Get candid answers from our real estate agents

Questions frequently asked by buyers

1. What should I do before I start to look for a property to purchase?
   As with any process, there are some prerequisites to buying a home. The main thing to first focus on is connecting with a mortgage agent to get a clear picture of your financing. Secondly, it is important to prioritize needs versus wants when it comes to buying a home or commercial space. Thirdly, we recommend shortlisting some areas that you're interested in which meet your expectations. These 3 steps are especially important if you're a first time buyer. From there, our realtors will guide you to fine tune your search results and take you further through the buying process.
2. What is the benefit to signing a Buyer's Representation Agreement?
   A buyer's agency agreement is a contract between the buyer and the agent which enables an agent to represent a buyer's best interest in the purchase process. The BRA gives our agents fiduciary duty to the buyer. This ensures that any seller is aware that our agency lies with the buyer, and any and all information given to use will be in turn passed on to our buyer. All clients under buyer's agency allow our agents to give them priority time in finding that perfect home. It's important to note that certain pieces of information about a home cannot be disclosed to a buyer without a buyer's agency agreement in place. This is why we highly recommend have a BRA in place.
3. How do I know what price I should pay for a home?
   When buying a home or commercial space, knowing the market is of utmost importance. That's where an experienced realtor comes in. Doing the proper research and due diligence gives us a clear picture of what a property's true market value is. A seller's asking price does not determine market value. A comparative market analysis performed by our skilled and experienced realtors enables you to make a fair offer. We don't want you overpaying for any property. We are also pros at navigating the ins and outs of offer dates with strategies and simplifications.
4. How important is a home inspection?
   When buying a home, it's vital to have it checked by a professional, even if you're buying a brand new home. In fact, this is such a crucial step that we make this a condition on the offer or insist on a pre-inspection. That way you know that the home you're purchasing has no critical issues that could end up costing you a lot by way of time, money, or peace of mind.
5. Can I get out of the purchase if I change my mind?
   Once you're past the conditional period in the buying process, changing your mind can be a very costly move. Not only could you lose your deposit, but you may also open yourself up to litigation costs/losses incurred by the seller. That's why our real estate agents walk you through every step of the buying process to ensure that you're absolutely clear about the investment and commitment you're about to make and don't get into a situation of buyer's remorse.

Questions frequently asked by sellers

1. How do I know if it is a good time to sell my house?
   A good time to sell your home is when it makes sense for you and your family's needs. No one has a crystal ball as to future market conditions, so if the information presented to you by our team on the present market works for you, then it's a good time to sell. During our initial consultation, our realtor has a candid discussion with you to make sure that you've thought through what it means to sell your home and are ready to take the next step in your life.
2. How do I determine what price to list my home?
   We feel great about our homes and spaces, however, these warm and fuzzy feelings aren't the right tools to determine pricing. The price of a home is determined by evaluating comparable sales in your area and the current state of the market. Our residential realtors will help you ascertain the true market value for your home and set a realistic selling price to ensure that your listing isn't undervalued or sit on the market because of an inflated price.
3. What do I have to do prior to listing my home?
   When you're thinking about selling, give us a call and we'll consult you on the selling process and how to get started. Before listing, we do a walk-through of home with you and identify spots that need to be decluttered, areas that can be improved, re-arranged, or even upgraded. It's important to showcase the house to any potential buyer that walks in for a viewing to its utmost potential.
4. What happens after I receive an offer on my home?
   Once an offer has been received, we notify all other interested parties. If we can get other parties on paper, we can have a multiple offer situation! When we determine what we have to work with, we will guide you through skilled negotiations until we have an accepted offer. An accepted offer is only half of the battle. Once accepted, we ensure we work with the other agent to fulfill conditions and firm up the offer. This may include negotiating inspection results or aiding in aligning financing for buyers. We use our experience to not only firm up the deal, but to ensure a smooth closing to get you to the finish line.
5. How do I determine which agent I should use to sell my home?
   It's important to evaluate a real estate team that has a track record, a plan and a commitment to service.
   
   When dealing with any real estate team, assess their Experience, Excellence, and Results. It's best to assess their track record and experience, ask how many similar homes they've successfully sold in the past, see what other client have said, and ascertain that they have all the skills and tools needed to best represent your interest.