Buying a home can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially for first-time homebuyers. With so many decisions to make and factors to consider, it's easy to feel lost in the process. Let's take a look at some of the top questions that homebuyers ask and what they are searching for when it comes to buying real estate.

How much can I afford?

Your budget is determined by several factors, including your income, expenses, debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and down payment. Here's a closer look at each of these factors and how they can affect your budget:

  • Income: This takes into account your monthly income and expenses to determine how much of your income can go toward your mortgage payment.
  • Expenses: Including things like car…

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A homeowners association (HOA) is a legal organization that manages and regulates a community of residential properties. It is typically formed by a developer when building a new subdivision, and the HOA becomes the governing body once a certain number of homes have been sold. Homeowners in the community are required to pay regular dues to the HOA, which is then used to maintain and improve the shared spaces and amenities within the community.

HOAs are designed to maintain a certain standard of living within the community and to protect property values. They are responsible for maintaining the common areas of the community, such as parks, landscaping, and recreational facilities. They may also establish and enforce rules and regulations governing…

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Home sales in Newfoundland and Labrador saw a decline of 21% in March 2023 compared to the same month in the previous year, with a total of 350 units sold. However, home sales for the month were 0.5% higher than the five-year average and 13.5% higher than the 10-year average. Year-to-date home sales for the first three months of 2023 were down 20.7% compared to the same period in 2022, with a total of 902 units sold.

St. John's saw a significant decline in residential activity of 32.3% year-over-year in March 2023, with single detached home sales falling 17.5% from March 2022 levels. In comparison, the rest of the province saw a smaller decline of 14.9%. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) showed that the overall benchmark price for homes in…

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Moving from the city to the suburbs can be a big decision, especially for young families and people who have never lived in the suburbs before. It's a change that comes with a lot of benefits and challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why people move to the suburbs, what to expect, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible!

Why Do People Move to the Suburbs?

There are many reasons why people choose to move from the city to the suburbs. One of the main reasons is the desire for more space. City living can be cramped, with small apartments and limited outdoor areas. In the suburbs, homes are often larger with more outdoor space, which is ideal for families with children or pets.

Another reason people…

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Virtual Staging: How It's Changing the Real Estate Game

Gone are the days when homebuyers and sellers had to physically visit properties to get a sense of what they looked like. With the advent of virtual staging, the real estate industry has undergone a major transformation. This technology has allowed home sellers to list their properties online, and buyers to browse listings, get in touch with real estate agents, and research mortgage options all from the comfort of their own homes. In this blog post, we'll explore virtual staging, its benefits, and how it's changing the game for both buyers and sellers.

What is Virtual Staging?

Virtual staging is a process of creating computer-generated images of furniture and decor placed within an…

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As a new homeowner, you want your home to look and feel clean and organized, right? One of the best ways to achieve that is to optimize your mudroom. In this blog post, we’ll share with you five ways to optimize your mudroom for a cleaner and more organized home.

Install shelves and hooks

The first thing you need to do is to install shelves and hooks in your mudroom. Shelves will help you store items such as shoes, bags, and hats. Hooks, on the other hand, will help you hang your coats and jackets. Installing shelves and hooks will help you keep your mudroom organized and clutter-free.

Use baskets and bins

Baskets and bins are great for storing small items such as gloves, scarves, and umbrellas. They will also help you keep your…

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If you're looking to buy a home, you may have noticed that the current real estate market is highly competitive. With low inventory and multiple offers on most properties, it can be challenging to get your offer accepted. However, there are some strategies you can use to increase your chances of success. In this blog post, we'll share some tips for winning an offer in a seller's market.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

One of the most important steps you can take to position yourself as a serious buyer is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show sellers that you have the financial means to follow through on your offer, and it can give you an edge over other buyers who have not yet been pre-approved. When you're pre-approved, you also…

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As young homeowners, we all want to do our part in protecting the environment. One way to do this is by recycling our electronics. Electronics can contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of electronics recycling, what electronics can be recycled, and local resources for electronics recycling in Newfoundland.

Why is Electronics Recycling Important?

Electronics recycling is essential because electronic devices contain materials that are harmful to the environment, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When electronics are disposed of in landfills, these harmful materials can seep into the soil and groundwater, causing pollution and health hazards.

In…

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Gardening is a wonderful way to beautify your home and create a peaceful oasis. If you're a beginner, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you live in a climate like Newfoundland's with its rocky soil and cold temperatures. But don't worry! With a few tips and tricks, you can have a successful flower garden in no time.

Choose the Right Flowers

When starting a flower garden, it's important to choose the right flowers for your climate. In Newfoundland, you'll want to focus on hardy flowers that can withstand the cold temperatures and rocky soil. Some good options include pansies, petunias, marigolds, and daisies. These flowers can be planted in the spring, and will bloom throughout the summer.

Prepare Your Soil

…

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Buying or selling real estate in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to understand the taxes and fees associated with property ownership. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various taxes and fees that buyers and sellers should be aware of. 

Property Taxes

According to the City of St. John's website, property taxes are determined by the assessed value of the property and paid annually. As of 2023, the property tax rate for residential properties in St. John's is 6.7 mills (or $6.70 per $1,000 of assessed value), while the tax rate for commercial properties is 23.2 mills (or $23.20 per $1,000 of assessed value). As a buyer, it's important to understand the current…

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