376 Bartos Dr

A quick lesson in wood floors

Thinking about installing wood floors? The first decision you need to make involves the type. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, there are four types:

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• Unfinished. This type requires you or your installer to sand and apply a finish. If you want a specific colour or style, or you're trying to match existing flooring, this might be the best option for you.

·         

• Factory finished. As the name suggests, this is flooring that has its finish applied in the factory. Although it is more expensive, factory finished flooring can be installed faster and can be walked upon immediately.

·         

• Solid. This is flooring that is made from a solid piece of wood, top to bottom. The advantage is that it can be sanded and refinished many times over the years, or even decades.

·         

• Engineered. This is flooring that is made of thin layers of wood pressed together. It can be engineered to be very durable and expand and contract less than solid flooring.

·         

The type you choose depends on your needs. Talk to your dealer or contractor about your specific application.

When is it time to talk to a REALTOR®?

Many people only see a doctor when they're sick or have some other health concern. On the other hand, some people visit a doctor regularly for check-ups, to ask questions and get advice, and to maintain good health.

Which do you think is the better approach? Obviously, the second one!

The same thing is true when it comes to real estate. Even if you have no current plans to buy or sell a home, there are many reasons to talk to a REALTOR® regularly in order to maintain your good "real estate" health. For example, you can:

·      Get an assessment of the current market value of your home, so you can make an informed decision about whether to stay or move.

·      Ask about the state of the local real estate market (which may be vastly different than what you hear on the national news.)

·      Find out what homes are currently selling for in the area.

·      Learn what's currently available on the market, especially in neighbourhoods you would like to live in and that are within your budget.

·      Ask for a contractor recommendation.

In fact, it's a good idea to have a chat with your REALTOR® once or twice a year, even if it's just to say hello.

You want to build a relationship with a good REALTOR® who understands (and cares about) you and your needs. That way, when it does come time for you to make a move, you're dealing with a REALTOR® you already know and trust.

Don't have a good REALTOR®? Call today!

10 Useful Tips When Sellng your Home during the Holidays

http://www.frontdoor.com/real-estate/top-10-tips-for-selling-your-home-during-the-holidays

12 Critical Questions to Ask a Realtor, Before Listing Your Home

In a world where ten percent of the real estate agents are doing ninety percent of the business, it is absolutely critical that you interview agents before choosing the one to handle one of your most valuable material assets your home. As mentioned in the video, here are the 12 most critical questions to ask before choosing which real estate agent to hire to list your home. (Feel free to print this for easy reference and remember, don't be shy about asking why you should hire them to earn your fee).


1. Do you have a marketing budget that outlines how you'll spend your resources to market my home and earn your fee?

2. Can you identify how your team will work to handle my listing from the minute you take it until the day that it closes? Also identify for me the different departments of your company and show me how they benefit me in the sale of my home.

3. What do you do, if anything, to ensure that the leads you generate are going to be handled in a timely manner so that we don't miss out on any qualified buyer prospects?

4. How do you differentiate marketing from advertising? And how does this difference impact the sale of my home?

5. What specific elements of your home selling and marketing strategy affect the selling price and the time my home will be on the market?

6. Do you require a pre-inspection and also that my home be staged before I sell? If not, why?

7. With the Internet being the first place that most buyers look for a home, can you identity for me the best Internet property marketing methods and why they work?

8. What reporting do you make available that shows how many unique visitors are seeing my home on the various websites it will be marketed on with you?

9. Do you have any information that details what home buyers find the most useful when it comes to a property-marketing ad and what motivates buyers to respond to it?

10. Can you identify for me what buyers on the Internet say is the number one reason they choose an agent for buying a home they found on the Internet? What in your business reflects that you understand this fact?

11. What is your strategy to attract qualified buyers from the various sources available today and how will you work to attract co-op agents so they show my home over other homes in the market?

12. What is your negotiation strategy and how can I count on you to negotiate from a position of strength than one of weakness? How can you assure me that the home inspection will not blow up my transaction at the very last minute?

As you may have guessed, we have the answers to all these questions (and more) ready and waiting for you. We invite you to come in to our office to experience the difference between us (the 10% contributing to 90% of business) versus the rest. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Selecting The Right Real Estate Agent

All real estate agents are not created equal.  They may have access to the same systems, the same information and market data, similar industry tools used across the board and universal access to government agencies that house important data that may be relevant in helping you sell your home.  So what sets apart the successful ones from the bad apples?  It is how they use the things that are at their disposal – that is what makes all the difference. 

Now, unless you are completely well versed in the process of home selling and real estate, chances are you may not know all the ins and outs of these tools.  So how can you measure the success rate of potential agents you may or may not want to work with?  The answer lies in three important metrics that you can easily employ to help you make that decision.

How Much of Your Work Day Do You Dedicate to the Real Estate Industry?

You want an agent that is 100% committed to their  job and if they are focusing more on a day job with real estate being a secondary thing, you run the risk of inaccessibility, lack of knowledge and experience plus lackluster motivation.  Find out how they feel about the real estate industry and whether they are passionate about their work.

What is Their Area of Expertise?

Many times you could have an agent who is a specialist in foreclosures or short sales. They may work with equity sales or something completely different; the point is to make sure that they understand your needs and are able to fulfill them.

How Many Days on Average Does It Take You To Sell a Home?

What’s the average number of days on the market for properties listed by your prospective agent? Since this statistic can reach as high as six to nine months and in some cases and as much as a year, it is important to ask how your prospective agent ranks on the scale. 

How Close Do You Get in Sale Price Related to Asking Price?

It is important to ask for this information as it relates to the past 60 days.  Given that many agents are not that active in the market, you would be best served to obtain the most recent information possible.  As a seller, your agent’s ability to come close to the asking price is a strong attribute and can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in your transaction.

~ 

At the end of the day, the goal is that you sell your property and sell it well. Selling it well can translate to a higher price, more efficiently managed procedures, smoother and streamlined process, and an overall quicker turn around time.  By following the suggestions in this article, you will be able to discern the best agent in your area to handle your specific needs.  Half the battle of selling your home is in choosing the right agent to help you achieve your goal. real estate agents are not created equal.  They may have access to the same systems, the same 

All real estate agents are not created equal.  They may have access to the same systems, the same information and market data, similar industry tools used across the board and universal access to government agencies that house important data that may be relevant in helping you sell your home.  So what sets apart the successful ones from the bad apples?  It is how they use the things that are at their disposal – that is what makes all the difference. 

Now, unless you are completely well versed in the process of home selling and real estate, chances are you may not know all the ins and outs of these tools.  So how can you measure the success rate of potential agents you may or may not want to work with?  The answer lies in three important metrics that you can easily employ to help you make that decision.

How Much of Your Work Day Do You Dedicate to the Real Estate Industry?

You want an agent that is 100% committed to their  job and if they are focusing more on a day job with real estate being a secondary thing, you run the risk of inaccessibility, lack of knowledge and experience plus lackluster motivation.  Find out how they feel about the real estate industry and whether they are passionate about their work.

What is Their Area of Expertise?

Many times you could have an agent who is a specialist in foreclosures or short sales. They may work with equity sales or something completely different; the point is to make sure that they understand your needs and are able to fulfill them.

How Many Days on Average Does It Take You To Sell a Home?

What’s the average number of days on the market for properties listed by your prospective agent? Since this statistic can reach as high as six to nine months and in some cases and as much as a year, it is important to ask how your prospective agent ranks on the scale. 

How Close Do You Get in Sale Price Related to Asking Price?

It is important to ask for this information as it relates to the past 60 days.  Given that many agents are not that active in the market, you would be best served to obtain the most recent information possible.  As a seller, your agent’s ability to come close to the asking price is a strong attribute and can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in your transaction.

~
At the end of the day, the goal is that you sell your property and sell it well. Selling it well can translate to a higher price, more efficiently managed procedures, smoother and streamlined process, and an overall quicker turn around time.  By following the suggestions in this article, you will be able to discern the best agent in your area to handle your specific needs.  Half the battle of selling your home is in choosing the right agent to help you achieve your goal.

Buyer Dynamics are changing How we buy Home

In the past, there have traditionally been two types of buyers for the most part -- the end user and the investor. Fairly straightforward, end users typically were in the market to occupy the home as their primary residence while investors would most likely seek to rent the home. Today, we have new dynamics when it comes to buyers. There are the end users, builders, flippers and hedge funds buying homes. Here’s a quick look at each.

In the past, there have traditionally been two types of buyers for the most part -- the end user and the investor. Fairly straightforward, end users typically were in the market to occupy the home as their primary residence while investors would most likely seek to rent the home. Today, we have new dynamics when it comes to buyers. There are the end users, builders, flippers and hedge funds buying homes. Here’s a quick look at each.

End Users

These are buyers in the traditional sense of the word and they are seeking a home to move into that will end up being their homestead. Buyers in this category are most influenced by location and condition of the home, fueling demand for certain types of homes and ultimately driving prices in some locales more so than others.

Builders

Builders tend to buy homes with the intent to tear down the existing structure and then rebuild a much more expensive house on the lot. These types of buyers will come by and often buy additional lots on and around the property and they offer homeowners at or more than asking price.

Flippers

Primarily the amateur or small-sized investor, this type of buyer seeks low-priced homes with the idea that with some renovations they can turn around and resell the house for a significant profit. This type of buyer was especially prevalent in the years immediately following the housing market crash in 2007. As time goes on, however, they are accepting a shorter and shorter margin for profit.

Hedge Fund / Wall Street

This is one type of buyer that is relatively new to the scene. Larger scale investors that are buying blocks of properties and then holding on to them do so with the intention to keep them as rental homes or ultimately put them into REITs.

~

As a result of these changing dynamics on the buying side of real estate, we are seeing a lot more inventory tied up that might normally have been available for end users. The result is a decreased supply with a constant stream of demand – ending up in prices getting pushed up.

In the midst of all this, it is critical to have an agent that understands how to properly structure an offer. The last thing you want to happen is for you to lose the home because of less than perfect representation. You need someone that truly understands the dynamics of our buyers’ market and how to leverage your position. There are other terms that can be added to your purchase agreement to make it more favorable for you.

If you are in the market for a new home, contact us today for a custom consultation on your needs and we will get to work finding and getting you the perfect home.

Builders

Builders tend to buy homes with the intent to tear down the existing structure and then rebuild a much more expensive house on the lot. These types of buyers will come by and often buy additional lots on and around the property and they offer homeowners at or more than asking price.

Flippers

Primarily the amateur or small-sized investor, this type of buyer seeks low-priced homes with the idea that with some renovations they can turn around and resell the house for a significant profit. This type of buyer was especially prevalent in the years immediately following the housing market crash in 2007. As time goes on, however, they are accepting a shorter and shorter margin for profit.

Hedge Fund / Wall Street

This is one type of buyer that is relatively new to the scene. Larger scale investors that are buying blocks of properties and then holding on to them do so with the intention to keep them as rental homes or ultimately put them into REITs.

~

As a result of these changing dynamics on the buying side of real estate, we are seeing a lot more inventory tied up that might normally have been available for end users. The result is a decreased supply with a constant stream of demand – ending up in prices getting pushed up.

In the midst of all this, it is critical to have an agent that understands how to properly structure an offer. The last thing you want to happen is for you to lose the home because of less than perfect representation. You need someone that truly understands the dynamics of our buyers’ market and how to leverage your position. There are other terms that can be added to your purchase agreement to make it more favorable for you.

If you are in the market for a new home, contact us today for a custom consultation on your needs and we will get to work finding and getting you the perfect home.

End Users

These are buyers in the traditional sense of the word and they are seeking a home to move into that will end up being their homestead. Buyers in this category are most influenced by location and condition of the home, fueling demand for certain types of homes and ultimately driving prices in some locales more so than others.

Builders

Builders tend to buy homes with the intent to tear down the existing structure and then rebuild a much more expensive house on the lot. These types of buyers will come by and often buy additional lots on and around the property and they offer homeowners at or more than asking price.

Flippers

Primarily the amateur or small-sized investor, this type of buyer seeks low-priced homes with the idea that with some renovations they can turn around and resell the house for a significant profit. This type of buyer was especially prevalent in the years immediately following the housing market crash in 2007. As time goes on, however, they are accepting a shorter and shorter margin for profit.

Hedge Fund / Wall Street

This is one type of buyer that is relatively new to the scene. Larger scale investors that are buying blocks of properties and then holding on to them do so with the intention to keep them as rental homes or ultimately put them into REITs.

~

As a result of these changing dynamics on the buying side of real estate, we are seeing a lot more inventory tied up that might normally have been available for end users. The result is a decreased supply with a constant stream of demand – ending up in prices getting pushed up.

In the midst of all this, it is critical to have an agent that understands how to properly structure an offer. The last thing you want to happen is for you to lose the home because of less than perfect representation. You need someone that truly understands the dynamics of our buyers’ market and how to leverage your position. There are other terms that can be added to your purchase agreement to make it more favorable for you.

If you are in the market for a new home, contact us today for a custom consultation on your needs and we will get to work finding and getting you the perfect home.

End Users

These are buyers in the traditional sense of the word and they are seeking a home to move into that will end up being their homestead. Buyers in this category are most influenced by location and condition of the home, fueling demand for certain types of homes and ultimately driving prices in some locales more so than others.

Builders

Builders tend to buy homes with the intent to tear down the existing structure and then rebuild a much more expensive house on the lot. These types of buyers will come by and often buy additional lots on and around the property and they offer homeowners at or more than asking price.

Flippers

Primarily the amateur or small-sized investor, this type of buyer seeks low-priced homes with the idea that with some renovations they can turn around and resell the house for a significant profit. This type of buyer was especially prevalent in the years immediately following the housing market crash in 2007. As time goes on, however, they are accepting a shorter and shorter margin for profit.

Hedge Fund / Wall Street

This is one type of buyer that is relatively new to the scene. Larger scale investors that are buying blocks of properties and then holding on to them do so with the intention to keep them as rental homes or ultimately put them into REITs.

~

As a result of these changing dynamics on the buying side of real estate, we are seeing a lot more inventory tied up that might normally have been available for end users. The result is a decreased supply with a constant stream of demand – ending up in prices getting pushed up.

In the midst of all this, it is critical to have an agent that understands how to properly structure an offer. The last thing you want to happen is for you to lose the home because of less than perfect representation. You need someone that truly understands the dynamics of our buyers’ market and how to leverage your position. There are other terms that can be added to your purchase agreement to make it more favorable for you.

If you are in the market for a new home, contact us today for a custom consultation on your needs and we will get to work finding and getting you the perfect home.