Unlike an automobile, you can’t test drive a home before you purchase it. You have to base your decision on other factors such as layout, condition and much more. And, of course, the seller is obligated to disclose the property’s condition that may alert you to issues such as previous mold, defective water heater or leaky roof. Yet, that still doesn’t always paint the entire picture. Here are six questions you should consider asking the seller to gain additional insight about the prospective home before you make a final decision.
1. Why is the seller selling the house?
This question may help you evaluate the “real value” of the property. Is there something about the house the seller does not like? If so, you may be able to adjust the purchase offer accordingly.
2. How much did the seller pay for the home?
In some instances, the answer to this question may help you negotiate a better deal. However, it is important to remember that the purchase price is influenced by several factors, like the current market value and any improvements the seller may have made to the home. The original purchase price might not have anything to do with the current value of the house.
3. What does the seller like most and least about the property?
By asking the seller what he or she likes most and least about the property, you might get some interesting information. In a few cases, what a seller likes the most about a home might actually be something the buyer is looking to avoid. For example, if the seller describes his house as being in a “happening neighborhood,” the buyer might consider this a negative factor because the area may be too noisy or busy for his or her taste.
4. Has the seller had any problems with the home in the past?
It is also a good idea to ask the seller if he or she has had any problems with the home while living there. Has the seller had problems with a leakage from the upstairs bedroom in the past? If so, even if the leak has been corrected, the floor and walls around the bathroom might have been damaged. You should check that these items were repaired properly.
5. Are there any nuisances?
Use this question to find out about barking dogs, heavy airplane traffic or even planned changes to the community, such as a planned street widening. This may give you insight on why the seller is really moving.
6. How are the public schools in the area?
Because the value of a community is usually greatly influenced by the public schools in the area, finding out the buyer’s perception can give you some insight about the quality of the area’s schools.
Knowing all you can about a prospective home will help you make a more informed decision as well as offer. Your Prudential real estate professional can be a great resource in helping you get your key questions answered and give you advice on how to evaluate your findings.
It's a brand new year...already...phew! 2009 was a funny year for real estate. Not funny "ha ha" but a little strange in terms of market trends compared to what we've been used to in the past several years. I think everyone, as in realtors within the industry, had different experiences to share for some it was their best and busiest year, for others it was quieter than normal. At the end of the year when things are normally quiet, thus leaving lots of time to get organized for the holidays, I was very busy selling properties. Not only that, they were selling within days, in multiple offers and for well over list price...right up until Christmas Eve! Go figure.
What does this mean for 2010? No one really knows but "they" are saying this is going to be a busy, strong spring market. Fingers crossed. Mortgage rates are still low...and right now so is inventory...that said, it is only January 4th so I'm sure that will quickly change in the weeks to come.
If you have been thinking of buying or selling (or you know of someone who is) this is a great time to get organized and start preparing yourself. Whether you have a home to get ready for sale, looking to find your new dream home or are a first time buyer who has to learn the steps involved in buying real estate I would be happy to walk you through the process, answer any questions you may have or offer you the right advice! I'm just a phone call or email away!
I would like to wish you all a wonderful 2010! And since it's a nice balanced number hopefully it brings you all balance, happiness, health and prosperity in abundance!
Wishing you all a very safe and happy Hallowe'en!!
Here's a little bit about the history of Hallowe'en...
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).
The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.
As a homeowner, you begin to accumulate all sorts of records and papers the moment you made the offer on your home. Loan documents, inspection reports, title insurance policy, home improvement receipts, appliance warranties are just a few of documents that you may at one time or another need. Would you be readily able to locate these items? Are they filed away or in different junk drawers around the house? Knowing where these items are can save you a lot of time and even money in the long run.
Consider investing in a record-keeping system. It doesn’t have to be expensive. You can purchase an accordion file and label each flap with a different category. Then use the following tips as a guide to get started.
Contracts and Legal Papers
Keep all the papers signed and/or given to you at the closing together in one place, preferably in a safe deposit box. These documents include the deed, settlement statement, appraisal, disclosures, mortgage note, inspections and any other reports, and title insurance policy. You will need these records again if you decide to refinance or sell your home.
Insurance Policies
Keep a copy of all insurance policies relating to your property together. This may include homeowners, flood and earthquake policies. With these documents, keep a list of insurance agents or companies and copies of correspondence related to claims.
Purchase and House Data
It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of the original listing of your house, comparable market analysis, floor plans, blueprints, and historical information. If you own a newly built home, keep a list of contractors and material suppliers as well.
Property Taxes
Keep your tax bills and record of payment for as long as you own the home and possibly even longer. You may need these items if your tax returns are ever audited.
Home Maintenance and Improvements
Records in this category include receipts for repairs or replacement expenses, names of contractors, contracts, and a log of maintenance tasks.
Warranties, Manuals and Receipts
These documents provide you with a proof of purchase date and determine service and parts guaranteed. In addition, the manuals usually provide care information so you can help ensure your household appliances are being properly maintained. You should keep your warranties, manuals and receipts for these items for as long as you own the appliances.
Home Inventory
If you were ever to lose any of your possessions due to fire, burglary, or vandalism, having a home inventory can help you avoid a lot of heartache and make it easier when filing an insurance claim.
Start with a sheet a paper for each room in the house. Go around the room and list every item. Don’t forget the attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, where purchased, and a general description. You can also use a computer software system so that you have an electronic copy.
Besides a written inventory, take photos or video of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and take close up photos.
Keep a copy in your home files and the originals in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Make sure you update your home inventory photos and list at least once a year.
Organizing your home files may take a considerable amount of time initially, but it will definitely be time well spent in the event you need the documents later on.
Packing is one of those dreaded but necessary chores of moving. Not only is it time consuming, but it sheds light on how much we really have accumulated since the last move. But it can be a manageable task by starting early and having a plan.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Moving is stressful enough. Give yourself at least six weeks, which gives you enough time to pack a few boxes each day.
Take inventory of your items to determine how many packing boxes you will need. As a rule of thumb, use small boxes for small, heavy items such as books and canned goods; medium-size for bulkier, not so heavy items like linens and pots; and reserve larger boxes for very bulky lightweight items such as lamp shades.
Obtain boxes from a moving company or collect sturdy boxes from local supermarkets and liquor stores. Also, consider investing in specialty boxes, such as wardrobe and mirror/painting cartons. Wardrobe boxes are specially designed to transport clothing on hangers and mirror/painting cartons adjust to fit large sizes.
Besides boxes, make sure you have marking pens, packing peanuts or bubble wrap, strong 2-inch wide packing tape, and unprinted newspaper. The ink from printed newspaper can rub off onto your individual items.
Pack strategically.
Plan out how you will pack up your belongings. Decide what needs to be packed first such as seldom used and out-of-season items. Then work your way up to everyday items, like dishes.
It’s also a good idea to pack one room at a time. Places like your attic, basement, garage and storage closets are a great place to start. Clearly mark on each box the contents and the room it will go in at your new residence. For fragile items, clearly mark “fragile” on the box and a directional arrow to indicate the correct upright position.
Decide what you will need to access as soon as you arrive at your destination. Write “Open First” on these boxes and load them onto the truck last or put them in your car. You also should pack a box with essentials for your first few nights, such as prescription medicine, toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels, toilet paper, and bed linen.
Make sure to protect your belongings.You’ll want to make sure that your belongings get from Point A to Point B in one piece. To avoid damage, follow these packing techniques.
Computers: Before packing your computer, back up your data on either an online service or a portable hard drive. If possible, pack the computer in its original boxes and packaging. If you no longer have them, use a box with shock resistant insulation or create padding at the bottom and all around the sides. If you will be using packing peanuts, wrap the computer in a plastic bag so the peanuts won’t get inside and damage the computer. Place the CPU in the center of the box with the motherboard side lying flat on the bottom. Protect the top with more padding. Make sure the computer is a tight-fit in the box. Use this technique for your monitor and printer. Don’t forget to remove the print cartridge and paper from the printer. This same procedure can be used with other electronics.
Glasses and stemware: Stuff a bit of paper inside a glass, wrap the stem, and then wrap each piece individually. Place glasses face down on a 3- to 4-inch cushion of crumpled newspaper. Top off the box with 2 to 3 inches of crumpled paper.
Plates: Create a 3- to 4-inch cushion of crumpled paper in a sturdy box or dish pack. Wrap up to four plates at a time by taking two sheets of newspaper, place a plate slightly off center, fold paper over the plate, then stack a plate on top of the covered plate. Fold paper back over the second plate and repeat this process until four plates are wrapped. Now wrap the bundle and place it on end in the box. Continue to fill the box with bundled plates, and then top it with 2 to 3 inches of crumpled paper.
Large furniture pieces: Have large plastic bags or shrink wrap on hand to protect furniture. Use rags, blankets, comforters and towels for padding.
Artwork and mirrors: Wrap all pieces individually with bubble wrap or cardboard. For artwork framed behind glass or mirrors, tape an “X” across the mirror to keep pieces in places in case it should break. Place each piece in its own flat, fitted box and fill in any space with crumpled newspaper.
A few other tidbits.
· Avoid damage from leakage by packing your liquids (including medicine) in leak proof containers such as zippered plastic bags. Plastic bags also come in handy for small odds and ends.
· Keep box weights to 50 lbs. or less.
· Use masking tape to secure lids to jars and bottles; hold down moveable parts; and affix nuts, bolts, screws or nails to associated items.
· Place a sock filled with coffee grinds or baking soda in your washer, freezer, and refrigerator to prevent odors.
For more pointers on packing, talk with your moving company representative or your real estate professional.
• 5 bath, 4 bdrm single story - 
MLS® $998,500 - Muskoka in the City!
Bronte, Oakville - Just imagine...”Muskoka in the City”! Absolutely beautiful custom built home on just under an acre of naturally landscaped property abutting Bronte Provincial Park. Enjoy complete privacy with stunning views of the creek and wildlife from the large picture windows and multi-tiered deck featuring an outdoor gas fireplace. Built with superior construction, which is evident through-out the home from the solid wood double door entry, gleaming maple hardwood floors up and down and solid wood staircase, to the granite counters and limestone flooring. The bright main level with it’s 9’ ceilings is an entertainers delight offering a gracious foyer, gourmet kitchen with built-in stainless appliances and an abundance of features, formal dining room, huge great room with walk out to the deck and an office, perfect for those “work from home” days. On the upper level you’ll find a divine master retreat with Romeo and Juliet balconies overlooking the creek and a glorious spa ensuite designed to de-stress you completely...3 spacious bedrooms, one with 2 piece ensuite and the other with ensuite privileges to the large master bath and a laundry room finishes this floor. The professionally finished walk-out basement is the perfect in-law or nanny suite complete with it’s own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living/dining room and it’s very own level walk out to the picturesque deck. You won’t find anything like this home, it is truly unique and filled with too many features to mention...seeing is believing! Call now to book your personal tour of perfection!
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(July 6, 2009 - Hamilton, Ontario) The Hamilton-Burlington area resale market reported a total of 1,604 units sold in June, indicating an increase of 18.6 per cent over the same month last year, and an increase of 18.5 per cent over May. The total unit sales for the first six months of 2009 are being reported at 10 per cent lower for the same period last year, while new units listed are 7.8 per cent lower for the year-to-date, according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics released by the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB).
Strong sales in June resulted in a second quarter on par with Q2 of 2008, and with more sales than 2005 and 2006. June marked the sixth straight month of increased sales, and had the highest number of residential sales on record, surpassing the record number sold in May 2007 during that year’s scorching market.
Residential properties sold during June totalled 1,560 which included 1,267 freehold properties and 293 condominiums. Commercial sales for June, including industrial, farm, vacant land and business, totalled 44 units.
The average price of freehold residential properties sold in the month of June was $315,055, an increase of 1.9 per cent over June last year. The average sale price reflects the dollar volume of residential sales divided by the number of total residential units sold.
In the condominium market the average price of condominiums in June was $219,547, an increase of 1.4 per cent of June 2008.
The total number of units listed for sale during June was 1,835 which is 1.6 per cent fewer than were listed in the same period in 2008.
Unit sales reflect “all property types” including residential, condominiums, commercial property, farmland and sale of businesses.
You’ve made the decision to sell your home. Even if you’ve sold a house before, this process can be daunting because it is a major financial transaction that involves many steps from selecting a sales professional and marketing the home, to negotiating with buyers and finally receiving funds at the closing. Yet, the home-selling process doesn’t have to be intimidating if you know what to expect. The process can be divided in nine steps.
Step 1: List your property with a real estate professional. Select someone who is knowledgeable, listens carefully, and with whom you feel comfortable. Interview at least three real estate professionals. Use their listing presentations to compare their preparation and professionalism. Don’t base your selection solely on selling price or commission. It’s probably best to avoid working with someone who promises you the moon—in this case, an unrealistically high price—then has to make price reductions until the property sells. Instead, focus on marketing plans, service and past results.
Step 2: Establish price and time frame. Determining a fair asking price is crucial in this market. Price the property too high and it could languish on the market. Of course you could always decrease the price later, yet you’ve lost potential buyers. Your real estate professional can help you determine true market value based on a comparable market analysis, which will include recent home sale transactions as well as homes currently on the market. Supply and demand, craftsmanship, amenities, condition and any special circumstances can also impact price. For instance, a relocation move might necessitate a quick sale.
Step 3: Develop and implement a marketing strategy. To get the most exposure for your home, you should have a marketing plan with clear objectives and an outline of specific resources to be used. Your plan should include a mixture of conventional and online marketing to optimize your reach to potential buyers.
Step 4: Get Your Home in Show Condition. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. So make sure your home is in tip-top shape inside and out. Eliminate clutter and remove personal items. Refresh the paint, clean the carpets and make minor repairs. Keep the grass trimmed and add color to your landscape. You may also want to consider hiring a professional to stage your home. A home in move-in condition is much more attractive to buyers in a competitive market.
Step 5: An offer is submitted. Once your home is on the market, a buyer will make an offer through his/her real estate sales professional. The buyer’s sales professional will present the offer to your representative, who will promptly relay it to you and help you evaluate the offer.
Step 6: The negotiation process begins and eventually an offer is accepted. One of the most critical roles played by your real estate professional is in the negotiation phase. Negotiations over the terms of a home-purchase contract can be extremely sensitive. The process of offer and counter-offer may go on until parties arrive at an acceptable contract, which can go very quickly or take days, even weeks.
Step 7: Buyers submit a loan application and home inspections are scheduled. Most often, the loan approval is conditional upon a satisfactory appraisal and various inspections.
Step 8: The loan is approved and the closing process begins. Once the buyer’s home loan has been approved, preparations begin for the closing. The closing is the final step toward completing the sales transaction between the buyer and seller. During this process, your sales professional will funnel all the necessary closing documents to the lending company. A final walk-through may also be scheduled.
Step 9: Time to move! Of course this is a simplification of what is otherwise a complex transaction. As you are going through each stage of the process, look to your real estate professional to provide guidance so that you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Stunning Executive Home!
Millcroft, Burlington $878,500! Gorgeous family home, with triple car garage, backing onto the 14th fairway at Millcroft Golf Course featuring inground salt water pool, professionally finished basement with recreation room, games room, 2 piece bath, bedroom, wet bar and workshop, for the DIY enthusiast. Bright open concept main floor offering 2 storey family room with maple hardwood floors over looking the eat-in kitchen with maple cabinetry with centre island, large living room with hardwood floors and crown mouldings, seperate formal dining room. The laundry room with inside entry from garage completes this level. On the upper level you'll find the master retreat which offers an abundance of space, walk-in closet and 5 piece ensuite with seperate shower and soaker tub, the second largest bedroom also offers a walk-in closet and full ensuite, and is complete with 2 more bedrooms and 4 piece bathroom.
This home is completely finished from top to bottom and decorated with flare and contemporary colours. Surround sound system wired through the home and out into the back yard. An abundance of upgrades and features are evident through the entire home which absolutely shows like a dream...all you have to do is move in! Call for your personal tour!
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This June 2009 marks ten years of working at Prudential By the Lake Realty!! Wow! That's a long time in one spot...I'm not quite sure who deserves the biggest medal...me or my Broker!! (he would say HIM of course!)
I got into this industry due to my Broker, Roy Stephens, selling a home that I had listed on the market here in Burlington, which I had previously listed privately (guess I had the real estate gene in me even then!). After conversations about the industry, office etc. he hired me and somehow convinced me that becoming a Real Estate Salesperson myself would be a good move. As to whether it has or not?? Of course!! I then went on to become a Broker and subsequently manage the small office in which I work. I definitely enjoy this industry...it's always fast paced, dynamic, exciting, changeable, but most of all fun!
As much as ten years sounds like a long time, (I mean, it is, it's a whole decade!) to me it feels like the time has flown by in a flash! Here's hoping the next ten years are every bit as interesting and as much fun as the past ten have been...though hope it goes at a much s-l-o-w-e-r pace!
Are you trying to figure out the best place for you to live, work and play? Why not consider Burlington, Ontario...here are a few good reasons why...
MoneySense magazine has named Burlington the top city in which to live in the GTA and the fourth best city in Canada, according to information released in April 2009 by the publication.
The rankings from MoneySense, a leading lifestyle and investment magazine, are based on a database of 24 indicators, ranging from weather and crime levels to home prices and employment prospects. Burlington appears on the top 10 list behind Victoria, Ottawa-Gatineau and Kingston and is the only GTA city to appear in the top 10.
“It is no surprise to the people who work, live and play in Burlington that our city is one of the absolute best Canadian cities. Whether you measure temperature, education, average income or job opportunities, we come out on top,” said Burlington Mayor Cam Jackson. “This is a city with strong local government, a stunning natural environment, world-class festivals, a stable and diversified economy, and incredible community spirit.”
MoneySense magazine says its ratings are based on the impressions of people who live within a city rather than on “touristy” accounts.
“We focus on the factors most likely to affect your long-term happiness,” the magazine’s website states. “While we've got nothing against charming downtowns and nice beaches, we prefer to concentrate on more practical matters: your chances of landing a good job, affording a nice home, and getting high-quality medical care. Much of what we measure is invisible to the tourist's eye.”
For more about the MoneySense rankings, visit list.canadianbusiness.com For more about Burlington, visit www.burlington.ca or www.burlingtontourism.com
Some facts about Burlington...
- Burlington is an environmentally-focused, fiscally-responsible city of 172,500.
- Burlington was founded in 1798 by Chief Joseph Brant. The city first developed at Port Nelson and Aldershot where goods such as fruit and vegetables were transported by water to the mainland. Burlington has kept both its agricultural and commercial roots, emerging as one of the most liveable cities in Canada.
- Burlington is a festival city, offering great opportunities for visitors, including the Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment, award-winning restaurants and shops in the downtown, an award-winning waterfront, the popular Sound of Music Festival and Canada’s largest RibFest.
- Burlington is committed to managing growth in the city, and is working with the Region of Halton to meet the requirements of the province’s Places to Grow plan.
- Burlington is an inclusive city, and has been recognized by Burlington residents for its great recreational facilities and attractions and accessible public buildings, winning the Burlington Post People’s Choice Awards in 2008.
- Burlington is recognized as one of Canada's most dynamic cities. Strategically located west of the GTA, in the heart of the golden horseshoe and close to the U.S. border, Burlington attracts the best in business from across Canada and around the world.
- Burlington is a diverse, energetic and innovative community with a well-educated, highly skilled workforce. Burlington’s core economic strengths are advanced manufacturing, software development, financial services, biotechnology, environmental and logistics enterprises.
Contact me to find out more about this great city, fun things to do, great neighbourhoods and why NOW is a great time to invest in real estate in Burlington!
A sale can be made or lost as a direct result of your home's curb appeal. When it comes to selling your home, the first impression is probably the most important impression. If the outside of the property doesn’t create interest or appear well-maintained, a buyer may choose to not even come inside the home. Here are five ways to create curb appeal.
Paint and polish. A fresh coat of paint breathes new life into a tired-looking home. If your home looks dull or suffers from peeling, cracked or chipped surfaces, a paint job is a great investment. Polish the doorknocker and mail slot on the front door, as well as any light fixtures by the entry. Re-condition your deck. Consider renting a power washer to clean dirt and mildew from the wood, and then apply an all-weather sealer or stain.
Manicure the grounds. Mow and edge the grass, and trim the trees and bushes. Also, clear away dead leaves and flowers, and mulch and weed the beds. Check to see that tree branches are not touching the home's roof or outer walls. Add some color to your landscape by planting annuals and placing planters of flowers in strategic spots. You can even spruce up the property by hanging flowering baskets. Add flowering plants in the back yard, too.
Make needed repairs. See if anything is unhinged, loose or just an eyesore. Fix everything including broken fencing, windows and screens. Make sure winter’s cold weather didn’t leave any gutters sagging or loose. Replace any missing shingles from the roof. Try the doorbell. Check stairs and railings. Test doors for squeaks and rusted hinges. Don't forget to take a critical look at the property at night. Make sure the lights work, and replace dim and burned-out bulbs.
Unclutter. Tidy up the deck, patio and back yard. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools and toys. Clean up the barbecue area. Eliminate any "evidence" of pets, and restrict them to the back yard when showing the home. Move extra vehicles from the view of passersby.
Clean. Clean the windows, inside and out, wash down the walks and driveway, and hose down the siding. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions. Check for oil spots on cement surfaces, especially the garage floor.
The old saying about making a good first impression couldn't be truer than when you are selling your home. Even the smallest enhancements can make a big difference in creating love at first sight for buyers.
Walk to the Lake!
• 4 bath, 4 bdrm two-story - MLS® $849,000
Indian Road, Burlington - Location, location, location!! Stately home plus incredible addition, approximately 4800 square feet of luxury overlooking the bay. Sitting on a mature 79' x 156' ft lot close to QEW/407 access, steps to Lake Ontario, Spencer Smith Park and waterfront trails. Ideal for home office/nanny with 20' x 20' suite, vaulted ceiling/skylights. Master bedroom retreat with fireplace and deck. The home offers elegance at it's finest!
Property information
If you are buying a home, one of the first things your real estate professional will do before taking you on home tours is interview you to determine the type of house you want such as a 2,000-square-foot four-bedroom, split-level with a formal dining room and two-car garage. But just as important is the type of community you want to live in. Knowing what your requirements are will help narrow your home search and save time.
To expedite the house-hunting process, start by making a list of the dream home factors that are most important to you and your family’s lifestyle. Consider style, location, proximity to work and schools, yard size, children in the community, and of course, price.
Price and location generally are the key factors you’ll use to identify the communities that best suit you. If you are moving within the same city, you may want to start your community search by getting in your car and exploring. There are also resources on the Internet that let you compare communities.
You’ll want to ask yourself critical questions, such as: Do you dream of something quaint and charming that can only be found in an older area? Or, do you prefer everything new? Are you willing to sacrifice size and space for architectural detailing? What about drive and commute time to the office and schools? Will you forgo the number of bedrooms and a big yard for proximity to a lake or other recreational areas?
Whether you have children or not, buying a home in a community with good schools is important. It not only adds value to your property, but also is an attractive feature when and if you decide to sell. There are plenty of resources available to get information about schools within the communities you are considering. Various Internet sites offer school reports and profiles. They provide statistical data such as graduation rates, college-bound percentages, and standardized test scores. You can also learn about special programs the schools offer. In addition to these reports, many schools have their own Web sites you can peruse. And of course you can always talk to people in the area or take a tour of the school.
Additional factors you’ll want to consider during your community search are crime, recreational activities, proximity to shopping and restaurants, and other specific family needs.
Once you’ve narrowed your search to two or three communities that fit your price range and lifestyle, make comparisons of price and sales activity. Your real estate professional can help you determine which communities are most sales-worthy at present, and which are more likely to continue to be.
There are many factors involved in selecting the right community for you and your family. Discuss your options with your real estate professional. This will provide the information he or she needs to help you find property listings to tour. Remember, a targeted approach to house hunting is less time consuming, less expensive and more efficient.
Downtown living at its finest!
• 2 bath, 2 bdrm Condominium - MLS® $347,500
Yonge/Harbour, Toronto - Fabulous 2 bedroom condo in the luxurious "Pinnacle" buildings. South facing unit. Kitchen offers granite counters with breakfast bar, ceramic floors, stainless steel appliances, In-suite laundry. Spacious living and dining room with walk-out to the balcony with lake views! Master bedroom offers 4 piece ensuite. Walking distance to Harbourfront, Air Canada Centre, Union Station and Shopping. Comes with one parking spot.
Enjoy lazy days in the pool, hot tub, sauna or be entertained in the theatre room, playing tennis, business centre with computers, golf centre or party room. Also offers guest suites and a day care centre.
This wonderful condo is all about location and downtown living at its finest!
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