Month: April 2016

Moving From The Big City To Windsor? You Need A Seasoned, Local Realtor®

Moving can be scary – especially if you are moving from the bustling metropolis of a big city to a smaller city like Windsor or surrounding Essex County. While you are going to certainly find a quieter, more peaceful location in Windsor, things are still quite different from what you may have been accustomed to in a larger city. Thus, it’s essential that you choose a Realtor® that knows their city and surrounding area like the back of their hand.

A Realtor® worthy of your time shouldn’t solely know how to navigate their city, where to find the best of a certain cuisine, or the upcoming events on a city’s community calendar. Rather, they should understand how (and why) a city operates and behaves. Below are a few ways a quality Realtor® will make the move to Windsor/Essex as streamlined and simple as possible.

Good Realtors® know their city’s culture

Anybody can search for homes on Google – that’s easy. Yet, it takes a special kind of professional that can tell you about the culture of the homes you are interested in. That’s where a proper Realtors®  in Windsor/Essex County (such as myself) can help you. Whereas you may think you found the perfect home for you and your family, is the environment around the home perfect as well?

Quality Windsor Realtors® can provide you with this information. A perfect home doesn’t always mean it’s indeed perfect: the neighbourhood and the surrounding environment may not be what your family wants and needs. Without a knowledgeable Realtor®, you may actually make a mistake when purchasing a home. Avoid the risk: only choose Windsor Realtors®  that know the culture of each neighbourhood!

They also know a city’s history

It’s interesting how quickly a ‘dream home’ can become just another home you’re marking off your ‘Home’s to Buy’ checklist. Homes tell a different story when you delve deeper into their history and the history of the neighbourhood and communities surrounding it. The best Windsor/Essex Realtors® know the history of a city, particular neighbourhoods, and even the streets that surround the home.

By knowing the history of one’s area – especially if you are purchasing a home in the city – you will seriously decrease the threat of ‘buyer’s remorse.’ An area’s history tells you what you can expect to happen later down the road, and allows you to figure out for yourself whether you should consider buying a home in another neighbourhood, or if going forward with the purchase is the best course of action. In combination with knowing an area’s culture, these two facets are a great way to learn whether or not you should purchase a home in question.

Ultimately, the best Realtors®  know where you need to be

Quality Essex County Realtors® can learn about your families wants, needs, and desires simply by having a casual conversation with you and your family. From there, they can assist you in not only finding your new dream home in a new city, but they can also help you to discover the perfect neighbourhood for your family. Never try to find a new home alone: use the expertise of a knowledgeable Realtor® that knows Windsor/Essex County  better than anyone, and eliminate the risk of buyer’s regret altogether.

Give me a call, let me find you your dream home in Windsor/Essex.

HOW TO BE COMPETITIVE IN A SELLER’S MARKET

A seller’s market exists when multiple buyers compete for the same house, often within the first 12-24 hours of the property being listed for sale.

Are you ready to take the plunge?

Here are five things you can do to be strong in a seller’s market.

  1. Choose a Realtor® that you are going to work with! Having representation by a professional that has your best interest in mind is the smartest thing you can do. Don’t just go to the listing sales representative… They are under contract to get the most money and best deal for the sellers. Find someone you click with and that understands your personal needs. Be sure they are aggressive enough in a hot market to get the job done for you!
  1. Be realistic! Everyone wants to pay the lowest price. When you are buying in a seller’s market you have to be prepared to pay more than the asking price. Choosing the right Realtor® is your secret weapon.
  1. Get your financing in order.  In a seller’s market, any conditions – including financing or selling an existing property – affects your competitiveness. Being prequalified for a mortgage and knowing what you can realistically afford is normally a must, but even more so in a hot market.  Only look at houses you can realistically afford – besides the monthly mortgage payment, there are many other costs of homeownership, such as, property taxes, utilities and maintenance.  If you only qualify for a $200,000 mortgage and your dream home costs $350,000 you will need to alter your expectations. Living above your means creates stress and problems that are unnecessary.
  1.  Your Realtor® is your best advocate. He/she can help you know the best course of action. Sometimes it’s all about the money… that is, whose offer is the highest? Other things can affect whether a seller chooses your offer over others:

•    What are your conditions?

•    Do you need a home inspection or a financing clause?

You need to be sure you are protected but the more conditions you have the weaker your offer becomes (even if you have the highest price). Even helping the sellers have a feel for you as a buyer can help persuade them in your direction. A great Realtor® will help you navigate all the finer points that will ensure you are successful in purchasing the home of your dreams.

  1.  Decide where you are willing to compromise.  For example, are you willing to work with the sellers’ preferred closing date? Being flexible is a great way to ensure it is your offer the seller will choose.

Buying a home in a seller’s market is not for everyone.  Regardless of the market conditions, a licensed Realtor® such as myself, can help you put your best foot forward.  Let’s talk.