Buying a Home

WHEN PUSHY COMES TO SHOVY

Clear communication is an important element in any relationship.

Nobody wants to deal with a pushy Port Elgin real estate agent. At the same time, you don’t want an agent who’s never in touch and fails to service your needs in a timely fashion.

In the early stages, many Port Elgin home buyers shy away from asking too many questions as they don’t want to waste the agent’s time. The truth is, your agent wants to hear from you on a regular basis so they can grow with you as your house hunting journey matures.

Everyone’s different. Some require daily property updates while others prefer a more relaxed approach. Circumstances may change as time goes on so it’s important to constantly reassess how often you’d like to receive market updates and what your preferred method of communication is.

Effective communication is essential when it comes to forming and maintaining any relationship and a client/agent relationship is no different. As long as you and your real estate agent regularly communicate with one another during your house hunting journey, you’ll feel neither pressured nor abandoned.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF STRONG NEGOTIATING SKILLS

Strong negotiation skills aren’t just for business transactions.

You often don’t realize you’re using them but whether you’re renting a car, asking for a raise or trying to get your kids to clean up their room, strong negotiating skills are essential.

Negotiating is a life skill that can be easily learned and eventually perfected. Your success is partly based on how well you’re prepared so it’s important to do your homework.

Also, never make assumptions but instead ask questions and listen to the other party’s perspective in order to gain their trust and to gather valuable information that may come in handy later.

There are certain scenarios where it’s best to use a third party negotiator. The home buying/selling process can be very complex. In order to successfully negotiate, you need to understand local market conditions but you also need to be able to identify specific psychological aspects in order to work around certain fears and motivations and turn them into advantages.

Even if you consider yourself the world’s greatest negotiator, emotions can often tear things apart. If you negotiate with someone directly in such an emotionally charged situation as selling a home, chances are that negative personal feelings will get in the way. It’s hard to recover once that happens and oftentimes, the home of your dreams will be lost due to ego, pride or principle.

Emotions run very high when it comes to buying or selling your Port Elgin home which is why it’s important to have a real estate agent represent you as a third party negotiator. Professionals are able to see things through to the end by remaining calm and not letting their emotions get in the way. If you’re thinking about making a move, please get in touch so that we can discuss your options.

HELPING YOUR KIDS ADJUST TO A NEW SCHOOL

Starting fresh at a new school can sometimes be a challenge.

Switching to a new school can cause children considerable stress and anxiety. If your child has just started at a new school, the following tips will help them settle in:

Be Positive – Discuss your children’s fears while encouraging a confident approach to making new friends
Fear Not – Chances are you’ll be a little nervous too. Be careful not to transfer your anxieties over to them.
Join Up – Encourage your children to join school clubs/teams and participate in after-school activities in order to meet new friends and have fun.
Join In – Parent teacher groups are a great way for you to connect with the school community. Attending field trips is another great way to get involved!

Moving to a new Port Elgin school can be a difficult transition so try to emphasize the positive when discussing the challenges and opportunities your children face. By encouraging them to share their feelings with you, it’ll be much easier for them to adjust to their new surroundings.

HOW TO CREATE A FUNCTIONAL PORT ELGIN HOME OFFICE

Your Port Elgin home office doesn’t have to be a laptop on a couch cushion.

Many people are breaking the chains of the corporate world in order to pursue careers that allow them to work from home. Here are a few tips that’ll help you get the most out of your home office:

Plan Ahead – Make sure you plan out your space in advance so there’s enough room for a desk, chair and storage and don’t forget about your technology needs.
Get Creative – If you don’t have an office, consider alternatives such as a guest room, sunroom or other unused space that’ll give you a designated area to work uninterrupted.
Stand Up – Consider purchasing a stand up desk as it can increase productivity and it’s much better for your posture.
Lighten Up – Position lighting so there’s a nice even flow and if possible, choose a room with lots of natural light. A few plants will also add to the atmosphere.
Sound Off – Hard surfaces tend to amplify sounds but carpets, rugs and fabric window treatments will help absorb excessive noise.
Boundaries – Choose a private spot and don’t use it as a dumping ground for non-business related items. When you work from home, it’s critical to separate your work from home life.

A well laid out and functional office is key to working effectively from home, but without a specific game plan, you’ll waste a lot of time and money. Planning ahead means you’ll be able to spend your time taking care of business and being productive!

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE KIDS FLY THE COOP

Being left at home with an empty nest can be a major adjustment.

When your children finally leave home, you’ll be presented with a new found freedom and a variety of unexpected challenges.

Many empty nesters find their homes are too large once their kids move out and therefore opt to buy a smaller home in order to gain capital and reduce maintenance costs. These days though, some parents are hedging their bets in case their kids decide to move back in.

Deciding to downsize your Port Elgin home or stay put depends on your unique situation as downsizing isn’t always the right move, pardon the pun. It pays to closely examine your finances and motivations. Here are a few tips if you’re thinking of downsizing: be clear about your reasons as it’ll help with your new home search

consider a condo if you plan on traveling as there’s very little maintenance
plan ahead for the years when stairs will become a challenge
make sure your new abode has room for future grandchildren 🙂

It’s a huge adjustment when the kids fly the coop but it’s also a great opportunity to pursue new hobbies and think about your own needs. If you’re not quite ready to sell up and move on, consider transforming an old bedroom into your very own personal retreat.

Whether you decide to sell your Port Elgin home or not, it’s a great time to declutter your home when the kids move out so go through every room and get rid of anything you no longer need. Whatever you do, just make sure you turn your new found freedom into a positive experience by focusing on yourself.

Buying a Home Away from Home

There’s something special about owning your own little getaway.

Owning a vacation property would be a dream come true for most of us! Here are a few important points to consider if you’re thinking of purchasing your own little piece of paradise:

Motives – Determine whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy with family on the weekends, an investment property that you can rent out or a retirement retreat.
Income – Renting out the property when you’re not using it makes great financial sense. Location is critical for renters so make sure it’s in a high demand or up-and-coming area.
Location – Figure out how far you’re prepared to travel and whether or not you need year-round access. Once you’ve decided on a possible location, spend some time there before you commit.
Numbers – Looking for a vacation home is exciting but it shouldn’t be an impulse decision. Make sure you thoroughly go over all the financials just as you would for your primary residence and don’t forget to include maintenance costs.
Co-Ownership – Purchasing your new getaway with friends or family means you can share the upkeep and expenses. Just make sure you agree on everything from day one and approach it like a business so you can spend your time relaxing instead of arguing.
Fixer Uppers – Renovating a “diamond in the rough” is a great option as it allows you to add your own personal touch. Major renovations often require permission though so make sure you’re familiar with local zoning rules and regulations.

Buying a home away from home is a huge decision so do lots of research, get your finances in order and seek professional advice before taking the plunge. If you’re considering a few different locations or if you have questions regarding financing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Port Elgin Home for Sale! New Listing!

1023 Bricker St., Port Elgin

Nothing to do here except move-in the furniture.This raised bungalow shows beautifully & is situated on a meticulously landscaped lot with mature trees & low maintenance perennial gardens. Located on a low traffic street at the North end of Port Elgin. The main level features an updated kitchen with granite counter tops,breakfast bar & pantry; the dining area has patio doors to the deck,bright living rm,master bedroom with walk-in closet & ensuite bath with heated floors,2nd bedroom with lots of closet space & 4pc bath. The lower level has a large family rm with natural gas stove, laundry, workshop, 2pc bath & an additional room which could function as a 3rd bedroom or office. Just to highlight a few of the features; walkout basement, natural gas BBQ connection, a ductless air conditioner that keeps the home nice & cool in the summer, a sand point well for lawn watering & a convenient carport to park your car in, offered with appliances, numerous upgrades over last several years. Call for a showing. 519-353-8211 (direct).

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AVOID HEADACHES AND HEARTACHE WITH A HOME INSPECTION

Buying a home can be emotional, especially if it’s love at first sight!

Imagine that you’ve finally found your Port Elgin or Southampton dream home and you’re feeling on top of the world!

Now think how you’d feel once you’re all moved in only to discover it’s nothing but a money pit. Hidden surprises are the last thing you want to deal with.

It’s easy to overlook potential problems when you find a home you love as you tend to focus all your attention on the positive features.

Your mind’s made up and you just want to put in an offer as quickly as possible so you don’t lose it to another buyer. However, taking the time to have the home professionally inspected will help you see the full picture.

Home inspections help identify both existing and future problems. There’s no such thing as a perfect house so don’t be alarmed when minor issues arise. Look at it more as a valuable learning experience as most inspectors will discuss the home’s systems and offer advice on how they should be maintained.

Home inspections aren’t just for buyers. Sellers often have inspections completed before they put their property on the market so they’re not caught off guard and forced into a vulnerable position. Knowing your product is key when it comes to sales so it’s important to be fully aware of any existing problems beforehand so they can be dealt with accordingly.

Not everyone chooses to have a home inspection but if you want to avoid buying a home riddled with problems, it’s a worthwhile investment. Choose a certified home inspector who comes highly recommended and ensure the cost includes a written report. The knowledge and peace of mind you’ll gain is well worth the expense.

Let me help you find that perfect Port Elgin or Southampton home.

HOUSE HUNTING BEYOND THE WOW FACTOR

Don’t wait until you move in to discover your home’s a money pit!

Buyer’s remorse is an awful feeling but it can be absolutely devastating when it’s a huge purchase like a house. To avoid this from happening, it’s important to not let your heart rule decision making process.

Ensuring the home of your dreams comes without hidden structural issues and problems is key to a successful purchase. Getting a home inspection is important but you’ll still want to be aware of the following areas:

Rotting Roof – Roof leaks can be very difficult to spot. If possible, inspect the celling area of the attic as it will be much easier to identify water stains.
Water Damage – Check window seals and stains on ceilings. If possible plan a visit just after or during a rain storm so you can really investigate the home.
Deferred Maintenance – Routine home maintenance that has been put off can be a red flag. If certain issues aren’t caught early on, they can result in costly repairs.
Basement Woes – An inspection of the basement will help you determine the age of the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems and how well they’ve been maintained. Also, be on the alert for musty smells.
Cracking Up – Check hard surface flooring for large cracks and also focus around windows and corners. Go outside and examine the size and proximity of trees as roots can cause big problems.

Buying a home can sometimes be stressful so check your emotions at the door and do your due diligence in order to avoid ugly surprises after you’re all moved in. It’s also important to budget for any unexpected home expenses that might come up post-purchase. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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