Merry Christmas Friends and Family!

Santa came and visited us at Royal LePage Triland St.Thomas this week. Check out our visit with Santa....WATCH NOW!

Did you notice someone new? That's right! My granddaughter, Ainslee, will be joining me in the new year. She can be contacted at 519-636-5717 or Ainslee@ISellStThomas.com or facebook.com/ISellStThomasAinslee

If you are interested in the home on Ainslee's wish list, check it out! 15 Aspen

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

-Jim Harris (Broker, MVA) & Ainslee Dempsey (Sales Representative)

Winter Ready Your Home

As the winter is fast approaching we always ensure that our vehicles are winter ready – snow tires, the snow brush packed, fluids good, winter boots by the door to clean off the snow covered vehicles or shovel the drive....but what about our home??!?

Just as your vehicle needs a few things to be checked off the list to be winter ready, your house has a list of things to do as well:

•  Check for and seal leaks – around windows/doors, ducts, damper on your fire place and vents
•  Clean out the gutters – clear all debris and ensure no moss
•  Check or Add insulation if needed – in the attic, around windows/doors, outlets or vents
•  Maintain your furnace – change the filter, check-up, re-set your thermostat for the time change
•  Reverse Ceiling Fans – should be reversed (clockwise or pulling the air up and out)
• Turn off outdoor water spigots –drained to prevent freezing & bursting, also drain & store hoses
• Test Smoke Alarms and CO2 detectors

How to Save Money as a FIRST TIME Home Buyer

Buying a home will be one of the largest investments you will ever make. It can be a very costly adventure if you are not prepared and know some helpful money saving tips!

1 – Be Prepared. Take some time to look into what money you will need, and know your own financial situation.  Look for ways to save, and most of all be prepared for additional costs.

2 – Understanding a “mortgage”. Oh “mortgages”, a very important and necessary component of buying a home, yet probably the most misunderstood. Be sure to ask questions of various professionals as well as understanding all the lingo.  Know exactly what you are comfortable spending and do not waiver.

3 - Know your costs. We are not just talking about what you will spend monthly on your mortgage. There are a lot of other costs such as deposits, down payment, house inspections, lawyer fees, title insurance, taxes, utility transfer/set up fees, moving costs, insurance, changing locks, small repairs/updates, furniture/appliances, monthly utilities, and paint/decor.

4 – Finding Savings. Although there may be many costs, there are many ways to save money—as a First Time Home Buyer. To receive your copy of “Saving Money as a First Time home buyer” email  jharris@royallepage.ca  with the subject line “Saving Money as a First Time Buyer” and I will send you this free, no obligation PDF guide.  Don’t miss out on an opportunity to save as you make one of the largest investments of your life.  Remember absolutely no obligation—100% free—“Saving Money as a First Time Buyer”.

Myth or Fact? Spring is the best time to buy a home

The simple answer: Neither. 

The best time to buy a house depends on your personal situation. Factors such as finances, availability of the right home, and your readiness to commit can affect your optimal time to purchase. However, there is debate on both sides to the above statement. 

Myth – There are many buyers looking to purchase at this time of the year. Houses show better in the spring and more people have recovered from the Christmas/Holiday Season expenses; however, this means that there are more bidding wars and more competition for buyers creating higher prices. The other con with more buyers is that there may be a lot of pressure to make quick or rushed decisions. This being said the best time according to this theory would be in the early months of the year when there is less competition from other buyers. 

Fact – Spring brings many new beginnings. Sellers are more motivated to sell during the spring which is beneficial to buyers. Typically there are more homes on the market in the spring making it easier to find the right home to suit your needs and wants. Also, the spring time allows you to see a home to its full potential. In the winter you do not get to see the fresh gardens or what the yard of a home truly looks like, but in the spring you get the opportunity to see the whole picture of what you are looking at purchasing. Plus if you have children, buying at this time of the year allows the children to finish the school year and if a school transfer is needed they are able to make that transition in September. Another added bonus would be not having to move in the snow, but being able to move during nicer weather. 

With both sides considered, the right time to buy a home is truly dependent on you. When you are ready to make that step, ensure that you have the right agent and are an informed buyer! 

  Happy House Hunting!

Happy 100th Birthday Royal LePage - ISellStThomas

Finding the "Right" agent

Finding the right real estate agent for you is paramount. 

Here are some questions to ask prospective agents and help you narrow down your list:

Good agents should impress you with their knowledge of the local real estate market and their ability to appreciate what you are looking for in a home. They should be able to show you what is available in your price range, and how the features and benefits of specific houses and neighbourhoods fit your requirements.  Always be honest when discussing your next home—your agent can help when he or she fully understands your needs, after all every family is different, and a good agent appreciates this.  They should be able to advise you on how to find a home that meets your unique circumstances and lifestyle.

If you don't have an exclusive agency agreement with your sales representative, you're not legally obligated to work only with him to find your next home. It may, however, greatly benefit you to do so. Talk to your prospective real estate agent to find out his position, and then determine what's best for you.

Agents work extremely long hours and try to be available whenever and wherever you need them. But however accommodating they try to be, they are not always available.   Ask your prospective real estate agents what arrangements they have in place when  they are not available.

The most important question you can ask is:  “What distinguishes you from everyone else.? ” Every agent tries hard to give top-notch service.  You may be surprised at what they have to say and, just as importantly, how they say it.  When the interviews are over, it's time to make a choice. Think about what the real estate agent told you, and ask yourself some questions:

 Did they seem trustworthy and honest?

 Were they realistic when discussing your home purchase?

 Did they communicate well? Were you on the same page?

 Were they committed, motivated and experienced?

If you are satisfied with the answers then you are on your way to a pleasant  and exciting experience finding your dream home.

The research for the foregoing was provided by Royal LePage Canada—your ”All Canadian” Realtor