Buying a Home...

Enjoy the journey

You will find the destination puts you "at home." It is exciting to think that one of the homes you look at today may be your home tomorrow! No one buys a fireplace, a deck or a double garage. They buy love, security, privacy, neighborhoods etc. Think about why you want to buy and imagine yourself in your new home. Before you are ready to buy, watch ads, drive by, go through open houses and keep track of the sold prices in the areas that interest you. The buying process can be both exciting and stressful. The purchase of a home may be the largest purchase you will ever make. Don't let anyone "talk you into" a property that doesn't feel right to you. In my 27 years in the business, I have never "sold a house". The home or property sells itself as it speaks to its owner new. You will know that you are home when you walk in. Let your feelings rule. You shouldn't be buying specifications. You should be buying your motivations: comfort, independence, security, future profits, self-fulfillment, pride, social acceptance, convenience, and feeling of comfort and love. Get in touch with where you want to buy before you try to decide what you want to buy.

STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME

You'll need a down payment of at least 5% of the purchase price. You may also need more for the closing costs. When buying a house, many people discover they can't afford as much as they had hoped. So don't be disappointed. Before you start house hunting, figure out what you can afford to buy. To help you find out exactly how much you need to invest in your new home, and to get pre-approved, arrange an appointment with your lender (bank) or a mortgage broker. For mortgage information: www.canadamortgage.com

WHAT & WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY?

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The three most important elements of your purchase. You can usually change anything except location. Consider geographic and social aspects of location. Investigate the community. Locate things such as recreation center's, churches, movie theatres etc that are important to you.

SIZE

Consider the size. If it's smaller than you had hoped for, can you deal with the size or can it be expanded within your budget parameters?

STRUCTURE

Is it sound? Does it need repairs that you can handle? Are the necessary repairs and upgrades in your budget? Will the necessary changes be good investments in the event you have to sell later?

AMENITIES

Does the property have any or all of the amenities you want? If missing, are they important? If important and missing, can you fix it? If you are serious about buying a property, it makes sense to work with a Realtor®. The professional can make it easier. The first meeting is important. It is your opportunity to meet, get acquainted and you can help the professional understand your reasons for buying and the things that are important to you. Be sure to be candid about your motivations.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR REALTOR®?

• The Realtor® will review the properties available and select those that meet your criteria.
• The multiple listing service will provide access to most homes on the market.
• The Realtor® will arrange the showings.
• The Realtor® will provide property and finance information.
• The Realtor® will provide, upon request, enough information that will help you establish market values.
• The Realtor® will prepare your sales contract.
• The Realtor® will arrange for the presentation and negotiation with the seller.
• The Realtor® will assist you with financing.
• The Realtor® will help you arrange inspections.
• The Realtor® will follow through and will help take you through the closing.
• Your Realtor® will get you any information about any properties of interest regardless of who the listing agent is.

SECRETS TO GETTING WHAT YOU WANT

GET PRE-APPROVED

To make the strongest offer possible get "pre-approval." The process takes a few days to a few weeks. With your pre-approval certificate, it's like taking cash o the seller. If you are competing against other offers you will have a definite advantage. DAILY SEARCH If you are serious about buying, find a Realtor® who is serious about helping you. Get your agent to do daily MLS searches. SPEED IS IMPORTANT Don't think you can look tomorrow or on the weekend. Look immediately and be prepared to make your offer on the spot.

WRITE A "GOOD" OFFER

Write your offer to be accepted; not countered. While you are in a counter offer stage, someone else could be writing a contract on the same home. Negotiation is only important to you when you get what you want.

THE PRICE -HOT MARKET!

Asking price used to be what the seller hoped for. In a "hot" market, there may be multiple offers. The actual sale price can be more than asking. If you have done your homework beforehand, you will feel more secure when negotiating your offer.

BEST OFFER

If you are the only offer when you write, other offers may come in after you have written. Even if you end up in a multiple offer scenario, the seller may choose your offer, because you started stronger than the rest. It's not scientific, but it can work!

THE BIG PICTURE

If you get what you want, even if it costs you a little more than you originally planned, you are the winner. When you move in-you'll look back and congratulate yourself.

NOW, LET'S WRITE AN OFFER

Remember: Once you choose, others may want it, too. Write your highest and best offer. It's a "good deal" if you want it and you get it! Anytime you play "We will start here" you risk losing the property to another buyer. INCLUSIONS Top of Page (i.e. Appliances etc.) Are not included unless stated in the offer. Make sure you put in writing the items you need or want.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

This means that all dates are extremely important.

OCCUPANCY AFTER CLOSING

It is a good idea to allow the seller an extra day. That way they aren't forced to be "on the truck" at the closing. The seller usually prefers to have money-in-hand before they move.

INSPECTION
I recommend and insist upon a home inspection with a registered home inspector. Whether you are the seller or the buyer dealing with an offer, the choices are the same: "Accept", "Reject", "Counter". Upon an accepted offer, many people are part of the transaction. There are lenders, loan officers, appraisers, credit checkers, inspectors, processors, and more. If you work with a professional Realtor® you will be comfortable with all your decisions.

Selling Your Home

Pricing

This process generally begins with a determination of a reasonable asking price. We can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms, and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

Marketing

The next step is a marketing plan. Often, we can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of the property. Marketing includes the exposure of your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your agent acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. Advertising is part of marketing. The choice of media and frequency of advertising depends a lot on the property and specific market. For example, in some areas, newspaper advertising generates phone calls, but statistically has minimum effectiveness in selling a specific property. Overexposure of a property in any media may gives a buyer the impression the property is distressed or the seller is desperate. We will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is also a misconception that advertising sells real estate. Studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family, and personal contacts.

Security

When the property is marketed with the agent's help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Agents will generally pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

Negotiating

The negotiation process deals with much the same issues for both buyers and sellers, as noted above under the buying process. We can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections, and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. We can help you write a legally binding agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

Monitoring, Renegotiating and Closing

Between the initial sales agreement and closing, questions may arise. Some issues may arise, as a result of the Home Inspection, and often, the required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. We are the best people to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.

What Can You Do to Help Your Home Sell?
A Good First Impression Can Help Sell Your Home When you are showing your home to prospective buyers, first impressions are the most lasting and the most important to its sale. Your major role as a seller will be to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The time, effort and limited financial investment involved can give you the competitive edge needed to sell your home when you want...at the price you want.

Your Home's Exterior Creates the First Impression

Since the exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective buyers sees, a little time and effort can make a big difference in the impression your home creates - and pay big dividends when the sale is made. Use this checklist to make sure your home's exterior looks its best: Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and drive. Flower garden is weeded. Shrubs are trimmed and dead trees and branches are eliminated. All debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment are neatly stored. Fences and gates are repaired and repainted, if necessary. The roof, gutters and downspouts are in good repair. Cracked windows and torn screens are replaced. Screens, windows and windowsills are washed. Doorknobs are polished. Doorbell and front lights are in good working order. If you would have planned to paint the house within the coming year, consider painting the house before showing it. A new paint job, well done, will normally enhance the sale value a good deal more than the cost of the paint. Remember if your home's exterior looks clean, orderly, and in good repair, that's the impression your house will first convey.

Spotless Interior Reinforces Your Home's First Impression

Interior dirt and clutter can obscure your home's good points, so start with a full housecleaning from top to bottom. Store unused or unnecessary items in closets and storage areas or hold a garage sale. Eliminate clutter and your home will look more spacious...an important selling point. Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential buyer would, and use the following checklist to make sure it's ready to show: Walls are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents. Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas; wallpaper is cleaned and woodwork polished or painted. Badly worn furniture is temporarily stored in a family's basement, or cover with a nice blanket or slip covers. Curtains and drapes are freshly laundered. Rugs and carpets are shampooed. Floors are cleaned. Loose doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and warped drawers are repaired. Leaky faucets are fixed. Water discoloration in sink is eliminated. Loose stair banisters are tightened and steps are free of objects. Light fixtures are in good working order. Discolored or cracked switchplates are replaced. Closets, shelves and drawers are organized to display spaciousness. Clothing is hung neatly and shoes and other objects are neatly arranged. Bathrooms are sparkling clean. Tub and shower caulking is repaired. Bedrooms are neat. Bedspreads and curtains are attractive. The kitchen is clean and tidy, including cupboards, stove and oven. The basement, attic and garage are clean and well organized. Mirrors, picture frames and glass covering pictures are clean. Mirrors are strategically placed to create an impression of added space in problem areas. Lampshades are in good condition. Electrical connections are plugged in. Consider painting walls and replacing carpeting if cleaning doesn't do the trick. It is also important to keep lighting in mind when you show your home. Use stronger light bulbs where needed. Good lighting will make your home seem more cheery and spacious. Over-improving Doesn't Pay Top of Page Don't plan major improvements on your home. Most homebuyers want to make their own major changes. You are usually wiser to sell them the potential...at a price they can afford.

How to Help Your Real Estate Agent Show Your Home?

Showing your home is all-important to its sale, and there are many ways you can help your real estate professional do his or her job successfully. Here are some last-minute details that will maximize your home's selling potential: The television and radio are turned off or low enough to allow the salesperson and buyer(s) to talk, free of disturbances. Children and pets are sent outdoors to play or otherwise entertained to eliminate confusion and to keep the prospect's attention focused positively on your house. Bad odors are eliminated. Air freshener is used before the potential buyer arrives, especially if you have pets or the house has been closed up for some time. The house has adequate lighting (during daytime, drapes are open; at night plenty of lights are on, including the porch light). Wood is stored next to the fireplace. In winter, a fire is lit. \ The kitchen sink is free of dishes. Magazines and children's toys are in order. Plants have been watered and look healthy. Fresh flowers are arranged tastefully around the house.

What Can You Do While Your House is Being Shown?

Be courteous, but don't force conversation with the potential buyer(s). Ask your real estate broker or agent if your presence is necessary. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let your real estate broker or agent answer any objections. Leave it to your real estate professional to emphasize the features of your home. Make sure your agent or broker knows where you are so you may answer questions, but don't tag along. Let your real estate professional discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the potential buyer(s). Remember that we have the experience and training necessary to bring negotiations to a successful conclusion. And, if you've followed the guidelines provided, you'll know you've already done your part in helping your home sell by making sure it creates a good first impression.