EALING PROPERTY TIPS

So you have decided to sell your property. Before anything else, it’s a good idea to sit down and clarify your motivations and draw up a basic time frame for the selling process. Being clear about your intentions for selling will make it easier for us to determine the most appropriate option for your specified financial lifestyle, and real estate goals. Once you’ve done this, it’s time to…..

Start Packing It may sound crazy to start packing months in advance of your move, but it will save you hassle in the long run if you start getting organised now. We’re not suggesting you pack up your kitchen and eat off paper plates, but you can sort through your storage cupboards, attic, basement or garage to determine what you want to keep, give away and sell. Boxing up items will make your space look larger and neater when viewings start.

Clear Away the Clutter Keep your house neat and tidy! If you visit model homes or open houses of homes that have been staged, you’ll never see a stack of unread magazines, children’s pictures hung on the refrigerator, or a cluster of unpaid bills on a table. Whilst everyone has clutter, buyers want to see a fantasy version of your house, in which they can envision living.

Improve Your Home While you don’t necessarily want to do a major, expensive renovation project before you sell, you can make minor repairs and improvements that will make your home look fresher to buyers. Try things such as replacing the caulk and grout in your bathroom, updating old or rusted ceiling fans and light fixtures, and changing door knobs and other hardware for a clean and neat appearance. Consider painting your front door and trim even if your rooms don’t need new paint. Tidy your garden!

Choose the right agent…! Don’t just go with someone who tells you they can sell for the highest price; instead, choose someone who will look after your best interests - US!

Research Your Market If you plan to buy another home, an important decision to make is whether to sell your home first or make an offer on a new home before putting yours on the market. We can help you evaluate how fast homes are selling in the market and help you estimate how long it will take you to find a home. This decision also depends on your financing, so you may want to consult with a lender to see how you can finance the transition from one home to another if you choose not to sell your home first.

PROPERTY BUYING TIPS

Quick Tips For A Successful House Hunt

Carefully craft your wish list and try to stick to it. If you are shopping with your partner, discuss your must-haves and deal breakers together so you’ll be on the same page during your house hunt.

Remember you are not only buying a house, but the neighbourhood too. Is it safe? Talk to neighbours and ask questions. Spend time in the area to determine if it offers the lifestyle conveniences you’ll need. If it's not near to where you currently live, do a Google Walk.

Don’t see too many houses in one day. Too many homes in a short period of time will run together in your mind and you won’t recall which kitchen or which master bedroom belonged to which house. Stay within your price range and consider added expenses such as taxes, home owner’s association fees, maintenance etc.

Is It Better Right Now To Rent Or To Buy?

I’m sure by now you’ve heard that mortgage rates are at record lows and they have been for months. Housing prices are still relatively low. The key to seeing a return on your investment in ANYTHING is to buy low and ride the wave on up. The cost of borrowing money right now makes home ownership cheaper than renting in many cases. What do you think happens if everyone continues to rent because they are afraid to buy? Rents continue to skyrocket. Investors know this, that’s why they are buying everything they can now, so they can rent it to you at an inflated rate later.

Steps To Take To Prepare To Buy A Home Within A Year

If you are planning to purchase within the year then your priority right now should be to clean up your credit. Pull those reports, see if there is anything that may make the process difficult. Any past dues? Any lates? Judgements? Call the creditors and work out a deal. The key to getting a good mortgage rate is credit worthiness.

Make sure you have filed your taxes. Mortgage companies will need your last 2 and sometimes 3 years of tax returns so pull that together. SAVE SAVE SAVE! Also, it may be worthwhile to sit with a mortgage professional now and try to get pre-approved. This way you’ll know in advance what your purchasing power is. And if you can’t get pre-approved, at least you’ll know why and you can begin to start cleaning your profile up.