realtortips: Buyers Can Finally Buy a House for Less than List Price (But Savvy Buyers Know When to Still Offer over Asking…) - 09/26/22 11:13 AM

If you’re hoping to buy a home, you’ll be happy to hear that the average sale-to-list price has recently dropped below 100% for the first time since March 2021, according to this Money article. In other words, houses aren’t all selling for over asking price anymore, and you can negotiate a lower price than the owner is asking.
That’s welcome news, and a silver lining to buyers who waited (or weren’t able) to buy a house in the recent market frenzy. While mortgage rates are higher, at least now you’re more able to successfully compete for a house, and even negotiate the price.
But … (0 comments)

realtortips: Summer Is Almost Over: Here’s How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home as the Temperature Drops - 09/19/22 11:50 AM

With record-high temps and near-constant heat waves across the country, it may feel like we’re in the height of summer. But the truth is, fall is right around the corner. And while the change in temperature will surely provide some much-needed relief from the heat, cold weather can present a new problem for homeowners—rodents.
In an effort to escape the cold and harsh weather, rodents (like mice and rats) often try to make their way into homes.
So how, exactly, do you keep these unwanted guests out of your home this fall and winter? A recent article from realtor.com outlined steps you can take to … (1 comments)

realtortips: Organizing Your Home? Avoid These Tactics - 09/19/22 11:37 AM

Organizing your home can make your space feel less cluttered, more aesthetically pleasing, and make it easier for you to manage your possessions and find things when you need them.
But not all organizing tactics are created equal, and if you’re about to embark on a home organization journey, there are some tactics you might want to skip altogether.
So what, exactly, are those tactics?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined organizational tactics that are, at best, a waste of time—and, at worse, could actually make your home feel less organized—including:
Labeling everything. Labels can be helpful for keeping track of your items, but there’s no need to go … (2 comments)

realtortips: Renting without a realtor - 09/19/22 11:21 AM
Lot of times, landlords prefer to find tenants on their own using Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace (where there is no involvement from a broker), and recommendations from friends. They ask whether I can provide them with a sample or draft of a lease agreement. Additionally, they ask if they can include clauses stating that only the renters listed on the agreement are permitted to occupy the apartment or home, Can they add terms and conditions such as post-dated cheques, extra amount (monthly if they use their own appliances and only tenants mentioned on the agreement are allowed to live in apartment, etc etc. … (1 comments)

realtortips: The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make During the Home Buying Process, According to Real Estate Agents - 09/07/22 11:45 AM

When you’re buying a home, you want to avoid any mistakes—particularly mistakes that could prevent you from successfully purchasing your dream home. And if anyone knows what mistakes you’ll want to avoid, it’s real estate agents.
So, what are some of the most common mistakes buyers make when trying to find and purchase a home, according to agents?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined the mistakes home buyers make during the home buying process that real estate agents consider the most common (and the most challenging!), including:
Getting caught up in aesthetics. Many buyers see a dirty floor, outdated wallpaper, or an off-putting paint color and veto … (2 comments)