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Bank of Canada (BoC) has spoken: interest rates remain steady at 5%, keeping prime at 7.2% for now. But wait, there’s more: with inflation hovering around 3%, BoC is cautiously optimistic, hinting at potential rate hikes. Are you prepared for the future of your mortgage? With 74% of holders facing increased debt-servicing costs, it’s crucial to explore all options. This renewal season could be historic, so don’t navigate it alone. Seek expert guidance for your next mortgage move.

LEARN HOW TO DO IT ALL AT ONCE BY ADDING THESE SIX STEPS TO YOUR CHECKLIST.

Buying or selling a home can be daunting, even in the best circumstances. Combining them can mean stress overload unless you are prepared and have a plan B for when things go awry. Here are some tips to consider when buying and selling your home at the same time.

1. Assess Your Situation:

• Consult with a reputable real estate agent aka ME to understand market trends and conditions.
• Choose an agent experienced in both buying and selling processes.
• Explore options such as negotiating closing timelines and short-term rentals to bridge the gap between transactions.

1. Contract Contingency and Bridge Loans:

• Consider contract contingency or bridge loans to manage the transition between selling and buying.
• Understand the risks and benefits of each option, especially in competitive markets.

1. Factor in the Price of Your Next Home:

• Set a realistic price for your current home based on your budget for the next purchase.
• Leave room for negotiation and market fluctuations when determining your bottom line.

1. Pre-Approved Mortgage:

• Obtain pre-approval for a mortgage to understand your financial limits and avoid disappointment.

1. Covering Yourself in Between Transactions:

• Prepare for potential delays or gaps between transactions by having an emergency fund or considering short-term rental options.
• Explore rent-back agreements with the buyer to extend occupancy until you’re ready to move.

1. Selecting a Closing Date and Time:

• Strategically choose closing dates and times to ensure a smooth transition between transactions.
• Avoid scheduling closings on Fridays and opt for morning hours for smoother fund transfers.

By following these steps and preparing for potential challenges, you can navigate the process of buying and selling a home simultaneously more successfully.

Over the holiday season, I embraced the spirit by spending quality time with family and friends. From festive gatherings and delicious shared meals to cozy evenings by the fireplace, the holidays were filled with warmth and laughter. As we reflected on the year behind us and eagerly awaited the new one ahead, I also took some quiet moments to relax and recharge, enjoying the simple pleasures of the season. Whether it was a brisk winter walk, watching favourite holiday movies, or savouring the taste of homemade treats, these moments created cherished memories that I’ll carry into the new year with gratitude and a renewed sense of joy. Let’s GO!

A new year is a new beginning; and as part of that new beginning, a lot of people like to set resolutions for the new year. Whether it’s quitting smoking, getting into shape, or saving money, people set all types of goals to work toward in the upcoming year.

If one of your goals is to sell your home, then here are 3 new years real estate resolutions for you to accomplish before you sell to help make sure your sale in the new year is a successful one:

1. Interview at least 3 or 4 real estate agents, and pick the best one for you:

There’s more than 10,000 real estate agents in Vancouver, so you’ll need some time to choose the best one for you. But how do you make that choice exactly? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ask them for references from their clients and proof of their sales: Just ask to see what they’ve recently sold. A professional agent will have no problem showing you proof of their work.

Read More > https://maureenseguin.com/2024/01/13/top-3-resolutions-for-sellers-for-the-new-year/

A new year is a new beginning; and as part of that new beginning, a lot of people like to set resolutions for the new year. Whether it’s quitting smoking, losing weight, or saving money, people set all types of goals to work toward in the upcoming year.

If one of your goals is to buy a home, then here are 3 new years real estate resolutions for you to accomplish before you buy to help make sure your purchase is a successful one:

1. Meet with several real estate agents, and pick the best one for you.

Before you go seriously start looking for a house in-person, and over and above searching mls.ca, you’ll want to make sure you have a good real estate agent on your side. But there’s just so many of us out there, so how do you figure out which one is best for you? My advice is to meet with a few different real estate agents, ask them lots of questions, and pick the one that you feel the best and most comfortable with. Remember, you’re picking someone to help you with what will probably be the biggest purchase of your life!

Read More > https://maureenseguin.com/2018/01/06/3-new-years-real-estate-resolutions-buyers-accomplish-new-year/

Selling a property in a tough real estate market can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of a successful sale. Here are some top tips for sellers facing a difficult market:

1. Price Realistically: Set a competitive and realistic listing price. Research recent comparable sales in your area and consider pricing your property slightly below market value to attract potential buyers.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Invest in improving your property’s curb appeal by maintaining the landscaping, freshening up the exterior, and making necessary repairs.
3. Stage Your Home: Consider professional home staging or at least declutter and depersonalize your space. A well-staged home can help buyers envision themselves living there.

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Buying a property is a significant financial decision, and it’s important to approach it with caution and avoid potential pitfalls. Here are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying a property:

1. Not getting pre-approved for a mortgage: Skipping the step of getting pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your property search can lead to disappointment and wasted time. It’s important to know how much you can afford and obtain a pre-approval from a reputable lender to understand your budget and financing options.
2. Skipping a home inspection: Skipping a home inspection to save money or time can be a costly mistake. A home inspection helps uncover potential issues or defects with the property that may not be immediately apparent. It’s essential to have a professional inspection to identify any potential problems and make informed decisions about the property’s condition and value.

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Laughing at yourself is an important aspect of emotional intelligence and well-being. It demonstrates humility, reduces stress, and builds resilience. Most importantly, it spreads positivity and creates a more cheerful environment. With that being said, here are the top five reasons I became a real estate agent!

1. To Master the art of putting up a SOLD sticker. (Nailed it)

2. To Snoop through homes without breaking any laws. (Kidding)

3. Making puns about “charming fixer-uppers” and “cozy, compact spaces”. ( I do that)

4. Because I’m the life of housewarming parties. ( Invite me and you’ll see for yourself)

5. Becoming the ultimate matchmaker between homes and their forever owners. ( Going strong for almost 13 years)

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but with proper planning and organization, it can be smoother and more manageable. Here are some moving tips to help make your move more efficient and less stressful:

1. Plan ahead: Create a moving timeline and plan ahead for all the tasks involved, such as packing, hiring movers (if applicable), notifying utilities and other service providers, and updating your address. Having a timeline and checklist can help you stay organized and on track.
2. Declutter before packing: Moving is an opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Before you start packing, go through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard items that you don’t want to take with you to your new home. This will help reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack and unpack, and make your move more efficient.
3. Pack systematically: Start packing early and pack systematically, room by room. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect your belongings. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, which will make unpacking at your new home easier. Keep important documents, valuables, and essential items separately and easily accessible.
4. Hire professional movers or get help from friends/family: Depending on your budget and needs, you may consider hiring professional movers or getting help from friends and family. If hiring movers, research and book reputable movers well in advance to ensure availability. If getting help from friends and family, be sure to communicate clearly and provide them with adequate notice and appreciation for their assistance.
5. Notify utilities and service providers: Be sure to notify your current and future utility providers, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable, about your move and schedule service transfers or cancellations as needed. Also, update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and other service providers to ensure that your mail and important communications are forwarded to your new address.
6. Pack an essentials box: Pack an essentials box with items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, change of clothes, important documents, chargers, snacks, and any other essential items. This will help you avoid scrambling through boxes to find essential items right after you move in.
7. Take care of your valuable items: Take extra care of valuable items such as jewelry, important documents, and sentimental items. Consider packing them separately and keeping them with you during the move to ensure they are safe and secure.
8. Take measurements of your new home: Before moving, take measurements of your new home, especially for large furniture or appliances, to ensure they will fit through doorways, hallways, and staircases. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises or difficulties when moving in.
9. Stay organized and communicate: Throughout the moving process, stay organized, keep track of important documents and receipts, and communicate with all parties involved, including movers, friends/family, and service providers. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smoother moving experience.
10. Take breaks and practice self-care: Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so be sure to take breaks, stay hydrated, and practice self-care during the process. Take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being throughout the moving process.

Moving can be a challenging process, but with careful planning, organization, and self-care, you can make it more manageable and less stressful. Good luck with your move!

Here are some of my favourite (and helpful!) home prep tips to help you be ready for the upcoming season. Following these tips will ensure everything continues running well into the colder months!

Inspect Your Gutters: This time of year it is important to clean and inspect your gutters (replacing as needed) to ensure they are working properly as the rain and snow season hits. If they are clogged or damaged, it could result in a flooded interior and damaged exterior so don’t wait!

Check for Drafts: In the Fall and Winter, many homeowners are spending extra money heating their homes due to drafts, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Do a check on all exterior doors and windows to confirm if they are properly sealed. To do this, simply close a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, you need to update your weatherstripping.

Have Your Furnace Inspected: In Canada we are no strangers to chilly evenings! To ensure you are comfortable throughout the colder months, be sure to have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional. They can check leaks, test efficiency, and change the filter. They can also conduct a carbon monoxide check to ensure air safety.

Fix Any Concrete/Asphalt Cracks: This one is easy to ignore thinking it will be fine, but it could easily turn into a bigger issue. When water gets into existing cracks during the colder months it will freeze and expand, causing the crack to become even larger.

Turn Off Outdoor Plumbing: Since your garden will not need attention until the Spring, it is a good idea to shut off and drain all outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Depending on where you live, you might also want to cover them to prevent freezing during the Winter months.

Change Your Batteries: It is a good idea annually to check that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working. While you’re doing your Fall and Winter home preparations, this is a good time to test your existing gadgets.