Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Buyer's Tips

Seller's Tips

Tips for Buyers

• Buying a Home
• Selecting a Sales Associate
• Sales Associate's Function
• Working With A Sales Associate
• Buyer's Contribution
• Establishing A Market Value
• Qualifying For Your Mortgage
• Checklist After Buying A Home

Buying a home is more than looking at houses. It's finding the right home, at the right price, in the right location - hopefully, with a minimum amount of time and inconvenience. The best way to achieve these objectives is to work with a professional realtor who understands your needs and wants, your time frame, and the financial boundaries to work within.

It is important that the salesperson understand your needs. A good salesperson will ask the questions they need to know, before they start to show you homes. Questions you should ask a salesperson when making your selection are:

1. Will you be representing my interests?
2. Do you have access to M.L.S. information?
3. Would you provide market evidence to support the price?
4. Will you look after the details up to closing and possession?
5. Can you be contacted at any time?

• Provide information on the property.
• Provide information on the area.
• Negotiate a price and terms, agreeable to both the buyer and seller.
• Assist in arranging a source of financing.

Let the salesperson do the searching. The best buys are not in the newspaper ads. In fact, most opportunities are on "Hot Sheets" available every morning to salespeople with access to M.L.S. information. Once you connect with a salesperson they can do a more complete search for you. A salesperson will commit time to you if you will commit loyalty to them. If you "Play the Field" you cannot expect undivided attention.

Whether you are selling your home or are a buyer looking for a home, the Agency Disclosure form is another required form to be read and completed.

When a dual agency relationship is required, the Agent must have the consent of both the Buyer and the Seller to act as an Agent for each. In this situation, the Limited Dual Agency Agreement is completed.

• Provide details of your property needs.
• Describe what would be a suitable location
• Provide financial information
• Communicate your likes and dislikes on each property.
• Commit to the salesperson.
• Respect and perform the terms of the purchase agreement.

Working together as a team, with a professional salesperson you respect, you should achieve the objectives that you seek - the right home for you.

Market value is based on what others have been prepared to pay for a similar property under the same market conditions after reasonable marketing exposure. Market value is a fair price for both buyer and seller. It is what is called an "arms length" deal, and that means that there were no influences other than the market influencing the deal. You may, of course pay more than established market value if your desire for the property warrants it. Conversely, you should not expect to pay less than established market value unless the property is being sold under duress.

Once you've made up your mind to buy a home, the first question that comes to mind is, "How much can I afford?". The financial aspects of buying a home do not need to be confusing. Your Booker Realty salesperson can arrange to have you pre-qualified for a loan before you start shopping. Most lending institutions will only allow approximately 30% of a person's income to support a mortgage. They will usually not allow more than approximately 40% of income to support a mortgage together with other debts. The amount of money you qualify for plus the amount of cash you can put down, will equal the amount you can afford to spend on a home.

When you are a buyer, the Agreement of Purchase and Sale is completed. This form creates a contract between you and the vendor and contains all the details of your offer to purchase the property including price offered, conditions, inclusions, etc. One of our sales associates would be happy to guide you through the whole process.

Be sure to remember all the miscellaneous details. We want to be sure your move into your new home is a happy experience.

1. Cancel your existing insurance and arrange insurance on your new home.
2. Arrange for a mover. Phone several companies to obtain competitive estimates. Remember the end of a month is a busy time for movers, so book early.
3. Contact utilities and arrange cancellation or transfer to your new address.
       a) Water
       b) Electricity
       c) Cable T.V.
       d) Telephone
       e) Gas
       f) Newspapers
4. Send change of address cards to friends, relatives, banks, credit cards, subscriptions, employer, associations, etc.
5. Register children in new school and have school records transferred.
6. Arrange transfer of medical and dental records, as well as optical records and prescriptions.
7. Discard flammable liquids including paint and solvents. Movers are not allowed to carry them.
8. If moving out of province obtain new driver's license and car registration.

Tips for Sellers

To achieve these objectives you need a plan. At Booker Realty we give attention to these details. We are equipped with training, skills and tools that allow us to provide excellence in service. What's more, we commit our marketing plan to paper. Our listing action file provides you with:

• Constant feedback
• Keeps you up-dated on market trends
• Keeps you informed on the actions we take

Selling a home should leave nothing to chance!

Here are some tips and points you should look at.

• Benefits of Selling Through a Realtor
• Selecting a Sales Associate
• Sales Associate's Services
• Prepare for Showing
• The Value of Feedback
• Before You Move Out
• Before You Move Into New Place

Selling a home takes more than an ad in the paper, and a "FOR SALE" sign on the lot. Firstly, it takes experience and training to correctly price a home to sell. It requires a carefully prepared market analysis showing not only homes that have sold, but also other homes that are still on the market and which represent your competition; as well as homes that were on the market and never sold.

Secondly, you need to anticipate and solve the many problems than can arise during the selling process. Very frequently the buyer has to sell their own home in order to buy yours. It is sometimes difficult to keep control in these circumstances. Usually it doesn't cost a buyer anything upfront to work with a Sales Associate. Someone may be looking to buy a home at a lower price because they know you are saving the brokerage fee.

If your goal is to sell your home for the best possible price, in the least amount of time, without a lot of stress, you would do well to consider an agent.

Selling a home is serious business. Do not make the mistake of mixing business with friendship unless you are certain your friend or relative is capable of representing your sale, capably and objectively. Loyalties are always important, but circumstances do change and past performance may not guarantee future performance. Check to see that the necessary ingredients to serve you well are still in place.

1. Does the agent/salesperson work for a respected and reputable company?
2. Is the salesperson licensed to sell real estate, bonded and covered by required insurance?
3. Is the salesperson a realtor, that is, a member of the local multiple listing service?
4. Will the agent work for you and your best interest, and disclose any conflicting interest to you?
5. Does the salesperson have a marketing plan for your home that leaves little to chance?
6. Does the salesperson have a marketing presentation that convinces you that their services justify the commission they receive?
7. Does the salesperson offer more than just to put it on the M.L.S. and put an occasional add in the paper?
8. Does the agent work for a company with a "800" Toll Free number national referral network?
9. Is the salesperson familiar with your area?
10. Since location of you home adds value to your home, how will your agent promote the location?
11. Would a stranger recognize your sales agent to be an agent, even without introduction? How is he/she identifiable?
12. Does your salesperson have management and team support in their effort to sell your home?

Whether you are selling your home or are a buyer looking for a home, the Agency Disclosure form is another required form to be read and completed.

When a dual agency relationship is required, the Agent must have the consent of both the Buyer and the Seller to act as an Agent for each. In this situation, the Limited Dual Agency Agreement is completed.

When you select an agent to sell your home you are selecting someone to work on your behalf, not the buyer's. Your real estate agent will protect your rights, and handle the details that you will find difficult to do. These are a few things they can do for you.

1. Put your property on the M.L.S. exposing your property to all other companies and their salespeople.

2. RealScope property board showing the interior features that make your home appealing. This property board is portable and can be taken and shown to people who can't come to your home. The property board will be displayed in high traffic areas, such as shopping centres, to attract buyers attention.
3. Provide you with market information you need to price your home to bring top dollar. Keep you informed on market changes, and sales activity taking place.
4. Pre-screen potential buyers to limit the possibility of surprises and a collapsed sale later on.

5. Provide 24 hour answering service to avoid the possibility of losing a possible buyer.
6. Show your home, whether you are home or not. This saves you waiting around in case a buyer arrives.
7. Provide objective viewpoint in handling difficult circumstances and buyer objections. It's easy for emotions to get in the way.
8. Assist in contract negotiations. An agent's experience in mediating sensitive issues can help close the gaps and speed the process.
9. Protect your interests during the selling process and look after details through the closing process right through to the possession date.

When you want to sell your home, just print out the Listing Agreement forms, fill in the blanks and fax it to us at (506)460-1245. The first form is the one that is called Authority to Sell and the second is the Listing Agreement Details which describe the property in detail. This form contains all the information about your property and is what all salespersons will see when they are matching buyers to sellers.

The Property Disclosure form is filled out to inform prospective buyers of the condition of the property.

Remember you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.

First impressions count with buyers. In today's age of consumerism, every buyer is doing comparative shopping. A small investment in time and money can give your home a solid advantage over competing properties. So by paying attention to detail now, you can enhance the perceived value later. The following are some suggestions for preparing your home to show to its best advantage.

• Turn on lights
• Turn on air conditioner/heater
• Open the drapes
• Light the fireplace

• Keep lawns cut
• Trim hedges and shrubs
• Weed and edge gardens
• Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
• Clean out garage
• Touch up paint
• Make repairs where needed

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter
• Store surplus furniture
• Clear kitchen counter and stove top
• Clear closets of unnecessary clothing
• Remove empty boxes and containers

• Repair leaking taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and filters
• Tighten door knobs and latches
• Repair cracked plaster
• Touch up paint
• Clean and repair windows
• Repair seals around tubs and basins
• Replace defective light bulbs
• Oil squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
• Clean around heating vents
• Clean washer and dryer
• Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds

• Clean porch and foyer
• Ensure door bell works
• Repair screen on door
• Fresh paint or varnish front door
• Repair door locks and key access

If your home does not sell, it is important to know the reason why. Similarly you should also know why your home is not being shown. A good salesperson should always communicate with you even if you do not like what they have to say. If you do not know what is wrong, you won't know what to fix. If more than one buyer makes the same remark about your home, it is significant information that you should receive.

1. Advise Doctor and Dentist office to close file and instruct a copy of file to be forwarded to new practitioners when requested to do so.
2. Write the utility company in the city to which you are moving. Ask then about the necessary fees or deposits required for installation of service.
3. Remit the utility deposits required with information about when and where you will want these services: gas, electric, water, telephone, and cable.
4. Send your forwarding address to you local post office and send change of address cards to subscriptions, insurance companies, book clubs, friends, stores and credit cards.
5. Transfer your fire insurance on household goods or other insurance on personal possessions so that they will be covered both at your new home and enroute.
6. Notify the principal of your children's school about your intended move. Get a letter from him/her outlining the status of your children in school.
7. Make sure you have birth certificates of all the children. (You will need them for their new schools).
8. Get medical records of shots, eyeglass prescriptions, etc.
9. If car or other possessions are not paid for, get permission to move them.
10. Close your bank account(s), if necessary.
11. Arrange for sufficient cash or travellers cheques to cover the cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in the city to which you are moving. Cash or a certified cheque is generally required by moving companies for delivery of household goods.

1. Gas
2. Fuel or oil company
3. Electric
4. Telephone
5. Newspaper delivery
6. Water
7. Water softener service
8. Rubbish and garbage service
9. Milk delivery
10. Diaper service
11. Charge accounts
12. Locker at athletic club

1. Have your stove serviced - check pilot light.
2. Check pilot lights on water heater and furnace.
3. Have appliances checked.
4. Ask mail carrier for mail that may be held for your arrival.
5. Register children in school.
6. Have new address recorded on driver's license.
7. Register car after arrival or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
8. Visit city offices and register for voting.