April 19, 2018
With today’s low interest rates, deciding to buy a home is one of the best decisions anyone can make. Financing such a big purchase, however, often means combining savings with money borrowed through a financial arrangement, commonly referred to as a mortgage. Mortgages allow you to pay back the principal, or amount borrowed, plus interest, in regular installments. The taxes on your home can also be added to the mortgage payments. Most mortgages are amortized over 25 years – that’s the length of time it takes for you to pay […]
April 19, 2018
Don’t forget closing costs when buying a home Despite the low cost of carrying a mortgage these days, you should keep in mind “closing costs” in addition to your down payment for that dream home. These various charges can add up, and for the most part they are all legally required payments in buying a property. Here is a list of most of your major “closing costs.” Legal fees: Since a lawyer is an essential part of your home-buying team, the work provided involves fees. Most legal fees include searching the […]
April 18, 2018
Getting the maximum exposure possible is a key part of any home sale. That’s why it pays to sell your home with the help of a REALTOR® through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS provides details of your home to all real estate professionals in the area and markets the property to a broad range of potential buyers. To further maximize exposure, your REALTOR® may recommend you hold one or two types of open houses as soon as the property goes on the market. The first will be an open […]
April 19, 2018
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to houses, the exterior can be just as important as the interior if selling or buying. When selling, it is the outside, or the home’s curb appeal that often determines whether the inside is ever seen. How a house ‘shows’ from the street can tell a potential buyer a lot about what it may be like inside. Even if the inside is the sparkling, charming, structurally sound dream home they’ve been searching for, a buyer is […]
April 19, 2018
It’s an exciting time. Your offer has been accepted. You can’t wait to move into your new home. But don’t start celebrating yet. There is one final stage involved in purchasing a home — closing the deal. Closing is the point at which ownership and usually possession of the property is transferred from the seller to you. It takes place after the parties involved agree that all legal and financial obligations have been met. Your lawyer and your REALTOR® will do much of the work, but here’s a checklist that […]
April 19, 2018
Real estate sections of public libraries abound with books on selling you home privately. In addition to pointers on sprucing up your home for maximum sale ability, they provide homeowners with tips on the “psychology of showing a house.” Yet, most homeowners choose to sell through a REALTOR®. Selecting a REALTOR® Finding the right real estate representative takes some time and care. A good place to start is in your neighbourhood. Check “For Sale” signs to see which brokers are doing business in your area. Ask them about their track […]
April 19, 2018
New homeowners often find there’s more to keeping up a house than cutting the grass and clearing snow from the driveway. Tools To start with, a new homeowner needs to have on hand a ‘basic tool kit’. A number of basic tools are a must C a metal hammer, screwdrivers with a variety of heads, a small saw, electric drill, adjustable wrench, pliers and measuring stick. Sandpaper and an assortment of screws and nails are also very handy. These tools will help with simple repairs such as securing loose tiles, […]
April 19, 2018
How to match the home you buy to your pocketbook So, you’ve decided to take the big leap and purchase your first home. Most of us have a “dream home” tucked away at the back of our minds — complete with six bedrooms, two fireplaces and a panoramic view. Before setting off to view properties you likely can’t afford, step back and take a reality check. Your “dream home” can easily become a nightmare when most of your money goes to pay the mortgage and there’s little left over for […]
April 19, 2018
Window coverings play a leading role in the interior of home. They can help set atmosphere and can be both attractive and functional. Windows now come in a variety of new shapes and sizes, which has put increased demand on window covering manufacturers to create new products. Many new and custom-built homes have windows that are rounded, or that stretch from floor to ceiling. For owners of older homes, installing new windows is often high on their “must do” list, and each window often requires a different application. Whatever the […]
