Tuesday 4 September 2012

MOVE UP MISTAKES HOMEBUYERS MAKE

Not Putting first things first: One of the trickiest things in moving up is knowing which order to take each step in the process. Do you list first? When do you look for a new house? What about possession of the current home? An experienced agent will guide you through these twists and turns with ease and help ensure that you have everything moving in the right direction at the right time.
Failing to evaluate your finances: Buying and selling homes are major decisions and  should be thought through thoroughly. Unfortunately, many consumers leap before they look which can be a recipe for disappointment. Dig deep and look at, not only how much you’re bringing in pay- check-wise but also, how much is going out. Loan to debt ratio is one of the largest factors consumers face when attempting a favorable mortgage loan. Things like making large purchases or applying for new credit before hand can have a negative impact on your buying power.
Choosing the wrong (or no) agent: In terms of getting the most from your current home and negotiating the best deal on the new house, don’t leave your investment options to chance. An experienced agent can negotiate on your behalf and use all the tools and programs the industry has to offer to work for you.
Overestimating your home’s value: Many homeowners make the mistaken impressions that they can price their home high and “come down” later. That strategy couldn't be more detrimental to getting the most for their home in the shortest time. I can walk you through the wide spectrum of reasons why pricing right is your best chance at a fast sale.
Not knowing your liabilities: Most know what their mortgage payment is but not necessarily their mortgage payoff or what liens may be associated with their loan. It pays to have your ducks in a row when considering both selling and buying a home,
Not doing the math: People get overwhelmed thinking about how much less they might get for their home but forget to look at the flip side: how much less they’ll pay for their next. For example, if your home is worth $200,000 and you want to buy a $600,000 house, the difference in value is seemingly $400,000. However with home prices decreasing roughly 10% on average in today’s market, your current home’s value would be $180,000 and the home you want to move up to would be worth $540,000. So while your home value has decreased only $20,000, the home you want is now $60,000 less!
Like everything else, the real estate market has its ups and downs. For sellers in a tough market, getting the most from their home can be a challenge, but for buyers it often means getting more house for their money. For those consumers looking to both sell their house and move into the home of their dreams, it really does make for the perfect opportunity to move up.
Understanding exactly how the shifting economy affects your buying and selling power is not just my job, it's my passion. While you might hear a lot of media expounding on bad-market syndrome or buyer's market vs. seller's market, know that in any market, I am here to bring you real information, in real time, with real answers on how you can achieve your real estate goals.
If you've thought about moving up to the home of your dreams while taking advantage of low prices and historically low interest rates, call me to walk you through all the information you need.

Sandra Duncan, BA, MBA, REALTOR®, CCS
Business 403-512-1939
Fax 403-776-6064
sduncan@cirrealty.ca
www.sandraduncan.ca

Back to School


As children across the country return to their classrooms, they are developing their foundation for the future and hopefully discovering a
love of learning and a passion for becoming their best selves. Let us remember that feeling and explore all those things we’ve yet to learn, to do, to create that will move us in the direction of our dreams. Life is interesting that way, don’t you think? The more perspective, purpose, lessons, friendship and love we share with those around us, the more
we gain in return.
As a REALTOR®, I love what I do. I have an opportunity each day, each week to help people realize their dreams. It is my honor to find the homes in which memories will be made, celebrations will happen, family and friends will congregate and life unfolds. What a joy it is to do what you love. What a tremendous sense of satisfaction to be in the business of service. Thank you for that opportunity. I promise to always keep learning so that I can bring that knowledge and perspective to my customers and community. Enjoy the lessons, life and love in the month ahead! I’m just a phone call away should you need me. Be well and take care.


I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. - Confucius