Repair and Replace A great starting point when you begin to prepare your house for the market is a “To-do List”. This is a list of projects or items that need to be fixed or replaced before hitting the market. It is best to get these projects underway as early as possible so you don’t feel stressed or rushed, and an accurate value can be put on your home depending on the scale of repair or replacement that needs to be done.   Declutter First impression is everything! Imagine never having walked into your home and how you would want it to look, this is a beneficial mindset to have ..read more

The real estate has already started to heat up and in anticipation of the increase in properties hitting the market, it’s important to make sure you are prepared to be sure you don’t miss out on opportunities! Here are some suggestions we have for you to have in order ASAP so when your perfect opportunity arises you are equipped to take action.   Pre-Approval Contacting your mortgage broker or bank for a pre-approval is a necessary first step in getting ready to purchase a home. If you already have a pre-approval, we would recommend touching base to make sure nothing has ch ..read more

On December 1st, 2023, RECO introduced TRESA Phase 2 (Trust in Real Estate Services Act) putting some new regulations in place. With these changes, it’s more important now than ever to ensure you have a well-educated and experienced Realtor working on your behalf! The changes include: Representation 1. Designated Representation – Identifies 1 or more agents as responsible for representing the client and their best interest. 2. Self Represented Party (SRP) – When there is no contract with a brokerage at all and therefore creates limits on the advice and expertise that a Realtor would be able to ..read more

Not only does fall’s arrival prompt planning thanksgiving photos, halloween costumes, and when your next pumpkin spice latte will be… It’s also time to begin prepping your home for the colder months ahead of us. With that being said, we’ve created a list that you can follow in order to get your home prepared.   Check your Home’s HVAC Systems On average, heating/air systems last around 12-15 years. The time frame usually depends on how well they are maintained… I’ve seen some still effectively working at 20 years old! Anyhow, before the cold weather begins to creep in, you should take ..read more

The Major Elements of an Offer consist of, Price: Depending on local market conditions, your opinion of value, and marketing information provided by your REALTOR®, the price you offer may differ from the seller’s asking price. It’s important to understand both sides! Deposit: The deposit shows your good faith and will be applied against the purchase of the home when the sale closes. The typical range of a deposit is anywhere from $20,000-$50,000. Conditions: These might include “subject to home inspection”, “subject to the buyer obtaining financing” or “subject to buyer selling their property ..read more

It’s almost Earth Day! Although there are many ways one can address sustainability, we believe that a great place to start is within your home. That is because certain household habits and items are a part of our day to day life. With that being said, here is how to make your home more sustainable: Utilize a Compost Bin  Adding a compost bin for your kitchen scraps is such a simple way to incorporate sustainability. Through composting you are able to help keep waste out of our landfills while creating a nutritious additive for gardening.  Switch from Toxic to Natural Cleaning Product ..read more

Should I Avoid Being Home While My House Is Shown? – We don’t recommend you to be home while your house is being shown, and this is for a couple reasons.   The main reason is that it can make the prospective buyer feel uncomfortable. If the Buyer has any concerns about the home, they will often avoid bringing it up to their realtor, as they don’t want to offend or upset you. This isn’t a great scenario only because oftentimes realtors are able to address and/or solve the Buyers concern(s) about the home while at their showing. However, if they are never brought up because you are home ..read more

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away! So to help you plan ahead, below is a list of some of our favourite Valentine’s Day date spots in Guelph.   Atmosphere   If you both love a classic dinner at a charming restaurant, then we recommend you book a table at Atmosphere. They serve delicious high-quality European food and cocktails. Along with that, Atmosphere is located right in the heart of downtown, meaning you can add a romantic stroll/window shopping to your evening.    Manhattans  Looking to add some extra fun to a basic dinner date? Check out Manhattans, as th ..read more

Homeownership is a goal for most Canadians, but it is important to be aware of the costs that aren’t necessarily top of mind for all homebuyers. These expenses can add up fast and significantly affect your finances and ability to save, making it important to consider them before taking the leap into homeownership. Maintenance and Repairs Regardless of how new or well-maintained your home is, it will require ongoing maintenance and repairs. This may include fixing leaks, replacing appliances, repainting, and more. It is wise to set aside money each month to cover these costs and to have an emer ..read more

Yes, there are a few important reasons why you should talk with your Mortgage Broker or Bank before you start looking at homes.   Firstly, depending on your comfort level and needs there are benefits to using a Mortgage Broker over a Bank and vice versa. The most important part regardless of Bank or Mortgage Broker will be establishing how much you can borrow for your home purchase. It is crucial for you to know your budget in order to effectively find potential properties whilst house hunting.     Secondly, by communicating with Brokers or Banks you can learn the options a ..read more