Real Estate Blog

What You Need to Know About Home InsuranceThere are plenty of misconceptions about home insurance in Canada, making it difficult to answer even some of the more simple questions about it. Because each homeowner is different, each policy will come with its own specific set of rules. For new home buyers who just want to do the right thing for themselves and their property, it's time to consider the facts of home insurance. Picking the right level of coverage starts with understanding the underlying principles.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor or insurance agent before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Made for You

The policy and premium will depend on a few basic factors. Location, size of the home, and financial standing are all

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Basic Home Maintenance Tools for New HomeownersThere is a need to take on additional responsibilities when one goes from renting to owning a home, such as performing routine maintenance or making repairs on a home. Individuals who are handy often save money on labor costs when choosing to go the DIY route.

First time homeowners may want to pick up these tools to help them perform basic tasks in and around the home.

A Light-duty Wheelbarrow

For outdoor jobs and gardening around the home, purchasing a wheelbarrow can help prevent back strain and make the hauling process more efficient. Use a wheelbarrow to carry mulch, crushed stone or heavy tools to a desired location with minimal fuss. Look for a wheelbarrow with a raised lip for added security.

A Pair of Safety Glasses

When it

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All About Closing CostsMany people who have never bought a home go into the home buying process knowing little about closing costs. Without a good grasp of what closing costs are and how much they cost, it's hard to prepare to buy a home. Closing costs are a big expense that many home buyers must budget for specifically. If you're thinking about buying a home in the coming year or two, here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What Are Closing Costs

During the purchase of a home, home buyers interact with a variety of organizations and businesses, including government agencies, lawyers, real estate professionals, appraisers and insurance

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Are Young Canadians Locked Out of Home Ownership?The truth is that Millennials are almost as eager to buy into the dream of home ownership as previous generations, despite widely-held myths about disinterest, staggering debt load and unwillingness to commit to either a career or ownership responsibilities.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Plight of Canadian Millennials

The generation born between about 1980 and the turn of the century, it turns out, is not so unlike their parents after all. According to Nerd Wallet, the median age of homebuyers in the United States has held steady for the past 40 years, at between 30.6 and 31. Two-thirds of Millennials today have not yet

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The True Cost and Savings of Solar PanelsIn a country like Canada, it may seem as though there's not enough sun to justify the cost of installing solar panels. However, homeowners may be surprised to learn that the technology behind solar panels has improved enough to benefit more areas than just the sunnier Southern climates. Understanding the benefits of solar panels begins with assessing both the financial and environmental impact of investing in green energy.

Initial Costs

The amount a homeowner spends on their solar panels depends on the square footage of the roof, the architectural layout of the home, and the vendor they choose. All in all, it can cost anywhere from $15,000 – $30,000 to install. And while this may seem steep, Canada has been proactive about their commitment to

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Selling a Home with PetsWe all love our furry friends. A little more than a third of Canadian homes have dogs, cats or both. However, people planning to sell their homes need to acknowledge that, while their pets give them companionship and comfort, they can be a hindrance when it comes time to sell a home. Sellers should take care of the following before listing to increase their chances of a quick sale at the price they want:

Take Action Early

Don't wait for buyers to reject the home. This could lead to missing the enthusiasm and excitement newly listed homes generate. Any potential problems, such as scents, carpet damage and scratched floors, should be taken care of before the house is ever listed. It can also be a good idea for a pet owner to get the opinion of

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How To Avoid Hiring a Bad Real Estate AgentIt’s extremely important for individuals seeking to make a real estate transaction to hire the assistance of a real estate agent, regardless of if they’re buying a new home or selling their current one. But where do buyers and sellers start when finding the agent who is right for them? There are a lot of different real estate agents who can do the job, but they aren’t all created equally. When selecting an agent to hire, buyers and sellers should be on the look out for certain red flags that can identify an inexperienced or unhelpful agent. Here are those red flags.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed Downey real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Agent Works Part Time

No

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Moving Timeline When Buying A HomeBuying a home is a time consuming process. Buyers who budget their time wisely and who plan in advance can have a less stressful experience when the time comes to buy a home.

One Year In Advance: Declutter

Clutter makes moving difficult and expensive. Getting rid of clutter before buying a house can making moving easier. De-cluttering takes a long time, so buyers who know they want to purchase a house in the coming year should start a year in advance. De-cluttering is best done throughout the course of a year, because it's easier to de-clutter when the process isn't rushed.

Six Months In Advance: Begin To Pack

Packing is another time consuming process, so it's smart to begin packing six months in advance of moving. This gives buyers the

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Selling Well in a Buyer's MarketSelling a home is tricky, even when there are dozens of buyers ready to make the purchase. When the buyers are few and far-between, sellers really have to find a way to set their properties apart from the rest. Giving the home its best look is one way to help. Paving the way for a smooth sale is another. When sellers put these two together, they will have a better chance of getting a higher price while selling their homes in less time.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Set a Fair Price

When sellers think about the amount they want for their homes, they can be tempted to set a price that is not necessarily fair for the property or the

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What To Do About Unpermitted Work In A HomeSometimes when a homeowner wants to make improvements to their property, they must first get a permit. Usually, permits are required for work that could put people at risk if it's done incorrectly. Frequently, a permit is required to make electrical, plumbing or structural changes to a home.

Work that is done without a permit can become a problem when the time comes to sell the house. Here's what homeowners need to know.

Why Are Permits Important?

Permits ensure that there is oversight on certain home upgrades. Permits typically require that an inspection must be performed before the job can be completed. The inspector checks to ensure that the job is performed properly and according to local codes. Without this inspection, upgrades and

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