • NOTE: You should not provide a real estate Sales Associate who is not your Sales Associate with any information that you would not provide directly to his or her principal.

What Are the Associated Costs for Sellers?

These are the costs that a Seller of real estate is responsible for:

  1. Costs of clearing title including
    • Discharge fees charged by encumbrance holders
    • Pre-payment penalties
  2. Goods & Services Tax on Commission and other services only
  3. Lawyer or Notary Fees & Expenses
    • Attending to execution of documents
    • Discharging any encumbrances
  4. Real Estate Commission
  5. Adjustments for Ownership
    • Taxes
    • WRA Assessment
    • Strata Fees
    • Etc.
  6. Capital Gains Taxes – if applicable

What Are the Requirements/Costs for Non-Resident Sellers?

For non-residents, there are a few points you should be aware of when Considering the sale of your Squamish property.

Obtain a Clearance Certificate
You will need a Clearance Certificate from Revenue Canada prior to the completion date of your transaction. The current wait for a Clearance Certificate is 6 to 8 weeks, so it is important to contact your lawyer or accountant as soon as an accepted offer has been received. Before issuing the Clearance Certificate, Revenue Canada will need to collect any tax payable on the property to be sold.
Calculating Capital Gain
To determine the adjusted cost base in order to calculate capital gain, Revenue Canada allows the following:
  • Property Transfer Tax
  • Legal fees and disbursements associated with the purchase
  • Furnishings and renovations included in the selling price
  • GST
  • A portion of the interest on mortgage payments
Revenue Canada
They do not allow any deductions from the selling price in determining the gain, and the rate of the Capital Gain Tax is 33.33% of the gain. However, by filing a Canadian tax return with Revenue Canada after the sale, some of the tax paid may be recovered.

Helpful Tips on Selling Your Home

A potential buyer is your worst critique but your most important guest! Here are a few suggestions to help you improve the overall presentation of your home without major renovations:

The Interior

Creating the right atmosphere will welcome potential buyers into your home.

Living Area

  • Make your guests feel comfortable in your home – the addition of candles, flowers and clean tablecloth, rugs and upholstery always creates a good impression of a well love home.
  • Get rid of the clutter – children’s toys, paper work and other personal items should be stored away.
  • Dust counter tops, tabletops, and under the couch!

Kitchen

  • Keep counters free of clutter, especially dirty plates and cups
  • Store all cleaning supplies neatly in and out of the way place
  • Take all the personal photos, kids drawings and magnets off your fridge
  • Add flowers and candles or burn essential oils to make these rooms more appealing.

Bedrooms

  • Bedrooms are usually the most private rooms in your home. It is important that potential buyers feel and that they appear neat, tidy and inviting.
  • Arrange furniture to allow a spacious atmosphere.
  • Make your beds every day: children’s rooms too, and make a point of fluffing the pillows, using a nice duvet cover.
  • Walls should be clean. Touch up the paint and check the wallpaper for areas where it needs spot repairs.

Bathrooms

  • Clean this area to a point of shinning
  • Clean towels are a must
  • Burn essential oils or similar to create a harmony
  • Put away as much personal items as possible

Windows

  • Clean your windows – especially if you have magnificent views
  • Replace any damaged screens or windows
  • Prune any bushes or trees to allow maximum light and the best possible views
  • Keep your curtains open, neat and clean
  • Check the locks – fix any that are broken

Doors

  • Clean your doors and if necessary repaint
  • Oil any squeaky hinges and make sure that all your doors open easily
  • Check all the locks – fix any that are broken

Floors and Carpets

  • Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and baseboards.
  • Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.
  • Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas.

Closets and Storage Areas

  • Do your pre-moving clean-up and throw out or store unnecessary items.
  • Store infrequently used counter-top items.
  • Keep drawers and cabinets tidy and organized.

Garage or Workshop

  • Items should be neatly stored in shelving or wall units.
  • Allow appropriate space for the homebuyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench.
  • Consider moving excess or over-sized items to mini-storage

The Exterior

Creating the right first impression will welcome potential buyers into your home.

Landscaping

  • Mow, trim and fertilize the lawn.
  • Weed flowerbeds and replace dead plants and trees.
  • Replace missing slats, stakes and posts on fences and gates.
  • Repair broken hinges and paint or stain the fence if necessary.
  • Clean up grease or oil spots on concrete surfaces on the driveway.
  • Make sure the garage door opens freely and the automatic door opener is working.
  • Provide an unobstructed view of your home from the street. Park your cars in the garage or on the street.

Front Entry

  • This is the entrance to your home, and as such, it needs to make a good first impression.
  • Make sure that the doorbell, porch lights and other fixtures work and are in good condition.
  • Add welcoming touches: flowers, welcome mat, wreath on the door.

Siding, Trim and Roof

  • Take a fresh look at your home’s features: the trim work, rain gutters, shutters, etc. You may want to add a fresh coat of paint to brighten these up.
  • If you notice the exterior needs a paint job, do it.
  • Remove debris such as tree branches and leaves from the roof.
  • Make any necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.

Patio and Deck

  • This is where you entertain outdoors. Make sure the area is tidy and uncluttered.
  • Add flowers, outdoor furniture, citronella candles in the summer make it seem warm and inviting.
  • Remove things that seem untidy or in the way: gardening equipment or children’s toys.