Feb 20, 2017 | Real Estate 101
Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.
If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over the seller? Here are some ideas:
- Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other competing offers are near the listing price.
- Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this purpose.)
- Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.
- Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf. A REALTOR® will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you the best chance of getting the home. In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.
Looking for a REALTOR® like that? Contact me today.
Feb 15, 2017 | Real Estate 101
Free Special Report: 7 Insider Secrets on Showcasing Your Home For a Successful Sale
Are you sure you’ve done all you can to maximize the value of your home before you sell? If not, you won’t want to do anything before reading Beth Garrish’s informative special report. She shows you how to make your home stand out from the competing homes for sale and make buyers willing to pay more for your home to bring you a better return on your investment.
To get your free copy of this report, call at 250-498-6222 or
Email Beth to receive your Special Report!
This is a free, no obligation service that Beth is happy to provide to the community.
Feb 8, 2017 | Real Estate 101
If you’re thinking about making a move in the coming year (or you’re just mildly curious about the possibility), you could be well-served by being prepared in advance. Here are a few basic steps you can follow, in order to put yourself in a more advantageous position to respond when opportunity knocks.
- Minimize household clutter on an ongoing basis so your home will be organized and ready to list on the market without hesitation.
- Take care of your current real estate investment by completing necessary maintenance repairs and renovation improvements.
- Keep up with national trends, local market conditions and available opportunities.
- Secure a pre-approved mortgage.
“To be prepared is half the victory.”
~Miguel De Cervantes~
Spanish Novelist
Feb 6, 2017 | Real Estate 101
If your home is becoming difficult to manage, you may want to consider how downsizing might help:
1. More Financial Freedom: Presuming your next home is smaller and more affordable, you’ll have greater ability to address other monetary interests, whether it’s enjoying travel options, helping the kids secure their first home, or establishing an education fund for grandchildren.
2. Less Housework and Maintenance: A smaller household means less upkeep, both inside and outside.
3. Improved Convenience: With a reduced footprint, there are fewer footsteps required to complete a normal range of day-to-day functions – especially if you move from a multi-level home to a bungalow or condo.
4. Increased Options: By carefully shopping for a home that will accommodate any future needs, you’ll have a unique opportunity to plan longterm arrangements for your senior years, potentially enabling you to remain in your own home for an extended period of time.
Jan 25, 2017 | Market News, Real Estate 101
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Jan 18, 2017 | Real Estate 101
Do you ever wonder how most people find the homes they eventually buy? You might imagine them driving by a “For Sale” sign or seeing a home for sale in the newspaper and then calling to enquire.
Of course, many buyers find out about listed properties that way. But, according to research by the National Association of Realtors, there are many other — sometimes surprising — ways buyers find their next dream home.
For example:
- 88% of buyers find a home with the help of a real estate agent.
- 90% of buyers search online as part of the home buying process. (Such as viewing a property’s profile on the agent’s website.)
- 69% of buyers searching for a home using Google, use a specific local term, such as “Whitby-south homes for sale”.
- 29-46% of buyers attend an Open House as part of their home hunting activities.
- Overall, the research shows that buyers are using a multitude of ways — combining online and offline methods — to find homes.
What does all this mean to you? If means that if you’re preparing your home for sale, you need to ensure your marketing plan takes into account all the ways buyers are finding properties — so you can be sure that they will find yours.
Looking for a REALTOR® who knows how to market your home for maximum exposure? Contact me today.
