Here - Mike Hartshorne* and Jenn Raappana

Seller’s Checklist
In order to make the process run as smoothly as possible, please
provide us with the following:
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2 copies of house keys and instructions for alarm or garage opener
Contact numbers for all parties involved or on title
The average cost of utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc)
A list of fixtures such as appliances, drapes, lighting fixtures, etc that are NOT
included in the sale
A copy of a Survey Certificate if available
Lawyer or Notary name that you will use for the sale of your property
Copies of any easements or right-of-ways on your property
All receipts and warranting on all recent home improvements
(roof, furnace, hot water thank, appliances, etc.)
Strata Titled Properties (condo/townhouse):
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Current Bylaws and Financial Statements
The last two years of Strata Council minutes and documentation
Your parking stall and locker numbers if applicable
A copy of any Special Levies or Assessments
The names and contact information of the Strata Council President, Secretary
and the Strata Management Company
If you are selling a property that is rented in whole or in part, the
following will be required:
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Full names and telephone number of existing tenant
Date of last rental increase and amount of damage deposit
Details about when the rental period began and a copy of rental agreement if
applicable
What the current rent is, when it is due and what does it include (ie. Utilities,
parking, etc)
Notes and Questions
Take the time to write down any notes or questions you might have about listing your property:
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Sellers Guide
Meet the Team
MIKE HARTSHORNE - Mike is a licensed REALTOR® who believes strongly in being involved in his
community. Mike has been in real estate, construction and land development for over 10 years and has taken
part in hundreds of real estate transactions. He has worked with major developments such as Westhills,
Katie’s Pond, Canora Mews and Hatley Ridge.
Mike takes great pride in the community and he volunteers with and donates to many different causes such as
The Cridge Center for the Family, Mercy Ships, Friends of Honduras Society and many local groups including
sports teams like the Victoria Shamrocks.
JENN RAAPPANA - Jenn is a full time REALTOR® and has been a member of the Victoria Real Estate Board
since 2004. During this time she has had the opportunity to work on over 500 real estate transactions
including residential, commercial and development properties.
Jenn worked for over 10 years at the local Chamber of Commerce and in the hospitality industry. Her
passion for business, marketing and working with people lead her to a career in Real Estate. She is currently
the past president of the Westshore rotary and she enjoys spending time outdoors.
SARAH WILLIAMSON - Sarah was born in London England and shortly thereafter moved to Edmonton
Alberta where she grew up. Sarah worked in the hospitality industry while raising her son and in 2005 she
became a licensed REALTOR® and began working in a busy real estate office. Sarah has been involved in
hundreds of transactions and she especially enjoys helping buyers to find their dream home and loves working
with buyers to facilitate a stress free move. In her spare time Sarah also loves spending time with family,
gardening, hiking and practicing yoga.
Rhys Duch - Born and raised in Victoria, Rhys is thrilled to be able to help people find homes in and around
this amazing city. A known and respected member of the local Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse team, Rhys has
also travelled North America and the World playing professionally and internationally fulfilling his dreams in the
sport. The communication skills, determination, and ability to work well with a team are just a few of the skills
he knows will be essential to helping clients find the home that is perfect for them. A Soon to be a dad and a
husband, Rhys understands the importance of community, and organizes kid’s camps throughout the year to
help support active lifestyles within them. He is excited to work with this experienced and successful Real
Estate team, and looks forward to the relationships he will build around it.
OFFICE STAFF - Assistants to the team, Kat and Laurie are the office assistants that you will be hearing from on a regular basis. You will
receive copies of paperwork, updates and messages from the office about the sale of your property.
What’s Inside?
 Meet The Team
 DFH/Giving Back
 Preparing Your Property For Sale
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Our Marketing Plan
How Buyers Locate Property
The Importance of Correct Pricing
Consequences of Overpricing
[email protected] ~ [email protected] ~
www.mikeandjenn.ca
 Activity VS Timing
 Why Use A REALTOR®
 Seller’s Checklist
P: 250-474-6003
F: 250-590-2196
About DFH
Activity VS Timing
DFH Real Estate Ltd. (DFH) is one of southern Vancouver Island’s largest independent
real estate companies. As a recognized industry leader in all aspects of residential and
commercial real estate, the company is highly regarded by the development
community and epitomizes the concept of “full service”. Over the last 40 plus years,
DFH has helped more families find homes in Victoria than any other firm and takes
exceptional pride in being the REALTORS® for several generations of Victoria
families. There are now over 150 licensed REALTORS® working under the DFH banner
in offices covering Southern Vancouver Island.
Finding the right price for your
property is the most important factor
in the marketing process.
Naturally, undervaluing your property
will result in a fast sale but as your
REALTOR®, it is our responsibility to
help you achieve the best possible
selling price in today’s market.
One of the many reasons for DFH’s long-standing success is the adoption of the “Golden
Rule” philosophy in dealing with its clients and the rest of the real estate community.
The ongoing conduct of the REALTORS® and real estate agents at DFH has cemented
this widespread reputation for fair dealings at all levels. This includes the relationships
with REALTORS® from other firms as well as the ongoing relationships with Sellers and
Buyers. DFH REALTORS® understand that the cornerstone of their business is the
underlying foundation of dealing with everyone they contact in the same fashion that
they themselves would prefer to be dealt with.
DFH Westhore Office
As a market leader, DFH embraces the changes to the industry and seeks to provide
the most up to date tools to assist the REALTORS® in being the best resource a family can have, in making the significant
decision to buy or sell property. This includes the fast emerging technologies available, in addition timely education and
information. DFH continues to introduce the newest available technologies that assist REALTORS® in the day to day service of
their clients. This has proven to provide a critical edge in a very active market where access to the latest information on listings
etc. can make the difference.
The real core strength of the DFH brand is our people and they continue to strive to be “the source” of real estate knowledge
further adding even more value to that brand. Studies and focus group testing is done with the public and real estate
professionals to ensure that DFH investments in our human resources results in DFH being top of mind with regard to “trust and
integrity” which is the foundation of DFH’s “Gold Medal Service”.
The higher the price is set above
market value, the fewer the number of
buyers there will be who would be
interested in your property. Finding a
buyer who is willing to pay above
market value is possible but unlikely.
Pricing your property competitively will
help attract the greatest number of
potential buyers within a reasonable
period of time.
Why Use A REALTOR®?
It is unlikely that you can afford to gamble with what has probably been the largest single investment you have made,
namely your home. You may be surprised to learn, however, that some people are willing to take that chance.
Selling a home without the help of a REALTOR® is not as easy as it may appear to the uninitiated. Ask yourself the
following: Do I know its true market value? Am I aware of the legal “ins and outs”? Can I qualify a potential buyer? Can I
negotiate to a successful close? Can I write an enforceable contract?
DFH is a Leading Edge Real Estate Company - Leading real estate Companies of the World® is a pedigree denoting the very
best companies who represent qualified clientele and wish to do business with similar firms. Each year our network is
collectively responsible for over 920,000 transactions on a global basis. When your home is posted to our website locally, it is
immediately promoted on the LeadingRE.com website. it is also immediately connected to the websites of over 500 of our
affiliated real estate firms in the world.
In today's market, you get what you pay for and if you want the job done right, you use a professional. Today’s complex
market demands expertise and market resources not available to the average citizen. There are several very compelling
reasons why you should enlist the professional services of a REALTOR®. Consider the following:
1. Chances are your REALTOR® can get you a higher price for your property than if you tried to sell it yourself.
2. You will likely sell your home a lot faster when you use the services of a REALTOR® .
Giving Back
3. Listing your home for sale through a REALTOR® on the Victoria Real Estate Boards Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)
means you get the widest possible exposure for your home. MLS ® is a cooperative marketing system designed to bring
sellers and buyers together.
4. REALTOR® have the skills and resources to market your home effectively.
5. Your REALTOR® knows your neighbourhood—they assess market conditions and property values daily.
6. Your REALTOR® has been educated on the complex laws and regulations in real estate and is trained to put together a
legally binding contract.
7. Negotiation price is an art. Your REALTOR® will negotiation objectively in order to get the best possible price for your
home.
8. REALTOR® are on call and are usually available seven days a week to show your home.
9. Your REALTOR® is aware of the many options available for financing the sale, and has the latest information on
mortgages.
10. Moving up or down? Your REALTOR® can open the doors to thousands of properties through MLS® and provide you with
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Rotary Foundation
Cridge Center for the Family
Mercy Ships
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Victoria Woman's Football League
Victoria Shamrocks
BC Child Find
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PACE Musical Theatre
Mustard Seed Foodbank
Santa’s Anonymous
Many Other Local Events…
an up-to-date computerised list of homes suited to your needs, wants and budget.
If you are serious about selling your home, then you should seriously consider using the experts.
estate marketing specialists. Let them deliver the professional service you deserve.
REALTORS ® are real
How Buyers Locate Property
Preparing Your Property For Sale
Using the services of a REALTOR® gives you access to professional advice, information and experience. You also get
access to the best marketing tools available: the Multiple Listing Service® and the Internet. By listing on MLS ®, you’re
effectively hiring over 1,300 real estate professionals to help find your buyer. The most effective way of reaching the
buying public is to communicate directly to their professional advisors - REALTORS®. And the way REALTORS® keep
their fingers on the pulse of the market is through the MLS® System.
It’s no secret that the Internet is changing the way business is done in many industries. Real estate is no exception.
Organized real estate in Canada has responded by building one of the most frequently visited websites in the country,
REALTOR.ca. Prospective buyers in Greater Victoria as well as those across Canada and around the world visit
REALTOR.ca every day to search for properties like yours.
Mike and Jenn specialize in helping you prepare your home for sale.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Inside
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Clear all unnecessary objects and furniture throughout the home
As your REALTOR®, we will use both of these proven marketing vehicles to help give your property maximum exposure.
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Clear unnecessary items from countertops and visible shelves
How Buyers Locate Property - Victoria Real Estate Board Member Market Poll - 2010
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Arrange furniture to create a feeling of space
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Clean all carpets and floors, especially if you have pets
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Replace burned out or missing light bulbs
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Repair squeaky doors and loose door handles
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Keep closets & storage spaces tidy, remove items you do not need
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Repair leaky taps and toilets
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Clear all halls and stairs
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Store excess furniture
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Remove any items (like chandeliers) that will not be included in the sale of the home
Repair cracked plaster or drywall holes and paint rooms that need it
You never get a
second chance
to make a
first impression!
Outside
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Cut the lawn regularly
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Weed and edge gardens
When setting a price for your property, the listing level must strike a balance between the
seller’s need to achieve the best-possible return and the buyer’s need to get good value. With
many years of combined experience, our team can help you set a price that will accomplish both
objectives.
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Remove all debris, discarded wood scraps and other material from the yard and around the house
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Touch up exterior paint
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Clear walkways, driveways, patios and decks of small items, such as planters, flower pots, charcoal barbeques,
Establishing market value
The market value of your property is determined in exactly the same way as any other
commodity – what a buyer is willing to pay for it in today’s market. Regardless of the price you
paid originally, or the value of any improvements you may have made, the value is determined
by market forces.
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The Importance of Correct Pricing
Look at the competition
Buyers look at about a dozen properties on average before making an offer. As a result, they
have a good overview of the market and will compare your property against the competition. If
it’s not in line with similar properties that are available, buyers won’t consider it good value for
money.
Consequences of Overpricing
1. Properties priced above market value generate little interest
among potential buyers.
2. Properties on the market for extended periods will be perceived
as remaining unsold for a reason.
3. Properties that remain on the market for extended periods of
time often attract bargain hunters.
4. Subsequent price reductions down to market value may not be
enough to regenerate interest.
5. As a result, the eventual sale price of the property may end up
below market value.
Trim shrubs and hedges
children’s toys, etc.
Replace cracked or broken window panes
Showing your home at its Best!
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Leave lights on during showing
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Open drapes during the day.
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Fireplace lit during cooler weather
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During showings play quiet background music
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Carpets freshly vacuumed and floors cleaned
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Jewelry and valuables locked safely away or taken with you
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Valuable property, such as objects of art, vases and figurines out of reach, out of sight or locked away
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Pets absent, where possible, or contained during the showing, and litter boxes clean
Print and Online Advertising
In order to sell your property for maximum
price with a minimum of stress and
inconvenience to you, we will:
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Provide a current Title Search and get copies of
all easements, right-of-ways and covenants for
your property
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Submit your property to the Multiple Listing
Service (MLS®)
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Professional photos and floorplans of your home
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Custom feature sheets and information package
available for potential purchasers
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Professional print media advertising in Real
Estate Victoria, Goldstream Gazette & the Times
Colonist
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Listing on our personal website
www.mikeandjenn.ca and www.dfh.ca and
www.realtor.ca
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Added web presence through affiliated websites
(see online exposure)
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Place a For Sale sign on the property
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Arrange showings for other agents working with
buyers
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Update you regularly on all activity regarding
your property; phone calls, agent showings,
sign enquiries, etc.
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Follow-up with all prospective buyer and agent
inquiries to answer any questions and motivate
interested buyers to pursue your property
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Keep you educated and up to date on listing
and selling market conditions in your area
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Actively represent YOU in contract negotiations
with buyers to help you get the highest selling
price for your home
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Coordinate financing and closing activities on
your behalf to ensure a smooth, hassle-free
closing
* where applicable
www.dfh.ca
www.JennRaappana.com
www.Realtor.ca
www.MikeandJenn.ca
Goldstream Gazette/TC
Suggest improvements to make your property
more appealing to potential buyers
Your Listing is Everywhere!
On over 300 sites...
DFH Window Display
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Custom feature sheets of your home
Identify a competitive, appropriate price
through a market evaluation of your property
Just Listed Postcards
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REV Weekly
Listen to you – Private consultation with you in
regards to marketing your property thereby
understanding your goals, timelines and
creating a smooth and streamlined process
Mike and Jenn Custom Newsletter
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Your Listing is advertised in print and online media that reaches many local home buyers!
Times Colonist
Our Marketing Plan
www.usedvictoria.com
Plus
many
more!