Author Archives: Jesse

Tips on How to Get Maximum Exposure for a Home For Sale

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Jesse

A key concern of many home owners looking to sell a home is the exposure that their home will receive. The main thing is to ensure that the maximum number of people see the property so as to get the best possible deal for the home for sale. More importantly however is to ensure that the maximum number of people who see the property are actually qualified and motivated home buyers.

The best way to get maximum exposure of a home for sale is through the use of MLS, which is the Multiple Listing Service.

MLS is a co-operative marketing system that maximizes exposure of properties for sale. Most homes that are sold within the Greater Toronto Area, and most of Canada for that matter, are sold via MLS systems, which are operated by various real estate boards across the country. MLS consists of a sophisticated computer database of properties that are indexed by a number of factors, including price, location, type of home, number of bedrooms, etc. Fundamentally speaking, MLS contains a registry of properties that are used by realtors to match buyers with homes for sale.

There are two key benefits that come with using MLS when listing a home for sale.

The first benefit is MLS that MLS allows allows realtors to use their skills to the fullest.

A realtor’s job is to simply determine potential buyers ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ in a potential home, and then connect that home buyer with the ‘right’ potential home. Basically, the realtor is there to find properties that meet the home buyer’s needs. With the use of MLS, the realtor can quickly search the database for homes with specific ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ that the home buyer is looking for, and put together a short list of suitable homes. This means that the realtor doesn’t have to waste the time of the homebuyer by looking at homes that don’t meet their standards, but rather only show homes to the home buyer that meet the home buyer’s specifications for a potential future home.

The second key benefit is that MLS helps home sellers not only sell their homes within a shorter time span, but also to qualified buyers.

When it comes to the home seller, MLS is equally as important, if not more. The main obstacle a home seller encounters is finding a qualified, motivated home buyer. MLS overcomes this obstacle by matching the home for sale with the requirements laid out by a potential home buyer. MLS cuts through the various complexities associated with selling a home by linking the ‘right’ homes with the ‘right’ people. It exposes the home for sale to those most likely to purchase it, thus ensuring that no time is wasted on the home buyer’s end, nor the home seller’s end, and fully utilizing the capabilities of the realtor who is there throughout the entire process.

When the decision comes to sell a home, the home seller lists the home on MLS, as MLS will ensure wide exposure of the home for sale to not only the maximum number of people possible, but more importantly, to a broad range of both interested and qualified home buyers.

Search Realty Reveals Five Tips when Buying a Home

Posted on July 27, 2013 by Jesse

Buying a home doesn’t have to be a tedious and drawn out process if the home buyer is prepared and knows the particulars of what they are looking for in a potential home. A realtor can provide invaluable help in finding the right home for the right price, but the home buyer needs to be motivated and aware of the type of home they are looking to purchase.

A house hunting checklist can be an invaluable tool for a potential home buyer, to help keep track of the advantages and disadvantages of each home they are thinking of potentially purchasing. This checklist should include basic information, such as location of home, price, annual property taxes, mortgage terms and a rough estimate of annual maintenance and upkeep fees.

Here are a few more tips for a house hunting checklist.

First, the home buyer should jot down impressions regarding the exterior of the home, noting lot size, shape, position of home on the lot, and the condition of the lawn and whether the yard has a fence. These may seem like minor details, but can inevitably lean a home buyer to one house over another.

The home buyer should also take a good look at the roof of the house, and note it’s general condition, as if the roof appears in disrepair, this may be an additional cost the home buyer isn’t interesting in dealing with.

Third, the home buyer should also have a thorough look into the interior of the house. The home buyer should check windows, ensuring they open and close easily and also note the condition of doors.

The kitchen, perhaps the most important room in any home, should be a key note in the house hunting checklist. Here, the home buyer should focus on the condition of appliances, cupboard space, counters, flooring, lighting and outlets. With regards to bedrooms, the home buyer should obviously make note of the size of the bedrooms, closet space and adjoining bathrooms, if any.

The last area to note for the home buyer is the basement. The home buyer should check to see if the basement is finished or unfinished, and whether there is adequate room to move about. The home buyer should also check for a utility area and the placement of the washer and dryer. On a side note, with regards to the washer and dryer and other household appliances, the home buyer should inquiry as to whether some or all are being sold with the house as well. If so, that is definitely an added bonus, and should be noted on the house hunting checklist.

There are other important notes that the home owner should be aware of, such as the type of heating, water service, plumbing, etc. With a detailed enough checklist, the home buyer can be assured that they will be getting exactly what they are looking for when purchasing the home of their dreams.

The Benefits of MLS in Real Estate

Posted on July 27, 2013 by Jesse

A key concern of many home owners looking to sell a home is the exposure that their home will receive. The main thing is to ensure that the maximum number of people see the property so as to get the best possible deal for the home for sale. More importantly however is to ensure that the maximum number of people who see the property are actually qualified and motivated home buyers.

The best way to do this is to list a home for sale on MLS, which is the Multiple Listing Service.

MLS is a co-operative marketing system that maximizes exposure of properties for sale. Most homes that are sold within the Greater Toronto Area, and most of Canada for that matter, are sold via MLS systems, which are operated by various real estate boards across the country.

MLS consists of a sophisticated computer database of properties that are indexed by a number of factors, including price, location, type of home, number of bedrooms, etc. Fundamentally speaking, MLS contains a registry of properties that are used by realtors to match buyers with homes for sale.

The greatest benefit of MLS to homeowners and homebuyers is that it allows realtors to use their skills to the fullest. A realtor’s job is to simply determine potential buyers ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ in a potential home, and then connect that home buyer with the ‘right’ potential home. Basically, the realtor is there to find properties that meet the home buyer’s needs. With the use of MLS, the realtor can quickly search the database for homes with specific ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ that the home buyer is looking for, and put together a short list of suitable homes. This means that the realtor doesn’t have to waste the time of the homebuyer by looking at homes that don’t meet their standards, but rather only show homes to the home buyer that meet the home buyer’s specifications for a potential future home.

When it comes to the home seller, MLS is equally as important, if not more. The main obstacle a home seller encounters is finding a qualified, motivated home buyer. MLS overcomes this obstacle by matching the home for sale with the requirements laid out by a potential home buyer. MLS cuts through the various complexities associated with selling a home by linking the ‘right’ homes with the ‘right’ people. It exposes the home for sale to those most likely to purchase it, thus ensuring that no time is wasted on the home buyer’s end, nor the home seller’s end, and fully utilizing the capabilities of the realtor who is there throughout the entire process.

Search Realty highly recommends that when the decision comes to sell a home, the home seller lists the home on MLS, as MLS will ensure wide exposure of the home for sale to not only the maximum number of people possible, but more importantly, to a broad range of both interested and qualified home buyers.

Key Factors To Think About When Buying a Home

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Jesse

In today’s real estate market, more and more people have now learned the benefits of buying over renting. However, it’s easier said than done. Understanding the costs involved in buying and owning a home is vital in the home buying process, especially for home buyers who are trying to determine if buying a home is an affordable option.

The problem with certain potential home buyers is that they see a listing price and assume that that is all that will be required to be paid. However, they forget to factor in such things as the down payment, insurance, as well as the costs involved with the move to the new home itself, and the purchasing of major appliances, furnishings and design accessories. Another thing that home buyers need to be aware of is the responsibility involved in owning a home, which is directly related to the upkeep of the home. When something needs to be fixed, unlike a renter, who can call the landlord, the home owner will either need to fix it themselves, or be forced to hire a professional to do the job. This leads to increased expenses related to home ownership, which many potential home buyers forget to factor in when thinking of buying a home.

Some major decisions need to be made before even thinking about purchasing a home. The potential home buyer should first determine property value of homes that have grabbed their attention. Then, the potential home buyer should compare that to the prices of homes recently sold of similar size within the same neighborhood. That way, the potential home buyer can quickly realize if the price is too high, a fair value, or possibly a steal.

The next step for the potential home buyer would be to compare various mortgage loan types and review the required down payment amounts to the money they have available. Down payments are based on a percentage of the value of the property and also by the type of mortgage selected. They typically range from three to twenty percent of the property value.

Beyond that, the potential home buyer must also be aware of additional costs, such as closing costs, and the costs involved with the actual move to the new home. Costs here are related to either the hiring of a moving company or even simply renting a truck.

Another cost can actually be minimized if approached in the right manner. A budget for maintenance and repairs should be determined, but these costs can actually be minimized if the potential home buyer ensures they are getting a home that is intact, and not falling apart from within. Here, a home inspection company can sometimes help in that they could possibly estimate typical costs for major and minor repairs.

Once all the numbers have been crunched and analyzed, the potential home buyer can better ascertain whether or not they can afford the home in question. The final step by the potential home owner is to weigh those costs with the financial benefits, and then decide on whether purchasing a home is a viable option. Understanding all the costs involved with home ownership is vital in the home purchasing process, as even though a home buyer may think they are getting their dream home, the costs involved after purchase, such as property tax, mortgage payments, insurance, maintenance and more, can quickly turn their dream into a nightmare.

Co-Lister – The New Way to Sell Your Home

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Jesse

Selling or buying a home has now become a whole lot easier with the help of Search Realty’s Co-Lister. Co-Lister is a new intuitive way of selling Real Estate. It is an innovative step in real estate that will forever change the real estate landscape and is only offered by Search Realty.

Selling a home is a big step. Not only is it profitable, but it also represents a fresh start. It can be an exciting experience, but at the same time, the chances of things going wrong are endless. Often times, selling real estate can become a stressful and strained process. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be. For the home seller, a lot of this stress can be alleviated through the use of Co-Lister by Search Realty.

Co-Lister is an innovative solution that connects home sellers and home buyers. It is an intuitive way of selling Real Estate that utilizes state of the art technology and will forever change the real estate world. On its most basic level, Co-Lister gives control to the home seller. It’s somewhere between selling a home on your own and selling it through a real estate agent. It combines the best of both worlds so that the home seller ends up saving thousands of dollars in commissions.

The Co-Lister system by Search Realty is a hybrid between flat fee companies, FSBO and full service real estate brokerage. The new rules set in place by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) have broadened the platform to allow a la carte services to the home seller. Co-Lister essentially assures that selling a home becomes easier by providing the home seller options to use a flat fee service and at the same time, get the service of a full service brokerage. Search Realty wants to give clients options and flexibility, because they are aware of the obstacles faced in selling a home, but moreover, Search Realty understands that today’s home sellers are much savvier and technologically advanced than they were before.

There are three different packages being offered on Co-Lister, including the Co-Lister, Deluxe and VIP packages. The basic package from Co-Lister is designed for do-it-yourself home sellers and provides a range of options to choose from. The Deluxe and VIP bundles are full-service packages that will allow for incredible savings on commission fees without the individual having to do any of the work.

Search Realty is the only real estate company that is offering something like Co-Lister to sellers. There is a need in the marketplace for this type of packaging and Search Realty has stepped up to provide it. As far as Search Realty is concerned, the future is here, and they are fully embracing it. Any home seller has the ability to get their home listed on the MLS listings with or without the help of a real estate agent. With Search Realty’s Co-Lister the most important fact is that the choices are there. Never before has such freedom been given to home sellers that want to sell a home in the cheapest way possible.

Five Tips to Market a Home for Sale

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Jesse

There is more to selling a home than simply putting a “For Sale” sign strategically on the front lawn. While a sign is of utmost importance in selling a home for sale, a well-designed marketing plan is also an essential part of the equation.

Here are five essential tips for marketing a home for sale. These five tips can ensure that not only is a home for sale sold within a realizable length of time, but also at a reasonable price.

1. MLS

The first essential tip involves the use of MLS. MLS is Multiple Listing Service, and is a vital component in the home selling process.

MLS is a sophisticated computer database of properties indexed by price, location, type of home, number of bedrooms, amenities and so forth. It is a co-operative marketing system that ensures maximum exposure of homes for sale. Of course, a realtor may already be aware of potential buyers for a home, but listing a home on MLS will ensure exposure to all other realtors in the area.

2. Setting the ‘Right’ Price

When working with a realtor, the time eventually comes when a realistic selling price must be set. A realtor comes in handy in that they have intimate knowledge of current market conditions. A realtor can also access and utilize MLS to determine sale prices for homes that have recently sold in the same neighborhood as the home for sale. A realtor thus, is the best bet for determining an appropriate price range for the sale price of the home.

The home seller should always disclose everything they can about the house and the neighborhood to the realtor. This helps the realtor find potential home buyers whose needs and wants match what the home and neighborhood have to offer.

3. The Marketing Plan

The marketing plan starts when a listing agreement is signed. The realtor will inform the home seller of the advantages of selling the home through MLS, and will also provide additional marketing tactics that can aid in selling the home.

One important note is that when a home is ready to be sold, the “For Sale” sign, which is perhaps the most powerful and direct marketing tool of all, should go up in front of the home for sale to catch the attention of those passing through the neighborhood.

There are additional ways to market the home for sale, including flyers, newspaper and other advertisements, and one important one, which is an “Open House”.

4. Open House

An open house can be an extremely effective marketing tool. During an open house, it is important that the home buyer remember that any other family members (including pets) are absent, so that a potential home buyer will feel relaxed and open when viewing the home. The most important note regarding an “Open House” is that the home buyer ensure that the house is clean and uncluttered (both inside and out), as they want to give potential home buyers who are viewing the home the ability to envision themselves in that home.

5. Flexible Closing Date

The last tip revolves around the closing date. Flexibility on the closing date is an important factor in the successful marketing of a home. Problems could arise when home buyers and home sellers cannot agree on a closing date. This can lead to a stall in negotiations, and maybe even a loss of interest on the part of the home buyer. The more flexible the closing date, the easier and more smooth the sale of a house can go.

Once the marketing takes effect, the home seller can rely on the realtor to deal with offers and finalizing the sale, always guiding the home seller throughout the entire process. Selling a home is often the most important financial decision that one makes, and if contemplating selling a home, that home seller should always be fully aware of the potential of their home and the marketing tools available to them.

ESolds Reveals Things to Consider when Buying A Home

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Jesse

When looking for a house, there are so many choices that are available. There are many to choose from, and many avenues by which to find them.

What has become a more popular trend these days, is finding a home online. But there are still those who enlist a Real Estate Agent for help, or simply start asking around, in hopes of finding a home through word-of-mouth.

Simply finding a home is one thing, and there are many steps in between that lead to actually purchasing a home. Finding, buying, and moving in, can certainly be a frustrating process.

ESolds advises all home buyers of one thing, the most paramount thing, which is for the home buyer to know what they want, or at least have an idea, before starting their home search.

It is actually as simple as listing the number of bedrooms desired, number of bathrooms, garage or no garage, amenities such as a pool, as well as also listing certain desires, such as the need for a school nearby, a shopping mall within walking distance, and the list goes on.

It’s important for home buyers to make a wish list that prioritizes their “must haves” with their “would likes”. Having a list that clearly identifies “wants” can help the home buyer and the real estate agent, understand exactly what types of properties that should be looked for.

Real Estate has long been and will continue to be one of the most secure investments for the future, it provides security and a sense of well-being that cannot be equaled by any other purchase.

And although buying a home in Mississauga can seem like a daunting process, it doesn’t have to be.

The Benefits of Home Inspections

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Jesse

Purchasing a home is perhaps the biggest investment an individual would ever make make. The process of purchasing a home for sale is both rewarding, but more often than not, it is also extremely stressful. Dealing with contract negotiations, mortgage loans, and seemingly endless paperwork can become quite overwhelming. The last thing a home buyer should need to worry about is an unforeseen problem with the actual home being purchased.

ESolds recommends that a home buyer take the time and invest in a professional home inspection company, as they can determine if there are any major defects in regards to the house that could inevitably lead to increased costs in the future.

Home Inspections aren’t a new thing. They are a smart way to ensure that the house purchased doesn’t have any major defects or flaws that could lead to future costs, which the home buyer obviously would prefer to avoid.

Unlike a home appraisal, which only provides a cursory market value for the property, a home inspection offers a detailed analysis of the home’s condition. These inspections usually include an examination of heating and central air systems, plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, foundations and basements.

A home inspection can quickly assess any major defects as well as safety concerns or potential threats with the property, such as the potential for mold and asbestos. A home inspector will not only identify these issues but can also suggest courses of action. In addition, a home inspection can also identify any code violations present on the property. This type of problem is actually quite common in older homes, which were “grandfathered” in prior to changes in local building codes. It is important for the home buyer to be aware of these deficiencies and all threats, in order to make a more accurate decision on how to proceed.

A home buyer should also be aware that a home inspection isn’t just for present circumstances, but can also be used as a great tool for future planning, especially with an older home in need of upgrades. A detailed inspection can provide the home buyer with a “life expectancy” for things such as the roof, furnaces and appliances.

Once the inspection is completed and a report provided, if there are significant problems with the home, ESolds recommends that the home buyer then negotiate with the seller to either lower the sale price of the home, or determine how the problem will be addressed and eventually fixed.

A home inspection is quite common in the real estate industry today. The majority of home purchase contracts will call out a home inspection as a contingency on the sale. However, since this contingency is not an automatic clause, ESolds recommends that when an offer for a home is made that this contingency clause is written in.

Spending an extra few hundred dollars for a home inspection may seem like an unnecessary expense, however, ESolds advises that the peace of mind it gives makes it worth the cost.

eSolds Announces eCertificates – The Better Way to Sell a Home

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Jesse

In 2011 eSolds Inc. was founded with the purpose of providing 3rd party real estate services to smart home sellers, buyers and Realtors®. eSolds Inc. has come up with an innovative new product that is going to change the way real estate is bought and sold in Canada.

The product is eCertificates®. eCertificates serve one purpose, and that is to simply create confidence for the home buyer and allow leverage to the home seller. Together, buying or selling an eCertified home creates an educated decision-making process.

The goal for eSolds is to make the home purchase transaction a more satisfying experience. By eliminating any buyer’s remorse, an eCertificate provides confidence within the buyer to submit an offer, and at the same time, it markets the home for sale in an innovative way, keeping customers ahead of the competition.

Based on the premise that properties for sale should be certified, just like cars are certified, eCertificates are meant to be irrefutable proof that buyers will get what they have been promised. This means that the home seller can provide reassurance that the home being sold and put on the market is actually what it claims to be. Sellers benefit from this because it increases the salability of their home. Real estate agents benefit in the fact that they will be able to sell homes faster. Home buyers will benefit in the security of knowing that they are getting exactly what they paid for.

Sellers can have a home certified by submitting a collection of documents to eSolds. The first document is a Comparative Market Analysis, or a Letter of Opinion prepared by a licensed and insured real estate agent. The second is a Home Inspection Report or for condominiums, a Status Certificate provided by a Home Inspector. The Home Inspection Report is carried out by a certified home inspector that is fully insured and bonded. In order for the report to be accepted it must be dated within the last 30 days and the inspector needs to be verifiable by appearing on a list at 411.ca, Canpages.ca or at YellowPages.ca. The last document needed is Seller Property Information (SPIS), which is a current document by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).

The eCertificate is issued only after a thorough review of all the documents above. Once issued, the home seller is assured of having something to show to not only real estate agents, but potential home buyers, that will assure that the home for sale, as listed, is exactly what it says it is.

The benefits of eCertificates are clear. With an eCertified home, there is protection against expenses that are unforeseen during negotiation and listing process, the home receives more offers, the home is sold at the best price possible, and finally, the home is sold faster.

The main difference between a property that has an eCertificate and one that doesn’t is that it is able to stand out from the rest of the crowd. This is the one crucial thing that leads to more offers and a higher selling price than anything else. When others notice a home and decide they want it, things can heat up very quickly with buyers scrambling to put in an offer.

eSolds Inc is a division of Search Realty Corp.,Brokerage, which provides comprehensive Real Estate solutions in the Greater Toronto Area. Founded by Sterling Wong, eSolds Inc. provides 3rd party real estate services to smart home buyers, sellers and Realtors®. The company’s official website is www.eSolds.ca

Insights into Home Buying

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Jesse

More and more people have now learned the benefits of buying over renting. However, it’s easier said than done. Understanding the costs involved in buying and owning a home is vital in the home buying process, especially for home buyers who are trying to determine if buying a home is an affordable option.

The problem with certain potential home buyers is that they see a listing price and assume that that is all that will be required to be paid. However, they forget to factor in such things as the down payment, insurance, as well as the costs involved with the move to the new home itself, and the purchasing of major appliances, furnishings and design accessories. Another thing that home buyers need to be aware of is the responsibility involved in owning a home, which is directly related to the upkeep of the home. When something needs to be fixed, unlike a renter, who can call the landlord, the home owner will either need to fix it themselves, or be forced to hire a professional to do the job. This leads to increased expenses related to home ownership, which many potential home buyers forget to factor in when thinking of buying a home.

Some major decisions need to be made before even thinking about purchasing a home. The potential home buyer should first determine property value of homes that have grabbed their attention. Then, the potential home buyer should compare that to the prices of homes recently sold of similar size within the same neighbourhood. That way, the potential home buyer can quickly realize if the price is too high, a fair value, or possibly a steal.

The next step for the potential home buyer would be to compare various mortgage loan types and review the required down payment amounts to the money they have available. Down payments are based on a percentage of the value of the property and also by the type of mortgage selected. They typically range from three to twenty percent of the property value.

Beyond that, the potential home buyer must also be aware of additional costs, such as closing costs, and the costs involved with the actual move to the new home. Costs here are related to either the hiring of a moving company or even simply renting a truck.

Another cost can actually be minimized if approached in the right manner. A budget for maintenance and repairs should be determined, but these costs can actually be minimized if the potential home buyer ensures they are getting a home that is intact, and not falling apart from within. Here, a home inspection company can sometimes help in that they could possibly estimate typical costs for major and minor repairs.

Once all the numbers have been crunched and analyzed, the potential home buyer can better ascertain whether or not they can afford the home in question. The final step by the potential home owner is to weigh those costs with the financial benefits, and then decide on whether purchasing a home is a viable option. Understanding all the costs involved with home ownership is vital in the home purchasing process, as even though a home buyer may think they are getting their dream home, the costs involved after purchase, such as property tax, mortgage payments, insurance, maintenance and more, can quickly turn their dream into a nightmare.