Real Estate Blog - buying a home

The Ultimate Guide to Homes for Sale in St John’s

St. John’s is a vibrant city, full of culture, natural beauty, and - plenty of homes for sale. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, there are a variety of properties available to suit your needs. However, buying a home can be a complex process, with many factors to consider. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, to help you navigate the world of homes for sale in St. John’s.

Homes for Sale in St. John’s

Before we dive into the details of buying a home, let’s take a closer look at the homes available for sale in St. John’s. The city is home to a wide range of properties, from cozy bungalows to sprawling estates. Some of the most popular types of homes for sale in St John’s include single-family homes,…

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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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Beyond the Screens - Why a Realtor is Still Vital in the Digital Age of Real Estate

While technology has certainly made the real estate industry more efficient and accessible, REALTORS® still play a crucial role in the buying and selling process. Here are a few reasons why a REALTOR® is still important:

Personalized expertise

REALTORS® bring a level of personalized expertise to the table that technology cannot match. They can provide insights and guidance based on their experience and knowledge of the local market, and can tailor their advice to each individual client's needs and preferences.

Negotiation skills

Negotiating the sale or purchase of a home can be complex, and having a REALTOR® with strong negotiation skills can make all the difference. They can help clients get the best…

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What Sellers Look For In An Offer—Other Than Money

Is buying a home all about the money? You may be led to believe this, but what about factors like conditions, personal offer letters, and the closing date? Sellers often need to consider things past finances when making the decision about which offer to accept.

The reality is, navigating the offer process for buyers can be stressful and putting in the highest offer doesn’t always guarantee the home will be yours. Under seller’s market conditions, when there’s more demand than inventory supply, it’s likely buyers will need to consider more than a full-price offer to increase its desirability.. With this in mind, let’s examine what else sellers look for when weighing the value of an offer.

“There have been several cases where our clients have…

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A Guide to Buying Your First Home

As a first-time homebuyer, navigating the Canadian real estate market can be a daunting task. With fluctuating interest rates and housing prices, it’s essential to do your research and be prepared before making any significant investments. Here’s a guide to help you buy your first home in today’s market.

Determine your budget

Before you start looking for a home, it’s crucial to establish your budget. You should consider your income, debts, and other monthly expenses when determining how much you can afford to spend on a home. Experts suggest that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 30% of your income.

Check out our mortgage calculator!

Save for a down payment

Typically, you need a down payment of at least 5% of the…

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What to Consider When Choosing A REALTOR®

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will make in their lifetime, and choosing the right REALTOR® is crucial to ensure the process goes smoothly. With so many REALTORS® out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips on how to choose one that's right for you.

Do your research
Start by researching REALTORS® in your area. Look at their online presence, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can also check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints or negative reviews.

Look for experience
When choosing a REALTOR®, it's important to look for someone with experience in the type of property and…

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Pros and Cons of Banks Versus Mortgage Brokers

When looking for a good mortgage rate, there are two main options: going directly through a bank or working with a mortgage broker. Each can be a good option, depending on your financial situation. So how do you decide which one to try? Let’s look at the difference between banks versus mortgage brokers, their pros and cons, and how to figure out which is best for you.

The Difference Between Banks Versus Mortgage Brokers

The big difference between a bank and a mortgage broker is that a mortgage broker can provide you with mortgage products from several different lenders, while a bank can only give you the mortgage option from their own company. Mortgage brokers have access to a variety of lenders and rates, which means…

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6 Signs It’s Time to Buy a House

Many people dream of having their own house at some point. Owning a home is an excellent way to build financial security and equity. And while renting gives you the freedom to move when you want, the urge to own often rises to the surface. But how do you know when you’re ready? Here are six signs that it’s time to buy a house.

Your Rent is Increasing… Again

Both buying and renting have their drawbacks, but one of the great grievances with renting in recent years is rising rental prices. These make it difficult to have enough for monthly costs and save for the future. Unlike paying rent, owning a house builds equity, and the monthly costs are cheaper in many areas, even with extra expenses like property taxes and…

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Buying a Home? Narrow Down Your Needs and Wants List

When you’re looking to buy a home—whether it’s your first, something larger, downsizing, or an investment property—you need to think about your needs versus your wants. This way, when you meet with a REALTOR®, they’ll be able to better assist you in finding a home that suits you and your budget.

While you may think you really want to splurge for hardwood floors throughout your new home, you may actually need to have an extra bedroom for when family comes to visit, so there are going to be compromises you must make. Taking the time to narrow down your needs and wants will help make the house-hunting process even smoother, as you’ll already know what things you can and can’t live without.  

How do you define a need vs. a want?

While many people…

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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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