MENU		MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS)		OUR MARKETING SERVICES
		When selling your home you want to make sure as many potential buyers as possible are aware of your property. The best way to ensure that maximum exposure is through the services of a Realtor. All Realtors and their real estate sales representatives are members of local real estate boards and have access to the MLS -- an extensive network of listings across the country. What is MLS? The MLS is a central registry of properties used by Realtors to match buyers with homes on the market. MLS is described as a "cooperative marketing system" to ensure maximum exposure of properties for sale. The MLS is very effective. Last year, sales across Canada from MLS listings totaled an amazing $58 billion. In addition to being distributed in printed catalogues, MLS is also a sophisticated computer database of properties indexed by price, location, type of home, number of bedrooms, amenities and so forth. Photos of homes may also be available online and, over the past year, many real estate boards have added their MLS listings to the Internet through www.mls.ca. The advantages for the consumer The major benefit of MLS to consumers is that it allows the Realtor to use his or her skills to full advantage. Realtors are experts at determining what a potential buyer wants in a home--and a large part of the Realtor's job lies in finding properties that suit these criteria. With MLS, a Realtor can search the database for homes that suit budgets, location preferences and family requirements, and quickly put together a short list of suitable homes. Many consumers will find themselves first viewing MLS material at their Realtor's office to preview potential properties and narrow the list further. When it comes time to view in earnest, they know exactly what homes they want to see, what their options are and what types of properties the market has to offer. Through the MLS, Realtors can literally view details of thousands of homes. In fact, in 2002, over 300,000 properties new to the market were listed in Ontario alone. This gives the home buyer an extraordinary amount of choice and flexibility. The search for homes doesn't have to involve driving around neighbourhoods looking for "for sale" signs. Nor will it mean relying on homes listed only in newspapers or real estate magazines. With the MLS, an entire spectrum of available properties is at your Realtor's fingertips. Even if you are moving across country or to a distant part of the province, the MLS can be used to scout homes in advance, greatly reducing the worry that often comes with relocation. The bottom line is that what is good for the buyer is good for the seller. This is because the main obstacle for any seller is to find qualified, motivated buyers. The only way to overcome this is to match your home to the requirements of as many potential buyers as possible. Using the MLS cuts through the complexities, exposes your property to those most likely to purchase it, and makes sure you will not waste time showing your home to those who are not truly interested. So, when you have made the decision to sell, make sure you ask your Realtor about an MLS listing. It could be that your Realtor will already know of a number of potential buyers, but in most cases, an MLS listing will open up a broader range of interested parties. Source: Ontario Real Estate Association		Internet has become increasingly important for real estate. Close to 75% of Canadians say they will use the world wide web for their next real estate transaction. Almost 100% of all Internet buyers are using the online listings of the MLS. With well over 100 pages of real estate information, our House Hunting In Toronto website is a valuable resource for both home buyers and home sellers. In addition to the MLS service, we offer our clients an extensive e-marketing plan that includes the use of e-mail (without Spam!), e-cards, electronic newsletters, posting at real estate search sites and directories, and much more. Of course home sellers who list their home through our services, will get extra exposure through our House Hunting In Toronto website. Next to e-marketing our clients can count on all the exposure by means of traditional marketing methods, such as classified advertisements in real estate guides, 'snail mail' newsletters and flyers, and the "good old" For-Sale sign on the front lawn, which is still remarkably effective. Free digital and traditional pictures of your home are, of course, included in our services.
				OPEN HOUSES
				To further maximize exposure, we may recommend that you hold an open house for Realtors only. If your home is attractive and well-priced, many of the Realtors at the open house will make arrangements to bring clients to see your home immediately. We may also recommend one or more open houses for the general public. Although this type of open house tends to attract a lot of "browsers," if your home is clean, attractive, well-priced and in good repair, it could turn a "browser" into a buyer. Most open houses for the public are held on a weekend afternoon when potential buyers often have more time to drive through neighbourhoods.
		HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN OPEN HOUSE
		If you have pets, we suggest you remove them from the home during the open house. We recommend you and your family to be away from the home during the open house as well. If you remain home, prospective buyers may feel compelled to rush their visit to avoid disturbing you. You want them to feel relaxed and to take the time to really see the features of your property. Potential buyers may also feel uncomfortable commenting on your home in your presence. Here are some general tips to help you prepare for the big day: Attend to any potential hazards — electrical wires crossing open areas, sharp table or counter top corners, slippery stairs and walkways, fragile items that can be easily damaged. Lock away or remove valuables such as jewelry, cameras, compact discs, coins and currency. Avoid cooking food with strong odors such as fish. The scent of fresh-brewed coffee, home-made bread and cookies can be very welcoming. In poor weather, provide a place for overshoes, boots, umbrellas and coats.
		TIP		LOCK-BOX
		PREPARING FOR VIEWING When preparing your home for viewings, think about the techniques that are used by innkeepers. Treat yourself on a weekend in a small countryside Bed & Breakfast to see how you can truly make a perfect impression on potential buyers.		A lock-box is a tiny key-holding safe that can be attached to the front of your property. Your real estate representative who has the combination of the lock-box can retrieve the keys and show your home to prospective buyers even when you are not present.

CONTACT INFORMATION
		Rick McGuigan Toronto real estate sales representative Coldwell Banker Case Realty Phone: 416-696-5100 Pager: 416-461-0925
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