Shopping for a new home can be a dizzying experience. There are so many things to think about. It’s all too easy to lose focus on the most important consideration of all: getting the home you really want. Here are five questions to help focus your efforts: 1. Is it located in the neighborhood I want? Where […]
Should You Get Pre-Approved?
One of the best things you can do to ensure you get the home you want is to arrange for financing before you go shopping. This is often referred to as getting “pre-approved”. Getting pre-approved simply means that your lender has calculated how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you, depending on your […]
Does Location Really Matter?
You find a beautiful home available on the market, but you’re not so sure about the location. Does it really matter all that much? YES. It does. That’s why the famous realtor saying came about: “Location, location, location!” The location of a home you’re considering buying will affect you in two ways. First, it will […]
Do You Need a Pre-Sale Inspection?
Your home probably has dozens of great features that are going to help it stand out and sell faster. Perhaps it has a cozy sunken living room. Or an equipped and smartly decorated kitchen that Rachel Ray would envy. Or a location in a desirable neighborhood. All these things will help. But there’s another selling […]
The Benefits of a Less than Perfect Home
Should You Accept a “Conditional Offer”?
There’s no doubt about it. The best kind of offer is a “firm” offer. The buyer offers you a certain price for your property and, should you accept it, the deal is done. Congratulations. You’ve just sold your house! But more often than not, an offer is “conditional”. That means the buyer is offering you […]
The Vocabulary of Selling a Home
As in any industry, there are terms and buzzwords that are unique to residential real estate. When you put your home on the market, you should know what those terms mean. Here are definitions for the most common ones: Fair Market Value: This is an estimate of how much a specific home will sell for […]
Can You Afford the Home You Want?
Can you afford to purchase the home you really want? Here are some things to consider:. What kind of home do you want? What kind of neighborhood do you want to live in? What features and characteristics do you need in a home? (Three bedrooms? A large living room for entertaining? A backyard big enough […]
What Do You Already Love
What’s great about your home? Is it the spacious foyer and generous main floor closet space? Is it the beautiful washroom? Is it the playground that is only a short walking distance away? Although some properties may look similar at first glance, every home is unique – with features and characteristics that make it special. […]
2 Top Tips for Home Security
When it comes to home security, most homeowners think about door locks and alarms. These are, of course, very important. However, there is also a lot you can do around your property to prevent the possibility of a break-in. Outdoor Lighting. One important part of home security is outdoor lighting. Your home doesn’t need to […]