Susan Bowins

Understanding the Home Buying Process

The more you know about the best way to reach a goal, the more

likely you are to get the result you want. So, whether you’re hunting

for a new job, assembling a backyard BBQ, or training for a 3 mile

run, you’ll want to use a proven process to help you get there.

That certainly holds true when shopping for a new home.

There is a proven process to getting the home you want, in the

neighborhood you want, at a price you can afford. Here are

the highlights:

1. Get Ready

There’s a lot you must do before you pack your energy snacks in the

car and go looking at homes. If you own your current home, you

must prepare that property for sale. You should also get financing

for a new home pre-approved, so you know exactly how much you

can afford.

2. Go shopping

Your next step is to view the right homes currently available on the

market. It’s a good idea to make a wish list of property and

neighborhood features you’re looking for in a new home. You may

not be able to get everything you want, but you can probably come

pretty close.

3. Make an offer

When you see a home you like, the first thing you’ll need to do is to

make an offer. This can be tricky especially if there are other

interested buyers.

4. Get an inspection

Always get the home checked out by a qualified home inspector. A

property may have issues, such as a foundation leak, that are not

obvious during a viewing.

5. Prepare for the move

Once you’ve made the purchase, you need to arrange for moving

and deal with other details, such as utilities, telephone, mail

forwarding and so forth.

Want a smooth home buying process? Call today.

When Your Home Doesn't Sell

Why Some Houses Don't Sell & How to Avoid 4 Costly Mistakes

You put your house up for sale and the listing expired without a sale.  What went wrong?  The majority of houses sell during the initial listing time, usually a period of three months or more.  But - as you've found out - some don't sell.

What should you do now?  If your listing has expired and now you really want results, we can help.  Don't get spooked by the death of the first listing.  The home sale you want is still well within reach!

Are You Committed To Selling?
First, although you may feel discouraged, if you still want or need to sell, make a renewed commitment to do what it takes to market the house effectively.

Next, find out what went wrong.  An expired listing usually reflects a problem in one or more of four major areas:  communication, price, condition or marketing.

1. Communication
Why no sale?  What did prospects say about price, about condition?  What feedback did other agents offer?  Teamwork between seller and agent is the key to a good marketing plan. 

As well, make it easy to show, keep the house in showing condition, depersonalize and keep large pets at a distance. As well, tell your REALTOR® of changes to the neighbourhood and property condition.

2. Price
This is the most common culprit for the lack of a sale.  The wrong price attracts the wrong buyers or worse - none at all.

Market conditions and competition probably have changed since you initially listed your house. 
Is your price right?  Are your terms competitive? Activity without offers often indicates overpricing.  Remember, any house, no matter what condition, will sell for the right price. 

With our up-to-date market analysis, you'll know how your house compares to others offered for sale today.

3. Condition

A house in move-in condition invites a sale. We can tour your house and help you see it as prospective buyers do.

4. Marketing
As the old adage says, "Advertising doesn't sell houses, agents do."  Your secret to success is a carefully crafted marketing plan that exposes your property to the widest possible pool of prospective buyers and agents.