Real Estate Blog - buyers

St. John's Real Estate: Condos vs. Houses - Which is Right for You?

When it comes to investing in real estate in St. John's, Newfoundland, potential buyers are often faced with the decision of choosing between a condo or a house. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing between condos and houses in St. John's and help you determine which option is right for you.

Understanding Condos

Condominiums, or condos, are housing units within a larger building or complex that are individually owned. Condo owners have exclusive ownership of their unit and shared ownership of common areas such as lobbies, gyms, and swimming pools.…

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Homeowner Checklist! [INFOGRAPHIC]

1. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on a home, including mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.

2. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and help you narrow down your search for a home.

3. A good agent can help you find the right home, negotiate the price, and guide you through the buying process.

4. Consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, and amenities, as well as the overall safety and desirability of the neighborhood.

5. Before closing the deal, have a professional inspector examine the property to ensure there are no major issues that could cost you later on.

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The Pros and Cons of an Open House

Are you planning to sell your home? If so, you may have heard about the popular real estate practice of holding an open house. An open house is an event where prospective buyers can come and view your home without making an appointment. While an open house can have its advantages, it also has its disadvantages. In this blog post, we'll take a look at both the pros and cons of an open house so you can decide if it's the right choice for you.

Advantages of an Open House

Increased Exposure

One of the biggest advantages of an open house is the increased exposure it can provide. By opening up your home to potential buyers, you're giving them a chance to see it in person and get a better feel for the space. This can be especially helpful if you're…

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Revolutionizing Real Estate: How Technology is Changing the Game

The real estate industry has always been known for its traditional ways, but in recent years, technology has started to disrupt the way things are done. From virtual tours to online marketplaces, technology is transforming the real estate industry in exciting ways, making it more efficient and accessible for buyers and sellers alike.

One of the most significant impacts of technology on real estate is the rise of online marketplaces. Platforms like RE/MAX and Realtor.ca allow buyers to browse listings, schedule tours, all from the comfort of their own homes. This convenience has led to a rise in virtual home buying, with buyers sometimes purchasing properties sight unseen.

Another way technology is changing the game in real estate is through…

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Property Palooza: Adventures in Buying and Selling Real Estate

Are you in the market to buy or sell real estate? Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, the world of real estate can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to help guide you through the process and make it as smooth as possible.

If you're a real estate buyer, it's essential to understand the current market conditions and what factors can affect the price of a property. One crucial factor is location. Properties located in desirable neighborhoods or areas with high demand can drive up the price, while those in less desirable locations may sell for less. Also, consider the condition of the property. A well-maintained property may sell for more than a property in poor condition, even if they are in the same location.

As a…

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Navigating the Real Estate Industry: Tips for Buyer and Sellers

The real estate industry can be both exciting and intimidating for prospective buyers and sellers. With constantly changing market trends and regulations, it is important to stay well informed and prepared. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or sell your current property, this article will provide valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the real estate industry with confidence.

Current Market Trends

According to the recent market data, the real estate industry is experiencing a surge in demand for single-family homes and a shortage of inventory. This has led to increased competition among buyers and rising prices in many markets. On the other hand, sellers are enjoying the benefits of sellers market, with properties often selling…

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What is a Buyer Representation Agreement?

Whether you’re looking at a condo in the city or a brick home in the suburbs, the search for your dream home is an exciting time. For many prospective buyers, the period between the decision to buy and the day you get the keys to your new home takes a back seat to your dreams of the exciting times ahead. As a buyer, you need to be informed and educated through every step of the process. It can be challenging to set aside your search for the perfect window treatments when your agent is asking you to sign a document you don’t understand: the Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA). To help you tackle this, we are going to give you the short and sweet explanation of what a Buyer Representation Agreement is, so you can get back to the…

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First-Time Buying Pitfalls to Avoid

Buying your first home is a major life milestone and possibly one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, both from a financial and long-term commitment perspective. And while being ready for every possible outcome isn’t possible (not to mention unrealistic!) it is possible to prepare for potential pitfalls you may run into during the home buying process. From identifying and making the most out of saving opportunities, to explaining how working outside of your budget will cost you in the long run, here are some common pitfalls first-time buyers tend to experience, and how two REALTORS® recommend avoiding them. 

1. Attempting to manage without professional assistance 

For Regan O’Rourke, a…

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What Does the Future of Home Sales Look Like in Canada?

Real estate experts have been predicting how the Canadian housing market will fare in 2023 since the beginning of 2021. With current trends pointing towards a steady increase in home sales, it’s no wonder that many are eager to know what the future holds. With new trends and economic shifts, the landscape of home sales can be difficult to predict. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at why home sales are expected to continue to rise over the next few years, and what buyers and sellers can expect from the markets in 2023. 

How We Got Here 

Before we can look into the future, it’s important to understand how we got here. The Canadian housing market has seen an unprecedented surge over the past year due to both COVID-19 safety measures and…

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What You Legally Have to Disclose When Selling

You know about staging and pricing a listing properly to attract buyers, but sometimes there’s an out-of-sight, out-of-mind history that sellers may have to disclose. A  property might look perfect on the outside, but if there was a death on site, it was used for illegal activity, or even if it’s reported to be haunted, it can become what’s known as “stigmatized.” This label can make the property more difficult to sell and might even bring down its value.

Some potential buyers may not care about a home’s stigma, while others could perceive it as a red flag. However, depending where you live, sellers are not always obligated to disclose certain issues, leaving the onus on the buyer—with the help of their REALTOR®—to learn more.

We asked two real…

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