buying agent: Dealing With A Home Inspection Issue - 04/27/16 09:00 PM
As you may know, it’s common to include a home inspection as a condition of an offer you make. It protects you from issues that you might not otherwise see during a viewing.
What do you do if the home inspector finds something wrong? The inspector might find a leak in the foundation, or windows that are old, drafty and need replacing.
Must you pass on a property that you otherwise like?
Not necessarily. Just because the home inspector discovered a deficiency doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t purchase the home. You should, however, bring the issue up with the seller.
Your REALTOR® will do that … (2 comments)

buying agent: Home Shopping And The Four-Legged Stool - 04/25/16 03:35 AM
What kind of stool is most likely to keep you from toppling over when you sit on it? Of course, two-legged stools won’t even stand on their own. Three-legged stools are okay, but still unstable. Four-legged stools are rock solid.
What does that have to do with shopping for a new home?
Well, if you want to find the right home quickly and for the best price, you need to have four things in place – the four legs of the stool. They will help ensure the experience goes smoothly.
The first leg is your wish list. You need to have a clear picture … (1 comments)

buying agent: Make Two Wish Lists When Shopping For A New Home - 04/19/16 10:54 PM
When shopping for a new home, create a wish list of the features and characteristics you want. After all, there’s no sense looking at properties with kitchenettes when you won’t settle for anything less than a full-sized kitchen that Julia Child would envy.
But there are probably some features that are nice-to-haves but not must-haves. For example, you might like a large wrap-around deck in your backyard, but would settle for a home that doesn’t have one. (After all, you can always install one later.)
That’s why it’s a good idea to create two wish lists. One list would include all the features … (0 comments)

buying agent: Making Sure Your “Wish List” is Complete - 04/02/16 01:39 AM
Before shopping for a new home, people often create a “wish list” of the features they desire most. That's a good way to ensure you choose a home that best fits your needs and desires. For example, you might want an extra bedroom for guests, ample space for a home office, a local playground for the kids, and so forth.
However, many buyers don’t make their lists complete enough. You might find a home with the extra bedroom and nearby playground you want, only to realize, too late, that your commute to work becomes twice as long. You missed the importance of … (3 comments)

buying agent: When to Consider Buying a “Diamond in the Rough” - 03/26/16 02:40 AM
Let’s face it. When you visit a home during a scheduled viewing or open house, you’re usually seeing it at its best. The rooms are tidy. The sinks are clean. The closets are organized and uncluttered. Even the lighting is set to its brightest.
That’s just good old-fashioned marketing.
However, not every house you see will actually look this way. For any number of reasons, a house on the market may be less than tidy, poorly decorated, and even in need of minor repairs. You may open the front door in anticipation, only to be immediately turned off by stains on the carpets, … (4 comments)

buying agent: When the Home Inspector Finds Something Wrong - 03/24/16 12:53 AM
You shop for a home. You find one you like. You make an offer — conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.
Okay so far.
Then the inspector discovers a problem with the home that may require an expensive repair or renovation. Perhaps the frame in the front door is cracked; or there's a leak in the roof; or the furnace is due to be replaced.
What do you do?
You don't want to pass up an opportunity to purchase what could be your dream home. On the other hand, you don't want to have to deal with potentially costly repairs.
First, keep in mind that you … (1 comments)

buying agent: Shopping for the Right Neighbourhood - 03/06/16 08:30 PM
When most people shop for a new home, they think about the kind of house they want: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, trees in the backyard.
But it also makes sense to shop for the right neighbourhood.
Think about it. In what type of area would you most like to live? What neighbourhood features do you want most? For example, you may want your next neighbourhood to have a good high school, a nearby recreation centre, and close access to public transit.
Make a list of what you want and then go “shopping” by visiting neighbourhoods that meet your criteria.
Your next home is more than … (2 comments)

buying agent: Stay or move? How to decide - 03/04/16 10:45 PM
Do you sometimes review the real estate ads in your local paper? Do you drive by an open house sign and feel the urge to stop and check it out? Those are common indications that, at least on some level, you’re thinking about the possibility of making a move.
But how do you decide if you should actually move?
The first step is to consider whether there are any practical reasons to consider buying a new home. What’s pushing you in that direction?
Is your current home too small for your needs? Is the commute to work, for you or your spouse, too … (2 comments)

buying agent: Help Buyers Understand The Area - 02/28/16 10:13 PM
There’s a famous saying in the real estate business: “Location, location, location”. It simply means that where your home is located — the neighbourhood — is just as important to potential buyers as the features of the property itself.
Sellers often make the mistake of creating a long list of home features while ignoring neighbourhood features. They tout the spacious kitchen, the newly renovated bathrooms and the gorgeous backyard deck, but say little about the area.
So when you’re ready to sell your home, sit down and create two lists: home features and neighbourhood features. Buyers want to know both.
On that neighbourhood features … (0 comments)

buying agent: 5 Things Home Buyers Don’t Want To See - 02/28/16 12:02 AM
When preparing a property for sale, homeowners often focus on the things that will impress buyers, such as clean and uncluttered spaces, well lit rooms, staged furniture designed to maximize appeal, and so forth.
But it’s equally important to pay attention to those things you don’t want buyers to see... those little turn-offs that, although seemingly minor, can distract buyers and cause them to lose interest in your property.
For example, you don’t want buyers to see these things:
Pets. Although many people love pets, some don’t. Others are allergic to them. Dogs, in particular, can take a keen interest in new visitors, jumping … (2 comments)

buying agent: Homes Sold in Princess Rosethorn in the Past Twelve Month - 02/22/16 09:16 PM
Princess Rosethorn is a community in Western Toronto consisting of three neighborhoods - Islington Heights, Princess Ann Manor Gardens and Thorncrest Village. Very popular and demanded area due to a number of factors, including excellent schools, proximity to highways, parks, shopping.
In a past 365 days, Princess Rosethorn welcomed 164 New Families, as this is exactly how many homes were sold in the area.
Out of 164 homes sold, 163 were detached and 1 semi.
The most affordable home was sold for $630000 with the original asking price of $568000.
This was a lovely 3 bedroom 1 bathroom bungalow The most affordable 2-storey, with … (1 comments)

buying agent: Does Location Really Matter? - 02/20/16 10:38 PM
You find a beautiful home available on the market, but you’re not so sure about the location. Does it really matter all that much? Yes, it does. That’s why you’ll often hear REALTORS® say, “Location, location, location.”
The location of a home you’re considering buying will affect you in two ways.
First, it will affect the property’s future resale value, especially if the neighbourhood is becoming less desirable.
Second, it will affect your lifestyle. If the area doesn’t have the features you want — nearby schools and playgrounds, walking trails, proximity to activities that interest you, such as golf or theatre — you probably … (3 comments)

buying agent: Why You Shouldn't Touch a BRA on a First Date - 02/18/16 07:00 AM
You should never ever touch a bra on a first date. Or second date. May be on a third if you are lucky. And I don't care whether you are a dude or a gal, just don't touch it. Because you have no idea what you might be getting yourself into!
 
So, you just met. Or, no, you didn't even meet, you are just on phone talking, asking pre-qualifying questions and all you can think about is BRA! You think this is the coolest, the most desirable thing for you at the moment, but...Seriously, stop it! What if you or the … (5 comments)

buying agent: Homes Sold in Markland Wood Last Year - 02/09/16 04:54 AM
Markland Wood is a relatively small community in Western Etobicoke, located right on the border of Mississauga, North of Dundas, South of Rathburn and West of Hwy 427. But even being as small as it is, Markland Wood welcomed 143 new families just in a recent year.
Total properties sold in the last 12 month - 143!
27 Condo Apartments, ranging from $245000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1300 sq foot apartment to $ 595000 - 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2000 sq foot Penthouse
9 Condo Townhouses changed their owners, the "sold" prices ranged from $357000 to $540000
Markland Wood is … (0 comments)

buying agent: Trying To Find A Bargain Home - 02/02/16 05:19 AM
You’ve heard the story. Someone finds a home on the market that seems underpriced, grabs it, and subsequently discovers it’s worth tens of thousands of dollars more than the selling price.
What a bargain!
The truth is, bargains like that rarely happen.
Most properties sell for somewhere close to their market value. That’s why you need to find the perfect home for you, in the right neighbourhood, with a list price that is within your affordability range, and then buy that property for the lowest price your REALTOR® can negotiate.
When you shop for the right property at the right price, you have a good … (0 comments)

buying agent: Traffic Matters - 01/22/16 10:59 PM
Like taxes, traffic is a fact of life. So, when you're shopping for a new home, consider how the road situation will affect your commute to work, access to shopping and attractions, and the ability to conveniently reach places you need to go.
After all, it’s difficult to enjoy your new home if you’re constantly sitting in traffic!
Ask your REALTOR® about known congested streets and intersections, school busing routes, and access to public transit.
Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com - Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com … (2 comments)

buying agent: Be Ready To Move - 01/19/16 07:54 PM
You’ve spent a lot of time shopping for the perfect property. You made an offer, held your breath and – hurray! – you got the home! But now you’ve realized that you have to move in four weeks – and you’re far from prepared.
Don’t add stress to what was otherwise a smooth process. Make sure you have these things in place well in advance:
A good real estate lawyer. Selecting the right lawyer can take time, so you don’t want to leave this task to the last minute.
A reputable moving company. Start looking into moving firms right away to ensure you pick … (1 comments)

buying agent: Get It In Writing - 01/11/16 04:49 AM
As you tour a potential new home, you notice that the carpeting in the living room is stained. “Don’t worry about that,” says the homeowner, who senses your disapproval. “We’re going to get the carpeting professionally cleaned before we move.”
Should you take their word for it?
Regardless of how honest a seller may seem, never rely on a verbal promise.
Will they move that abandoned car in the back yard? Will they fix the crack in the front steps? Is that expensive-looking ceiling fan included with the house?
Don’t assume. Get it written into the offer.
Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate … (3 comments)

buying agent: When Choosing a Fixer-Upper Makes Cents - 12/27/15 08:52 AM
Some renovations can significantly increase the market value of a home. Others can cost more than you’ll ever get back.
So, when choosing a “fixer-upper”, look carefully at the work that needs to be done.
General painting, and bathroom or kitchen renovations typically increase the resale value of a house. “Invisible” repairs such as plumbing, electrical, or heating systems do not.
Before you buy, work with your REALTOR® to develop a market value estimate of the house you are considering as though the renovations you’re contemplating are already complete.
If the math works, go for it. Buying a “fixer-upper” can be very rewarding.
Your Real Estate … (1 comments)

buying agent: Getting Your Home Hunting Ducks in a Row - 12/23/15 01:01 AM
Say you’re shopping for a new home. Your goal is to find the ideal property, in a neighbourhood that is just right for you, within a price range that you can afford.
What do you need — at minimum — to get started?
If you’re looking for ways to get your ducks in a row, here are some suggestions:
A property wish list. What does your ideal home look like? How many bedrooms does it need to have? Do you require a spacious recreational room? A large deck? A pool? A nice view? Get your wish list down on paper. A neighbourhood wish … (1 comments)