Friday 30 November 2012

REAL ESTATE & YOU – SHOULD YOU SELL IN A SHIFTING MARKET

Our market has changed considerably over the past few years and will continue to do so.
This of course means that both consumers and real estate agents will have to change with it in order to keep up and make the most of the situation.
As agents, we've had to change the way we do business. We've had to add a wide spectrum of new technology tools and best practices to capitalize on the buyer leads we can capture to get your home sold.
As sellers, you have to be motivated, price your property at or below market value, and do every- thing within your power to make your home show as well as possible. We liken today's market to a beauty pageant in that your home has to look its best because there is a lot of competition out there.
As agents, we also have to keep extremely close close tabs on market trends. By carefully calculating facts and figures, we can ensure that our clients and customers have the up-to-the- minute information they need to make the best decisions for their families.
As sellers, you have to be flexible, patient, and willing to let us do the job we're trained to do. Very often sellers try to pick and choose the portions of the marketing plan they're comfortable with. Of course, that's always their option. However, to get a home sold for
the most money in the shortest time and with the fewest head- aches, it's wise to use every success strategy in the real estate tool chest.

Thursday 15 November 2012

Transaction Checklist Before You Buy

Get a Transaction Checklist Before You Buy
It’s important to know all the requirements when meeting with your lender.  Use this checklist as a tool to help facilitate this process.  It outlines the recommenced steps, but be sure to check with your own lender to see whether any additional steps may be required.
Sandra Duncan, BA, MBA, REALTOR®, CCS’s

Basic Transaction  Checklist

Step 1: Work with your lender to provide financing for your home purchase. You can:
 Get pre-qualified
 Get pre-approved
Step 2: Select a home
Step 3: Get a sales contract on a  home
Step 4: Select the type of mortgage you want
Step 5: Select a lender
Step 6: Apply for a mortgage
 Complete a loan application
 Participate in a loan interview either over the telephone, online or in-person
 Receive a good faith estimate
 Receive Truth in Lending Disclosure
 Loan submitted for final review
Step 7: Closing
 Closing agent reviews whether the conditions of loan are met
 Make final inspection (walk-through) of the home
 Sign and record necessary documents

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Why understanding "Agency" is the first step toward success...
Your real estate transaction is one of the most important financial decisions that you will ever undertake. As a real estate professional, I understand this and want you to be fully aware of your representation options.
"Agency" in real estate refers to the nature of the fiduciary responsibility that exists between you and the real estate professional you choose to work with. Having a complete understanding of the nature of this relationship is the first step to working together to achieve your real estate goals.
Only after signing a legally binding document does a real estate professional become your agent. As your agent, that REALTOR® now has a legal obligation to insure the protection of your best interests in every facet of the transaction.

It's about loyalty and responsibility...
Traditionally, real estate professionals worked mostly as agents of the seller, not the buyer. Their loyalties and responsibilities rested with those of the seller.
REALTORS® working with buyers were, in fact, acting as "sub-agents" of the seller, keeping the seller's loyalties ahead of those of the buyer. Often, the buyer had no idea of the true nature of this relationship.

Today's Buyers have an option...
Buyers may now retain a real estate professional to represent their financial and legal interests when it comes to the purchase of a home. It's called a "Buyers Agent".
To learn more about the benefits of a Buyers Agent, please contact me directly for a free consultation.

FALL TIPS

For most, the home is their family’s biggest investment. Here are some fall tips for keeping yours in tip top shape!
Hire a chimney sweep. Fireplaces are a lovely addition to a home, but can be dangerous if not cared for. Be safe and hire a chimney sweep every year to inspect and clean yours!
Clear the clutter from the gutters! Clogged gutters can cause roof and water damage and a safe haven for unwanted critters! Be sure to clear them at least once a season.
Heating system check. Be sure your filters are changed regularly and to help ensure your system is in top shape for the colder climates—hire a professional to give it a check up and a thumb’s up!
Seal the cracks! Now’s the perfect time to make sure your home will keep the warm air in, the cold air out and your heating bill down! A little time and a fresh few tubes of caulk around your doors and windows should do the trick!
If you’re not “handy” or are just too busy these days and need an extra hand, call me. I’ve got a list of trusted professionals I can refer that can help you with all of these seasonal chores and more!

Thursday 1 November 2012

New Homeowner Must Knows!

If you’ve recently purchased a new home or are thinking about it, here are some great must-know tips for keeping your head (and your bank account) above water!

1. Not everything is a NOW issue.  Everyone moving into their new home wants that instant gratification of making it their own with new furniture, amenities and décor.  Take your time.  You’ve just made one of the biggest investments in your life, which is a great financial decision.  Spending every dime on non-essential items is not.  So, pick and choose wisely what NEEDS to be done as opposed to what you WANT to be done and schedule the want-to items out over time to allow for a financial cushion to rebuild
.
2. Fix it - don’t forget it!  Before ensuring that everything looks perfect in your new home, make sure everything is working the way it should.  Little maintenance repair needs, when overlooked, can turn into worst-case-scenarios relatively quickly.  Not sure who to call?  Call me, I’m happy to share the names of trusted contractors, handymen, painters, plumbers and more!

3. Insure it!  Life can throw us curveballs sometimes.  Protect your family and your investment with sufficient homeowner’s insurance. 

I wish you the very best of luck in your new home, and for those of you still looking — call me!  I can help you find JUST what you’re looking for!

Savvy Selling in a Shifting Market

Although the market has shifted, buyers are still
out there! Here are some tips to set yourself apart from the competition and help you sell your home in these changing times:
• Set your price competitively, and be flexible.
• Consider incentives. Make provisions or offer allowances for outdated appliances and/or carpet. Doing so sets the stage for buyers to see the potential for making the home theirs.
• Eliminate pet odors and pet hair wherever possible.
• Create a neutral landscape. De-clutter your home,and pack away much of the collectables. Present clean walls or, if you are repainting, choose neutral tones.
• Open blinds and curtains to add light and make your home more pleasant and inviting. 
• Provide a professional home inspection.
• Stay in touch with your real estate professional so you know what to expect from today’s market. Patience is a virtue!
These are just a few general strategies for selling
your home in a changing market. For a complete understanding of current market trends, average time on market and comparable home prices, call me.
I’m happy to help!