Find Real Estate Agents with Experience in the Right Areas

Like most other professions, try working with real estate agents that specialize in neighbourhoods of interest is your best option. Some professionals have taken additional courses to learn more about a particular market. Other agents have joined organizations such as the Canada Real Estate Association (CREA). This means they have become a REALTOR® and follow a set of standards.

A real estate agent’s specialty can sometimes be identified by their marketing or the letters that appear after their name. ABR, for example, stands for Accredited Buyer Representative, while SRS is the designation for a Seller Representative Specialist. GREEN real estate agents specialize in green homes, GAA is a General Accredited Appraiser, and Seniors Real Estate Specialist REALTORS® can be identified by SRES after their name.

Ask about Past Performance

Recommendations from previous clients can reveal a lot about a real estate agent. How long it took to find or sell homes and what the agent was like to work with can reveal a lot about that professional. Awards earned, years of experience in the area and knowledge in the location of interest can give buyers a huge advantage. The more an agent knows about the real estate market in a specific area, the better able he or she will be to find the right property and help secure it for the right price. It can also be helpful to check with the state for any disciplinary actions.

Tips for Working with Real Estate Agents when Buying a House

While it’s important to interview more than one real estate agent and narrow it down to just one as you can never work with more than one REALTOR® at any given time.

It may be tempting to simply work with the agent who has listed a property that’s of interest. But remember that these agents were hired by the seller, and they work for the seller. For the best results, choose an agent not associated with the listing to avoid conflicts of interest.

After choosing a real estate agent when buying a house, be clear about what is expected of him or her. What is the deadline for purchasing a home? When and what times work best for viewings or conversations? The better able buyers are to communicate their needs, the easier the buying process will be.

Work with the agent and be respectful. Sign a buyer’s agent agreement and agency disclosure to formalize the relationship. Then, show up for appointments and ask how the agent would like to work open houses, schedule appointments, and find homes for sale on the market for you. Home buyers should feel comfortable asking questions and be open to advise.

While it’s not necessary to hire a real estate agent when buying a house, having a knowledgeable and experienced expert can be a huge help. However, it means buyers need to choose carefully. They also need to be clear about what their needs are and not be afraid to ask questions. After all, REALTORS® are there to help.

The post Working with Real Estate Agents when Buying appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Install High Quality Exterior Lighting

During the winter and spring, the days are fairly short. Similarly, these seasons are also filled with harsh weather conditions that can hinder the vision of a buyer. This makes it harder for them to assess the true curb appeal of a home. Sellers that want to make it easier for buyers to see their home should install high-quality exterior lighting. Installing these features can make it easier for potential buyers to appreciate the home’s exterior. Homeowners that really want to make their house more noticeable should purchase some LED lights.

Install Noticeable Address Numbers

Many houses will have small or missing address numbers. Before putting a house on the real estate market, the seller should install some noticeable, but tasteful, address numbers. Avoid using darker colors like black or brown. Instead, go with bright, distinct colors like silver, gold or even white. This will prevent mix-ups in the future and it will make it easier for potential buyers to remember the address.

Advertise your Home Online

Regardless of how bad the weather gets, homeowners can find creative ways to make their home more noticeable. One of the best ways to do this is by advertising online. Homeowners can post photos on their social media pages. Tech-savvy homeowners can even post content to different real estate websites. This gives the house more exposure and allows people to see it even if the weather conditions deter people from leaving their home.

Keep the Lights on Inside of the Home

One of the final things that homeowners can do to make their house more noticeable is keeping the interior lights on. Although this may sound unorthodox, it is effective. The interior light will pour out of the windows. This will shed some light on the exterior features like the landscaping or garden. When this happens, passersby will be able to get a better look at the exterior of the home; even on the darkest and stormiest nights.

During the winter and spring, it isn’t uncommon to get long stretches of poor weather. This can make it difficult for home sellers to attract people to their homes. Sellers that are in this predicament can try installing high-quality lighting and installing noticeable address numbers. These sellers can also advertise online and keep the lights on inside their home. These simple tricks can dramatically help any seller that is having a hard time getting exposure.

To get more tips and tricks on how to make your home stand out in poor weather conditions, don’t be afraid to get in contact with a home selling expert local to your area.

The post Making your Home Stand Out appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Signs of Bias

When selling a home, it can be difficult to stay objective. However, being biased is one of the worst things that a homeowner can do when pricing their home. Many homeowners will set a high price for their homes; this is often due to them having sentimental attachment to the house. This cloudy judgement can leave a homeowner with a stagnant house.

Little to No Signs of Interest at the Open House

One of the primary aspects of the house-selling process is the open house. This is an event in which potential buyers assess the home. If there is a large turnout at the open house, homeowners can assume that they have priced their home reasonably. However, if the open house is reminiscent of a ghost town, the homeowner may want to consider gradually dropping the price of the home. As a rule of thumb, homeowners can decrease the price weekly in increments of $5,000 to $10,000.

Too Many Counter Offers

Another sign that homeowners have priced their homes incorrectly is that they receive an abundance of counter offers. This is especially true if the counter offers are drastically lower than the initial asking price. It may be worth it to negotiate; however, homeowners can avoid the hassle by sufficiently pricing their home at the beginning of the house-selling process.

Competitors Prices are Noticeably Different

There are few things that feel more undermining than losing a house sale to a neighbour. One of the best ways to avoid this is by researching the asking price of your competition. Homeowners can learn the prices of other homes in their neighbourhoods in a number of ways. They can visit open houses or contact the real estate agent in charge of the sale. By doing this, the homeowner can avoid having a noticeably different asking price than their competition.

Regardless of if you are using a real estate agent or are selling independently, it can be extremely beneficial for homeowners to learn how to properly price their home. There are a number of signs that homeowners can look out for when pricing their home. Some of these are signs of bias, little or no interest, too many counter offers or a noticeable price difference between other homes on the real estate market. If the homeowner notices any of these things, they may have incorrectly priced their home.

For more information about how to price your home correctly, do not hesitate to contact your local real estate agent.

The post Are you Pricing your Home to Sell Incorrectly appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Motivated Sellers

Although there may be less selection during the winter months, the homeowner can use this to his or her advantage. Many homes that are for sale in the winter did not do well in the summer or fall months. This can leave the homeowner in a tough position; most of them will want to have it sold for tax or personal purposes. Home buyers can use this information as leverage during the negotiation process.

Less Competition

One of the best parts about purchasing a home in the winter is that there is less competition. Factors such as snow and harsh weather conditions can greatly affect the turnout for an open house. When there is less competition during the off season, home buyers are in a better position to negotiate and potentially get a better price.

More attention from the Real Estate Agent

During the spring, summer, and fall, many real estate agents will be extremely busy dealing with clients. This can make it difficult for an REALTOR® to give a client his or her full attention. However, in the winter, many real estate agents have more open schedules. This allows them to spend more time focusing on each sale. Real estate agents work primarily off of commission, meaning that they will want to make the most out of each winter sale.

Fewer Time Constraints

In the peak months, many home buyers have to move quickly. If they do not, they are putting themselves at risk of missing out on a buying opportunity. These time constraints can also cause home buyers to make decisions that they regret in the future. On the other hand, during the winter months, this is not the case. Due to the fact that there is less competition, home buyers are not forced to make hasty decisions. Home buyers are able to look at and make offers on homes at their own pace with little risk of getting bid up. This makes the winter house hunting the perfect season for home-buyers that want to take their time while purchasing a home.

Although it may be a little less comfortable than the spring or summer, there are a number of benefits to purchasing a home in the winter. Some of these benefits include motivated sellers, less competition, more attention from the real estate agent and fewer time constraints. Knowing these benefits can dramatically help a home buyer who wants to purchase a home in the winter.

For more information about the benefits of winter house hunting, do not hesitate to contact a real estate agent that specializes in buying homes this time of year.

The post 4 Benefits of Winter House Hunting appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Less Crowded Real Estate Market

As mentioned earlier, spring and summer are the popular seasons for selling homes. This leads to an over-saturated real estate market. There is a higher chance that more homeowners are selling in your neighborhood during this time of the year. By selling homes in the winter, a house becomes more noticeable; this is thanks to the lack of competition. This can make the entire selling process quicker and easier and really give you an advantage.

Get More for Less

Homeowners always want to get as much as possible out of their old homes; this allows them to spend more on their new one. This can be difficult in the spring and summer when the competition is at an all-time high. However, houses that are sold from December through March sell at an above average price. This may be due to the fact that some people feel more urgent to move in the winter. That sense of urgency can help motivate buyers to make decisions quicker, which can ultimately work in favour of the seller.

Aesthetic Appeal

Many homeowners like to show off both the interior and exterior of their home during the spring and summer. The lack of snow allows potential buyers to see the house in all of its glory. However, there is something aesthetically pleasing about the exterior of a home after a fresh, winter snowfall.

 A winter snowfall can add an ambiance to the exterior of your home. The cold snow is also the perfect reason to make a home warm and inviting to potential buyers. Be sure to turn the heat up to a comfortable temperature and have a tasteful amount of warm lighting. This will make the home seem more welcoming to potential buyers and possibly increase the chances of getting an offer.

Despite the fact that spring and summer are great seasons for selling a home, it is beneficial for homeowners to know the positives of selling in the winter. During the winter, the real estate market is less crowded. This makes a home more noticeable, while also lowering the amount of competition that you have when making offers. Homeowners are also able to get more for less when they sell in the winter. There is also something magical about a home after a fresh winter snowfall. All of these factors are great reasons for homeowners to consider preparing their homes for a winter sell.

The post The 3 Benefits of Selling in the Winter appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Shovel Your Driveway

Those that have a driveway should definitely consider shoveling any snow off of it before visitors arrive. One of the last things a guest wants to deal with at an open house is getting stuck in the driveway. Although it may take some time, shoveling the driveway is simply common courtesy when inviting people into your home. While you’re at it, be sure to give your driveway, walkways or porch a healthy coat of salt. This will minimize the chances of one of the guests slipping and injuring themselves.

Maximize Lighting

Thanks to daylight savings, it gets dark quite quickly in the winter time. This lack of light does no favors for your home. If possible, schedule your open house during the day, maximizing the amount of natural light in your home. Remember to retract your blinds and open any shutters or curtains. If it is not possible to host an open house during the day, purchase some bright, neutral lamps that make your house feel warm and cozy.

Maintain Curb Appeal

During the winter, it can be hard to maintain a high level of curb appeal. It is hard to appreciate something that is covered in snow. However, there are a handful of ways that homeowners can maintain their house’s curb appeal in the winter. Simple tasks like upgrading your mailbox, replacing your address numbers and painting your front door are all great for maintaining curb appeal.

Keep Your House Warm

During an open house, guests want to feel welcome and comfortable in your home. However, few things make a guest feel more uncomfortable than a frigid house. Before the open house begins, be sure to adjust your thermostat to an appropriate temperature. Also be sure not to go overboard with the heat, as the only thing worse than being cold at an open house, is being too hot at an open house.

Even though it may seem unlikely, homeowners actually have a better chance of selling their homes in the winter time. To utilize this opportunity, all homeowners should shovel their driveways, maximize lighting, maintain their houses curb appeal and keep their house warm during a winter open house. This will maximize the chances of it selling quickly.

For more useful tips on open houses during the winter, contact your local real estate agent.

The post 4 useful tips for Open Houses during the Winter appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Do not Forget to Salt

It doesn’t take a genius to know that falling on slippery ice can be painful. It is even more painful when someone else falls, potentially leaving you responsible. This can lead to expensive legal fees. Luckily, there is a simple way to combat pesky patches of ice: bags of salt. Salt eats away at the ice and gradually forces it to melt, even in cold temperatures. By consistently salting your driveway, walkways, and sidewalks, you are doing your due diligence and minimizing the chances for injury during a long winter season.

Prepare the Pipes

Before the snow hits, it is always wise to prep your plumbing. Be sure to drain any water from outdoor hoses or faucets. If you have a sprinkler system, it is also important to remember to schedule them to be blown out.

As for the interior, it can be difficult to prep the plumbing without industry knowledge. Anyone without prior plumbing experience would be recommended to contact a professional and set up an inspection. However, if the homeowner is aware of any problem areas, they can apply heat tape. This will ensure that they will stay warm during the cold winter season.

Tend to the Garden

One of the worst parts about a winter is potential damage to your garden. However, there are a number of ways you can prepare your garden for the winter season. This will make it easier for your plants to bounce back in the spring. Be sure to give all of your plants a good pruning but also remember not to go overboard with it. Homeowners with a green thumb can also begin planting bulbs over the winter. Be sure to cover them in chicken wire or evergreen branches as this will stop animals from digging them up. It will also stop them from surfacing too early. It is important to remember to remove the chicken wire in the spring though.

Have the Right Tools

Although snow can be beautiful, it can also be a hassle to deal with. With this in mind, it is important to have the right tools for the job. Many homeowners can get away with just having a few strong shovels. However, any homeowner who has a lengthy driveway may want to invest in a snowblower. Having the right tools ensures the job gets done while saving time.

Taking these considerations into account can help to minimize any unwanted problems this winter and give you a head start when preparing your home for sale a competitive spring real estate market.

The post Preparing your Home for the Winter Season appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

First find a Lending Institution

While many people assume the best option is to go straight to their bank! There are several lending institutions available which can secure home loans. Depending on your particular income and loan conditions, one may be better than the other; or be more inclined to offer you a loan. Be aware that different institutions may charge you different rates and offer different rates of interest. Shop around to find the one that is best fits your needs.

Gather your Paperwork

One of the most time-consuming parts of applying for a home loan is the amount of paperwork that is required. You can make this easier on yourself by knowing ahead of time much of what you will need. Most institutions require one or two years of tax returns as well as bank statements. You will be required to prove your identity, as well as give evidence of current income and expenses. Make sure you have all documentation for any current loans and assets as you may be required to give proof of savings that you have held for a period of time. Finally, there will be forms for you to fill out or documents for which you may have to submit online to finalize the process.

Take Time to Learn

Many people do not get approved their first time, and instead need to save for longer or pay down existing debts and loans before they are successful in getting any money. Regardless, treat each time you apply as a chance to learn and to figure out how to improve your chances in future applications. Should your application not be approved initially, ask the broker what the main reason was for the refusal. Ask how you can increase your rate of success in the future. And while it may be disheartening to not get your loan. Look at it as more time to save, allowing you to perhaps afford a better house the next time around

Getting a Pre-Approved Mortgage

Getting a mortgage, home buying and entering into the real estate market can be a stressful processes. Put your mind at ease by taking it one step at a time. Start by getting a pre-approved mortgage first. Knowing how much you can afford sets the stage for buying a home that you can afford.

The post Getting a Pre-Approved Mortgage appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

What Exactly is Curb Appeal?

Before understanding how it can help, it is important to understand exactly what curb appeal is. Curb appeal is how aesthetically pleasing a house in from the outside. It is called curb appeal because it focuses on aspects of the exterior that can be seen from the front of the home when a potential buyer first arrives.

How is Curb Appeal Helpful?

Curb appeal is helpful due to the fact that it makes the home more visually appealing to potential buyers. A prospective buyer will usually want to put in a little work as possible when buying a home. This means they do not want to spend their time on tedious tasks. By completing these beforehand. You are making the product easier and more convenient for the new home-buyer.

How can you Improve the Curb Appeal of your Home?

There are a number of easy and inexpensive ways that you can improve the curb appeal of your home. One of the first things that should be done is fixing any broken or damaged aspects of the exterior. This means sprucing up the door, fixing door knobs, replacing shutters, and recoating the driveway.

Once everything is fixed, focus on the aesthetic aspects of the exterior. If possible, spruce up the garden or lawn with a fresh new look. It also never hurts to replace the address numbers or mailbox. Try to remember and give your porch a quick sweep or mopping before open houses, as it will make your home feel clean and welcoming. All of these simple things can drastically improve the curb appeal of any home.

Sometimes, a house can stay on the real estate market for months or even years. This can be a daunting and disheartening situation that makes it difficult for homeowners to move on. One of the best ways to avoid having a stagnant house is by working on the curb appeal. Curb appeal is extremely important to remember when putting your house for sale. There are a number of things that should be done like fixing, restoring, and tending to all aspects of the exterior. Doing all of these will ensure that potential buyers will take interest in your home above and beyond all other homes.

The post What exactly is Curb Appeal appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Lawn Care and Landscaping

Start your fall maintenance tasks by raking the lawn and getting rid of fallen leaves. A small layer of leaves around trees and bushes can act as good insulation for the winter. If you don’t the thick layers will simply grow mold and kill your beautiful landscaped grass.

After your lawn is ready, take some time to do any fall pruning and do not forget to wrap the fragile plants and bushes up from the long winter ahead. Most plants will be fine to weather. But if there are any that are particularly vulnerable, a layer of burlap tied lightly will protect them from the harshness of the season.

Roof and Gutters

Before winter hits, have a professional inspection done of your roof. This should be an annual practice, to check in on the safety for your family. But to also keep the roof in top shape should you decide to sell. A roofer will be able to identify early signs of leaks or roof damage. They should also be able to indicate if you need to replace any lose shingles or foresee any problems with the structural integrity of your home.

In addition to having the roof inspected, once the trees have dropped all of their leaves, have your gutters professional cleaned. This ensures that there are no drainage issues heading into winter for the snow and ice and reduces the risk of mold build up which can be harmful to your health.

Windows and Doors

With old man winter soon to set in, this is the time to make sure that your home is appropriately insulated to handle the cold weather. Go around and check the seals of the doors and windows, making sure there is no draft coming in. A drafty door can cause big spikes in your heating bill. A simple fix with some hardware store insulating tape should to the trick! Visit the attic and check for visible signs of deteriorating insulation, water damage or leaks.

Finally, make sure there are no signs of uninvited critters such as mice or squirrels – they will not leave any time soon, given the weather, so it is best to catch them early!

Fall Maintenance while Selling your Property

While it may seem like a lot of maintenance to tackle, especially if your home is listed for sale. Spread the workload out over a couple of weekends. You can always elicit the help of family members to make the chores go by faster.

Once you have your property is looking pristine, do not forget to work with a REALTOR®, as a newly fall maintained home will look good with an Open House!

The post Fall Maintenance for your Property appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Be Aware of Additional Fees

If you choose to purchase a condominium, paying your monthly mortgage and living expenses will not be the only thing you have to think about that will come out of your bank account. In addition, you may also have to pay the monthly association fees for the condo, as well as other fees for your mailbox, garbage removal, cleaning, and maintenance. Be sure to ask about these before signing on for the property, as in some cases, the cost can be quite high. If you plan on renting your condo while you are away, check to see if there are fees or rules for doing this as well.

Know the Atmosphere

Condo living is great if you do not mind always being around people and aren’t bothered by having lots of neighbours! If you are more of a solitary person however, and need a lot of your own space, it may be harder to find that from living in a condo setting. Of course, you will have your own condo, but when it comes to sitting outside, using the amenities, and moving about throughout the building, chances are, you will always see someone or have to say hi and be social.

Understand the Losses and Gains

The benefits of condo living are many: you have building security, in-building mail services, amenities such as a gym and outdoor seating area and often a café or restaurant built right in on the ground floor or within walking distance. In exchange however, you also make some sacrifices: there is no garage, outdoor shed or workspace for you to tackle hobbies or weekend projects. You don’t have much extra storage space and you won’t be able to have your own backyard with a garden and patio area. Before you make your purchase, think about what you want from a property and make sure that a condo is going to help you get that.

Weigh your Pros and Cons before Buying a Condo

Remember that buying a condo now does not mean that it is the long-term answer to your desire to own property, and that you can’t sell later on and move into a house in the suburbs. Weighing your pros and cons is important, regardless of how long you plan to stay.

To discuss what might be the best housing solution for you, speak with a REALTOR® to learn more about your options as well as seeing what is available on the local real estate market.

The post Buying a Condo? 3 things to consider before you do! appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.

Increased Green Space

Whether it is because you have a beautiful backyard or you are near the local trails. There is far more green space available in the suburbs for family exercise. Suburban areas and small towns have parks and recreation areas for families and children. Trails are often family friendly, with gravel paths that are perfect for bike riding, running, and walking. If you have a dog, the increase of green space is ideal for letting it run around and dog-friendly parks are a game changer when it comes to helping your dog burn off all that pent-up energy!

Improved Family Time

The green space is just one of the many ways that living in suburbia improves your time together as a family. Taking the kids to the park, hanging out at the playground, or meeting up with other community members for a game of tag enhances family bonding and relationships. More than this though, the suburbs give you a chance to be out of the hustle and bustle of the city and come to a place that is calm and quiet. When you do, you can decompress from the day, spend time with your partner and children outside and feel like you are in a world all your own!

Less Air and Noise Pollution

When you live away from the city, you have less exposure to air pollution. Living away from packed roads and freeways, means there are fewer fine particles and gas emitted by traffic and this reduces the chance of damage to the lungs. Studies of shown that continued exposure to air pollution is responsible for an average loss of six months life expectancy.

Both noise pollution and air pollution are a relevant issue when living in the city, and moving away from this has many positive benefits. Less noise pollution allows you to sleep better at night. Enhanced sleep has been implicated in several studies which show it has a role in improving mood, decreasing irritability, fostering better mental health and optimizing focus and brain function. All of these allow you to perform better at work and show up as a better partner or parent at home.

Buying Real Estate in the Suburbs with a Qualified REALTOR®

Are you ready to leave the city behind and purchase real estate in the suburbs? Use the services of a qualified real estate agent to help you find that ideal neighbourhood outside the city limits is the best way to find a property that suits you and your family.

The post Buying Real Estate in the Suburbs appeared first on Fox Real Estate Bloggers.