Are you in the market for a home? If so, do you see yourself in a cozy character home with ornate fireplaces, or does the image of a brand new home with today’s state-of-the-art technology appeal? Either way, you will find that the rewards of buying your own home are many. The security, comfort and peace of mind you get …
Your Needs And Wants
The current combination of attractive mortgage rates, home buying incentive programs and a wide selection of homes from which to choose means now is a great time to consider buying that first home or moving to something that better serves your needs. Location, Location, Location Location is one of the most important factors in making any real estate purchase. For …
Closing Costs: 10 Items To Consider
Property Transfer Tax: This tax is payable on the purchase of all real property in BC. The calculation is based on 1% of the purchase price up to $200,000 and 2% of any amount above $200,000. Most first time buyers are exempt from this if they meet certain criteria. The main criteria are; a) borrower has never owned a principal …
Checklist For House Hunting
If you are thinking of buying a home in the near future, a REALTOR can provide invaluable help in finding the right home in the right price range in the area you want to live. Through access to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) a REALTOR can give you a customized list of homes for sale that match your needs and …
Arranging A Mortgage
Now is a great time to consider buying a home. Interest rates are very attractive and there is a wide choice of homes available to suit just about any budget. Still, it’s most likely you will have to deal with financing and this will mean taking on a mortgage. Sorting through the numerous mortgage options available to today’s homebuyers can …
What A Listing Entails
Are you thinking of selling your home? If so, you will need professional help to ensure your home gets maximum exposure and is properly marketed. You will want to enlist the services of a REALTOR to make sure you achieve your goal. The listing is the beginning of a selling process that includes a well-thought-out and detailed marketing plan, accessibility …
Does It Make Sense To Use A Realtor?
If you have been thinking about selling your home, perhaps you have been toying with the idea of trying to sell it yourself to save paying a commission to a REALTOR. However, when you consider the amount of time needed to market your home along with the costs of advertising and other incidentals, you may be surprised to discover that …
Subtle Ailments Can Turn Away Prospective Buyers
Things like unkempt yards and ugly wallpaper are obvious turnoffs, but there are other things that can jinx a sale. Before hammering a For Sale sign into the front lawn, most sellers rectify major deterrents including faded paint, broken windows and messy yards. Unfortunately, real estate agents say many miss a handful of less obvious ailments which can have buyers …
Selling Your Home – Doing It Yourself!!
Your home has been cleaned, freshly painted and you are ready to put it on the market. Could you sell it by yourself? No doubt you could, but when you consider all aspects of the selling process, chances are you will choose to use the services of a REALTOR – a licensed, trained professional who has the knowledge and skills …
Reviewing An Offer To Purchase
If you have ever sold a home before, you know there is a lot more to an offer to purchase than merely the price the buyer is willing to pay. Other important factors that must be weighed carefully include a suitable closing date, financing, conditions and items which are to be included in the sale. It is a good idea …
Preparing Your Home For Sale
When your home is for sale, it’s often more than just the purchase price and location that will make or break a deal. Making your home look its very best and presenting it as a desirable place to live are also very important. Work with your REALTOR Your REALTOR can give you an objective opinion of what you need to …
Making Your Home Attractive To Buyers
Are you thinking of selling your home? If you’re one of the many homeowners who choose this time of year to move – whether you’re trading up or down, or simply relocating -you’re probably starting to prepare your home for the sale. Before you become overwhelmed by the task, it’s a good idea to sit down and look at your …
LOW COST Exterior Improvements
Exterior Improvements – Minimal or No Cost Rake leaves, mow lawn and keep edges neat. Lawns and flowers should be weeded regularly. Trees and shrubs should be pruned and trimmed. Remove old lawn mowers, tractors, disabled autos, broken lawn ornaments, topless tables, armless lawn furniture and seatless chairs. They are reasons for a buyer to make a u-turn. Hoses should …
Documents You’ll See When Selling Your Home
WORKING WITH A REALTOR BROCHURE Buyers and sellers are presented with this brochure at the earliest contact with a real estate agent. Industry regulations have now made it mandatory for a real estate licensee to disclose the capacity in which the agent will be working with you: i.e. as a buyer’s agent, a seller’s agent or as a dual agent, …
Creating Curb Appeal
What’s curb appeal? It’s that certain something about your home that catches the eye of the passer-by and makes them want to take a closer look. If you’re selling your home, curb appeal can quickly draw prospective buyers in for the first time. Without it, buyers may pass up on the chance to see inside and will miss what might …