Common Questions Home Sellers Ask in Richmond and Greater Vancouver

1. What is the biggest mistake sellers make in today’s Richmond market?

Quick Answer: The biggest mistake is pricing based on last year’s market instead of today’s buyer demand.

In neighbourhoods like Steveston or Broadmoor, buyers are well-informed. Overpricing leads to fewer showings and eventually chasing the market down. Correct pricing from Day 1 is the only way to generate competitive offers.

2. Do I really need to renovate my home before selling?

Quick Answer: Most sellers do not need to do major renovations to sell for top dollar.

In Greater Vancouver, buyers often prefer to choose their own finishes. We find that simple preparation, like decluttering, painting, and professional staging, provides a much higher Return on Investment (ROI) than expensive kitchen or bath overhauls.

3. How do I know what my home is really worth?

Quick Answer: Your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay today, which is often different from your BC Assessment or online estimates.

Automated tools can’t see your view, your renovations, or your street appeal. We determine value by analyzing real-time competition and recent sales of similar homes in your specific sub-area.

4. Is it better to sell first or buy first?

Quick Answer: There is no "right" answer, but selling first offers the most financial safety.

Selling first lets you know exactly how much cash you have for your next purchase. However, in a tight inventory market, some clients prefer to buy first to avoid moving twice. We can help you explore options like "Subject to Sale" offers to protect you either way.

5. Does overpricing really hurt my final sale price?

Quick Answer: Yes. Statistics show that homes sitting on the market for 30+ days often sell for less than if they were priced correctly effectively.

When a listing sits stale, buyers assume something is wrong with the property. By pricing accurately, you create urgency and fear of loss among buyers.

6. What costs should I expect when selling in BC?

Quick Answer: Beyond real estate commissions, you should budget for legal fees (~$1,200+) and potential mortgage prepayment penalties.

It is critical to check with your lender about penalties before listing. We can help you estimate your "Net Proceeds" so there are no surprises at closing.

7. How do multiple offers work in Greater Vancouver?

Quick Answer: In a multiple-offer scenario, you are in the driver's seat.

You are not obligated to accept the highest price. We review dates, deposit amounts, and subjects (conditions) to help you choose the offer that guarantees the sale, not just the one with the biggest number.

8. Should I accept the first offer?

Quick Answer: Often, your first offer is your best offer, especially if it comes within the first week.

Early offers come from serious buyers who have been waiting for a home like yours. We will evaluate the offer’s strength together, but dismissing an early offer just to "see what else happens" is often a risky strategy.

9. Is staging really worth it in this market?

Quick Answer: Yes. Staged homes photograph better, which means they get more online clicks.

You don't always need full furniture rentals. "Soft Staging" (adding art, decluttering, and optimizing flow) is often enough to help buyers emotionally connect with the space.

10. How important are professional photos and video?

Quick Answer: They are non-negotiable. 95% of buyers see your home online before they ever step foot inside.

If the photos are dark or distorted, buyers simply scroll past. We use professional architectural photography and video tours to ensure your home looks its absolute best on Realtor.ca and social media.

11. What documents do I need before listing?

Quick Answer: Having your documents ready prevents deal-collapsing delays later.

For detached homes, we need a Title Search and Property Disclosure Statement (PDS). For condos and townhomes in Richmond, we also need 2 years of Strata Minutes, the Depreciation Report, and Bylaws.

12. How long does it usually take to sell right now?

Quick Answer: In a balanced market, well-priced homes typically sell within 2 to 4 weeks.

If a home has not generated an offer after 3 weeks of showings, it is usually a signal from the market that the price or presentation needs adjustment.

13. What is the best time of year to sell?

Quick Answer: While Spring is traditionally the busiest, serious buyers are looking 365 days a year.

Listing in "off-peak" months (like late Fall) can actually be an advantage because you have less competition. We customize the strategy based on your personal timeline, not just the calendar.

14. When should I start planning if I want to sell later this year?

Quick Answer: ideally, start the conversation 3 to 6 months in advance.

This gives us time to recommend minor repairs, declutter at a relaxed pace, and watch the market to time your listing launch perfectly.

15. Do condos and townhomes sell differently than detached houses?

Quick Answer: Yes. Condo buyers are buying the "building" as much as the unit.

Factors like the Contingency Reserve Fund, insurance deductibles, and rental restrictions play a huge role in value. We prepare a "Strata Info Package" upfront to answer buyer questions before they ask.

16. How do interest rates affect my sale?

Quick Answer: When rates rise, buyer purchasing power drops.

A 1% rate increase can reduce a buyer’s budget by 10%. We keep a close eye on Bank of Canada announcements to ensure your pricing strategy reflects what buyers can actually afford today.

17. What happens if my home doesn’t sell?

Quick Answer: If a home doesn't sell, it is usually due to Price, Presentation, or Marketing.

We don't just let a listing sit. We review feedback from every showing agent, reassess the competition, and adjust our strategy to re-ignite interest.

18. Will I need to be flexible with showings?

Quick Answer: Yes. The easier your home is to show, the faster it will sell.

Restricting showing times often means motivated buyers skip your home and buy a competitor's. We work with you to set a schedule that minimizes disruption while maximizing exposure.

19. How do buyers actually find homes today?

Quick Answer: Most buyers find homes on their phone via Realtor.ca, Rew.ca, or social media.

This is why digital marketing is our priority. We ensure your listing appears everywhere serious buyers are looking, not just on the MLS.

20. How do I know if now is the right time for me to sell?

Quick Answer: The "right time" is when your life requires a move.

Trying to time the absolute peak of the market is nearly impossible. If you are downsizing for lifestyle or upsizing for family needs, those factors are more important than speculating on next month's prices.