Cambridge, ON

Here is a true story, a lesson in fact, in the importance of working with a mortgage specialist to get an accurate picture of your present financial situation. It's not enough to sit down with your standard bank representative, and chat for 5 minutes about the key details of your income and expenses.

You need someone who asks all the pertinent questions, because this sort of investigative work is in your best interest. It can help protect you from the burden of taking on a loan that would stretch you to your last penny, and leave you unprotected should some unforeseen events arise. It can also prevent the awful situation of falling in love with a home; negotiating the price to something you are comfortable and happy with, only to find that you are unable to secure the necessary financing to complete the purchase.

These mistakes are completely avoidable and can lead to a more enjoyable experience, especially for first time home buyers

Who else do you need? Call me now to learn how to build your complete team!

Selection assistance? I also do that. The highest offer on table is not always the best offer, and I help you understand why. Consider an ESA inspection clause, that could cost you several thousand dollars in electrical repairs/updates, or a Sale of Buyers Property clause that could take your home off the market for several weeks. All of a sudden, the offer at a few thousand dollars below asking price is looking pretty good...

We had the opportunity to work with some great sellers at a stunning home in Branchton. After doing a consultation for them, we advised them on everything from paint colours to new lighting for the dining room and powder room. We then came in and staged last week with some great rental furniture, our home decor accessories and combined them with the seller's existing furniture.

The results? Spectacular! I have created a great slideshow on Flickr for anyone who wants to view it and here is the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roomsinbloom/sets/72157619783432236/

And the backyard is simply to die for ... I'm trying to convince my husband we need to buy this home! LOL! Its one of the downfalls when you work in the real estate industry and can appreciate beautiful homes that every once in awhile you tumble into love with a property. Well this one's "it" for me! We'll see ..

Here are a few pics below to give you an idea of the home:

Everyone and their cousin, is working in a team these days. But if you want to be blown away by the number of people on a team trying to sell your house, listen to this: "I have a team of 380 agents!" -- do you believe me? Because that's exactly what MLS is, we all have access to the same database, the person listing your home, in all likelihood, isn't the one bringing you the buyer. There is a reason why the red SOLD sticker, reads "SOLD by MLS".

And as far as sign recognition goes, have you ever stopped at a "FOR SALE" sign in front of that cute little house you've always had your eye on, but not called the number on it because the signage wasn't red, white and blue? Of course not! You didn't think twice about who the person was or which company they worked for, as long as you got an appointment to see the house.

So all things being equal, it begs the question; "Shouldn't I go with whoever has the best plan to sell my house?" Don't you want the best representation, someone who takes time to answer your questions and make themself available to you? Someone who is efficient and understands marketing and advertising?

I have a 5 point plan for selling your home. Call me, I'll tell you all about it!

Are you Ready 2 Move?

Here are 4 stats that make sense and every REALTOR® should be able to tell you right off the bat!

1) Days on Market. This information can be used to inform the customer how long homes are sitting on the market. The better you price the product, the faster you can expect to move it. Don't make the mistake of pricing too high, as the house will sit on the market and become stale. Even price reductions may not achieve the desired result, and both parties will eventually become frustrated with the process.

2) Sold-to-Ask. Show your clients what the market conditions allow them to expect. Buyers need these stats as proof that offering way less than asking price simply will not work (provided that the home is priced right to begin with). In today's market place, expect this number to be in the 95% range.

3) Homes Sold at 100% or More. Helps your client be realistic, and open to offers, while telling buyers, that some homes do receive 100% of asking price, and they need to be prepared to increase their initial offer if countered.

4) Units Sold. The most obvious statistic of the 4, but only if you can tailor it to the area in question. Cambridge stats are ok, but North Hespeler, East Galt or Preston are even more useful to your clients. Especially if you narrow it further by only including the type of home to be considered. Not much use including condo sales in your stats, when your clients are in a single detached home.

MLS has these statistics, and your REALTOR® should have these stats. Check out my "June 2009 Housing Market Update" to see what's happening in the Cambridge area. If you want to know the numbers for your specific part of town, just call my direct line or send an email to reach me.