A good agent can make it easier to buy a home. However, many may be unaware about how to locate and work with a professional real estate agent that will do what is best for their client. Experienced Canadian agents can fine-tune strategies depending on the current market, helping facilitate the acceptance of an offer on a property in a competitive market. This is only one reason that individuals and couples are taking steps to work with a reputable agent.
Interview Multiple Agents
Clients need to make the time to meet with more than one agent before coming to a final decision. Clients should feel comfortable asking questions and see if the agents interviewed listen to specific requirements. It is also worth noting if an agent:
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Our report has been somewhat repetitive over the past few months with the continuing trend of fewer sales and more listings for sale. We are starting to see price declines across most property types, areas and price ranges.
Last month there were 329 properties sold in Greater Victoria, 24% fewer than the 431 sold in January of 2018 and also 12% fewer than December. Condo sales were down only 6% while single family sales were down 29% from the previous year. Last year in January the numbers were already down significantly from the prior year due to the introduction of the new mortgage stress test. Sales levels are now significantly below the 10 year average.
Finding a home insurance policy after just purchasing a home usually boils down to which premium is the least expensive. It's easy to feel completely tapped out after paying a hefty down payment plus closing costs. But homeowners who opt for minimum coverage may eventually find themselves losing a lot of money on what was supposed to be a long-term investment. Here are a few tips to ensure that homeowners enter an agreement with both eyes open.
Outdoor options have changed over the years. Portable grills and picnic tables are now being supplanted by all-weather kitchens and serving stations, covered decks with comfortable sofas and chairs, and dining areas every bit as elegant as their indoor counterparts. Canadians in all provinces are more attuned to the possibilties of outdoor living—at home—than ever before.
When someone decides to buy a home, they often get a crash course in many areas of personal finance, including credit. Understanding a credit score and how it affects a person's chances of being able to buy a home is vital. By learning early about what is required, buyers can increase their chances of checking off all the boxes for success and move into that new home.
The trend of fewer sales and more listings available for sale continued through the end of the year with just 375 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board in December 2018, 19% fewer than the 462 sold in December 2017 and 25% less than sold in November.
When a buyer budgets for a home purchase, closing costs must be taken into consideration. Since closing costs are due in cash at the time of the purchase, it's imperative that the buyer have money for these fees on hand. Knowing what closing costs are, how much to expect to pay and when they're due helps home buyers to plan for a smooth home buying process.
One thing that many sellers dread is a buyer’s market. This means that there are far more homes for sale than there are buyers looking for homes. As a result, home buyers effectively have their pick of the litter and sellers are left competing with each other to provide the best deal to entice the buyers. This is different than a sellers market where there are not enough homes and the buyers are at a disadvantage.