Thursday, February 23, 2012

Five Qualities That Will Help You Overcome Obstacles During Your Brantford Home Sale!

As a Brantford real estate agent, I can’t begin to express how many obstacles I have had to overcome during some of my buyer and seller transactions. The Brantford real estate market is not an easy one to navigate, and there are several things that can go wrong in the process of buying or selling a home. Once two parties get involved, the slightest hiccup or obstacle can cause stress, anxiety and frustration for everyone. I am here to tell you, however, that these roadblocks can be dealt with, and you can see success in your Brantford real estate transaction. All it takes is the right attitude and the best real estate professional.

I think that it’s important, as a Brant County real estate agent, to warn my buyer and seller clients about everything that could possibly go wrong during a transaction. Don’t get me wrong: I don’t take a “gloom and doom” stance towards real estate. I find that the majority of transactions face minimal issues. In order to protect yourself, however, you need to be aware of what can go wrong so you can work to prevent it, or know what to do when something arises. It will also serve you well to keep in mind that there are some qualities that will help you see a successful Brantford real estate transaction, even after a few obstacles are thrown your way. I can think of five that will really benefit you during your Brantford, ON home sale:

Persistence. This is perhaps the most important quality that you can have during your real estate transaction. With the number of delays that can occur between the lender and buyers, the process of buying or selling a home can sometimes take a long time to complete. During these delays, the best thing that you can do is be persistent. Call your lender consistently and follow up. If you get your loan application denied, try again with a different lender. Persistence will get you far in the real estate world, so don’t be afraid to stay on top of everyone involved in the transaction. I can guarantee that you’ll see results faster.

Patience. Sometimes, you can do everything by-the-book in a timely fashion and STILL face delays. Sure, these times absolutely get frustrating and irritating, but if you throw up your hands and walk away, then you could be missing out on a great offer for your home or the perfect Brantford, ON property. With transactions as large as those in the real estate world, you need to remember to be patient. A lot of paperwork, negotiation and repairs may need to be done before you can sell or buy a home. If you keep that in mind, then you will see that most Brantford real estate professionals are around to help you, not hurt you.

Negotiation skills. This is an art form, and if you or your real estate agent can master it, then you’ll find that you can get what you want out of the deal. It’s important to look out for your own best interest during a real estate transaction, whether you are a buyer or a seller. If your Brantford real estate agent isn’t negotiating well on your behalf, then you need to find one that will. The better you are at negotiating, the more likely it is that you will get what you want during and after each transaction.

Education. Your Brantford real estate agent is a great resource for information about the ins and outs of buying or selling a home, so you should use them! The more that you know about each transaction going into it, the better prepared that you will be for any conflicts that may arise. Do your research, use your real estate professional for guidance, and use what you know to help navigate your way through negotiations.

Creativity. There’s no denying that any number of conflicts can arise during a Brantford real estate transaction, but sometimes, when the going gets tough, you need to think outside the box. If you sit down with your real estate agent and brainstorm possible solutions, then you could find yourself coming up with a creative idea that will get you out of a bind. Use your brainpower and everything that you know about the real estate world and come up with a solution!

If you exhibit any of these five qualities during your Brantford real estate transaction, I can practically guarantee that you’ll see a successful closing. Whether you’re a home buyer or seller, putting some of these traits to practice will help you get the best possible result from your transaction, and that is what will ensure that you’re happy with the results. As your Brantford real estate agent, I am always here to help, offer you ideas and look out for your best interest. I make that my top priority!

If you have any questions about buying or selling your Brantford, ON home, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d love to help out in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon!

Wally Dufrat | Sales Representative
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8
Direct:  (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400

Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!
 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Reap the Benefits of Being a First-Time Home Buyer in Brantford!

As a Brantford, ON real estate agent, I work with buyers and sellers with a variety of different experiences in the local real estate market. When a first-time home buyer approaches me and asks for help with their Brantford real estate transaction, I immediately get excited.  Not only do I get the privilege of helping somebody find the home of their dreams for the first time, but I also get to explain the many benefits that come with being a first-time home buyer in Brantford, ON.

Don’t get me wrong; there are many benefits to being a homeowner in general. The tax write-off itself is an enticing reason to buy a home. If you’re buying property for the first time, however, you can enjoy a few funding and tax benefits that people who have owned a home before don’t get to have. One of my biggest priorities as a Brantford, ON real estate expert is to make sure that I educate my clients about all of the aspects of buying a home. Sometimes, this means delivering bad news, however I actually enjoy telling my clients about these financial benefits. Oftentimes, it makes a large difference to my clients and makes them more confident in their decision to invest in a Brantford, ON home.

I thought I’d take some time to explain these two first-time home buyer benefits in more depth. Hopefully, this provides some clarity on the issue and demonstrates some of the many reasons that you should buy a home in Brantford, ON.

The first benefit that you can receive as a first-time home buyer is the First-time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit. If you qualify for this tax credit, you can claim $750.00 against your personal income tax in the year that you acquire the home. In order to qualify for the credit, neither you nor your spouse or common-law partner can have owned a home four years prior to acquiring the property. You must also be purchasing the home for your own personal occupancy, not as a gift for somebody else. Only one party can claim this tax for the total $750 maximum credit. You can split the claim between two parties, but you would then split the credit between the two of you.  The majority of Brantford, ON first-time home buyers qualify for this tax credit, and it’s only one of the many benefits you can get from buying a home in Brantford, ON.

The second benefit that you can receive as a first-time home buyer is the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan. This is essentially a plan that allows you, as a buyer, to withdraw a maximum of $25,000 from your RRSP in order to buy a qualifying home in which you will live. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they, too can withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to go towards the purchase of the same property. To qualify for this funding, you or your spouse or common-law partner can not have owned a home four years prior to acquiring the property, and you must also occupy the home within one year of withdrawing the money. This is a fantastic financing option for Brantford, ON first-time home buyers who might need some extra money in order to afford their first home. You can pay off this money over a fifteen-year period, as well.

These two incentives provide many first-time home buyers in the Brantford, ON area with the resources and convincing that they need to take the plunge and invest in a house. As a Brantford, ON real estate agent, I feel that it is important to make my clients aware of these benefits. It’s a major factor that any potential buyer should consider when deciding whether or not to begin their home search.

If you have any questions about these two home buyer benefits, or if you want to begin your Brantford, ON home search, then don’t hesitate to contact me! Your real estate needs are my first priority, and I’d be happy to help you in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon!




Wally Dufrat | Sales Representative
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8
Direct:  (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400

Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!
 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Ten Ways to Enhance Your Brantford, ON Home’s Curb Appeal!

You know the feeling: you are walking through your neighborhood, and you pass a home that just grabs your attention. Something about its exterior makes you want to see what the interior looks like. This scenario is something that every Brantford home seller wants to happen as people pass their home; because that means that the buyers are intrigued by what they see on the outside. The event that I have just described refers to what we in the Brantford real estate industry call “curb appeal”, or how much your home allures buyers from the outside. This is something that every Brantford real estate agent encourages their sellers to pay attention to when they go to put their home on the market.

Despite what you may think, obtaining a strong sense of curb appeal doesn’t require too much money or renovation. You can stay budget-friendly and do mild preparation while still achieving an alluring exterior. These ten home enhancements will take your exterior to another level without breaking the bank.

1. Wash your home’s front, side and windows. It sounds extreme, but taking the time to clean your home will make all the difference to a Brantford home buyer. A dirty home exterior gives the impression that your home is run-down and neglected. This will do wonders for the impression your home gives buyers at first glance.

2. Fix broken concrete walkways. People notice if there are large cracks in the walkway as they approach your home. Not only is this visually unsettling, but it’s also something that doesn’t usually go over well with most home inspectors. This will require some DIY work or money to fix, but it is well-worth it to see your driveway and front walkway looking brand new!

3. Your front door makes a difference.
A front door that has peeling paint or a worn-down color can be a deterrent. It’s one of the first things that people see when they approach your home. Freshen up the paint with a bright color. Replace any ripped or broken screen doors, as well. The better your front door looks, the better the buyer response will be.

4. How’s your exterior lighting?
People often overlook exterior lighting, as most buyers will see a home during the day. It’s still a good idea, however, to replace old or outdated light fixtures with something new in order to give your home a bit of a facelift. It will make buyers appreciate the home that much more as they take a closer look at it.

5. Fix loose railings.
Tighten or fix any loose railings on your front deck or porch. It will contribute to your home’s overall appearance.

6. Touch up your driveway with some paint.
Yes, you read that correctly! Applying a top sealer coating to your driveway will make the asphalt look as good as new! Just make sure that you sweep up the driveway before in order to grab any dirt before you start painting.

7. Clean out your eavestroughs. Once again, this is something that gets overlooked a lot of the time, but this will contribute to the overall effect of your home. When your eavestroughs are old and dilapidated, they often give your home’s exterior a run-down, neglected look. You may have to replace these altogether, but it would be well-worth the cost. Don’t neglect this part of your curb appeal!

8. Repair roof shingles. Not only will it make your home look like it’s been a bit neglected if you leave the roof unrepaired, but it will also turn several buyers off. Roof repairs are costly, and many buyers want to make sure that there are absolutely no issues with the roof when they start looking at a home for the first time. If you haven’t addressed this aspect of your home, and you need to, now is the time to start! It will avoid hassles and headaches down the line.

9. Do you have loose wires? Keep an eye out for them! Over the course of several years, the wires hooking up your TV, telephone and cable can become loose, and that could stand out if the wires run along the exterior of the house. Use your discretion and ensure that any issues with the wiring are taken care of before you start showing the house.

10. Pay attention to landscaping.
An overgrown yard and neglected trees and shrubs will not create the inviting, alluring look that you’re going for. Take the time to do a little landscaping and clean up the greenery ahead of time, and you’ll find that it will make a huge difference to your curb appeal.

As a Brantford real estate agent, I always advise my sellers to take some time before showing their house and set it aside for exterior enhancement. Curb appeal is a powerful tool for getting buyers to go inside a house. The more traffic you get, the more likely it is that your Brantford, ON home will sell sooner. Despite the work it might take, these enhancements don’t need to be expensive. You can do them yourself and stick to your budget.

If you have any questions about how to best prepare your Brantford, ON home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’ll give you some tips and advice about how to get your curb appeal where it needs to be. I hope to hear from you soon. 



Wally Dufrat | Sales Representative
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8
Direct:  (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400

Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!
 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Three Steps to Making the Perfect Offer on a Brantford, ON Home!

I’m not going to lie to you: when it comes to buying a home on the Brantford real estate market, one of the most difficult elements of the transaction is making your initial offer. The negotiation process is an art form. You want to make sure that you’re being fair to the seller; however you also want to look out for your own best interest. As a Brantford real estate agent, a large part of my job is working on the behalf of any buyer who hires me to help them find a home. Part of the way in which I accomplish this is by guiding my clients through the process of making an offer.

When it comes to submitting your first offer to the seller of the Brantford home you are interested in buying, the thing that you should remember is that you want your demands to be a reasonable as possible. The more realistic you are in your initial offer, the more likely it is that it will be accepted. Going back and forth too many times can result in you either overpaying for the home or losing the house completely, so you want to decide on how much you want to offer carefully. In order to successfully accomplish this, I always tell my Brantford home buyers to consider three things as they compose their initial offer:

Use a comparative market analysis.
Your Brantford real estate agent should give you a comparative market analysis, which is essentially a document that estimates the true value of the property. The CMA takes important characteristics of the home and compares it to other properties in the area with matching features. For your offer, you should look at what these other properties sold for and adjust the price based on which of the sold homes match closest to the one you are thinking about buying. This will give you the most mathematically accurate estimate to use when deciding on a starting figure.

Examine market trends carefully.
Right now, in Brantford real estate, we are really in more of a buyer’s market, so that should factor in to your offer. You could get away with making an offer that is a little bit on the lower side because market conditions are making it more difficult for sellers to get their homes off the market. You should also consider factors such as how long the home has been on the market, how many other active listings there are in the area, interest rates, and seasonal issues. Consulting with your Brantford real estate agent about current market conditions will allow you to get a picture of what you should be offering.

Look at the specific facts of the property and the seller. You can use items like the CMA and market trend statistics as a jumping-off point, but every home is different and has its own set of extenuating circumstances. You should review all of the details of the property and the situation that the seller is in and take that into account when making an offer, as well. Look at what the property appraised for and don’t offer anything above it. Once again, this is something that you should discuss with your Brantford real estate agent! They will know details about the property that could play an important role in your initial offer.

Out of all of the advice I give on this topic, this is perhaps the most important: make your first offer your best offer. Analyze the data carefully, take a look at all of the important factors and make the best, most educated offer you can come up with. I can practically guarantee that if you consider everything carefully and make a fair offer, that the seller will respond well to it, even if they do counteroffer. Remember: the more information you have to back up your thought process, the better you can negotiate with the seller if they don’t accept your initial figure.

As an experienced Brantford real estate agent, I make it a top priority to aid my clients through the process of making an offer. It is truly a difficult and challenging art form that requires the right information and guidance. If you have any questions about buying a home on the Brantford real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d love to help in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon!



Wally Dufrat | Sales Representative
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8
Direct:  (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400

Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!