When selling or buying a house, your main point of interaction with the real estate is through real estate agents. These are objective parties that work in your best interests, trying to get you the best deal possible. They are experts at negotiating, and they know all the ups and downs of the market—making them ideal assets in your efforts.

Due to the sizable investment that’s to come, you will want a real estate agent that you can trust. After all, you will be working closely for several weeks—so they have to be someone you can be comfortable communicating with constantly!

Before you take that major step of hiring a real estate agent, here are some things you need to know:

Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate Broker vs. REALTOR®

There are so many names for real estate professionals, and often people use the terms interchangeably. All the work each professional does is very closely related—but there are distinctions between the services offered by each person. Buyers and sellers need to understand these differences so you can choose one that can cater to all your needs.

Real estate agents – They are salespersons that represent their clients in real estate negotiations and transactions. They are duty-bound to look out for the best interests of their clients and to work fairly.

Real estate agents in Manitoba complete licensing courses and are registered through local real estate associations.

Real estate broker – Real estate agents work under brokerages that are managed or owned by real estate brokers. Brokers require at least two years of experience as licensed agents as well as additional management training. They oversee all deals that their real estate agents complete.

REALTOR® - Realtors are real estate agents who are paying members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Membership includes complying with a strict code of conduct and attendance in ethics training. 

Interview Several Real Estate Agents

Buying or selling property is one of the most important things you will do in your life. As such, you will need to do your due diligence when you look for a partner.

Interview a handful of potential real estate agents and talk about their experience and workflow. Ask about properties they’ve bought or sold that are similar to yours! Aside from this basic questioning, their professional references can give you more in-depth information about their personal experience with your potential realtor.

The Real Estate Institute of Canada is an excellent resource if you want to look over an agent’s affiliations and qualifications as well. 

Your Real Estate Agent Should Be A Market Expert

Your agent will be your primary source of information, so you should choose an expert on your local real estate market. They should be able to confidently answer all your questions about the neighbourhood, local amenities, and how much recent home listings have sold for. You will be able to make the best decisions about your property when your agent is a fount of accurate information.

If you’re selling your home, you should get a real estate agent that’s social media savvy. The real estate market is now much more than just dry listings on MLS or Zillow. Professional quality photos and videos go a long way in marketing your property, and you will be able to attract so many more potential buyers through social media. As such, a good real estate agent should also be a good marketer.

Conclusion

Your real estate agent should be someone you can be completely upfront and honest with. You should trust that they always have your best interests in mind! In that effort, they should also be an effective communicator and a good negotiator. Don’t settle for the first realtor that a family friend recommends you; it’s worth the effort to do your research and pick the best real estate agent or realtor who meets all your needs.

Are you looking for houses for sale near you in Manitoba? Here at Chris Low, we make sure to stay on top of all new active listings in the area so that you don’t miss out on your dream home. If you’re selling, buying, or you want some help in getting an estimate for your home, get in touch with us today!

The real estate options available today are seemingly endless. With all the choices within the price range of a certain client, investing in a property can go from exciting to overwhelming really quickly. Knowing what opportunities are available to you will prove to be a genuine advantage as you traverse the real estate market and make your investment.

Seasoned real estate investors will tell you that you need to make sure that the property you buy is competitive in the rental market. If it is your first time to invest in real estate, these are a few key considerations for you to think about before finalizing your real estate deal.

5 Key Areas To Think About When Investing In Real Estate

Before you jump in, it is important to think about these facts first. Considering these five crucial areas for consideration before making a final decision about which real estate property to invest in will ensure that you put your money in a great real estate property that will grant high returns of investment later on.

1) Employment Opportunities In The Area

If you are looking at properties that you would like to live in, choosing prime locations that have great job opportunities close by will be convenient for you. However, if you are looking for a property that you will have rented out, you will be able to attract many potential tenants if you choose a location that has many employment opportunities nearby.

2) Rental Value

It is crucial that you compute the rental value of your property if you plan to have it rented out. Look into the rental price that you are after, and check that the property will potentially give you the same returns.

3) Location

You have probably heard it before. Location is everything when it comes to investing in real estate. The closer your property is to hospitals, schools, malls, and other necessities, the more you will be able to demand in rent. Also, if you choose to live in the property yourself, you will be able to take advantage of the prime location of your property.

4) School Districts

School districts are important because the better school districts your property is in will mean that you will be able to attract more families to be interested in your property. In many cases, a school district is what makes the decision final when it comes to tenants looking for a property to rent.

5) Safety Of The Neighborhood

Lastly, consider the safety of the neighborhood. Make sure that you choose a vicinity that has a low crime rate and a good, reliable police precinct. 

Conclusion

Taking interest in investing in a real estate property is a step toward financial stability. However, if it is your first time investing, you have to think very carefully and thoughtfully about getting started. You have to take time and effort to ensure that you are choosing the right investment property before jumping into the real estate game.

Keep in mind that investing in real estate, just like most other types of investments is risky. This is why hiring a professional property management firm to guide you in the decision-making process will help you go a long way. You will be able to have peace of mind knowing that the decision you eventually make will be a sound one.

If you are looking for real estate professionals that can help you purchase the right property that fits your needs, come to Westman Real Estate. We specialize in the buying and selling residential, commercial, farm real estate in Brandon and Virden, Manitoba. See us today and let us help you buy your dream home.

If you have commercial buildings or homes for sale, you can easily make great profits if you know how to make them sell-worthy. But if you have no idea how to do it, you may just end up wasting money on taxes, maintenance costs, and more. That’s why you have to be aware of the basics to turn your property into a market-ready option. But how exactly can you do so conveniently?

This article will discuss three easy solutions to ready your residential and commercial spaces for prospective buyers. Take this as an opportunity to ensure you don’t have a hard time selling, allowing you to get more out of your real estate ventures to meet financial obligations. This way, you and your family can live a carefree life, despite economic challenges.

- Clean Your Space and Get Things Repaired

If you are expecting to get buyers for a poorly maintained, dirty space, you may not get the profits and returns you need. You may even be shocked that similar properties can sell for significantly higher prices just because a few rooms were decluttered and fixed. That’s why it should be your prerogative to pay for cleaning and repair services, especially since you have to constantly show your buildings to different buyers, whether through onsite or online visits.

As such, it’s best to have a detail-oriented look at your budget and see which tasks you can do yourself. For instance, you may have a weekend off from work, allowing you to vacuum the kitchen and replace any broken light bulbs. Working on your properties’ functionality can entice more buyers, making them hot commodities in the market. This way, you can sell faster and make great profits!

- Repaint with Design Trends in Mind

Many aspiring homeowners and business professionals want to own real estate that’s updated on the latest designs. It’s a popular indicator that you work hard to preserve your real estate assets’ value. You can also entice prospective buyers to idealize what their lives may look like in your space with proper staging furniture, like office cubicles and coffee tables.

With the proper interior design research, you have the power to prepare your house or commercial property effectively with a well-thought-out plan. You can also browse through other similar listings online to have a better idea of what you need to do. Doing this helps you easily compete against other property sellers!

- Seek Advice from a Real Estate Agent

It’s great if you look forward to doing what you can to sell your properties, but you may lack the professional connections, expertise, and resources to do so. For example, you may have trouble with the paperwork and selling procedure of the home. That’s why it’s recommended that you work with a real estate agent to sell your assets easily.

With just a few consultations, you can streamline your selling process with the right real estate agent assisting you. They can even recommend solutions to ensure you make the highest possible profit for all your listings. You just need to schedule your next call and listen to what the expert has to say.

Conclusion

Having real estate assets is a worthwhile investment, but you can end up wasting the opportunity to make them profitable. Fortunately, you now have a better understanding of what it takes to get them in the current market. You just need to work with the right professionals to amplify your efforts. Make your properties sellable and become more financially secure!

Do you have a residential or commercial property for sale in Brandon? Consult with me, Chris Low, to get it sold quicker and for the best market price. You can also use the home value estimator to guide you through the real estate industry. Consult with me today and find out how else you can benefit from my services!

When you're trying to find a city to settle in, there are many factors you need to consider, such as the standard of living, employment situation, local economy, culture, and more. Some would even want to consider living a slower life and get out of the hustle and bustle of major cities by moving to the province.

One of Canada's three prairie provinces is Manitoba. Located in the center of Canada, Manitoba is home to over a million people, and the largest city in the province, Winnipeg, has a population of 780,000. The second-largest city, Brandon, is home to around 53,000 people. And over the years, Manitoba has experienced an increase in immigrants and currently has 13,000 choosing to settle within its borders yearly.

If you're looking for a city to settle in and start a new life, consider working with the best real estate agent in Manitoba so they can help you find the perfect town and housing that will fit your lifestyle.

Besides that, our beginner's guide on Manitoba will give you an overview of what makes this amazing city the perfect place to settle in. Let's get to it!

Economy and Employment

If you're part of the mining, manufacturing, and agriculture industry, Manitoba would be an ideal city for you. Farming has always been a primary occupation for Manitoba residents and is known to produce high-quality wheat, barley, oats, flax, sunflower, dairy, and other livestock farms.

Because of farming and agriculture, their food processing industries also began, along with manufacturing, transportation, and even aerospace industries.

At present, Manitoba's unemployment rate is around 5.6%, which is below the Canadian average of 6.8%. With that, the city's economy is expected to grow even more. Additionally, the mandatory minimum wage in Manitoba is $10.70. It also has one of the lowest marginal personal income tax rates in Canada.

Standard of Living

One of the best things about living in Manitoba is the low cost of living, allowing you to enjoy an incredibly comfortable life. In Manitoba, housing, energy, insurance, and even education are the least expensive in the country. Because residents of the province won't need to spend much, Manitobans can set aside money for vacation homes and leisure activities.

Housing

People are drawn to settle in Manitoba because housing in this city costs pretty low. When you're looking for a house to buy, you should know that Manitoba's residential housing market is highly competitive, meaning affordable housing options will always be available.

On average, a house in Manitoba would cost $271,000, making it one of the lowest in any province in the country. Besides that, residential areas are close to various facilities, making running errands, getting work, or bringing your kids to school much easier.

If you're considering buying a house in Manitoba, it's best to speak to the best real estate agent in the city so you can find the best deals and housing options in the city.

Culture

One of the reasons many people love Manitoba is its unique blend of cultures brought together by immigration. Because multiculturalism is embraced in this city, Manitobans celebrate numerous ethnic festivals that highlight the strength of various cultures.

Besides being a culture-centred city, Manitobans are also known to be friendly and extremely generous. This province is known to have high volunteerism rates, and residents are quite generous towards various charitable causes. 

Conclusion

Now that you have an overview of how wonderful Manitoba is, you're probably convinced about moving to this vibrant city. Before you pack your bags, make sure to speak to the best real estate agent so you can find the best home for you and your family. By doing this, you'll be able to find your dream home in Manitoba in no time!

Are you thinking of moving to Manitoba? Speak to the best real estate agent in town. I am Chris Low, a real estate agent specializing in buying and selling residential, commercial, and farm real estate in Brandon and Virden, Manitoba. Learn more about my services today!

Finding the right house is truly a difficult task—and doing so might take you weeks, or even months, just to get a lead. Every house hunt begins with you looking for a home that is most suitable for your needs, while everything else, such as your additional amenities and nearby conveniences, come in later on. However, when buying a house, you should make sure that you are satisfied with the house that you have chosen from the onset to not end up with a bad investment.

You must make all the right decisions, from the lead up to making the offer, to get your best chance of getting your dream home. Here below are a few tips on how you can increase the chances of securing a home:

Making The Right Offer

Finding the right home might be difficult—but you shouldn’t be too discouraged since the next step is going to be fairly easy. Making the offer after a home appraisal is probably the easiest step in acquiring a home since all you have to do is make contact with a real estate agent!

The real estate agent is the one responsible to create the connection between you and the seller, although you have to make sure that you communicate to your own agent that you can guarantee the purchase. A seller will be more inclined to secure the spot for you if you can communicate with them that you are sure of your decision and you know the home’s value.

Get Advanced Approval

To help make the transaction faster for you, your agent, and the seller, you should understand that selling a home can also be rough. This is why it’s a good move if you can get your finance approved in advance—which is important so that you know what budget you will be working with!

Advanced approval will also help ensure that there won’t be any further delays for the payment, which is a high probability for those who don’t prepare the payment in advance.

Making The Best Out Of Your Offer

A great way for you to help secure the spot is by setting up deadlines for the seller. This will ensure that both you and the seller are acting quickly and promptly for the sale to happen. Making these quick offers help you secure the spot since you are negating wasting extra time that could give other people time to make other offers to the same seller that could bump you out of the running.

If another person were to make a better offer than you, then the seller is most likely going to sell the home to the other person instead of you—which isn’t surprising. You should also bear in mind that giving the seller your highest offer will also make the transaction go faster since it’s rare for other people to bid higher than you if you already set the bar up high!

Conclusion

Now that you’ve quickly gone through this guide, you should now be able to get a better grasp of how you can secure the house that you have been eyeing for quite some time now. It’s important to remember that the speed of securing a house isn’t solely on the seller—it’s up to you and your agent’s capabilities to speed along the process too.

Chris Low is a real estate agent that buys and sells residential, commercial, and farm real estate across Brandon, Virden, and Manitoba. If you need help with buying a house, selling your properties, or anything related to real estate, schedule an appointment with one of the biggest industry experts in the area today!

House hunting can be a tricky affair, so the most seasoned homebuyers and cautious first-timers will always be on the lookout for specific things to ensure that buying a particular house is the best decision. Sellers looking to get their house off the market as quickly as possible can take a few cues from what buyers have in mind to improve their marketability. Here are some of the factors that homebuyers will always keep their eyes peeled for when looking for homes for sale near them.

Energy Star Ratings

A good Energy Star rating is the common denominator for an energy-efficient home. This rating is applicable not only to appliances but also to windows and even houses as a whole. For the careful homebuyer, this signifies that their electricity bills will be lower and that they will be living in a more environmentally friendly house.

Noticeable and Hidden Flaws

Careful homebuyers are always evaluating what your house is worth, so any flaws that aren’t properly fixed will catch their attention. This is especially true when home sellers try to conceal flaws without really resolving the issue. While a fresh coat of paint may be an indicator of a renovation, it could also be hiding water damage in the walls just in time for the showing. Some sellers have also tried to disguise loud neighbourhoods with music playing during the showing. Any home that looks like it’s too staged or planned out will prompt buyers to investigate a little more thoroughly, uncovering any hidden flaws that might be present on the property.

New or Old Appliances

Simply put, old or outdated appliances won’t be attractive to homebuyers because of the associated repair costs, presence of rust and musty smells, and appearance of these tools. Many homeowners are also looking for places with high Energy Star ratings, which indicate efficiency in power consumption resulting in reduced power costs. Appliances that are loud, clanky, greasy, and have marks are all indicators that they’ll be expensive to operate and don’t bring the home much value.

Good Storage Space

Cramped and stuffy-looking homes are a no-no for many homebuyers, especially given the pandemic-ridden climate of real estate. Creating a spacious environment in the home by storing away any unnecessary items is essential when showing buyers around. Whether sellers decide to keep the place tidy using the garage space or cabinets and drawers, storage spaces must also be kept neat and tidy.

Outdoor Space

Outdoor space has become more important these days compared to previous years. Sufficient yard space, patios, or other outdoor features might just be the deciding factor for many sellers to close their sales. Even small backyard spaces can be made to look more appealing by trimming any overgrowths, clearing away any objects, and adding accessories like flowers and lights.

The Neighborhood

This aspect is more outside the seller’s control, but if you’re flexible, there are ways to work around any setbacks in the neighbourhood. For instance, you can tell your buyers that while the house next door might look unkempt, the people living there are great neighbours and kind people. Be cautious about feeding the buyer things that aren’t true; remain truthful but put a positive spin on things. Highlight some of the great parts of the neighbourhood and why it makes a great place to live overall.

Conclusion

Understanding the way a buyer thinks is crucial for a seller. Buyers are becoming a lot more particular with what they want in a house these days, and there are certain non-negotiables that they will not budge from. The best thing to do is to put yourself in the shoes of someone buying a house. What are the things that you’d look for, and what are the red flags that would definitely put you off? Consider reflecting those in your own home, and you’ll be able to close a sale much faster than you think.

Are you looking for houses for sale near you in Manitoba? Here at Chris Low, we offer real estate agent buying and selling for residential, commercial, and farm real estate. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply want to estimate your home’s worth, get in touch with us today!

When buying a house, you have to learn more about the process involved in real estate transactions as you start looking through different listings. Unfortunately, most aspiring homeowners often purchase without sufficient knowledge, leading them to make costly mistakes. To avoid wasting money, you should prepare in advance and ensure you have all the information you need when you first venture into the residential real estate market. But what exactly are the mistakes you have to avoid?

This article will discuss three common mistakes that homebuyers make when they look for their dream home. Take this as an opportunity to make well-informed house purchase decisions to help you make a cost-effective venture that will define your family’s economic future!

Mistake #1: Not Consulting with Your Family for Their Housing Needs

You need to remember that you aren’t simply buying a personal item, like a pair of shoes or your favourite ice cream. A house is a multi-layered purchase, and it can be one of the biggest investments you and your family can make. That means you have to make sure that everyone can appreciate living in it. Otherwise, you are likely to make some costly sacrifices later on that can land your household in financial trouble.

For example, your significant other may be planning to take their career further, and you may also want to move up at work but risk being relocated away from your current home. You may also plan to purchase a house because you and your spouse may wish to have children soon. To resolve these issues, you have to set your priorities and identify your long-term goals. That way, you can buy a home that will satisfy your family’s immediate needs that will become a valuable lifelong resource!

Mistake #2: Searching for Homes Without Funding Options Ready

The residential real estate market may have fluctuating prices that you can take advantage of, but you cannot choose a viable option without having a financing plan. Remember, most sellers want to have at least a downpayment on their house and a loaning option to satisfy their investments. That’s why you must guarantee everyone that your family has the savings, stable income, and favourable agreements that can lead you to purchase your dream home.

As such, you must remember to be realistic as an aspiring homeowner, meaning you should not purchase a home that you know you cannot pay for in the long run. For instance, you may be amenable to pay the downpayment, but you may not have enough money to meet interest payments. Consult with real estate agents to help you make well-informed decisions.

Mistake #3: Not Looking for the Best Real Estate Agent

Working with the right real estate agent can help you access different listings that you may not find on your own, and you can also avoid making other house purchasing mistakes. That’s because you have the right person providing you with sound advice that they have gathered from their years of experience in the local real estate market. So take your time and consult with an experienced agent to make the best choice for your dream home!

Conclusion

Starting your home buying journey can be challenging, especially when you embark on it alone and have no one guiding you. Fortunately, you now have the working knowledge needed to avoid making ill-advised decisions. Avoid all the common home buying mistakes listed above and start scouting for residential spaces today!

Are you looking for the best houses for sale near you in Manitoba? Consult me, Chris Low, to avoid making the common purchasing mistakes and find the residential property of your dreams! Book your consultation with me today to take active steps in becoming a proud homeowner!