Buying or Selling

Relocating can be quite the adventure, whether it's for a sparkling new job opportunity or to be closer to your loved ones. I completely understand- the thrill of a new beginning is often mixed with feeling overwhelmed and a whole lot of to-dos. That's where I come in! Think of me as your trusted advisor until you are all settled in. I am here to make this transition as smooth and as joyful as possible for you!

1. Choose the Right Agent: This is a crucial step in ensuring that your home search is a success. Your agent should be experienced, knowledgeable, and will act as a voice of reason.

2. Research and Planning: Assess your current lifestyle- what you need, want, and can afford in a home. Consider everything from your housing costs to your closing costs. Budget is critical! Questions to consider during your home search:

   • What does your ideal home look and feel like?

   • What is your preferred neighbourhood?

   • What is your budget? Have you been in contact with a mortgage broker and received a letter of pre-approval?

3. Finding a Home: Based on the criteria you have provided, your agent will hand-select homes for you to view. Keep in mind that homes can sell rapidly in popular neighbourhoods, so time is of essence. If you see something you like, speak with your agent to arrange a showing. In person viewings of properties are extremely important. If you want to learn if a neighbourhood is right for you, you can take a walk in the community, visit local parks, restaurants, shops, and drive by at different times of the day. This will allow you to grasp a better sense of the area. Your agent is there to guide you and help you find the hidden gem, which you may soon call home!

4. Making an Offer: This tends to be a very emotional aspect of the home buying process. In competitive markets, you will need to be strategic about which conditions to include and you may need to move quickly when submitting an offer. Things to consider are your price, terms, and your current/future financial position. Your agent will analyze comparable properties with you, discuss your financial plan, advise you on how to reach your desired outcome, submit the offer, and negotiate on your behalf.

5. Closing the Deal: Once your offer has been accepted, the final steps of purchasing a home can feel overwhelming, but they are extremely important and time sensitive. Each person plays an important role, including your real estate lawyer.

   • As a buyer, you will partake in a final walk through before closing, set up utilities, purchase home insurance, sign legal documents, pay closing costs to your lawyer.

   • Your agent will arrange/attend your final visit, handle issues that may arise prior to closing, provide reminders of arranging insurance, transferring utilities, setting up movers, etc.

   • Your mortgage broker will discuss your finances in detail and remit mortgage money to your lawyer.

   • Your real estate lawyer will explain legal documents to you, conduct the title search and arrange title insurance, handle the transfer of funds from the buyer to the seller, register the property in your name, and lastly- Hand over the keys!

A mortgage calculator is a helpful tool. It can help you simulate mortgage payments, estimate mortgage loan insurance costs, and explore various payment frequencies. Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, a mortgage calculator will help you consider financial decisions!

Selling your home can feel exciting as a major milestone in your life. It is important to choose an agent which you feel confident with, who will help you achieve the best possible results in the sale of your home. Below is the ultimate seller’s guide to selling your home.

1. Working With an Agent: Choose an agent to work with. Ask questions, find out their experience, and how knowledgeable they are in the area.

2. Decide Your Next Move: If you have decided it is time to move, the first question that my clients usually have is whether they should buy their new home or sell their current home first. There is no one size fits all answer to this, it depends on your unique situation. Your agent will most likely explain your choices and point you in the direction of your mortgage broker, as they can help you understand your financing options. Once you have figured this out, you are ready to prepare your home for the market!

3. Getting Your Home Market Ready: This is a great time to complete any repairs or touch ups and discuss your marketing strategy with your agent.

4. Listing Your Home: Once your home has been listed, you will allow for showings and evaluate offers as they come in. Your agent will present offers to you and discuss the terms of the offer in detail such as the price, conditions, closing date, etc.

5. Preparing for Closing: Once you have accepted an offer, it is time to prepare for closing. During this time, you will want to fulfill any clauses the buyer may have input into their offer and ensure that you have selected a real estate lawyer.

6. Closing Day: On closing day, you will hand over the keys and the proceeds from the sale will be transferred to you. You are then off on your next adventure!

Additional Seller Tips

• Curb appeal is everything! This is the first aspect that buyers will notice when viewing your home. Take care of your yard and outdoor space. First impressions are lasting impressions.

• Clean and De-clutter- a clean home appears well-maintained and inviting, making it easier for a buyer to envision themselves living there.

• Depersonalise your home and remove personal items. You want buyers to imagine this being their own home and see a neutral space while focusing on the property.

• Gather and organise relevant documents- property tax records, warranties for appliances, records of renovations/repairs, recent inspections, etc., can help streamline the selling process and provide transparency for buyers.

• Market your home effectively. Work with your real estate agent to create a comprehensive marketing plan. If you have any questions about selling your home, you can contact me. I am here to help you navigate the real estate market with confidence.