Buyers Toolkit – Springtime

Spring is in the air, and the real-estate market is ramping up for the beginning of buyers’ season.  Things tend to move faster in the spring and houses for sale are often sold shortly after they are listed.  As a potential home buyer, it is important to be prepared as possible before you start looking at potential homes – that way, the chance of losing your “dream home” to another buyer is greatly decreased. You may be wondering … “What are some of the important things that can help you stay on-top of, and ahead of this year’s spring market?”  Have no fear, in this toolkit we have everything you need to know, and do, to make the buying experience go smoothly for you!

Your “Tools”-What you want to be prepared with ahead of time:

Mortgage Information & Pre-approval

Find out what mortgage you qualify for, and get your mortgage pre-qualification.  By taking this step you’ll know exactly what you can afford to buy and when you’re ready to make an offer, you can be confident knowing you are staying within your financial boundaries.  A financing condition is pretty standard in an agreement of purchase and sale; after your offer is accepted by the seller the time you have to meet the conditions is best spent finalizing your financing on a specific property rather than starting the approval process.

A Realtor

Although that seems like a no-brainer, making sure you have hired the realtor who is right for you is very important when it comes to purchasing a home.  Do some research, ask questions, interview a few realtors, check online profiles and reviews.  You’ll be spending a lot of time with your real estate agent; make sure you trust them, that they’re knowledgeable and that you’re comfortable with them.  Quick and easy contact with your agent is another key piece when it comes to signing and sealing a deal.

Your List of Needs vs. Wants

Knowing what you’ll need in your future home, and things that you want (your wish-list) is one of the most important aspects when it comes to looking for a new home. Needs are things that you must have in your new home (e.g. minimum number of bedrooms, a yard for the dog, a safe neighbourhood) whereas the wants’ or your “wish-list” are things you don’t necessarily need, but you’d like to have (Example: Granite countertops).  Your “must-have” list will help you rule out homes for sale that aren’t suited for your needs rather than spending valuable time on those that don’t.  This process can also open up your search options if some of the things on your need list actually turn out to be wants.

Pro-Con List

It’s important to keep a list of the pros’ and cons’ of each property that you visit, in order to have a better recollection of the home that is best suited for your family. Remember to check small details in each home, like testing the lights, and plumbing, and make note of the neighbourhood characteristics.

Trust Your Gut

When it comes to knowing what home is the right choice for you, you can use the simple tools listed above to help make an informed decision, however the most important aspect of home-buying is knowing when to trust your gut. The spring market moves quickly, and sometimes being prepared, and trusting your instincts are the two key factors standing between you, and successfully making an offer on your future home in time. If the potential home is in your price range, and has the combination of needs and wants you desire – don’t take the time to sleep on it, or you may lose the opportunity to make an offer. Trust your intuition and keep in close contact with your realtor to have the best support and knowledge while making these decisions.

There are many different aspects that are key elements to finding the right home. Working with your realtor to negotiate for a fair price, finding the neighbourhood you’re comfortable with, and ensuring you have the right credit and down-payment for the home you’re interested in are just some of these factors. The home buying process doesn’t need to be complicated – tool kit in hand, and realtor by your side, will make this spring market a piece of cake for you.

Let us know how we can help!  Contact us info@teamrealty.ca

---

---

Though the people of Ottawa are thrilled to see the beginnings of a sleepy Spring take place (and the snow melt), they are less thrilled with the mess it brings into their homes. A well-designed mudroom can help limit the slushy, muddy mess and keep your home cleaner and fresher.

Click here for tips on creating a high-functioning mudroom.

 

Landlords and Legalization: What budding weed laws may mean for Landlords

With the legalization of marijuana on the horizon, property owners of rental units are wondering what that will mean for them. As all the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis use have yet to be ironed out, it’s only natural that landlords are beginning express concern, or in some cases excitement surrounding the opportunities legalization will present.

The legalization of medical cannabis passed in 2001, but as Canada moves forward to legalize the use of cannabis across the country, there are many different views surrounding the changes. With multiple angles to consider, it’s no wonder that landlords across the country are beginning to question, challenge, and prepare for the pending legalization. What are the pro and con sides of the debate surrounding legalization for landlords, and how might rental properties be affected by the new legislation?

Firstly, one of the stipulations surrounding the new legislations is that marijuana can only be smoked in private residences. With this stipulation, there are two clear opinions stemming from landlords surrounding the pending legalisations:

• Against – due to questions of property value, maintenance, and lack of control over their rental units
• For legalisation – viewing legalisation as an opportunity in the rental market, as there will be a need to fill

Looking initially at those against legalization, and their concerns surrounding property values, costs of fumigation, and loss of control within their rental units, it is understandable why landlords are questioning how they will be able to control their properties once smoking weed becomes a legal right, contained to private residences. Much like how many landlords have clauses surrounding not allowing pets within their units, it is likely that there will be a surge in rental units that are anti-weed smoking, meaning that tenants are not permitted to smoke weed in these units. Although it is a tricky situation to regulate, as smoking weed is going to be a legal right, it is possible to see landlords increasing their rents, and tightening up conditions of leases in order to accommodate the new legislation and the costs that could be ensued. In the same way that landlords try and regulate the type and number of pets permitted in each unit, it is possible that they will attempt to make these same regulations surrounding marijuana in order to protect their property from damages, the need to fumigate, and to ensure the well being and happiness of al their tenants. A potential surge in rent increases could lead renters to be searching for weed-friendly apartments, (much like pet-friendly apartments), which could see a rise in vacancies in some places, along with some renters seeking out the option to purchase a private residence in order to enjoy their space freely, and as they see fit.

On the other hand, some landlords are viewing this new legislation as an opportunity to take advantage of what will be a need in the market, much like those who take advantage of the need/want for pet-friendly rental options. The legalisation of marijuana opens a new need in the rental market for properties that will allow tenants to smoke, and grow their plants hassle free. With this opportunity, landlords can specialize their units with these new stipulations in mind, allowing those who wish to be able to smoke without hassle to find living arrangements that are both suitable, and enjoyable to them. With some landlords pushing to ban cannabis smoking in rental units, it is possible that cannabis users could end up with no where left to go, unless units like these exist. Although they may see a slight increase in the cost of renting these units, the ability to partake in cannabis use without issue is attractive to those seeking to exercise their legal rights. Much like those individuals who look specifically for rental units that allow pets, these tenants may result in fewer vacancies and longer tenancies, as the accommodations will be difficult to find with many landlords being against the new stipulations. Although the desire to smoke and grow cannabis would not be a requirement to live in a rental unit such as this, new tenants would have to be okay with the fact that the building does allow tenants to partake in their legal right, and therefore would minimize possible complaints surrounding smoke and pot smell. Although there is much to still be decided and ironed out in terms of details on these types of rental properties, it is certain to be a wise investment and a new opportunity to take advantage of within the market.

The new legislation is a topic of discussion all around, surrounding use, growth, and ability to purchase marijuana, and it's regulation. Landlords are preparing themselves for the coming changes, whether they are pro, or con, in terms of the new legislation and how their properties may change for existing and new tenants. It is possible there will be a rise in tenants seeking out marijuana friendly rental units, willing to pay premium prices for personal privacy and their ability to smoke hassle free.

---

---

Spring is on its way, and what better way to get ready than to go to the Ottawa Home and Garden show this Thursday, March 22nd - March 25th at the EY Centre. Get great ideas on how to get your home and yard ready for the new season.

Click here for more information.

 

---

---

Even though it doesn't feel (or look) like Spring, the first official day of the new season is tomorrow! Help maintain your home and get it ready for the warmer weather by completing some of the indoor upkeep.

Click here to see your March Home Maintenance list.

 

 

From Celtic events, to beer-related festivities, to film festivals, Canada’s Capital loves to celebrate Irish culture in honour of St. Patrick’s Day. Soak up some Irish culture on and around St. Patrick’s Day at the following events and activities. Sláinte!

 

Click here for all the events

 

---

 

The idea of living a simplified, uncluttered life with less stuff sounds attractive to many. They have considered the benefits of owning fewer possessions: less to clean, less debt, less to organize, less stress, more money and energy for their greatest passions.

 

They are ready to declutter but some get quickly tripped up by the very next question… where in the world do I begin?

 

Click here for a list of 10 creative ways to declutter your home

---

---