Real Estate Blog

How To Choose A Real Estate Agent

Buying a home is one of the most complex and important transactions that most of us will ever undertake. As a homebuyer, you get to choose who will represent you throughout the process. When choosing to work with a real estate agent, you expect a professional who has experience in both the market and your preferred neighbourhood, as well as in the type of housing you are looking for.

But not all real estate agents are created equal, so there are factors you must consider when searching for the right agent for you.

Agency Representation

Agency Representation (or fiduciary representation), simply means that the agent you hire is legally bound to represent your interests. When choosing…

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RE/MAX Commercial

Commercial For Buyers

The iconic red, white and blue balloon that represents one of the largest brands in the world is much more than it seems. The RE/MAX brand is made up of three different segments combined to become a name to be reckoned with in the real estate industry. Whether buying a residential home, a luxury property, or a commercial property, RE/MAX delivers a level of awareness, trust, and confidence competitors simply can’t match.

With access to the industry’s top training system, corporate support services, and a powerful referral network, it is easy to see why RE/MAX has become one of the most dynamic names in the commercial sector.

In your search for a RE/MAX Commercial property, you will work with a RE/MAX Commercial…

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Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It

From creating a warm, inviting space in your home, to clearing your driveway for potential viewers, to making sure any essential home renovation and repair is complete, we’ve compiled some ways to prepare your home in the winter and help maximize your selling potential. 

If you think selling your home in the winter is the same as selling your home in the summer, well, that’s a cold take. Each season has its distinct benefits when it comes to listing a home, so how can you take advantage of the snow and frigid temperatures?

We recently spoke with Amber van den Broek, a REALTOR® from Winnipeg, Manitoba and owner of Amber van den Broek & Associates, to speak about the  advantages of selling your home in the winter.

“There’s less competition on…

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Staging Your Home During The Holidays

One of the biggest questions that tends to arise in the months leading up to December, is whether or not people should decorate their homes for the holidays while trying to sell. This is an interesting topic, as some people prefer to see what homes look like when decorated, while other people prefer to see the space without the distraction of decorations.

We reached out to our RE/MAX Influencers – a panel of RE/MAX Sales Associates from across Canada – who provided some insight and tips into how you should go about staging your home during the holiday season.

Try to Take Photos Beforehand

One great tip that was offered up by the RE/MAX Influencers was to, if possible, have the listing photos of your home taken before…

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Types of Insulation and What Works Best For Your Home

The colder weather is here, which means we’re likely to become more aware of drafts in our homes. As the wind whips outside, everyone wants to make sure their home is warm and toasty, but a lack of insulation—or the wrong kind—can make for a frigid few months. 

According to National Resources Canada, more than 16% of Canada’s annual energy goes to heating our homes. Aside from noticing a hefty utility bill, checking for air leaks as well for signs of moisture damage in the interior and exterior of your home can help determine if your insulation needs to be replaced or installed. Some of the most common areas of a home requiring insulation are attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages.

What type of insulation should you be using?

…

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8 Tips for Selling in a Buyer’s Market

In a buyer’s market, getting your property to stand out form the rest will take some creative know-how. A seller’s market occurs when real estate listings outnumber the number of potential purchasers. This means sellers will have to work a little harder to attract offers to their home. Here’s how you can help tip the scales in your favour, and hopefully get that sale contract signed!

Low Down

When the amount of real-estate inventory matches the number of buyers shopping the market, people tend to be pickier about the price they’re willing to pay. Really hone in on the listing price you’re comfortable with — if you want to sell quickly, consider listing it on the lower side.

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4 Reasons You Need a Home Inspection for a New Build

Think you don’t need a home inspection when you purchasing a new build? Think again! Here are four reasons you need a home inspection—even if it’s a new build. 

1. A home inspection is different from the final walk-through with the builder

During the final walk-through among the buyers, their REALTOR® and the builder, any last-minute details—like paint touch-ups—can be fixed before you get the keys. According to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), many new homes and condos built by licensed builders carry a third-party home warranty—they’re mandatory in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, but in other provinces, individual builders can decide whether to offer one or not. CHBA members are required to offer a warranty.

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5 Simple Ways To Save More Money

We’re all looking for ways to save money. A good first step to build your savings account is to lower your cost of living. Whether your savings goals include a down payment on a home, an emergency fund, you want to save for retirement, or you simply need more money each month to cover your expenses, these small but impactful saving tips can help you find money – potentially lots of money! – in the long run. Consider these tips to help you put money away and start saving!

How to save money in 5 simple steps

Start a carpool

Those who drive to work everyday end up spending thousands of dollars on gas each year. Starting a carpool is an easy way to spend less on gas every week. Not only are…

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Why You Should Live in Your Home Before Renovating it

Buying a new home is exciting, but depending on where you are on the property ladder, you may not be getting a move-in ready property. Although it can be tempting to jump right in to transform your space, it’s not always a good idea to rip down walls as soon as you close the sale. Here’s why you should put down that sledgehammer and take your time instead. 

1. You’ll learn about your home and its pain points

Whether you buy a total fixer-upper, an older home that needs minor updates, or a newly built place you want to personalize, it’s smart to play the waiting game before embarking on major renovations, says David Stevens, a REALTOR® in Victoria, British Columbia.

“I tell my purchasers I’d like to see them in the house for 12 months…

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6 Movie Houses that Played a Major Role

Think of the main character in your favourite movie. Is it a superhero? A detective? A misunderstood brooding action badboy? We’re willing to bet not many, if any, of you picked a house—not that this is unusual. We typically think of houses in movies strictly as locations. They’re where the story takes place, not necessarily part of the story itself. 

But every so often a movie comes along where the house steals the show. Whether it’s central to the plot or just downright enviable, these movies wouldn’t be the same without their iconic abodes. Take a look at this list of our favourite movie houses that were central to the plot, and see if you can think of any others! 

1. Encanto

Encanto is about a family who all have magical…

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