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!

The thought of relocating to a new place in a new house can be an overwhelming prospect, even when the move is entirely voluntary. Whether you’re looking for a better job, lower cost of living, better educational opportunities, or you just want a fresh start, moving to a new place can be both a blessing and a burden.

Choosing where to move is perhaps the biggest decision you have to make as it will ultimately influence all aspects of your life. How exactly does one know where to move to or find the perfect place to live? Well, before you shop around for houses or look for a real estate agent, you better read this guide, so you can decide where you should live.

Find Out What Is Most Important to You

The first thing to do when deciding where to move is to assess your lifestyle and determine your needs and wants. You need to be able to list down what is a must when it comes to a home and what is desirable but nonessential.

Do you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the big city, or do you prefer a small town in a rural area? These are just some of a few examples of questions you should ask yourself when looking for a place to move to.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Move

The decision where to live should be approached with a lot of care and consideration. From job prospects to the cost of living, every detail matters. Here are some things you should consider:

• Professional Opportunities - anything that has to do with your career will be one of the most significant deciding factors in choosing where to move to. Sometimes, it’s the very reason why you even considered moving in the first place. Make sure you have a good job opportunity waiting for you in whatever place you decide to live in.
• Affordability - Now, a good job doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have a good life as well. No matter how good your job is or how big you’re earning from it, if the cost of living is too high, then it might not be the best for you. Consider the cost of living, the prices of homes for sale, and the kind of taxes you’ll be paying for in the next couple of years.
• Climate - Your mood, disposition, and your overall outlook in life can sometimes be affected by the climate or the weather conditions of the place you live in. Do you like the cold winters and short summers of the North, or maybe you like the hot summers and rainy winters in the southern part of the country?
• Culture and Lifestyle - Every city, every town has its own cultural scene and different places that offer social opportunities. Consider your hobbies, interests, and desires and determine if the city you’re planning to live in is the right match for you.
• Transportation - Commuting is also a big factor to consider as it ultimately affects your cost of living and the time you spend travelling on a daily basis. If this is a big deal for you, you should focus on looking for places with good public transportation systems.

Conclusion

Those are just a few of the many considerations you need to think about when looking for a place to live in. Having seen all the relevant factors, you only have one thing left to decide on, and that’s where you would actually like to settle down and spend the next couple of years of your life.

If you’re looking for the perfect home for yourself or your family, it’s best to work with a real estate agent you can trust. Chris Low is an experienced real estate agent offering services that go above and beyond your expectations. Find the perfect property for sale in Manitoba with the help of Chris Low, REALTOR®.

After buying your first home and enjoying all it has to offer, you may be considering purchasing a second home at some point. For instance, you may want to have your own weekend getaway to relax and unwind far away from the hustle and bustle of the city without worrying about finding available accommodation and securing a reservation. You may also want to have a summer home that you can access whenever you want, allowing you to enjoy a change of scenery at a moment’s notice.

Owning a second home is an excellent investment to make, whether you intend to use it or rent it out. However, there’s a lot of research that goes into finding the right property to call your own for the second time, especially in determining your financing options. Luckily, buying a house will be made easier by working with the best real estate agent and following our guide.

Here’s what you should consider when buying a second property:

1) Property Type

Whether you plan on buying a summer home or a place to rent out, you’ll need to determine the type of property that works best for its intended purpose. For instance, if you are purchasing it for income purposes, you’ll want to look for homes in a business district, like an apartment or a townhouse. To make the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to find a highly sought-after location.

It’s important to note that you may change your mind about the property and decide to convert it into a retirement home. It’s best to choose a location you wouldn’t mind living in, even if you intend to rent it out. This rule of thumb also applies to properties bought for seasonal purposes, whether it’s a quaint cottage you can spend your summers and winters in or hope to rent out to vacationers.

2) Insurance Costs

Another critical factor to consider when purchasing a second property is the insurance costs that come with it. Most homeowners forget about this and end up with even more expenses than they had expected, as insurance bills are unavoidable. Once you’ve laid your eyes on a property, it’s best to start asking for insurance costs to determine if it’s within your budget.

Your property’s location and purpose influence how much your insurance will cost. For example, if you buy a house by a body of water like a lake, you’ll have to pay for flooding insurance. If you rent the property out to tenants or vacationers, you’ll also have to pay for more insurance to protect yourself from instances in which they get injured while on your property.

3) Maintenance and Upkeep

Lastly, you must also account for maintenance and upkeep costs. If you’re buying the property as a seasonal escape for your family, you’ll still have to pay for utilities every month, even when you aren’t using them. You’ll also have to consider repair work that may result from months of disuse, like damaged pipes.

Meanwhile, if you’ll be renting it out, you’ll have a much easier time with the utility costs because you can integrate those into the rent cost. It is crucial to decide on renting your property for the long term or only a few days, weeks, or months, allowing you to estimate how much you’ll have to pay for utilities.

Conclusion

Purchasing a second home in Canada comes with a world of benefits. However, it is unwise to buy one willy-nilly without considering all the details and expenses that go with it. By accounting for these three factors and working with a real estate agent, buying a house will be much easier than expected.

Chris Low is a real estate agent buying and selling residential, commercial, and farm real estate in Manitoba. Whether you’re selling or buying a house or you’d like to know how much your home is worth, I’m the one to call. Contact me today to find out more about how I can help you meet your real estate goals!

Are you thinking about selling your home? Before you put it on the market, you may want to upgrade it a little bit to attract more prospective buyers. Apart from focusing on the interior design, make sure to direct your efforts to the exterior elements of the property.

When people buy or sell commercial property, curb appeal can be a determining factor. If people appreciate what they see on the outside, they are more likely to look inside. Check out these six simple and inexpensive tips that will improve your curb appeal, attract potential buyers, and receive more money for your property:

Tip #1: Repaint It

The sun, rain, and other elements can quickly deteriorate the exterior of your home. Giving it a fresh coat of paint is the best way to bring life back into it.

It's vital to choose a paint colour that complements the design and appeals to a broad range of potential purchasers. Aside from the walls, you should also paint the front door, shutters and trim, and the porch.

Tip #2: Install New Hardware

When it comes to a buyer's first impression of homes for sale, small details matter a lot. These will make your house stand out against the competition.

To improve its beauty and value, consider replacing or refinishing your hardware, like the doorknobs and handles, house number, and mailbox. Doing this will go a long way toward boosting your curb appeal if it complements your home's decor.

Tip #3: Do Some Landscaping

A lush, green, and well-kept yard, as well as adequately arranged and trimmed garden beds, may make a big difference that is never overlooked. Aside from mowing the lawn and watering some flowers, you also have to prune plants, remove weeds, put fresh mulch, and other decorative but necessary things.

Tip #4: Add Outdoor Lighting

As the sun sets, you may use landscape lighting to emphasize prominent elements of your yard, such as plant beds, paths, and seating spaces. There are many options, from classic lanterns to the more modern spotlighting.

Nonetheless, when choosing which one to install, go for the ones that will match your house's finishes. Also, make sure that your lighting selections are as warm and energy-efficient as possible.

Tip #5: Maintain the Pavings

Of course, you wouldn't want to forget the driveways and pathways. Yes, paving projects may be expensive, but there are ways to repair and upgrade them without costing much. For example, deep cleaning with a pressure washer may make it appear brand new. You can also kill the weeds and fill in the cracks around your driveway and walkway.

Tip #6: Complete with Accessories

Small touches may help potential buyers see themselves in the room and make your home feel more welcome. Welcome mats, potted plants, door wreaths, and porch chairs are all valuable additions that may improve your curb appeal.

Conclusion

Improving your curb appeal is a marketing tool. It gives first impressions and sets expectations. If a prospective buyer likes what they see on the exterior, they are more likely to check inside. More importantly, enhancing a home's curb appeal will increase its value and speed up its sale. That said, make sure to keep this guide in mind!

If you want to explore residential and commercial real estate in Manitoba, Chris Low Realtor can present you with several options that will successfully meet all your needs. Aside from buying and selling properties, we also offer home appraisals, evaluation, and other necessary services. Reach out to learn more!

If you decide to resell your home, you want to have a good resale value. Unfortunately, the real estate market can be unpredictable, which means you cannot just sell anytime. Doing so will put you at risk of losing the money you are supposed to get. The best way to deal with this is to wait out the market a bit and list later to get significantly more cash on the same property.

According to top real estate agents, the best time of year to sell houses is during March. They based it on local trends in the real estate market. Since the competition can be tough, here are some tips to help you attract homebuyers and sell your home fast that month:

- Boost your Curb Appeal

March is the perfect time when potential homebuyers spend their weekends looking around for the home of their dreams. To capture their attention right away and ensure they notice and consider your house, make your property appealing by boosting your curb appeal. For instance, have a well-maintained yard by planting flowers and mowing your grass regularly. You can also apply a fresh coat of brightly coloured paint on the door to give them a warm welcome.

Your lawn might seem an insignificant detail that no homebuyer would notice, but this small part of your house is important to them. Keep in mind that they want a fresh start, and this includes having a new property they can call their home. Don’t ruin that experience for them by neglecting the dead patches of grass and weed on your lawn. Prioritize making a positive impression by paying attention to what you can see in front of your home and improving their appearance and functionality.

- Use Seasonal Benefits to your Advantage

Selling a home in an area that experiences all four seasons means having potential homebuyers who are likely to consider the seasonal trends before buying. Since March in many regions of the country has pleasant weather, take advantage of this. You can also expect more active buyers are looking for homes for sale because they are more motivated to sell when the temperature begins warming up.

- Consider the Competition

As you do your research about property selling, you might have read or heard that May is the perfect time to sell your house. While it is an excellent time to put your home on the market, you will have many competitors pitting against the homebuyers’ attention. In other words, listing in May can help you sell faster, but competition is certainly higher. You definitely will have a hard time standing out in the market if your neighbourhood is saturated with properties for sale around the same time. Because of this, it’s best to list your house earlier than May to get a better price.

Conclusion

The month can affect the price and the amount of time it will take to sell your home. While navigating through the world of real estate can be tricky, you now have a better idea of how you can make sure potential buyers notice your house. All you have to do is follow the tips above. You can also partner with an experienced real estate agent like me for further assistance and support.

If you need the expertise of the best real estate agent, then you’ve come to the right place. I run Chris Low Realtor, and I can help you get the best deal for your property through my in-depth knowledge and years of experience. I also offer a home value estimator so you can find out the value of your house on the current real estate market. Contact me to learn more about how I can help you!

Whether you are buying a house for the first time or you’re planning to put your current home on the market, you know that dealing with real estate is always complicated. Unless you are a highly-trained real estate agent, you could easily get confused with how things work and all the paperwork involved. For that reason alone, you can already tell that you will need a seasoned real estate agent on your side to help you navigate the entire process of buying or selling a home.

But in case you need more reasons on why you should work with a real estate agent, here are four of the best ones that we’ve rounded up for you: 

1) They Offer Convenience

Do you know how stressful it is to search for homes that meet your requirements if you’re doing it on your own without an agent’s help? Real estate agents have access to listings and all the information necessary to find the best properties within the area that suit your needs. If you’re buying without an expert by your side, you’ll be the one to make calls to other agents representing the sellers or the sellers themselves, set an appointment, meet with them and more.

The same goes if you’re the one selling. You’ll have to get the word out there that you’re selling your property, contact photographers, hold an open house, and other tasks needed to sell your home. You see, if you don’t fully know what needs to be done, you could end up skipping important steps or missing out on good opportunities for higher returns!

2) They Negotiate for a Living

One of the most challenging parts of buying or selling a home is negotiating with the other party. It’s not just the price that you’ll have to negotiate but also which appliances are included in the sale, certain fees, and closing dates, among others. Because you can bet the other party wants to get the most from the sale, you’ll find it hard to negotiate in your favour. Real estate agents, on the other hand, negotiate for a living. It’s one of the things they’re trained to do, so they can help you get to that sweet spot where both you and the other party will both be satisfied with the terms of the sale.

3) They Can Take Care of All the Paperwork

Contracts are complicated, but they are legal documents that protect you and the deal both parties have agreed to. A seasoned real estate agent can handle contracts easily because they are familiar with the terms used, what should be included and how to ensure that the contract protects your interest. This is something that you might not be able to do as you don’t know what you’re supposed to see on the contract in the first place.

4) They Can Help You Buy or Sell a Property Faster

Keep in mind that real estate agents are well connected in the community. They know people who are looking for homes and those selling their properties. Besides that, they also have contacts like lawyers, property inspectors, photographers, and other professionals who are involved in the process of a real estate sale. This means that they can tap on these pros to smoothen out the process. If you’re doing it on your own, you’ll have to look for such professionals by yourself, and you may not even be certain that you’re getting the right people!

Conclusion

Contrary to what some people believe, there are actually many advantages to getting a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a house. Just their expertise in the field alone should give you the assurance that you’re going to have a better experience with their assistance. Of course, it also depends on whether or not you get a reliable real estate agent!

If you want the best real estate agent who can help you buy or sell your property in Brandon or Virden, Manitoba, choose Chris Low. Chris will be with you every step of the way of your buying or selling journey and ensure that you get the best deal possible, so get in touch today!