When you’re buying your dream home, it’s most likely that you’ll have a lot of competitors for the same house. As much as possible, you need to avoid market seasons when everything is sold at high prices.

If you’re looking for a real estate property, you must take the opportunity when prices are down. However, it is inevitable to have competition against other buyers regardless of the season. That way, house sellers can increase the price of the house. You’ll need to have a strategy in order to win house-bidding wars. Here are some ways you can do that:

1) You Need to Know Your Budget

When you’re entering a bidding war, you must know how much you intend to invest in a house. Before you do that, you must know what you can get from the house and see what makes it different from other homes.

There’s a possibility that you might find a better property with better offers. However, if you really see that this house is worth buying, you must know how much money you need to win it. So prepare your budget, and see how much you can offer.

2) You Must Get Mortgage Pre-Approval

Even if you’re just intending to buy a house without joining a bidding war, you still need pre-approval for a mortgage. Pre-approval can help you determine how much you can afford for a house.  This will also convince the seller to sell the house since they can see how determined you are to buy the property, and they would be reassured that you have the ability to pay for it.

3) You Should Not Have Too Many Offer Conditions

Sellers want offers that are straightforward and clean to lessen complications during the process. It’s your responsibility as a buyer to offer the best conditions you can without it being too complicated. You need to please the seller, so you need to be flexible on when you want to close a deal. Additionally, high bidders also win, so you need to offer the best you can.

4) Build a Personal Connection to the Seller

Sellers probably have a lot of memories and emotional attachments to the home they’re selling. They likely want information about prospective buyers. As much as possible, find something that connects you to the seller. This could help convince the seller, and it can ease their mind that their home is being sold to the right person.

Conclusion

House bidding wars can be hectic, especially if the house you’re planning to buy is popular in the local market. You also need to check if the house is worth the money you intend to invest. Make sure to be prepared, and have the right strategy to approach sellers.

Are you looking for the perfect property as your home? Chris Low Realtor is the best real estate agent for your home hunting journey. I sell and buy residential, commercial, and farm real estate in Brandon and Virden, Manitoba. Partner up with me today!

Buying a house is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. Since it is a big move that can affect your life’s personal and financial aspects, many aspiring homeowners see the whole process as overwhelming.

The good news is there are practical steps to take and put your worry at ease. If you are one of those first-time homebuyers, consider the following to have a hassle-free home buying experience:

- Check your Credit Score

Your credit score makes a big impact on the amount you can borrow, the interest rate that you may qualify for, and the amount of down payment you will be required to make. Because of this, make sure that your credit score is as high as possible before applying for a mortgage.

- Determine your Budget

Figure out how much you can afford to pay for a monthly mortgage. To calculate your budget, compute your current income and monthly expenses, including health insurance, car payments, and student loan payments. Consider the additional costs associated with a new house, such as maintenance, utilities, homeowners insurance, and property taxes.

- Consider your Down Payment

As much as possible, prioritize putting down 20 percent of the total purchase price as your down payment. If your budget does not allow you to do that, you can adjust and look for more affordable options that go as low as 3.5 percent. Ask your lender about these options, and make sure they suit your financial standing and preferred loan type.

- Get a Mortgage Preapproval

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to buy the home of your dreams by getting a mortgage preapproval after doing your budgeting. This will speed up the mortgage application process by helping you understand how much you can afford and the types of loan programs you qualify for. To get started, collect all your financial documents and track mortgage rates.

- Choose a Mortgage Lender

Choose your mortgage lender wisely. They will help you secure the right mortgage based on your ideal home, timeframe, and current credit score. Make sure the professional you hire will customize a mortgage solution for you and answer all of your questions.

- Explore Housing Options

Search for houses online that fit your budget, taste, and preferred lifestyle, and then schedule sessions to visit them. If you are having trouble exploring your housing options, look for a real estate agent you can trust. They will serve as your partner in the home buying process.

- Voice Out your Offer

Once you have found your dream home, it’s time to make an offer and close on your house. Ensure that you choose the right property for you by asking for advice from your agent. They will draw up an offer letter for you and submit it to the seller. They can even help you request repairs, add upgrades, or make your offer contingent, depending on the condition of your home.

- Make the Necessary Preparations to Close the Deal

Before purchasing any home, work closely with your real estate agent and mortgage broker to ensure your upfront expenses are covered. These include your down payment and several closing costs. Additionally, familiarize yourself with all necessary documents before signing them during the closing.

Conclusion

While the home buying process seems intimidating for first-time homebuyers like you, it does not have to be stressful. Find the road to happy homeownership by remembering and following the steps mentioned above. Don’t forget to work with a trusted real estate agent like me so you can easily search for the perfect home and have a convenient buying experience.

Explore homes for sale in Brandon and Virden with my help. I am Chris Low, an experienced real estate agent who will help you every step of the way during home buying. I will also determine the right property for your needs through the Multiple Listing Service system. Contact me today to get started in your home search!

Once you’ve decided to cash in your home’s potential value in the property market, it’s vital to make it consumer-ready for prospective buyers. So instead of simply giving your home a deep cleaning treatment, you need to revitalize its look by making certain key renovations. This is a process known as home staging.

Why Does My Home Need Home Staging?

Like any product in the market, each home needs to stand out and be very appealing to prospective buyers. Homeowners can showcase the different features that fit a particular buyer’s idea of a perfect home. Since the real estate market can be very competitive, it’s your responsibility as a house seller to know the strengths and weaknesses of your home. Doing so lets you identify key areas you can improve on through impactful renovations.

This article will share three home features you should consider for a faster and more profitable home sale.

1) Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen renovations will always lead to higher property values if you know how to invest in the right features. Besides upgrading your appliances, you should also consider the most appealing areas of kitchens: countertops. Kitchen countertops experience plenty of wear and tear over the course of your stay in a home. For this reason, it can be the most bruised and battered component of your kitchen.

Simply polishing it won’t remove long-term stains and marks that will be unappealing to prospective buyers. This is why brand-new countertop upgrades give an added level of functionality and aesthetic appeal to your home.

2) Flooring Options

Prospective home buyers want assurance that the property they’re buying is worth every dollar they put in the deal. This is why durability will play a vital role when weighing different options. What better way to reinforce your home’s durability by showcasing a fresh set of durable flooring?

Besides the utterly expensive hardwood flooring, there are many other affordable and appealing options that you can choose from. Anything from vinyl laminate to cement tiles can look and feel right in a room with the proper purpose. This is why your flooring choices must be purposeful to the use of a room. For example, tile renovations in bathrooms should prioritize functionality and safety against moisture and slippery surfaces. Similarly, outdoor pavements should be slip-resistant and naturally blend with your home’s structural motif.

3) Energy Efficiency

You can improve a home’s energy efficiency on different fronts, from optimizing your windows’ use of natural lighting to installing energy-saving HVAC systems. Whether you opt for a structural solution or technological upgrade, it’s essential to check with your building contractor to determine its feasibility.

Not all energy-saving options will be compatible with your property. Instead of making your home more appealing, these additions could feel more out of place than attractive. For this reason, it’s vital to get a second opinion from building experts before overhauling your home’s layout and major appliances.

Conclusion

Selling your home as-is for a quick and hassle-free profit can be very difficult, especially if you’re in a competitive housing market. So if you want to enhance your home’s chances of getting sold at the right price, you must make game-changing solutions to enhance its appeal. This is where hiring an efficient real estate agent can come in handy.

When you choose to work with a real estate agent, you want a business partner who can guide you through the process of selling your home in an honest and professional manner. If you need a capable real estate agent from Manitoba, contact me today at (204) 573-5699!

Buying a house is a tough decision to make. Before you’d even decide which home to go for, you’d have to rely on the expertise and advice of well-trusted real estate agents. They will ask about your preferences, guide you towards a house that matches all of your chosen criteria, and assist you in making a wise choice at the end.

Everything seems to be easier with the help of real estate agents—but just because things have taken an easy turn doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be skeptical about the "Whys" and "Hows."

You have the right to know about the ins and outs of a home before even signing the contract. You may accomplish this by asking the right questions to your real estate agent. Of course, a good real estate agent would answer all of these questions honestly—but how about those who are only trying to make a good sell?

Well, these inquiries are effective enough to bring out the truth about the house that you are planning to avail. Take note of them, ask them without missing a beat, and gain a proper understanding of the property as a whole—and only then should you proceed with the purchase.

1) "How Old Is the Property That I’m Planning to Buy?"

A real estate agent should know everything about the property, including its history and its various homeowners that came before you. Asking about the age of the house would help you determine whether or not it’s too old for your own good!

The thing about old properties is that they tend to require frequent amounts of maintenance, so you can just imagine the amount of money you’d have to spend on a regular basis just to keep the house standing. Knowing about the previous homeowners would at least give you an idea of how the property was utilized.

If the previous owner was known to be too careless about everything, for example, then the chances are that the house may need repairs—and all of that would fall on you to handle.

2) "Is the Property Conveniently Located near Important Establishments?"

When we say important establishments, we are referring to the grocery stores, the fire department, the police station, the hospital, and other such landmarks. Having these near your home would assure you that everything you’d ever need would just be a ride away! If you need to restock on supplies, you have the nearest grocery for that; if there are any emergencies, then you have the hospital and the police station near you, and so on.

3) "Are There Any Issues About the House That I Should Know Of?"

Sometimes, the age of the property isn’t a good indicator of the house’s real condition. Some homes for sale are old, yet, because of the proper care and maintenance given by the previous owner, everything works just fine. The same rule applies towards houses which are just a few years old, in which the previous owners may have been too lazy to maintain everything, leaving you with all the damages to fix! If there are problems with the pipes, the windows, the integrity of the walls, etc., then it may be the right time to search for other options!

Conclusion

Buying a new home is never an easy decision to make. Luckily, you have your real estate agent to help you through the process. Having an honest real estate agent on your side would help lighten the load and give you a clear view of the right choices ahead. Knowing more about the property and its previous owners would determine whether or not the house is the right one for you.

I am Chris Low, and I am a seasoned real estate agent. My years of experience in this profession had given me all the needed negotiating skills, market knowledge, and strong attention to detail in the field of real estate. So if you’re looking for the best real estate agent in the market, give me a call today!

When you are buying a house, one of the primary considerations, without a doubt, is the cost of the home. You want to make sure that you are getting the best price possible for the property you wish to purchase.

To do so, you need to have sufficient knowledge of real estate. Of course, it would be a great help if you have a reliable real estate agent on your team who can provide you with all the information you need and guide you on the proper approach to negotiating a house’s price. But these tips should give you some idea on how you can better get a better deal with the seller:

Study the Market

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the type of marketing you’re entering as a buyer even before you start searching for your dream home. Know that when you are negotiating the price of a property in a buyer’s market, there will be more homes for sale than buyers, so you’ll have the upper hand here. You can take advantage and offer a price that you’re willing to pay and even ask the seller to cover closing costs or other requests you might have.

On the other hand, if you are navigating a seller’s market, it will be harder for you to negotiate the price, if possible, at all. Because the number of buyers is higher than the properties up for sale, you will probably have to agree to the seller’s price and conditions.

You’ll know the kind of real estate market you are in from your trusted agent and by checking with the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Know as Much as You Can About the Property and the Seller

It will benefit you to know more not only about the property you’re trying to buy but also the seller you’re going to communicate with. For instance, knowing that the seller has been trying to sell their home for months or even years means it’s likely that they’re eager to sell, and you may be able to negotiate the price.

Other information you should find out includes whether the property has been sold before and for how much it was sold, why the seller is moving, and more.

Don’t Just Negotiate the Price

If you are a first-time homebuyer, you might think that the only thing you can negotiate with the seller is the price. Still, there are other things you might want to work out with the seller, like the appliances to be included in the sale, repairs, closing costs, and more.

Appeal to the Owner’s Sentimentality

Homeownership can be sentimental. The seller probably has some unforgettable memories in that house. Why not let them know why you want the house, why it matters to you, what future you imagine having in that house with your family? Perhaps if the seller sees that you will take care of the home the way they did, they’ll be more open to negotiations.

Conclusion

Negotiating is part of the buying process. Your seller expects that, so don’t hesitate to do it, but you have to be prepared to compromise as well. Know that it is unlikely that you’ll get all the things that you are asking for and be okay with that. Gauge the market because if it’s a competitive one, there’s a possibility that the seller will just give the property to another buyer – one who’s not haggling too much. You should also listen to your real estate agent and know that you have a pro on your team who has your best interest in mind.

If you are looking for a home in Manitoba and want the best real estate agent to be on your team to help you through the entire process, including the negotiations, Chris Low is the agent you are looking for. Feel free to reach out for inquiries about anything real-estate-related!

You cannot afford to make mistakes when you want to either buy or sell commercial property. It can mean the difference between success and failure, especially if you are going about it without professional expertise. Fortunately, there are real estate professionals whom you can trust to help you with this ordeal. But how exactly can they make your property buying and selling experience better?

This article will discuss the top three benefits of hiring a commercial real estate agent. View this as an opportunity to ensure you make the best, investment-forward decisions to guarantee your commercial success through refinancing, acquiring facilities for your business’s operations, and the like. This way, you can become more profitable and easily meet return on investments.

1) Provides a Wide Range of Listings and Connections

You need connections and different assets to venture into the commercial world, and the real estate market is no different. While it may be possible to see various property listings online and try your hand at maximizing your current business connections, they will not come close to what a professional real estate agent can provide you. It’s primarily due to their expertise, deep relationships with clients, and continuing operations to scout the best properties.

As such, you need to find a professional commercial real estate agent in your area. It’s your easy access to the right deals, allowing you to be steps ahead of your competitors since you have the necessary assets to expand. For instance, if you want to purchase more office space, it’s faster and more efficient to have it done by an expert. As a result, you can expect more opportunities to grow and meet your clients’ expectations.

2) Saves You Time and Money

Time is money, and vice versa, especially when you have to buy or sell commercial property. It’s a hindrance to go through since you also have to meet your other tasks, affecting your decision-making and productivity. But if you work with a real estate agent, you don’t have to worry about it. All you need is to check in every once and a while for potential decisions you need to make, keeping your best interests and peace of mind in check.

One of the most time-saving and budget-friendly ways your real estate agent can offer you is acquiring the property you want to buy or the financial assets you are getting in exchange. It depends on whether you are buying or selling.

Normally, these processes take a long time, especially if you do it by yourself. Thankfully, your agent has already mastered them through their previous experiences, enabling you to enjoy greater value for your real estate investment.

3) Advises You with Real Estate Market Knowledge

Much of the triumph of your buying and selling venture comes from your comparative knowledge of similar properties or prospective buyers. Without the proper knowledge, connections, and tools, it’s impossible to even come close to what your real estate agent can do for you. They also have years of experience, ensuring they are well-versed in watching out for trends, government protocols, and other areas of concern. Fortunately, you will be in good hands and stay on top of everything, garnering you easy success!

Conclusion

Commercial real estate is a massive undertaking you shouldn’t underestimate. If done incorrectly, it can have long-term consequences on you and your assets. The good news is that there are real estate professionals ready who are more than willing to help you. Hire one today! 

Are you looking for the best real estate agent in Manitoba for your commercial needs? Get in touch with me, Chris Low. I can be a valuable resource for your real estate needs and preferences, letting you know what’s ideal for the current market and what you can expect from buyers and sellers. Check out my property listings and services for your convenience. 

If you’re looking to buy a home, you know it entails a significant investment because it’s a serious commitment that will require years to accomplish. You have to go through a process that involves browsing listings online and visiting the homes for sale one by one.

Other than that, there are more factors involved before you can finally say you own a property and that you and your family are ready to move into your new home. Make sure that before you start viewing houses up close and personal, you’re well-prepared for it to avoid facing delays and issues down the line.

Keep reading below to find out tips to know before you begin hunting down the right property that will satisfy your wants and needs and make your family the happiest they can be. 

You Should Apply for a Mortgage

Before you even think about looking at properties for sale and listing down your choices, it’s crucial to apply for a mortgage and receive a pre-approval. It doesn’t matter if you’re aiming for a family home or a vacation home—you will always require a mortgage loan to complete the transaction.

Applying for a mortgage is a considerable part of home buying, so even before you begin house hunting, you must remember to get pre-approved. That way, you know the price of the homes you can only afford and are interested in viewing to prevent going past what your finances can address.

You Should Stick to a Budget

When you seek a mortgage loan, part of it is to determine how much you’re willing to spend your savings on and what your ideal budget is. When you set limits to how much you can provide, it’s essential to follow them to avoid risking your finances since you have other priorities you need to answer for.

Buying a house comprises so much more expenses, such as closing fees, long-term maintenance, and other charges involved that could take you by surprise if you aren’t prepared. If you want to remain on the safe side, get pre-approved for a loan first, and then you’ll have a better idea of how much your budget should be, thus keeping you from going past your boundaries.

You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent

Besides having a reliable mortgage broker to connect you with a moneylender, you will also need to hire a realtor to help you purchase your dream home. Navigating the real estate industry on your own will be difficult and is something you shouldn’t do if you don’t have enough experience buying or selling homes.

With a real estate agent by your side, they can provide you with some of the best properties in the market that you may not have seen from browsing hundreds of listings. Since they’re experts in the home buying process, they will guide you and be with you the entire time, from viewing the houses to negotiating with homeowners.

Conclusion

Once you’ve decided that you’ve come to a point in your life when you’re ready to move on and dedicate yourself to buying a home for you and your family, you have to make sure you’re ready. Remember to apply for a mortgage, stick to a budget, and hire the best real estate agent to help you out. Doing all the essential things leads you one step closer to moving into a property you can finally say is yours.

Are you looking to purchase houses for sale near you? Chris Low is a real estate agent dedicated to residential, commercial, and farm real estate in Brandon & Virden, Manitoba. Get in touch today to book a consultation!

At this point of your life, you’re probably familiar with the fact that buying or selling a home is one of the most noteworthy experiences in your life—not just because of how much of a milestone it is, but also because of how difficult it can be.

Regardless if you’re looking to purchase a new property with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms or letting go of your single-room apartment for something better, dealing with a property transaction is nothing short of momentous. Considering that any kind of real estate transaction will prove to be one of the most significant financial decisions of your life, it’s essential to ensure that you have the smoothest experience possible from start to finish.

This is where the best real estate agent in your area comes in.

Why Does It Matter to Find the Right Real Estate Agent?

Nowadays, homeowners hoping to sell or homebuyers looking to purchase property are urged to enlist an experienced real estate agent’s services.

Currently, Canada’s market for real estate agents is expansive, thanks to the property market becoming more lucrative than ever. Although there’s no doubt that having more real estate agents is a great thing when it comes to dealing with the home buying or selling process, it also makes it much harder to find the right professional to work with.

Considering that the right professional can help you save a fortune, spare you from all sorts of unnecessary stress, and find you the best home for your needs, it’s easy to see why most professionals have emphasized doing so. Over the years, in fact, industry experts have urged buyers and sellers alike to look closely into how they filter their options because of how much of a difference it makes!

Points to Consider

When it comes to guaranteeing your chances of finding the best real estate agent for your property transaction, doing something as simple as keeping the right tips in mind can make a difference. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home for the best price, here are some valuable points to consider:

Above All Else, Look for Experience

The one thing anyone needs to know about finding the right kind of agent to work with is that experience is a defining factor that sets great professionals apart from "alright" ones.

You see, real estate knowledge maintains its worth and significance even as the years go by—a clear reason an agent with years of experience is a good choice for your upcoming transaction. If you find a professional—such as Chris Low—that has been in the industry for quite some time, it’s almost always a good sign that they’re capable of working out the best deal possible.

Reviews Are Your Best Friend

One of the most valuable reasons it’s much better to find a real estate agent to work with is that we live in the age of the internet—a time of innovation when knowledge is the most available it has ever been. It is now much easier to find reviews and references about the services you employ—real estate professionals included.

Nowadays, reviews and testimonials on all sorts of websites make it easier to learn more about anything and anyone with a few clicks and presses. You can ease up your fielding process by putting a potential agent’s name into the search bar and using the displayed reviews to get a better idea of whether they can meet your expectations or not! 

Conclusion

The process of handling a real estate transaction, among other things, is one of the most complicated experiences that anyone can ever go through—which is why it pays to have a capable agent by your side. Through this guide’s help, you can find the best professional for your property purchase-related needs right away! 

Consider me: Chris Low—an experienced real estate agent in Canada who is more than happy and dedicated to helping you buy and sell residential, commercial, or farm real estate in Brandon and Virden. Contact me to have a less time-consuming and more convenient home buying experience!