Why Sell with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

General

• What are the top reasons for working with a Sotheby’s International Realty Canada when selling a home?

  Trusted by the world’s sophisticated buyers and sellers, our real estate agents are market leaders who have supported many clients in building wealth through real estate. We help you work toward maximizing the long-term value of your property through expert pricing strategies, marketing insight, and skilled negotiation, helping to ensure your property sells for the optimal price in today’s market conditions.
  
  We have processes to assist you in avoiding costly oversights and minimizing potential challenges by guiding you through complex property disclosure reports and documents, identifying potential risks, navigating stressful negotiations and procedures, and prioritizing your interests every step of the way.
  
  Regardless of the type of property, price point or location, we provide expert advice, up-to-date market insights, and strategic guidance at every stage. With our in-depth knowledge and commitment to discretion and service, you’ll feel confident making well-informed decisions.
  
  If you have not started your property journey with a real estate agent, we encourage you to contact one of our experienced Sotheby’s International Realty Canada agents.

• What are the main steps in selling a home?

  Selling a property is a multi-step process, and having a clear understanding of each step can make your journey smoother. An experienced real estate agent offers expert advice tailored to your financial, property and personal goals. Whether you’re selling for a specific reason or simply making a change, our experienced agents are trusted guides who will work to support your interests at every step.
  
  

  
  
  1. Define your goals: Define your personal goals, timeframe, and any unique circumstances
  
  
  2. Selecting your real estate agent: Choose a real estate professional who will represent your best interests
  
  
  3. Prepare Your Home: Make repairs, declutter, and stage to maximize your property’s appeal
  
  
  4. Property Marketing: Showcase your property with professional photos, online listings, and targeted marketing
  
  
  5. Showings and Open Houses: Host private or open house tours to attract buyers
  
  
  6. Review Offers: Evaluating your offers based on price and conditions
  
  
  7. Negotiate Successfully: Working with your agent to negotiate the best possible price and terms
  
  
  8. Accept an Offer: Finalize and commit to the offer that best meets your goals
  
  
  9. Managing the Sale: Coordinate inspections, moving, and required paperwork
  
  
  10. Close the Deal: Hand over keys and celebrate the sale
  
  

  
  
  For an overview of typical steps and considerations in a home sale, download our Seller’s Guide.

• What type of home marketing plan attracts the most buyers and helps sell my property for top market value?

  Strategize your Launch
  Your agent will develop a marketing launch strategy designed to give your property the strongest exposure possible. This may include professional photography and videography, virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs, home staging, and the creation of marketing materials such as brochures, feature sheets, and floor plans. A compelling listing description will also be crafted to highlight your property’s best features and attract serious buyers. Once everything is ready, your property will be listed on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), making it accessible to buyers and real estate professionals across the country.
  
  Develop Your Marketing Plan
  The marketing tools and technology available for your property will vary from brokerage to brokerage and from agent to agent. When selecting an agent and real estate brokerage, you want to ensure that the marketing plan offered maximizes your property’s visibility, generates buyer interest, and aims to secure a strong offer and timely sale. One of the top benefits of working with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is that you have access to our vast marketing tools and a customized plan tailored to reach your property’s most relevant and qualified buyers.
  
  List Your Property on MLS®
  Once your marketing assets are finalized and your listing price is confirmed, your agent will officially list your property on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). This is a critical step that ensures your property is visible to real estate professionals and buyers both locally and nationally. From there, it may also be syndicated across real estate websites and platforms, increasing your property’s visibility and potential reach.
  
  Our Marketing Process
  At Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, we provide a tailored marketing plan for each client that goes beyond the essential marketing services provided by other real estate brokerages. Our marketing strategy is designed to reach the most relevant and qualified buyers for your property through online, social media, mobile, print, and traditional marketing channels. Our agents offer the highest level of service, discretion, and marketing, regardless of your property’s attributes, including size, neighbourhood, or price point.
  
  Some unique marketing services you will have access to at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada include:
  

  
  
  • Folio™
    Folio, a proprietary digital platform exclusively developed by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, provides updates on the sales and marketing activities completed for your property. With 24/7 access to Folio’s reports, you’ll stay informed about marketing efforts, online views, open house attendance, and other key metrics throughout every stage of the process.
  
  
  • Canada’s Premier Real Estate Website – sothebysrealty.ca
    In today’s digital era, nearly every buyer starts their search for their next home online. Featuring a state-of-the-art, location-based, and predictive search experience, sothebysrealty.ca draws millions of users annually while generating thousands of qualified buyer leads for property listings. We showcase your property with detailed property information, high-resolution photos and videos, offering an exceptional digital experience.
  
  
  • The Global Sotheby’s International Realty Network
    Canada’s longstanding reputation as a beacon of stability, security and livability for the world has attracted buyers and investors worldwide for decades. Our global marketing platform and extensive network of real estate professionals ensure your property’s visibility to qualified buyers worldwide, enhancing your property’s reach to those eligible to live, work, study, and purchase property in Canada.
  
  
  • Marketing Your Property in the World’s Most Influential Media
    When Sotheby’s International Realty Canada represents your property, you have access to an unmatched global marketing platform that goes beyond the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) system.
    
    Every property we represent receives exposure on an unrivalled collection of the world’s most authoritative media.
    Regardless of your property’s price, your property will be marketed to elite buyers and investors through the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, and Financial Times, and next-generation channels such as Apple TV, Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
  
  
  • Exclusive Print Advertising
    Along with our extensive digital network, we offer targeted exposure to a discerning audience through local, national, and international print advertising opportunities with prestigious print publications such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Financial Times, as well as publications exclusive to the Sotheby’s International Realty network, including our nationally distributed magazine, INSIGHT: The Art of Living®.
  
  
  • Social Media Advertising
    Our reputation is your advantage. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is the top Canadian residential real estate brokerage on Instagram and YouTube. Every property we represent is featured in professionally managed advertising campaigns on Instagram and Facebook, reaching millions of prospective buyers and maximizing your property’s exposure and potential return.

• What are the benefits of using a real estate agent when selling my home?

  For most people, selling a home or a property represents one of their most significant financial transactions and one of their most complex undertakings.
  
  Whether you’re selling for the first time or have experience navigating the market, every sale involves important decisions that can impact the outcome. From understanding local market trends to implementing effective marketing strategies and managing legal and financial considerations, a well-informed approach is essential to maximizing your financial return.
  
  While it is not required to sell your home with a real estate agent, working with an expert can help get your property sold faster and possibly at a higher closing price. The majority of Canadians choose to work with a real estate agent, as REALTOR® knowledge, expertise, and negotiation skills can help you avoid costly errors when making a large financial transaction.
  
  Here are some of the benefits of working with a qualified real estate agent to sell your property:
  

  
  
  • Market expertise: Your agent will have an extensive understanding of real estate and the selling process, which can reduce the uncertainty you may face. They will help you determine the best pricing strategy for your property and establish a timeline for each step of the selling process.
  
  
  • Dedicated service: Your agent is guaranteed to put your interests first and will dedicate a significant amount of time to marketing your property, communicating with potential buyers and their agents, negotiating the deal, and organizing the necessary paperwork for closing, allowing you to go about your daily activities without added stress.
  
  
  • A network of resources: A qualified real estate agent can refer you to professionals who can assist with the sale process, including home stagers, property inspectors, legal advisors, and more.
  
  
  • Sophisticated marketing tactics: Sotheby’s International Realty Canada offers unrivalled marketing through multiple channels – including sothebysrealty.com and sothebysrealty.ca, which attract millions of users, exclusive promotion with reputable media sources including the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times Property Listings, social media advertising, print advertising, and marketing through the Sotheby’s International Realty mobile app and Apple TV app – to ensure your property attracts the most qualified buyers.
  
  
  • Progress reports: Folio, our proprietary client platform, provides personalized reports and updates on the marketing and sales activity of your listing to keep you informed throughout the sales process.
  
  
  • Expert negotiation skills: Your agent will assist you in evaluating offers and providing unbiased advice in situations such as bidding wars. They will negotiate with a buyer’s agent to help you get the best value for your property.
  
  

  
  
  To help you confidently make informed decisions, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our agents. They can provide the latest market insight, research, strategic advice, and more.

• What’s typically included in a home buyer’s offer when they make a bid on my property?

  Once your property is on the market, you may begin receiving offers from prospective buyers. Each offer will contain a proposed price and other terms and details that need to be carefully reviewed before making a decision.
  
  Your agent will guide you through each offer, helping you evaluate its strengths and limitations based on your specific goals and the current market conditions. While the proposed price is certainly important, it’s equally essential to consider how well the rest of the offer aligns with your overall selling objectives.
  
  Typical Offer Inclusions:
  

  
  
  • Price: The amount the buyer is offering to pay for your property
  
  
  • Deposit: This is an upfront payment amount a buyer provides to the seller at the time an offer is accepted and/or when conditions are removed. This payment demonstrates that they are serious about the purchase. It is often held by the brokerage, real estate lawyer or notary until the closing day, at which point it is applied toward the down payment and the total purchase price.
  
  
  • Inclusions and Exclusions: Items the buyer expects to be included in the sale, such as appliances, window treatments, or lighting fixtures.
  
  
  • Closing Date: This is when the purchase of a property is completed after all the terms and conditions included in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale have been met. During closing, ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer.
  
  
  • Possession Date: The date the buyer intends to take physical occupancy of the property. This can be the same as, or shortly after, the closing date.
  
  
  • Conditions: Specific requirements that must be met before the sale becomes firm. Common conditions include financing approval, a satisfactory property inspection, or the sale of the buyer’s current property.
  
  
  • Expiration Date: The date and time by which you must respond to the offer, or the offer becomes void.
  
  

  
  
  Other Considerations
  In addition to price, other factors within the offer can significantly impact the overall appeal of the offer. For example, a buyer who is flexible with dates may be better able to align with your preferred timeline and may be extremely advantageous, especially if you are coordinating a purchase or move. Similarly, requests for inclusions like furniture or appliances may or may not work with your plans.
  
  Your agent will walk you through every component of the offer, flag any potential risks or complications, and help you weigh how well each element matches your goals. Your agent may also be able to gather background information about the buyer and uncover helpful context, such as the buyer’s motivation or timeline. This insight can help you better understand the buyer’s position, which can inform your decision and strengthen your negotiating strategy.

• Why is global real estate marketing still important despite Canada’s foreign buyer’s ban?

  In a time of global uncertainty, Canada has become even more attractive to immigrants, permanent residents, students, business founders and investors and returning Canadian expatriates – introducing qualified demand for housing nationwide. Many of these home buyers will be exempt from the “Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act” (the “Foreign Buyers Ban”) that came into effect January 1, 2023.
  
  To maximize the chance that your home attracts qualified bids, our global marketing platform showcases it to buyers who are qualified to live, work, study and purchase property in Canada:
  

  
  
  • 1.1M+ new permanent residents (2025 - 2027)
  
  
  • 2.8M+ Canadians abroad with ties to Canada
  
  
  • 753K international students (2023)