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Real Estate
101
We broke down the most commonly asked real estate questions.
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Am I ready to start looking at properties?
You’ve been spending countless hours searching online for the right property. And finally you’ve found it! Can I see it? Not so fast. Ideally before you start your search, you should first talk to your lender for a pre-approval. They’ll likely want to know your employment status, income, how much debt you have, how much you’ve saved for a down payment or what your current property is worth (The Property Brokers can help with that). After this, your lender will pre-approve you to buy a property in a price range that they’re comfortable with. You don’t need to go to the top of this price range if you are more comfortable with lower monthly payments. After pre-approval, you’re ready to start looking!
Need help finding a lender? We’re happy to connect you with one of our trusted local lenders.
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Can my Realtor® show me properties listed with other companies?
Absolutely! Your dedicated Realtor® can show you any listed property whether it’s from The Property Brokers or another company, eliminating the pressure of contacting a Realtor® you don’t know or are not as comfortable with. We know life is busy, your dedicated Realtor® is here to work with you around your schedule.
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What are the steps to making an offer?
Your Realtor® has shown you a property and it’s the perfect fit! It’s time to put in an offer. This can be a stressful time for many buyers as writing up legal documents and negotiating with sellers isn’t comfortable for most. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You’ll sit down with your Realtor® where they will guide you every step of the way including property pricing, deposits, conditions, property disclosure statements, GST (if applicable), possession date, and government regulation(s). Your Realtor® will strategize with you to make your offer stand out in a potential multiple offer situation while ultimately negotiating the best outcome for you.
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How much down payment do I need?
Buyers need a minimum of 5% down payment to purchase a home with a high-ratio mortgage. If buyers have more than a 20% down payment, they can likely qualify for a conventional mortgage and eliminate the cost of mortgage insurance (eg. CMHC) fees, which will save them thousands of dollars. Investment properties, mobile homes and commercial properties can often have a different set of down payment requirements and it’s best to speak with your lender to determine what down payments they require.
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How much does it cost me to use a Realtor when buying a home?
Nothing! The sellers pay for all real estate fees/commissions. Buyers get all of the benefits of professional services without the cost.
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What additional costs should I budget for?
When purchasing a property, there are some additional costs that need to be budgeted. Your lender will often require you to have the funds saved up to cover these fees, in addition to the minimum down payment required for the property. These include legal fees, land transfer tax, house insurance, property appraisal (if required) and property tax adjustments. Budget approximately 1.5% – 2% of the purchase price for closing costs but the amount will vary based on every property. Your Realtor® can help guide you.
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What is my property worth?
A Realtor® from The Property Brokers can help with this. When evaluating your property, your dedicated Realtor® would first come to see your property. Following that, the Realtor® would complete a customized Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your property which outlines current market information as well as comparable properties that have recently sold. There are many factors that impact the value of your property that include the market, time of year, type and condition of property and location to name a few. The CMA will also include a comprehensive marketing plan outlining the specific strategies The Property Brokers would employ to achieve your goals of selling your property.
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How much does it cost to sell my house?
There are a few costs to selling your house which include legal fees and real estate fees. Many people confuse Land Transfer Tax as a seller’s cost, however, the buyer always pays this government tax. When it comes to real estate fees, there are a number of factors including the value of the property and marketing plan that factor into fees. Feel free to reach out to The Property Brokers for a no-strings-attached consultation with one of our Realtors®.
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When is the right time to sell?
Every seller’s situation is different and your Realtor® can help navigate the best timing for you. While the real estate market is always shifting and changing, the Spring and Fall seasons often generate the most real estate activity. With that said, there are buyers in every season and your Realtor® can help you establish the perfect time for you.
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What do you suggest I do to my property before selling?
Since every property is unique and different, it’s difficult to suggest a one-size fits all recommendation for all properties. With that said, here are a few suggestions that we know will have a lasting impact with buyers:
- Have the property cleaned & tidy
- Declutter (less is often more)
- Paint (done well) can be an affordable way to add value
- Details matter (fix the door knobs, fill the nail holes, etc)
- Consider staging with nicer furniture (The Property Brokers offer virtual staging for new homes)
- Mow your lawn and focus on the details (edging, tilling, weeds, etc)
- Clear your driveway and walking paths (in Winter)
For major repairs and any other questions, contact your Realtor®.
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Why sell with The Property Brokers?
Every property and situation is unique and your dedicated Realtor® from The Property Brokers will customize a plan perfect for you. Check out what The Property Brokers can do for you… 7 ways your property will stand out.