To the great relief of many people, both inside and outside the real estate industry, it looks like the worst part of the falling real estate market may be behind us. It’s risky business attempting to predict market ups and downs (see below) but at least in some parts of the USA it does appear that buyers are beginning to emerge from their lengthy hibernation. If you are looking into the possible purchase of a home, here are the top ten potential problems that you should avoid before signing on the dotted line.

1. Failing to Obtain Home Loan Pre-approval Documentation Getting pre-approval for a home loan is an important first step for potential buyers. Getting a mortgage pre-approval will give you a much better idea of the total loan amount you can readily borrow. Being pre-approved also indicates that you are serious about buying. Most sellers with worthwhile homes won’t even bother considering a purchase offer unless it is accompanied by confirmation of loan pre-approval. Additionally, should any problems with your credit worthiness crop up it is much better to recognize them at the start of the process, while you still have time to take action to rectify them. Encountering a credit problem after you have already committed to a home purchase can be quite upsetting.

2. Not Hiring a Buyer’s Agent Unless other arrangements are made, with nearly all full service real estate companies, the buyer’s agent works for you at no cost to you. His or her commission is paid by the seller’s broker after the sale closes. Hence, it is in your best interest to hire your own representation - a buyer’s agent - instead of working with the seller’s agent. The seller’s agent is obligated by law to act in the seller’s best interest, not yours. By using the services of a buyer’s agent you can level the playing field since a buyer’s agent is required to serve in your best interest.

3. Hiring the Wrong Real Estate Agent Before working with a buyer’s agent, you should interview several different agents. Ask for the names of previous clients so you can check references. Don’t limit yourself to agents with large brand name offices or so called “million-dollar” agents. Also, before hiring a friend or family member who is an agent, remember that if you are dissatisfied with the service being provided, it is much easier to drop an agent with whom you have no personal ties.

4. Not Understanding the Length of Time the Process Takes Buyers, and sellers, sometimes believe that the home buying process is shorter than it really is. There are a wide range of unforeseen problems that can result in delays. Sellers can drag their feet on formally accepting an offer, you may have problems selling your present house, the loan processing may be held up, repairs may need to be completed, problems with obtaining a clear title to the property may arise, etc. Murphy’s Law always seems to surface when trying to close a deal promptly. Be sure to allow at least two to three months to complete the transaction.

5. Assuming the Appraisal and/or the Tax Assessment Equate to the Market Value. Appraisals and tax assessments are designed to be objective estimates of value. However, different appraisers can report considerably different results. Buyers should have their agent perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to get a better idea of the home’s current market value prior to offering to buy.

6. Trying to Time the Rising and Falling of the Real Estate Market Trying to time a purchase with when the market has hit its low point is just about impossible. I would be an extremely wealthy man if I were able to do so! Both buyers and sellers should realize that a sound real estate investment is nearly always a long-term investment.

7. Ignoring Reality When Looking for Your Dream Home When buying a home, if you only follow your heart and not your head, you will most likely be in for some ugly surprises. That magnificent home may appear to be your dream home, but make sure you bear in mind everything involved. Take into account such unexciting issues as the effect a larger mortgage payment might have on your resources, commuting distances, the availability of local schools and shopping facilities, the effect of property taxes and homeowner association in addition to other quality-of-life aspects of home ownership. That extraordinary house may not be worth the headaches it causes for you and your family.

8. Failing to Remember That Timing Is Everything As you can probably imagine, paying two mortgage payments can be incredibly hard to manage. When thinking about selling your current home and buying another, understand that the sale of your current home is the more crucial of the two transactions. If you would be unable to make payments on two loans, if at all possible, try to secure the sale of your current home before committing to purchase a new one.

9. Not Understanding the Contract. Remember that a purchase contract is a legally binding document. Not understanding what you’re agreeing to can be a big mistake. Read the agreement carefully prior to signing and get clarification if there is something you are unsure about. Don’t be afraid to have your attorney review it,if you wish. Ensure that it contains everything you it should, including which party is paying for what. Verbal agreements should be included, in writing, in the contract. Make certain that your agent takes an activerole in the developing of and negotiation of the contract. Hurrying through this step can add delays and cause financial and emotional pain.

10. Not Conducting a Criminal Search for the New Location. Agents in most parts of the country are not obligated to notify buyers if there is a sex offender or other illegal activity in the neighborhood. Contact the local police department or sheriff’s office to find out how to gain access to local sex offender and related criminal databases. In addition, the internet has made this information much easier to obtain in recent years. There are many online resources for locating this information. Visit the website backgroundcheckpoint.com for information about several of these investigative resources.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a broad range of subjects. He is also a licensed real estate salesperson in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and Petersburg, Virginia homes for sale.

I have an easy and highly successful 7-step plan designed to get you into the home of your dreams!

1. Get Pre-approved:
I can assist you with determining how much money you can afford and obtaining pre-approval for your mortgage. I can also help you facilitate any additional financing needed.

2. Do Your Homework:
Become educated about the process of buying a home, you will then be comfortable when it comes time to discuss the information. Do not hesitate to ask all the questions you need, a reputable real estate agent will be happy to help you through the home-buying process and address all of your concerns.

3. Find a Home to Suit Your Needs:
Keeping in mind your budget, shop in the best neighborhoods and find a home based upon what you want and need.

4. Start Shopping Around:
Now that you have set your goals, we can begin shopping. I promise to keep you abreast of all the most recent real estate activity in your area. I will also keep in daily email and phone contact and make arrangements to take you on as many home tours as you would like.

5. Do Not Settle on Less:
Never settle for less than what you want in terms of the right home for the right price and in the area you want to buy.

6. Purchase It:
When we have located your perfect dream home, I will draw up a Purchase Agreement and Sales Contract to perfectly suit your needs. I will then take the contract to the owners and negotiate a perfect deal on your behalf.

7. Closing the Deal:
After the successful purchase of the home, I will remain in daily contact with you to make sure everything goes according to plan and suits your needs. You will retain my professional services from the beginning to the very end.

RealtyStock.com provides free Toronto real estate listings. Use RealtyStock to find Toronto Homes and Toronto real estate for sale using an interactive map.

1015 Martin Ct, Yuba City CA- The Sandgren Real Estate Group. This home is move in ready. It has 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms and is just over 1600 SF. Features brand new paint and carpet. For Sale by Derek Sandgren and Brian Sandgren of GreatWest GMAC Real Estate. Contact us at www.SandgrenRE.com.

Monica Itiniant quotes “Buying a condo in Toronto is not like buying a automobile, a mutual fund or other commodity”. “Buying a house is probably the biggest investment you’ll make in your lifetime”. My name is Francois and I have had the joy to work alongside Monica Itiniant, from Royal LePage Real Estate Services in Toronto, to experience why so many of her clients say so many superb things about her. Now lets get started, Monica states - To make for sure you buy the proper home, you will need to set about all aspects of buying a condo in Toronto with research and concern. Buying a house is a great time in your life and that’s why working with a versatile real estate agent specializing in buying property is a great idea. It is experience that you gain by working with an agent, and experience trims the amount of headaches and undiscovered variables that the everyday person receives when buying.

Monica points out, as so many others do, that purchasing a home in Toronto is in all probability the heaviest investment you will make, with long-term financial ramifications. Whether you’re shopping for previously owned or new, if you’re considering about purchasing a home, make sure you know its actual condition before you make an offer. A superb real estate agent should be able to direct you through every last step to purchasing a home.

Now lets get to the heart of this. The steps involved in purchasing a house are simple: Determine what you NEED, then decide what you WANT. The next step is to figure how much you can AFFORD, and folks are financially ready. Do all the numbers, all your disbursals and all your incomes. Be precise. Then the next step is to acquire pre-financing. Make sure you go to your bank of choice, or use a mortgage broker, and tell them you desire to get pre-approved for buying a home. This pre-approval mortgage amount is a specific dollar number that tells you what you can afford. Dont start searching until you have this all-important $ number.

The next step would be to research the listings of homes for sale in your area through an online service or with your real estate agent. By comparing your home to recent sales and other alike homes on the market, you and your agent will promptly acknowledge what your home is valued. After you have found and viewed few homes, you may be at the point where you have discovered your perfect home. Work with a real estate agent and then negotiate an offer to your liking.

Lastly, have the home inspected by a reputable inspection company. An extensive inspection by a qualified professional can mean the difference between finding your dream home, or moving into a long-term nightmare. With a proper home inspection, youll realize why an inspection can offer a peace of mind to a buyer. Just a reminder folks, some accommodating text and video links are on Monica Itiniant’s website at www.monicaitiniant.com. There are links to a wealth of data to assist you in the home buying procedure; she has even posted a few excellent videos on home inspection, packing for your move and more.

Let Monica take the mystery out of buying a home in Toronto, use her online website resources. Monica also points out, go and do some online inquiry, ask with your local alderman/politician if there are governmental/municipal inducements when buying a home, or if there are renovation discounts available as well.

First-time homebuyers may be eligible to receive tax credits for buying a home in 2009, and 2010 (certain conditions apply). I can see that working alongside Monica for a day how passionate she is about her business. The function of this article was for Monica to stress to you this - it is important for you to understand all of the consequences and pitfalls involved in buying a home, so that you can find the house that meets your needs and buy it on terms you can afford. You want to own a dream home, not a nightmare, or a property you grow out of in 2 months.

To conclude, right now as I write this article with Monica, one of her clients is buying a home in the city and they Enquirer her to help them determine what type of home in the area matches their needs. Which brings me to another important point: when purchasing a home, take the time to acquire a premium real estate agent, they make your life so smooth and less hectic with such a big purchase. Give Monica a call, because when you contact her, you will see why people like her.

When you need great real estate advice from a trusted professional. Enjoy the benefits of a productive agent CALL MONICA ITINIANT of Royal LePage Real Estate Services Click on the link and search for your new homewith a trusted real estate expert, let Monica help you in buying a condo in Toronto, purchasing a home in Toronto, or to help you sell your home in the GTA area

Considered as one of North America’s consistently hot real estate markets, Toronto has enjoyed sustained growth for the past 20 years. There are still quite a few hot markets around the GTA area. When times are high, when times are low, there are always great deals in the GTA market, according to Monica I, one of Toronto’s best “people-oriented” real estate agents. (What a great attitude she has).

Monica points out a great recent online article from CMHC. CMHC Canada states that “The decline in housing starts in 2009 are because of a several factors, including the current economic climate, increased competition from the existing home market, and the impact of strong house price growth from 2002. Housing starts are expected to improve throughout 2009 and over the next several years to gradually become more closely aligned to demographic demand, which is currently estimated at about 175,000 units per year, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC).

Versatile real estate agents constantly keep their customers interests in the fore-front of their mind, as Monica constintly explores the GTA marketplace daily online. She remarks as a heads up, presale Toronto property undertakings are also well underway, including some high-end condominium hotels and high-rise tower residences that will metamorphose the Toronto skyline forever. And for aging homes in the GTA area, Monica states to add value, update the master suite, kitchen and bathroom to get agood return on the investmentif it is time to sell.

Great real estate agents always keep their customers interests in the fore-front of their mind, as Monica constintly researches the GTA marketplace everyday online. She notes as a heads up, presale Toronto property projects are also well underway, including some high-end condominium hotels and high-rise tower residencies that will metamorphose the Toronto horizon forever. And for seasoned homes in the GTA area, Monica states to add value, update the master suite, kitchen and bathroom to produce agood return on the investmentif it is time to sell. So folks, if you are ready to get into the real estate market in Toronto, then congratulations, there are great bargains out there, especially with the interest rate at a low low rate of what 2.25% prime, if not less. Toronto, for many years was one of the juiciest of the red-hot real estate markets in North America, with an % appreciation in your properties value in the double digits. When the real estate market is hot, one of the things you must keep in mind is to get a home inspection done. And remember even if a market is hot, and you want to get into the action, always remember to go with a real estate agent whose total marketing presentation and rapport makes sense to you.

As a real estate agent, Monica can simplify your real estate search process by listening to your market and home needs. Once understanding your needs, she then utilizes cutting edge research technologies, along with contacting some of her information sources to find you the right home that matches your needs. Every since her first day in real estate, Monica strives to help Toronto home buyers and sellers make better informed decisions by providing them with informative articles and up to date MLS listings, all related to the property they wish to sell or purchase. She is a wealth of neighbourhood knowledge.

Monica points out a great recent online article from CMHC. CMHC Canada states that “The decline in housing starts in 2009 are because of a several factors, including the current economic climate, increased competition from the existing home market, and the impact of strong house price growth from 2002. Housing starts are expected to improve throughout 2009 and over the next several years to gradually become more closely aligned to demographic demand, which is currently estimated at about 175,000 units per year, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC).

So folks, from among the many Toronto real estate agents out there in the market, please verify first that you like the agent that you select. If you can not see eye to eye, or you dont feel a “in-touch with your needs” chemistry bond with them, it may not work. That is why I highly recommend Monica as one of the best Toronto real estate agents that can work with. You truly get your money’s worth. Monica knows the marketplace, so you may be able to catch the next hot neighbourhood boom in Toronto before it happens. Call her.

Rejection can cause a homebuyer to experience heartache. A seller is not forced to shoot down a homebuyer’s offer for the buyer to feel completely horrible. All the seller needs to say is one word “No,” and the offer is null and void. Here are the top four reasons as to why a potential home bid is rejected:

The number one reason why offers are rejected is because of a lower than list price offer. 1.) A seller could feel insulted if an offer is not large enough, the seller may get the impression the buyer is not serious enough. 2.) A seller could be too mad to respond and could reject the offer immediately. 3.) If the house is new on the market, the seller could feel it is a bit too early to entertain offers that are lower than the listed price. 4.) In most provinces , a seller is not required by law to respond to lower offers.

Offer rejection may be because the buying agent is less than pleasant. An agent that has less than scrupulous ethics should have their real estate license revoked because nobody wants to deal with a professional that is like this. Agents who have no ethics or manners are wasting their time and making their potential customers miserable. If the buyer’s agent is annoying the listing agent, especially during an offer dealing with multiple situations, it does not look good on the agent’s buyer. Make sure your agent never does the following things: 1.) Raising of voice or screams on the phone or in person 2.) Forgets to use manners and say “please” as well as “thank you” 3.) Issues demands or delivers ultimatums 4.) Acts insulting towards the listing agent by printing out market data or sale information, making an agent appear stupid or inept ( even though this may be true) 5.) Acts demeaning towards others 6.) Acts aggressive or pushy towards others 7.) Does not act in a professional manner at all times

There is nothing saying a listing agent cannot take two similar offers to a seller saying, “I don’t prefer Agent A, however, Agent B is very professional. Select whichever offer you want.” Do you believe that the buyer is going to select Agent A’s proposal? Do not forget the business of real estate is alot about networking; being polite and ethical earns respect, acting unscrupulous does not. Do not let your agent sabotage your chances of buying your dream home; if it does not have anything to do with price, it could be more than likely the agent!

Reason for having an offer rejected: Listing agent represents the competition A relatively unknown practice among consumers is the variable or dual-rate commission discussion that an agent will sometimes include in the listing agreement. This means the listing agent has an understanding with the seller that if the listing agent also ends up working with and representing the buyer, the listing agent will reduce the fee (because of a dual commission being earned).

An example would be if the listing agent is supposed to receive 6% commission, 3% for listing and 3% that is to be given to the broker, he or she might agree to take only 5% total if working for both sides of the deal. Therefore, if your personal agent writes up an offer, the seller will spend more and net less profit. Ask your agent to check with MLS to see if the commission rate is variable.

Offers are rejected because the buyer didn’t meet the sellers particular needs A buying agent should contact the listing agent to find out if the seller has particular requirements or contentious points. If so, include them in the offer. 1.) If the seller requires a long escrow, offer the seller a long closing date. 2.) If the seller wants to see a large monetary deposit, make an increase in the deposit. 3.) Sometimes the financial terms in MLS are not fulfilled. For example, the seller will accept only offers in cash; do not believe for one second an offer with FHA terms to be acceptable. 4.) If the seller expresses concerns about repairs, make an offer to purchase the property “as is,” after a visit from a home inspector. 5.) The seller may want the buyer to have pre-approval for financing, point being you won’t have any idea as to what the seller wants if you don’t ask.

The first step to marketing your home is having it staged and professionally photographed. Once it has been professionally photographed you are ready to plan your marketing and start to pull together all of the different marketing materials. There are many different tools that I will use to market a property. Depending on the home and the target market I will pick and choose the right combination of tools. Some approaches work great for selling a home in Summerhill but is the completely wrong approach for selling a loft in Leslieville. Some of the tools that need to be used include: Feature Sheets, Newspaper ads, MLS listings, personal agent websites, company websites, affiliated corporate sites, syndicated sites, custom property websites, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing. This is by no means a complete list, it is just the start.

Developing an extensive Feature Sheet is a true art form that requires a lot of time, but it is time very well spent. A flimsy black and white photocopy of a one page info sheet printed off of Realtor.ca just doesn’t cut it anymore. A proper feature sheet should answer every question a purchaser might come up with. It is drawn up and presented to the seller for approval before it goes to print.

In a high quality feature sheet there should be a room by room written description that catalogues the intimate details of the home. There should also be professional photographs, a property survey, a list of the average annual costs for utilities, a customised schedule B that protects the sellers interests, a neighbourhood summary, a list of exclusions and inclusions, and the appropriate contact information if they have any further questions.

It is very important to have an attractive, unique, detailed feature sheet because quite often this is the piece of marketing that makes the largest impact on the purchasing decision. It will hang around on the seller’s coffee table or dining room while they are comparing and contrasting the different homes they have seen.

Once the final approval for the feature sheet has been given an Agent should develop a Customized Web-Site with its own unique domain name and should reflect the information in the feature sheet. Property specific web sites are great for so many reasons. Through the use of analytic software you are able to understand exactly how users interact with your site. This will tell you a lot about what different aspects of the home are the most important to the average buyer. This knowledge can then be applied to the other aspects of the marketing mix. If the picture of the master bedroom gets clicked on 10 times more than the picture of the front of the house than you know which picture should be on the cover of your next direct mail piece.

You can also use the site to generate leads through creative calls to action. This platform also allows you to also share your home with the world. Someone locating to Toronto from the other side of the world will have an elaborate, interactive feature sheet right at their fingertips.

There are other really cool tools that can be added to the site that can increase the perceived value of the home. Some of these applications include designer software that allows a potential purchaser to manipulate photographs of the home. This lets them see what it would look like if they changed the clay tiles in the front hall to dark hardwood or change the kitchen counter from red Corian to black granite.

Other great online marketing approaches include Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so that the home’s website positions well for search terms related to the property. Another tactic that I typically use is Google Pay Per Click, this generates traffic faster than SEO. I will also usually integrate into my digital marketing mix videos and virtual tours. The opportunities to effectively market a property online are tremendous. It seems that each day there is a new cool trick used in other industries that can be applied effectively to real estate. It is truly exciting being in this business at this time.

Agents must have a clear and defined plan for how the property will be displayed and marketed online. If they don’t than there is a tremendous amount of opportunity lost. Missing that opportunity comes at a steep cost to the client. A great stat from the National Association of Realtors states that 86% of home buyers are using the internet to search for their home. This was in 2008, this is certainly a figure that won’t plunge any time soon. Be sure to ask all prospective Agent how they would market your listing online.

One of the most important things to do when purchasing a home is to find a great real estate agent to make the process flow smoothly and effectively. A question many people ponder is how to find a good real estate agent. The best agent may not necessarily work at one of the top ten agencies in the area. The agent who will work best for you would be an experienced agent who will listen to your needs, act in a professional and ethical manner and knows the market in your area.

1.)Word-of-Mouth or Referral Most real estate professionals attract a sizable amount of business because of a satisfied client who recommends them to a friend, family member or neighbour. When you are thinking of purchasing a home, it is a good idea to ask those around you who they have used and ask them to elaborate on their specific experience with the real estate agent in question. Successful real estate agents strive to make customer satisfaction their number one priority and will do everything they can to facilitate a good experience for a customer. Try to find an agent that has a proven track record and reputation for delivering quality service, customer satisfaction, and have experience in the neighbourhoods that you are looking in.

2.) Do an Online Search For Real Estate Agents There are many online resources available when searching for a real estate agent referral, but this by no means ensures quality. The agents referred online may have paid a fee to the website owner to be listed in the directory. Performing a Google search of the top agents in your area and then reviewing their websites will give you a good list of agents to interview. Agents who have experience in the field will tell you, but a newer agent will more than likely have the extra time to spend working with you. Review any customer testimonials or feedback about an agent you may be interested in retaining.

3.) Visit Open Houses in the Area You should visit some area open houses where you can actually meet with a potential agent in a non-threatening manner. Here you can see how they work, collect business cards, formulate an opinion and talk with them on a personal basis. If you are thinking about selling a home, pay close attention to how the agent presents the home. Make sure the agent is polite, informative, approachable and professional. Does the agent promote the home by handing out professional looking feature sheets or other related materials? Is the agent trying to play up the features that make the home more enticing? Or is the agent in the corner, back turned and uninvolved in the whole scenario?

4.) Pay Attention to Real Estate Signs Carefully monitor the real estate signs in your neighbourhood. Observe how long from the day they go up until the home is actually sold. An agent who has a high sales turnover might be a better choice than an agent who has lots of for sale signs but few sold signs. An agent who gets results is what you want.

5.) Why Agents Use Printed Advertising There are two main reasons real estate agents use printed advertisement. First is to advertise and sell a specific piece of real estate. Secondly, advertising is used to promote the agent handling the transaction. By checking the local Sunday real estate ads in your neighbourhood and then checking the agents website, you can find the agents who may specialize in your particular neighbourhood. Contact the agent and inquire about their expertise and ask any other relative questions you may have.

6.) Seeking Recommendations from Other Real Estate Professionals Ask around and seek out other real estate agents for a referral. Most agents are happy to refer a buyer or seller to another associate, if the service you require is not a specialty they can provide. Some agents only specialize in resale property, while others work predominantly with the sale of new homes. Other agents work exclusively with commercial or investment properties. Mortgage brokers are a great resource for agent referrals; many brokers have first-hand knowledge and can point you in the direction of a top-quality real estate agent and remember professionals tend to refer like-minded peers. There is also typically a referral fee involved for the referring professional so be careful that they refer you to the best Agent not the one that pays the highest referral fee.

There is a set of steps a real estate agent needs to take in order to prepare a property to be marketed effectively so that the home can be sold for its highest value in the most efficient amount of time. Although there are a number of variations on this procedure the following steps are needed to achieve the best result. Make sure to review this list and evaluate the Agents answers when you speak with them.

Step 1: Agent Interviews Interview several Realtors, the most satisfied clients are the ones who have interviewed other Agents; by knowing who else was out there they are confident right from the outset that they have made the right decision.

Step 2: Sign an Exclusive Listing Agreement Once you have decided on your Agent it is standard for them to ask you to sign an exclusive listing with them. This document will reassure the Realtor that the homeowner has made a decision and will be loyal to the selected Agent. Once the Agent has this reassurance they will start to invest their time and money into marketing the property.

The property is listed ‘Exclusively For Sale’ at 5% or 6% commission. The exclusive period usually lasts a week or two while the prep-work is done (pre-inspection, photography, home staging, floor plans, decor etc…). If the home is ‘double-ended’ and the Agent is not in competition, the Agent will normally be receptive to discussing a reduction in the commission. Double ended means that the listing Agent sells it to a client during this exclusive period. There is a specific set of rules that will allow the Agent to negotiate in good faith on behalf of both parties. I believe that this is actually not fair to the Seller since you sign a listing with them vowing to work in their best interest. It is appropriate to ask the listing Agent’s Broker to negotiate on behalf of the purchaser. This way both parties still receive fair representation.

Step 3: The House is Staged There are many different things that have to happen before a property can be properly marketed. Most of these items have to do with getting the property shined up and ready to be photographed and subsequently shown. This process is typically referred to as ‘Staging’ a home.

Staging can mean anything from a new coat of paint and some fresh flowers to entirely re-decorating and furnishing a home. There is great value in staging because it helps market a home to a broader audience then the current owner’s individual taste. This can be a very touchy subject because most people take great pride in their home, as they should, and think that it already looks its best. Unfortunately a lot of Buyers might not have the same appreciation for lime coloured paint or they may have trouble seeing how big the room is past all the boxes of receipts and tax papers from 1976.

It is usually the clutter and minor deficiencies that the home owner doesn’t notice anymore. They tell themselves they will get around to fixing it eventually and just never do. This is where the Agent has to be cautious not to overstep their boundaries, but make it clear that the goal is to sell the home for the most amount of money and it is therefore necessary to appeal to the widest audience possible. Quite often an agent will recommend a ‘Fluffer’ or ‘Stager’ to do this because that way they don’t have to be the bad guy. The goal of staging is to make the house desirable to everyone who would be looking in their market.

The Agent should shoulder the costs of all the marketing, but the homeowner is expected to pick up the costs of staging and any pre-inspections. These are suggestions that will net them more money at the end of the day and stay with the house after sale.

At this point the house is ready to be professional photographed and subsequently marketed. Don’t underestimate the value of having your home professionally photographed. Pictures form the basis of any marketing campaign. To sell your house for the most amount of money in the least amount of time you need you home looking its absolute best.

1. Location, Location, Location! Look for a location in that has the potential for growth, this is the best advice when investing in real estate. If the house you choose in Toronto is not exactly as you’d like it to be, you can always renovate and change things. You cannot renovate an entire neighborhood.

2. The best investment properties are sometimes the ones that require the most work. Sometimes you can find a great fixer-upper in a popular area. When investing time and money into remodeling, not only will you have a great place to live, but you have a home that has been designed to your liking and will get a much better return on your investment.

3. Remember you can always expand Typically it is a good idea for clients to think into the future and see the broader picture. Will the property be suitable within the next few years? If not, it is a good idea to see if the house can be expanded to accommodate a larger living space. This could be in the form of a finished basement or adding an addition. If major renovations are required, check into whether or not there are any building restrictions for the neighborhood. It is a good idea to find it beforehand than when you are actually facing the prospect of buying Toronto building permits.

4. Check into the schools in the area. Even if you do not currently have children, if you are thinking about it in the future, it is a good idea to check into the local schools. Having a good school in the area is something a potential homebuyer should never overlook. Oftentimes, a family will move into a particular neighborhood to be within the district of a favorable school.

5. Perform a personal credit check now. Before applying for a mortgage in Toronto, it is a good idea to perform a personal credit check. If your credit report contains any errors, you can have it rectified before any financial institution makes the discovery.

6. Clean up your credit. Making any credit report repairs can sometimes be as easy as making timely payments. Even if you have had bad credit in the past, you can turn it around and the bank or financial institute can be surprisingly forgiving. This is why it is imperative to check on a credit report prior to shopping the Toronto real estate market.

7. Never underestimate the value of an energy efficient home. An energy efficient house can save you thousands of dollars over the course of time. More and more people are seeking energy efficient homes, it is a common request more real estate agents are hearing every day.

8. How far is the daily commute to work? If you are giving serious thought to a particular home, a good idea is to make a test run to see how the traffic flows in both directions during the average daily commute.

9. How low are the rates? Lock in a secure mortgage rate for as long as possible, if the rates are low and there is no chance of rates dipping any lower it can equal to saving a substantial amount of money over time.

10. Avoid Toronto houses that tilt. Gaze at the house you are interested in from across the street, if the house tilts you definitely need to move on to the next property. Just because the floors of a home are uneven does not mean the house necessarily tilts, to verify if this is the case you will need to have an inspection done. A tilt is indicative of foundational issues; it is a problem with the potential to drain finances when it comes time for making repairs down the road.

11. Remember resale value. When you are considering purchasing a Toronto property, keep the potential for resale in mind. Do not let it determine your every thought, however, at some point you may want to sell the home so it is a good idea to keep the thought in the back of your mind.