Congratulations on Your Decision to Become a Homeowner!
BUYER’S GUIDE
There are many reasons why people choose to sell their homes, but every seller has one thing in common: to sell their home for the highest amount possible, in the shortest amount of time. When you are ready to sell your home, take inventory of the reasons why you are choosing to sell. These factors will help play into looking for your new home, as well as give ideas for staging and small upgrades.
Best Time to Sell
Everyone wants to take advantage of the housing market when it comes to selling your home. Unless you are buying and selling strategically for investment, the best time to sell is when your existing home does not meet your current or future needs.
Economy as a Key Factor
A key factor to consider is the economy. The economic health of a country affects many factors related to real estate. Mortgage rates are often influenced by the state of the economy. A higher interest rate may encourage you to stay with your current home as the increase in mortgage payments may change your financial situation. A lower interest rate may mean that you can upgrade to a larger home with a minimal impact to your current mortgage.
What Impacts the Sale of Your Home
Keep in mind that holidays and weather may impact the sale of your home. Winter holidays and the peak summer season keep many potential buyers busy and not looking for homes. Buyers with school-aged children often choose to move during the summer to minimize the challenges with changing schools in the middle of the year.
RE/MAX believes that: “You can’t live in an RRSP.” How true it is. For most people, buying property is the single largest investment they will ever make, not just in their family’s lifestyle and comfort, but also in their financial future.
RE/MAX is here to help — and not just because we have thousands of highly qualified associates across the country to assist you on your journey. We want to do more than just help you buy a property; we want to teach you everything you need to know to buy your home.
Getting Started
CHOOSING YOUR RE/MAX AGENT
Buying your first home is one of the most important investment and personal decisions of your life. It’s also one of the most complex transactions you may ever undertake.
Your first step involves deciding how you will approach your home search. Who will you work with throughout this process — and how will you work with them? Ask yourself, “Do I want a RE/MAX agent working with me or for me?” There is a difference!
As a first-time homebuyer, it’s important that you find someone you feel completely comfortable with, who you can trust, and who listens to you and respects your views. They have the market knowledge and expertise, but at the end of the day, it’s your home and your investment, so you must be able to work well with your agent. Experienced, professional RE/MAX agents understand and excel at this.
As a buyer, you have a choice in representation. Most buyers today choose to have a RE/MAX agent represent their interests in a real estate transaction. This is also known as Agency Representation (or fiduciary representation), which simply means that the RE/MAX agent you hire is legally bound to represent your interests. This involves the highest standard of care and extreme loyalty to you, the “client.” Some agents will work with you as a “customer,” which carries a different level of responsibility. Most real estate professionals require a client relationship because it allows them to provide the full range of services that buyers need and deserve. Your RE/MAX agent will discuss representation with you and will request your commitment in writing for this level of service.
Like in so many professions, reputation and word-of-mouth are crucial. Indeed, for RE/MAX agents, client and agent referrals account for about 70% of business. As you begin your search for your RE/MAX agent, talk to family, friends, and colleagues who have gone through the home buying process to see if they can recommend anyone. Homeowners who’ve had a positive experience with a RE/MAX agent are only too happy to share this with you, much like they would a doctor, dentist, or auto mechanic. You can also use the Internet, or visit a local RE/MAX office.
As a first-time homebuyer, look for an agent who is experienced in your market, but not so busy that they can’t give you due attention. RE/MAX agents are skilled in understanding and responding to the specific needs of buyers. Consider contacting a RE/MAX agent before you look for a home and you’ll be served, not sold. Your interests become their interests, and you’ll be working with someone who has gone the extra mile by completing specialized training in delivering the best in buyer representation services. RE/MAX agents have established track records, with proven experience in representing the concerns of homebuyers.
WHAT A RE/MAX AGENT DOES FOR YOU
There are many good reasons to work with a qualified real estate professional — especially a trained professional who has earned the ABR® designation. In a formalized agency relationship, you can expect your RE/MAX buyer’s representative to:
• Provide you with the highest standard of care and extreme loyalty to you as the client
• Understand your specific needs and wants, and locate appropriate properties
• Help you get pre-approved for your mortgage
• Preview and/or accompany you in viewing properties
• Assist you in determining how much you can affor
CONTACT US FOR ANY BUYING QUERIES
REACH US
Our team of RealEstate professionals are here to work with you on each and every one of yoru buying or selling needs. Drop us a message or give us a call at one of our offices.
Business Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm