Leaving the family home
Most of my work is helping people make this move. Most of them live in the house while it's listed, and most of them have been there a long time. Here's how I'd think it through with you.
Is it time?
The house question and the life question are different questions. Answer the second one first.
Sell first or buy first
This is the question that keeps people up at night. There's a right answer for your situation, and it usually comes down to the dates and how much you can carry.
What to buy next
Stairs, yard, garage, strata or not, and whether this is the last move.
Getting the house ready
After a long time in one house, it's hard to see it the way a buyer will. That's my job. Fix what gives a buyer a reason to walk away, and leave the rest.
The money
What comes off the sale price, and whether any tax applies. For your own numbers, talk to your accountant.
Nothing on this page is legal, tax or lending advice. Talk to your lawyer, accountant and lender about your own situation.
What you get
A walk-through before any price
I walk your house with you, the way a buyer's inspector will, before we talk numbers. I'll tell you what's worth fixing and what to leave alone.
A written price, with the sales behind it
A real number in writing, built from what has actually sold near you and what is competing with you right now, not your BC Assessment.
Professional photos and a website for your home
Your home gets professional photos and its own listing website, like the ones on my listings page.
A video of your home
A video tour of the house, to go with the photos.
“Dan helped me sell two rental homes and my own home when my husband passed away. He arranged to have all three homes brought up to code and ready for sale. He contacted all the workmen required and even supervised their work. He went far beyond his real estate responsibilities. I couldn't have done it without Dan. He also spent many hours helping me find a suitable condo to call home and arranged move in day, repairs, painting and cleaning for me. Dan is a very personable and honest man. His gift baskets are amazing. Five stars for Dan.”Vicki SpanglerHome seller
Common questions
- Is it time to sell the family home?
- The house question and the life question are different questions. Answer the second one first. If the honest answer is to wait, I'll tell you that.
- Should I sell first or buy first?
- There's a right answer for your situation, and it usually comes down to the dates and how much you can carry. We work it out before you list, not after an offer comes in.
- Do I have to fix everything before I list?
- No. Fix what gives a buyer a reason to walk away, and leave the rest. After a long time in one house it's hard to see it the way a buyer will. That's my job.
Talk it through first.
No pressure and no timeline. Tell me where you are, and I'll tell you straight what I'd do, including when the answer is to wait.