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Navigating A Real Estate Transaction

Posted Jan 17th 2018 in

Thinking of buying or selling a home this year? Here are a few tips to help you get through the real estate process.

  1. Don’t obsess about timing.

    Many buyers and sellers attempt to anticipate the movement of the market so they can time their purchase or listing right. In reality, the right time to buy or sell is when you’re ready to buy or sell. Instead of obsessing about the perfect time, focus on making sure you’re ready.

  2. Check your expectations.

    Television and the experiences of your friends and family may colour your expectations of the buying or selling process. Everyone’s experience will be different. Learning more about the process and the state of the market will help you set realistic expectations.

  3. Keep your emotions in check.

    Most people go through the real estate process a few times in their lives. Buying a home is a huge investment, and buyers may put extra pressure on themselves to find the perfect home that meets all their buying criteria. Similarly, selling a home is an emotional journey—you’ve put a lot of time and energy into fixing up a home and created many memories there. When emotions are involved, it’s easy to make a rash decision. You’ll feel more in control of the process if you try to stay focused and calm.

  4. Do your research.

    If you’re thinking of buying, check out the neighbourhoods you want to live in, think of how long you’d like to live in the home and write down your must-haves and deal breakers. If you’re thinking of selling, I can help you position your home to sell in our market.

  5. Rely on a pro.

    You’re not alone on your journey. Real Estate Agents are here to answer your questions, ease your concerns and guide you through the process. Call me anytime you have a concern – I’m never too busy for your questions.

  6. Try Before You Buy! The Best Times to Visit a House

    If you have your eye on a home, it’s smart to visit at different times of day before you make an offer.

    Rush Hour: How long is your commute? The house may only be seven miles from work, but if you have to drive through 17 traffic lights or merge onto several busy highways, your commute may be much longer. Testing the commute is another way to help you decide if the home is right for you.

    Mid-Morning: Visiting during the day allows you to see if any neighbours are home. You will also be able to determine if there is any additional traffic noise from autos or trains nearby.

    Mid-Afternoon: If you have children, visit when school is dismissed. Not only will you see if the street is heavily trafficked at this time of day, you can also see if children use your yard as a shortcut.

    Evening: Visiting at night provides insight into the personality of the neighbourhood. Are there children playing outside? Are the neighbours entertaining guests? Are people outside running or walking their dogs? Is the neighbourhood deserted? Once you get a feel for the neighbourhood, you can assess whether you want to be part of it.