Real Estate Blog

Your Guide to Home Sale PaperworkEvery province has its own idea of the key paperwork sellers need to transfer their home to the buyer. Despite the specific regulations that govern each home sale though, it helps to have a solid idea of what documents are most important to buyers and why. Whether they're required or not, sellers can use their paperwork as a way to convince buyers that they should take a chance—and maybe even offer more than the asking price.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Buyer's Wish

The buyer wants to know what they're signing up for if they choose to buy the home, and the paperwork can serve as their guide. When a seller is upfront about

913 Views, 0 Comments

Mortgage Information for Home Buyers Getting a Vacation HomeBuying a vacation home can be very different from buying a primary residence. In particular, mortgages for vacation homes function differently than standard mortgages. Anyone who wants to buy a vacation home should be aware of the how mortgages for vacation homes work, to make the home-buying process go more smoothly.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

How to Obtain a Mortgage for a Vacation Property

People choose to buy vacation property all over the world. The type of mortgage the person must get will depend on the location of the vacation property. Vacation property that is in Canada will require a different mortgage from vacation

679 Views, 0 Comments

How to Fix Unpermitted WorkUnpermitted work is more common than many homeowners realize with as many as 70% of all homes in the country boasting some type of unauthorized repair or renovation. Previous homeowners may not have realized they needed to ask permission in order to make improvements to their own home, leading to confusion about what was done, when it was done, and how it was completed. Those who suspect they're living in a home with unpermitted work will need to take the following steps to make home improvements and rectify the situation.

Understand the Rules

The rules regarding permits are there to ensure the safety of the property, its neighbors, or the future inhabitants of the area. The expectations for each homeowner will vary from neighborhood to

916 Views, 0 Comments

What You Should Know About Home PaintingPainting is not only a fun way to make a change, it's also an inexpensive way to improve a home's resale value. It can smooth over some of the cosmetic flaws of a home when staging to sell, helping it look more attractive to both homeowners and passerbys alike. Here are a few tips to get the best possible coats on the exterior of the home.

Make Prep a Priority

The importance of caulking, patching, and cleaning the home first cannot be overstated:

  • Check the sides: Dirt and mildew have a tendency to form in some of the most overlooked corners.
  • Pressure wash the exterior: This step is usually the best way to clear out any peeling paint or other impurities that may have formed over time.
  • Seal the cracks: Caulk all joints (e.g., where
689 Views, 0 Comments

Is It Time To Replace Your Roof?An old or deteriorated roof can be a big problem for a homeowner. Without being repaired or replaced, a roof leak may lead to wood rot and structural damage. Knowing when to repair or replace a roof is an important part of being a homeowner and caring for a property.

What Causes A Roof to Deteriorate? How Can You Prevent It?

A roof can last anywhere from 20 years to 200, depending on the materials used and the maintenance practices of the homeowner. Deterioration may happen for many reasons. UV rays and exposure to the elements take their toll on roofing materials. Other events that can cause damage to a roof include big storms and natural disasters, ice dams, poor maintenance practices and pest infestation.

Establishing a regular

752 Views, 0 Comments

Everything You Need to Know About Your Home's FlooringThe flooring that a homeowner selects for their house will have an affect on their home's comfort, style and functionality. Some types of flooring require a lot of maintenance, others require very little. Some flooring can last for centuries, other types will only last a few years. Homeowners who are trying to make their decision should be aware of all the differences in the different types of flooring, so they can choose the type of flooring that works best for them.

Carpeting

Carpeting has the benefit of being soft and relatively warm. It also comes in a range of colours, so it can match just about any interior decor. For seniors and homeowners with small children, carpeting is often a preferred flooring material because it provides padding

1,731 Views, 0 Comments

How to Have an Organized RelocationMoving is a logistically difficult thing to do. Between packing, de-cluttering and setting up with movers, it can seem like there's just too much to do at once. Staying organized and starting early can help prevent problems. These tips can help new home buyers stay organized during their relocation.

One Year to Six Months Before Moving: De-Clutter

Clutter makes moving more time consuming, overwhelming and expensive. Home buyers who know they want to purchase a home and move in the next year or two should start the de-cluttering process as early as possible. Starting one year in advance enables the home buyer to de-clutter seasonal items as they are used throughout the year.

Four Months Before Moving: Start Packing

Packing is another

968 Views, 0 Comments

Improvements can help sell a home quicker. Some also have a high ROIIt is a common belief in real estate that often a home will be sold based on its bathrooms and kitchen. That, however, doesn't mean these are the smartest areas to make major investments in. This is especially true if someone selling their home is looking to get the best return on investment (ROI). In fact, investing a large amount of money in a kitchen or bath may help sell the home quicker but it is likely not going to pay off in terms of ROI. A list of the home improvement projects that offer an attractive return on investment may contain some surprises. What are these areas sellers should consider when focusing on ROI?

The Entry Door

A new steel or designer entry door can pay off in multiple ways. A brand new door makes a great first

847 Views, 0 Comments

New Construction: A Buying GuideNew construction homes are a good choice for a lot of people, because they can offer value and quality beyond what might be able to be found in homes that were built some time ago. The styles and preferences change over the years, and that affects the way homes are constructed, the kinds of features they have, the size of the rooms, and much more. With that in mind, it is important to understand what new construction has to offer, and the kinds of things a home buyer should look into before they choose a new construction home. With the right options, a new construction home can be an excellent choice.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

882 Views, 0 Comments

LMI Guide: What You Need to KnowWhen it comes to getting a mortgage, there are a lot of things to consider. One of those is how much of a down payment should be offered, or how much of one is actually needed. Fortunately for buyers who have not saved up a lot of money, there are some options for lower down payments. These generally include LMI, or Lender's Mortgage Insurance. This helps reduce the risk for the lender and protect their interest in the property when they loan money to the buyer. But what kinds of things should buyers know about LMI? Here are some of the biggest considerations all buyers want to look at where LMI is concerned.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

930 Views, 0 Comments