Understanding Real Estate

If there is one thing I have noticed in my years as a REALTOR®, it is that many people out there don't understand the processes and terminology that are used in the business of real estate. Understandably so, unless you are dealing with real estate on a daily basis, there is no real reason to expect someone in the general public to have a clear understanding of what goes on.

Many people who enter the world of real estate as clients, are surely apprehensive. It's interesting and exciting, but there is also trepidation on their part because they don't know what to expect. As a REALTOR®, part of my responsibility to my clients is to sit down with them and ensure that they understand what is happening and answer any of their questions, so that they can feel confident in both me AND the purchasing and/or selling process.

As a step towards helping the general public achieve a better understanding of real estate, I have decided to gear some of my next blog posts towards explaining parts of the purchasing and/or selling process. I have also decided to start Tuesday's #TermOfTheDay on my social media accounts (to start Tuesday, April 19th). Every Tuesday I will post a term and a description of that term and how it relates to real estate.

I hope you'll let me know what you think! And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, add them below!

Ken
Email: Ken@KenSold.ca

Website: http://www.KenSellsRealEstate.ca

3 Things to Consider Before You Purchase a Home

3 Things to Consider Before You Purchase a Home

You probably think that you've heard it all in terms of the "dos and don'ts" of real estate. There always seems to be advice floating around, whether it be from friends and family, self-proclaimed "experts," newspaper or magazine articles, or even online. But the fact of the matter is, people are out there making mistakes (because they don't know any better) and the only way to prevent it from happening is to spread the word. If everyone knew what they were doing, there wouldn't be advice columns, tip sheets, and let's face it, realtors.

I thought I'd share some of the things that I wish people knew before they even started looking for a new home.

1) How much can you afford?

Many people enter the the real estate market after they've decided they want a new home - for whatever reason. But while they may think about what size of property they want and how many bedrooms and bathrooms they would like, many don't find out what price range of properties they should be looking at. There is little worse than falling in love with a home and then finding out that you can't afford it. Find out before you start looking to avoid that kind of heartbreaking disappointment.

2) Just because it needs work, doesn't mean it's a deal.

On the same note, don't look at cheaper properties that need some overhauling (otherwise known as the "fixer-upper") and think that they will save you money. Sure, it can seem like the easy way out. Purchase the property for less money and then fix it up yourself after you've moved in. While you may be saving money on the purchase price, you also need to consider the cost of the work and materials you will need in order to improve the house. Some renovations may be able to be completed by you, but others will surely need to be hired out, which will cost you more money. It is important to be realistic when you're considering buying a house that needs work.

3) Get an inspection!

I cannot emphasize this enough! Many people think they can cut their costs down by eliminating the hiring of a home inspector. It truly is JUST NOT WORTH IT. Imagine that you purchase a house without getting an inspection and then, once you've moved in, realizing there's mold. Or the house isn't structurally sound. Now, this house, which you thought you saved money on, ends up costing you even more in the long-run. And not just cash. Now you also have the stress of dealing with the problems. Of course, you need to do your homework. Not all home inspection companies are reputable (as we've seen on episodes of shows such as Holmes on Homes). That's why it is important to research home inspection companies before you hire them. Also talk to your realtor about who they would recommend.

Can you think of any other important things to consider before you set foot into the world of "Purchasing a Home?" Comment below!

Ken
Email: Ken@KenSold.ca
Website: http://www.KenSellsRealEstate.ca

As You Start Spring Cleaning...

Organization seems to be a common goal among people, no matter who they are. If they don't have things in order, they aim to get themselves in a state of organization. If they are already organized, they usually spend their time looking for new ways to keep organized, or helping others feel that same glorious feeling of everything having a place.

I came across this article on Pinterest: "65 Things You Should Get Rid of Right Now", and I couldn't help but think about how true it is that we all tend to be collectors of something. Oftentimes "getting organized" is something people resolve to do in the New Year. At this point in the year, with spring practically here, I think this is just as good a time as any.

I encourage you to have a read through the article. It offers some great ideas on how to deal with these "easy to-collect" items. Some of my favourites are the loose change, the pens that don't work (friends don't let friends put dead pens back in the pencil holder!), the reusable plastic food containers, and the papers: bills, flyers, calendars, greeting cards, etc.

Organizational Tip from 101 Days of Organization Blog

De-clutter your life! You will be much more prepared in the event that you decide to renovate or move to a new home (especially if time is of the essence). (That's the Realtor in me speaking.)

But really: Let's un-complicate our lives! Get rid of the "stuff" that's not important and keep what has value. That leaves us with much less in terms of quantity, but much more in quality. If you can then focus on finding a place for these "quality items," you'll be able to enjoy them and their value so much more!

Ken
Email: Ken@KenSold.ca
Website: http://www.KenSellsRealEstate.ca