Moving is HARD!  

I know, because we just it and it was the single, most complicated , move we have ever made!

We had been living in Milton for almost 20 years and so comfortable there.  Sure, we wanted a bigger lot, more parking spaces and a pool but we were comfortable in our little bungalow in Bronte Meadows.  We had no intentions of making a move.  

Until..

My husband, Dan's landscape business, Groundhog Earthmatters Inc (Shameless Plug ) had been leasing space on Nipissing Road for years. The developer who bought the buildings where we were located, gave us six months to vacate so that they can start constructions on yet another condo build in Milton!  With lack of required zoning to run our business, we decided to make a move to Flamborough for more outdoor space and a shop to store our equipment, and park our trucks etc..

Moving almost a decade worth of stuff from the shop and office as well as moving our home, was way more work than we anticipated! Adjusting to the distance from our beloved Milton, has been even more difficult, but we are adjusting nonetheless.  I think for me, what has been the most difficult is the feeling of displacement.  Milton was not just where we lived.  It was a community where we raised our 3 children and birthed our three businesses. I couldn't walk into a grocery store without striking up a conversation with someone I knew.  I was immersed in that community and I felt at home there. 

I love our new home and I love every bit of the almost 4 acres that it sits on.  I love that the shop is steps from our door and my son and husband can work on their equipment ( and motorcycles) all while technically being at home.  I didn't get my pool but there is plenty of room to dream one up in the future.  However, I do feel out of sorts and out of touch.  Out of touch with community and no sens of belonging.   I know our ties in Milton are forever.  We both still run businesses there and have made life-long friendships there and well.. my beloved gym, Onyx Fitness is there and that is huge part of my life, but I still feel like I left home.  I know I will make ties here.  I know I will be ok, but for now, I feel like I am in limbo and yearning for that feeling of home, here in Flamborough.  

Life changes and sometimes it takes a little while to find your footing.  I will find mine.

Through Life's Changes, Home Matters

Preparing for higher rates

Given inflationary pressures, the Bank of Canada indicated in their last rate announcement that rate hikes could take place earlier than previously indicated, in mid-2022, which means variable rates that rise and fall in tandem with the key rate will start climbing. Views among economists vary as to how many hikes we'll see in 2022 and 2023 because no one really knows whether inflation is truly transitory given supply chain issues, or even if it won't be a long-term issue at all.

Keep in mind that even with the projected increases, we'll still be in an ultra-low-rate environment and an incredibly stable market. We've also seen increases before to only see them decrease again. But rates will likely rise, so here are answers to the questions I'm getting:

What is the impact on my current mortgage? With variable-rate mortgages, as rates rise so too will be the amount of interest you pay. While your payment often doesn't increase, you'll pay less principal and more interest. Fixed-rate mortgages – which are based on the bond market – have already been trending slightly upward, although if you have a fixed mortgage, you aren't affected until it's time to renew. Consider taking advantage of your prepayment privileges and increase your payment so at renewal, you are accustomed to paying the higher amount.

Should I refinance now? Many have already taken advantage of low Covid mortgage rates to refinance their current mortgage to get a lower rate, for debt consolidation, renovations, or to help a child buy a home. If you feel this is a good opportunity and want to access these low rates that won't be around too much longer, please get in touch for an analysis of whether it makes good financial sense.

Should I lock in my variable-rate mortgage? A key question to consider is: why pay more money than you have to? It will take several prime rate increases for variable rates to be on par with a fixed rate, and you are likely better off sticking with your original strategy of focusing on payment vs. rate. Preparing for higher rates is different than locking in. You can prepare by increasing your payment amount if your budget allows, so you are paying down more principal and building a buffer for later. 

But if it's going to keep you awake at night then let's talk about your conversion options. Remember though, you should be confident you'll stay in a 5-year fixed mortgage for the entire term. Breaking a fixed mortgage can result in some onerous penalties. If you aren't sure you'll stay in the mortgage for 5 years, the interest rate risk of a variable mortgage may be a better option than the penalty risk of breaking a fixed mortgage.

What if my mortgage is coming up for renewal? Don't feel rushed or pressured by a renewal letter or call. Let's discuss your options. We'll review your renewal offer together and I'll shop around to see if it's really the best deal available. Do you have too much other debt? This may be the time to roll it into a new mortgage to boost cash flow and save on interest costs.

Should I jump into the market now? The prospect of higher rates could cause a sense of urgency among homebuyers to get their mortgages before those increases take place. My advice is always the same: buy when you are financially ready. Don't jump the gun just because rates "may" go higher. But, if you're thinking about buying, I can arrange a pre-approval, so you're protected from rate increases for up to 120 days while you shop around.

Should we talk? Yes for sure. You should have confidence in your mortgage plan and that's why professional mortgage advice is so critical. I have access to a wide range of lenders and know the right questions to ask to assess your situation and make sure you have the best mortgage strategy for whatever is ahead.This valuable information is brought you by Kimberly Singh of Mortgage Intelligence

What's involved in giving your child a boost to homeownership?

With the financial demands of school loans, living expenses, and finding a career path, many young people struggle to purchase their first home. Often, parents and grandparents are very sympathetic. They've enjoyed the financial benefits of long-term homeownership themselves and see how hard it is today to make that important first step into the real estate market. And when you add in the run-up in home prices over the last 18 months, it's not a surprise that homebuying assistance using these two strategies is up dramatically:

You do want to put some careful thought into this before you help. Here are some things you may want to consider:

Your own financial situation. Your first responsibility is to your own financial security, so you need to consider what kind of help you can afford. Can you afford to gift the money, and if so, how much? Will you be okay to assume responsibility of the mortgage payments if you co-sign and the primary borrower defaults? Co-signing could also limit your ability to borrow and affect your credit score.

Family dynamics. Are there siblings or other family members to consider? Will there be an issue of fairness that you need to manage?

Homeownership is a big financial responsibility. You know there are more costs to homeownership than just paying the monthly mortgage payment, like heat, hydro, insurance, cable, taxes, and of course repairs and upkeep. Before you offer your child a boost to homeownership, consider whether they're ready for the financial responsibility.

If your child is married or living with a partner, consider property law. Should your child's marriage break up, you may discover that 50 percent of the money goes free and clear to your child's partner as part of a settlement of family property. If this is a concern to you, be sure to get in touch with a lawyer to discuss what protections you may be able to put in place before funding.
 

THIS INFORAMATION WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

KIMBERLY SINGH

MORTGAGE INTELLIGENCE INC

Mortgage Agent

289.242.6791

https://www.kimberlysingh.ca

Selling your Home During a Divorce

SPONSORED BY ABSOLUTE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

AUTHOR - MARIAN GRANDE, MEDIATOR

One of the biggest tasks you face when separating or divorcing is the equalization of your assets.  For most people, the matrimonial home is the largest asset they share with their spouse or partner.  To most people, the realization that they must sell their home is daunting and overwhelming, and trying to split this asset may cause even more uncertainty and confusion.

Luckily, there are some steps that you can take that will make the process as seemingly smooth as possible.

What will happen to the home?

Firstly, you and your spouse/partner must decide on what will happen to the home.  Do you sell it and split the proceeds?  Does one party remain in the house while the other party buys the other party out?  Who would stay and who would go?  Does the party who is going to stay qualify for financing on their own? 

Will the party be able to carry the other expenses of the home such as property taxes and utilities?  If one party decides to buy out the other or have their share of the home transferred to the other party, you will need to retain a real estate lawyer to handle the transfer.  Will the legal fees be shared, or will one party pay for these expenses?

If you cannot decide what to do or cannot agree on what to do, enlisting the assistance of an accredited mediator who is experienced in family law can greatly help you reach a resolution.

When should we sell our home?

Selling a home may take many months, depending on real estate market fluctuations.  You may also need time to bring the home into a good state of repair which may add time to getting the home sold.

If the parties cannot agree on a realtor, a mediator can assist you with this process.  The parties should advise the realtor that they are selling due to a separation/divorce, and they should ideally choose a neutral realtor, that neither party has had any previous association with.  Steer clear of family or friends who are realtors.  Your mediator or lawyer may be able to recommend a few realtors for you both to meet with.

The home would be appraised and sold at fair market value by a qualified realtor that you both agree on, all expenses should be paid out of the equity of the home equally between the parties, and the funds remaining would be split between the parties.  A real estate lawyer can assist you with this process.

Sometimes, it may be necessary for your real estate lawyer to hold the proceeds of the sale of your home in trust, until all other matters have been agreed upon through mediation or through a court process, at which time each party would be paid out their respective share.

What price should we list the home at?

This part is often the point of disagreement between the parties themselves or the parties and the realtor.  It is not always easy to agree on this point.

I hope you are well and squeezing out the last drops of summer!  I know we are here at our place!

I wanted to reach out today with an ask.  I have recently been nominated by The Canadian Champion for the Reader's Choice Awards.  These nominations come from community members, which to me, means EVERYTHING!

I was nominated in the Realtor category.  I know how hard I have been working and things like this make it all worth while.

The next step in the process, is to get as many votes as possible so that I could come in as a winner!  So many of my amazing, hard owrking peers are also nominated, but if you scroll down, you will MY NAME and all you have to do is click VOTE!

CLICK HERE!

https://www.insidehalton.com/readerschoice-milton/categories/people-professionals/subcategories/real-estate-agent

Your help is very much appreciated! 

As always, if you need me (and not just Real Estate related) I am a phone call away!

Obtaining a mortgage can be intimidating and confusing. Similar to the buyer and seller guides, I’ve outlined the mortgage process for you in 4 easy steps!



Step 1: Mortgage Application



Before an application gets filled out, it’s important to first asses yourself financially. Figure out how much money you have and how much you need to borrow. It’s always critical to sort out how much you can afford so that when you apply for a mortgage you will be able to financially sustain yourself. A mortgage associate will then take an application by phone, in person, or online. Once it has been received, the mortgage application process will begin by verifying the information you have provided.



Step 2: Choose the Right Mortgage Program



Like all homes, mortgages also come in all shapes and sizes. You have to pick which loan is more aligned with your financial situation and goals. There are four basic types ofhome financing loans.



A) Fixed Rate Mortgage



Fixed Rate mortgages usually have terms that can last from 1 year to 10 years. As the name suggests, the interest rate and monthly payments will remain the same for the specified term. This type of loan should appeal to you if you: Plan to live in the home for more than 5 years Like the stability of a fixed interest payment Think your income and spending will stay the same Don’t like the risk of having a higher monthly payment



B) Adjustable Rate Mortgage



An Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) lasts for 3-5 years. But during these terms, the interest rate on the loan can go up or down which means monthly payments can increase or decrease. This type of loan should appeal to you if you: Plan to say in your home for less than 5 years Don’t mind having your monthly payment increase or decrease Are comfortable with risk of possible payment increases in the future Think your income will probably increase in the future



C) Combination Rate Mortgage



A Combination Rate Mortgage combines fixed interest rates and adjustable interest rates. This type of loan would appeal to you if you: Want to manage interest rate risk Choose to take advantage of both long and short term rates Like the stability of a fixed interest payment Don’t mind having monthly payment increase or decrease



D) Lines of Credit



Utilizing a Line of Credit is becoming an innovative way to finance your home purchase. You can take the amount you need from the credit limit that you were granted. You only pay interest on what you use and this money can be put towards things like home renovations, a child’s education, and debt consolidation.



Step 3: Mortgage Submission and Approval



Once you select the appropriate mortgage program, you will submit this information to your mortgage associate along with any other required documentation. You will then wait for the mortgage approval from the mortgage associate either through email or fax. After the approval, the associate will also review your commitment to the mortgage. Any additional documents that are required by the lender should be sent to the associate no later than 10 days after the approval.



Step 4: Lawyer



The associate will send the mortgage instructions to your lawyer to review and sign the documents. First you will review all the terms and conditions prior to signing to make sure the interest rate and loan terms are what were promised. Double check to see that the names and address are correctly spelled on the documents. Signing takes place in front of a notary public or lawyer. There will be several fees with obtaining a mortgage and transferring property ownership which will be paid at closing. Bring a bank draft check for the down payment and closing costs if required. Personal cheques are not accepted. You will also need to show homeowners insurance policy and other requirements such as flood or fire insurance and proof of payment.

When it comes time to sell your home, you will likely be put in a situation where home updates, repairs, and upgrades are recommended in order to boost the value of your home for maximum returns! Now before tearing down a wall or throwing your money at everything it's important to understand not all home renovations are equal. Below you will find a list of the top 5 home renovations that have significant impact on your selling potential:

1. Improve energy efficiency

This one is often a surprise to people - when you think of home improvements, they are generally the physical changes you see with your eyes. The secret is that potential buyers are taking energy efficiency very seriously when making considerations on what to buy.  

Just to give an example, attic insulation projects return approximately 120% of their costs! Other energy-efficiency upgrades that are effective include updating HVAC, water heaters, and windows. If you do these changes early in the process (enough to get utility bills), your real estate agent can show potential buyers the difference between the monthly costs before and after the upgrades! 

2. Spruce up your curb appeal 

First impressions matter, and it starts the moment a potential buyer lays eyes on your home. These exterior improvements don't need to be radical either, there are many subtle touches that have huge impact. Some examples include power washing the home exterior, re-painting window frames and doors, and installing some potlights. If your property has abundant green space, you should consider landscaping services which beautify the lawn with mulch, shrubs, and planting seasonal colorful plants. If you have the means for it, adding new stone veneers, entry doors, and garage doors almost always recoup 100% of their cost.

3. Minor kitchen remodeling

The heart of the home; the kitchen. Buyers often report that the kitchen is their favourite room - and so it's easy to see how a gorgeous kitchen can entice even the most reserved buyers. In fact, if the kitchen is impressive enough, buyers may be more forgiving to other outdated spaces.

As the title suggests, I'm not recommending that you spend tens of thousands to improve the kitchen. I'm talking about the minor renovations that bring the most impact. Some examples include re-painting cabinets, installing new handles, installing stainless steel appliances, upgrading countertops, and putting up a new backsplash!

4. Bathroom remodeling

Next to the kitchen, buyers will zipline to bathrooms to develop their opinion of the home. Studies have shown that a minor bathroom remodel can provide a 102% return on investment - consider re-grouting tile and replacing the caulk around the shower, tub, and toilet. In some cases it may be best to replace the toilet - accomplshing both a modern look as well as energy efficiency (remember, energy-efficiency is a huge selling point).

5. A fresh coat of paint

A clean coat of paint is the facelift every seller can benefit from - we are talking 109% returns on investment here! New paint will lighten rooms and hide any defects. If your home has rooms with non-neutral paint colours, then painting over those spaces with neutral tones can have huge benefits! Ther buyer wants to enter the home and impose their personality within it, and areas with too much personality often work against your goal of selling effectively. 

How to Buy a Home in 10 Steps

1. Choose a real estate agent that’s right for you. A home is a huge investment, so work with a realtor that’s knowledgeable, professional and responsive. Treat your search for the right agent like a job interview. Meet with a few different agents, ask lots of questions and check references. Here is a list of 7 questions to ask an agent before you commit.

2. Know your budget. As you already know, buying a home is going to be expensive. Knowing exactly how much it will cost and how much you can spend is a crucial step in making a wise investment. Consider your lifestyle, your income and any current debts you’re carrying. Are you secure in your employment? Are you planning any major life changes in the near future, such as a job change or growing your family? Be mindful of the financial impacts this could have.

3. Explore mortgage options and get pre-approved. A mortgage pre-approval informs you of how much your lender is willing to lend you based on a number of factors, such as your credit rating, income and debts. The lender also guarantees the current interest rate for up to 120 days (time may vary depending on the lender), giving you the freedom to house hunt, knowing that you’re safe from interest rate increases. If rates drop, so too should your guaranteed rate. In addition to the interest rate, be sure to also take into account the terms of the mortgage. Here is a quick mortgage calculator that you can refer back to anytime.mortgage-calculator

4. Start home hunting. Admittedly, this step that has many sub-steps, but let’s narrow it down a bit. While the old adage of “location, location, location” still stands when it comes to good real estate investments, the recent trend of remote workplaces has given people greater flexibility when it comes to answering that all-important question of “where?” Then comes the what: what type of home do you need to accommodate how you and your family live? Condominiums, townhomes and freehold homes each offer distinct benefits, so ensure you’re choosing something that will work for you for the next rive years. Create a remax.ca account and register to receive listings that meet your criteria when they hit the market.

5. Schedule showings. Did you know your agent can show homes in-person or virtually? Virtual showings have been around for some time, often used for purchases by buyers from overseas, however it has picked-up speed with local buyers too, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Regardless of how you choose to view the listings, keep your eyes on the prize. Remember your budget and the must-haves outlined in step #4 above.

6. Make an offer. You’ve found the home you want, in a location you like. Now, to make an offer to purchase for a price and terms that are agreeable to both you and the seller. Here’s where working with an experienced realtor can give you the upper hand. Different market conditions require a different approach – a seller’s market might mean lots of competition, requiring you to come in at or over asking price with few to no conditions, while a buyer’s market means you have choice and time is on your side. Lean on your agent on how to best handle the situation.

7. Get a home inspection. Regardless of the market, this is one condition that we recommend you keep as part of your offer. The home inspection is intended to identify any existing or potential underlying problems in a home, alerting the buyer of risks and giving them leverage in negotiating a reduced selling price. Your home inspector will examine systems that are visible without opening walls or floors, including heating, plumbing, electrical, roofing and foundation. The inspection should take approximately three hours and will cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the home.

8. Close the deal. Depending on the agreed upon terms in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, the closing period is typically 90 days, however is can range from a weeks to months. The homebuyer has some important obligations during this waiting period. Once the offer has been accepted, there’s typically a 10-day “cooling off” period, during which you take all the necessary steps with regard to financing, home inspection and everything else that needs to happen before you officially seal the deal. Your mortgage lender will need a copy of the offer to ensure it’s in-line with your pre-approved level of financing. After the 10 days have passed – with any adjustments or repairs made to your satisfaction – your Realtor will finalize the deal and your lawyer will process the paperwork, including the mortgage documents with your lender. All of this will point to a final date of actual legal possession: the real closing day.

9. Update utilities, transfer services and change-of-address. During your closing period, keep track of utility and credit card bills, magazine subscriptions and any other regular mail or standing orders that you receive at your current address. Alert them of the address change in advance of your closing date. Also be sure to contact your doctor and dentist. For family and friends, you can easily send a change of address card via mail or email, but there are a few more steps when it comes to informing government agencies.

• Click here to change your address with the Canada Revenue Agency

• Contact your local Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transportation to find out how to change your address on your health card and driver’s license.

• Forward mail to your new address by visiting the Canada Post website or at your local post office.

10. Move into your new home! If you’re moving during the busy season (typically summer) ensure you’ve booked a moving company well in advance. If you’re doing it yourself, book the truck, enlist some help and ensure you have ample packing materials. Here are some packing tips:

• Pack the items you will need first in a clear plastic bin

• Pack your plates vertically so they are less likely to break

• Take a photo of how you electronics are connected so you can know where the wires go

• Wrap your breakables in clothing to save on bubble wrap

• Keep your glassware safe by packing it with clean socks

SOURCE:https://blog.remax.ca/how-do-you-buy-a-home-10-essential-steps/

2020 is on its way out the door and although I am ready to kick the door shut behind it, there is a part of me that wants to say my proper goodbyes. Every year, at this time, I take some time to reflect on the year behind me. I take the time to count the blessings, forgive myself for mistakes, come to terms with regrets but most of all, I focus on the lessons. 2020 brought with it no shortage of lessons!

I have always said that the people I wake up to every morning are the ones that matters most. Never, have I been more right about anything. In March, when all we had was the people we wake up with, it was make it or break it! Every family has its unique dynamics. Ours is no exception. For the most part, our home is very peaceful and we co-exist and live in harmony, with a splash of yelling and witty comebacks.

Like most families, the first lockdown, could have gone either way. I was proud of how we managed. The boys stayed busy. I was thankful for our industrial space we use for my husband's landscape business. It was a blessing. The boys spent a ton of time there working on their motorcycles. Yes, I did say morocycles. My 23 year old got a motorcycle and his M licence. I love to ride on the back of my husband's, bike, but my son on a bike was not something I thought I could handle. The lesson he taught me was that he was sensible and a lot more cautious than I gave him credit for. He took the responsibility seriously and I am grateful. The motorcycle also helped carve out some father and son time, for which I am also grateful.

Our 18 year old suffered some losses. As a twelvth grader, she missed out on many milestones, one of them being prom night. The dress had been bought and there were big plans. I thought for sure, that it would break her. I was wrong. The lesson here was that she learned, that although prom sounded exciting, she quickly realized that her best friend was that one person that mattered most when all was said and done. So they dolled themselves up as though they were attending prom and they had my eldest shoot some gorgeous shots of them in their very expensive prom dresses. She will always have that. I learned that my daughter is far more resilinet than I give her credit for and that prom dresses in this day and age are VERY expensive!

My eldest celebrated a huge milestone. Her boyfriend and her had been saving and planning for a home purchase for a couple of years and this year they finally realized that goal. They purchased their first home and on their closing day, he proposed to her in the foyer of their new home. She said "yes"! I am incredibly proud of both of them. The lesson for me in all of this is still to come I think. She is offically moving into her home with her fiance this weekend. I will have to learn how to live without one of the people I wake up to every morning. It is a lesson that will be hard to learn. I will miss the extra dishes all over the island and the extra shoes sprawled all over the front entrance. I am sensing that the lesson will be, "Careful what you wish for when you wish for a clean house, a quiet house".

My Real Estate career brought a ton of lessons as well. I am grateful for an incredible year, the absolutely beautiful human beings God has brought to me as clients and the lessons and challenges that came along the way.

I look forward to more lessons in 2021. Whatever come my way, I accept it with an open heart and an open mind. I wish you and your family a peaceful year. I wish that when you wake up every morning, your home is filled with love and an abundane of good health.

Blessings to your Family Home from Ours

Susana Medeiros

Maybe you’re buying a home for the first time. Or maybe you’re selling your old home to move to something new. Whether buying or selling, you’re involved in an intricate process requiring many specialists. One of these specialists might be a REALTOR®, who’s responsible for making the transaction as easy as possible for you.

The REALTOR® Difference

However, not every licensed or registered broker or salesperson is a REALTOR®. To be a REALTOR®, the agent must be a member of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). And to be a member of CREA, an agent is expected to be:

• Committed to the REALTOR® Code: The code is the accepted standard of conduct for all real estate practitioners who are REALTORS®. It’s your guarantee of professional conduct and the quality service. Read more about the REALTOR® Code.

• Knowledgeable about developments in real estate: A REALTOR® can get you the information needed to make an informed decision: comparable prices, neighborhood trends, housing market conditions and more.

• Actively updating education: Through courses, workshops and other professional development, a REALTOR® maintains a high level of current knowledge about real estate.

• Access: REALTORS® have access to Board MLS® Systems, which facilitate the cooperate sale of properties to benefit consumers.

Benefits of a REALTOR®

Whether buying or selling a home, you can trust that your REALTOR® will ensure the transaction is completed competently and professionally. You don’t have to worry about the details – your REALTOR® can take care of them for you. You can get advice from someone with an intimate knowledge of the local housing market. And you can count on the help of a professional who has committed to serve with integrity and competence.

Your satisfaction and happiness is something that is very important to me. I understand how hectic it is to sell a house and it can be difficult if it’s not handled properly. To help you through the entire process, I’ve put together five simple steps:

Step 1: Decide to Sell

When you sell, you want to get as much value as you can for your home. So you might want to consider the timing of the sale because it definitely has an effect on the value. You don’t want to sell when it’s a “buyer’s market,” when too many homes are for sale and there are not enough buyers. Seasonality is something to consider as well because typically more homes are sold in the spring rather than the winter. You can also increase the value by enhancing the appeal of your house.

There are various ways to do this and it all depends on the amount of monetary resources available. You can renovate your house by remodelling an area or just freshen up the walls with a new coat of paint. Even just keeping your front lawn tidy can make a big difference. Buyers love seeing green grass and flowers outside because it feels more warm and inviting to them. Home inspections are also something that you can do to prove the value of your home. Buyers will usually ask for a home inspection, so if you do it ahead of time it will definitely impress them. It also gives you a chance to prevent unpleasant surprises and make any major repairs. Now you’re ready for the for sale sign!

Step 2: Choose the right agent

There are thousands of real estate agents, so how do you chose one that’s right for you? You have to pick carefully. They will be acting as your representative and you will need someone to look out for your best interests. You will need someone that you can trust and someone who understands what you want. There are a few ways to look for your perfect Realtor: Jot down some names and numbers that you find on “For Sale” signs Ask friends and family for a recommendation Visit one of the local offices in your area They have to be a trained professional who knows your area inside out. A great agent is someone who offers you quality services to help you accomplish your goal.

Step 3: List your Home

Now that you’ve found the perfect real estate agent, they will list your home. First they will value your house and set a price. A report on market data will be complied to properly value your home based on the prices in your area. Once they’ve done that the agent will market your home through various media outlets and listing sites to create strong buyer interest. They can post on Multiple Listing Service (MLS), social media, blogs, and websites. There will be open house appointments as well to showcase the potential of your home to various individuals. At this point, Realtors may also suggest to stage the home to help these individuals imagine themselves living in your house.

Step 4: Receive an Offer

Not all offers are equal and that’s where your real estate agent comes in. They will help you get to know the terms and conditions regarding the price that the buyer wants to pay, financing conditions, or other things like inclusions and exclusions that the buyer wants to make. Not only is it about the price of the home, but you have to carefully look at the other details included in the sale. Appliances, chandeliers, or even minor renovations can also be part of the deal. Shorter or longer closing dates can also be specified by the buyer. If there is something in the offer that doesn’t satisfy you, counter offers or negotiations can also be presented to help get you what you want.

Step 5: Close the Sale

There will be closing costs associated with the sale that need to be paid either by or on the closing date. It can include mortgage application fees, inspections, and legal fees. But once that’s taken care of, you can pass your old keys to the new owners. Congrats! You’ve officially sold your house!