Services

Question: What is the first step in the home buying process?
Answer:
It's important to be realistic when you're thinking about a down payment and setting a price range. You don't want to be saddled with something you can't afford. At this stage, it's a good idea to talk things over with a real estate sales professional.

Question: What is next step?
Answer:
Identify and list your basic requirements, features wanted, future family size, your desired locations, and any other requirements that are of importance to you and your family.

Once you've identified the features you want in a home, the search begins. Our agents will use various tools to try and find properties that meet your specifications. By sitting down at a computer your Request agent can key in your needs, choice of neighbourhoods and price range and immediately come up with a list of suitable properties available through the Century21 listings & the MLS® listing systems.

Question: How do I get the real scoop on homes I am looking at?
Answer:
Home inspections, seller disclosure and the agent's experience will help.
Here is a summary of the things you could expect to know:
   - In the kitchen -- a range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, trash compactor.
   - Safety features such as burglar and fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, security gate, window screens and intercom.
   - The presence of a TV antenna or satellite dish, carport or garage, automatic garage door opener, rain gutters, sump pump.
   - Amenities such as a pool or spa, patio or deck, built-in barbeque and fireplaces.
   - Type of heating, condition of electrical wiring, gas supply and presence of any external power source, such as solar panels.
   - The type of water heater, water supply, sewer system or septic tank also should be disclosed.

Sellers should also indicate any significant defects or malfunctions existing in the home's major systems. A checklist specifies interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roof, insulation, windows, fences, driveway, sidewalks, floors, doors, foundation, as well as the electrical and plumbing systems.

Also asks sellers to note the presence of environmental hazards, walls or fences shared with adjoining landowners, any encroachments or easements, room additions or repairs made without the necessary permits or not in compliance with building codes, zoning violations, citations against the property and lawsuits against the seller affecting the property.

Also look for, or ask about, settling, sliding or soil problems, flooding or drainage problems.

It's important to note that the simple idea of disclosing defects has broadened significantly in recent years. Also, the home inspection and home warranty industries have grown significantly to accommodate increased demand from cautious buyers. Be sure to ask questions about anything that remains unclear or does not seem to be properly addressed by the forms provided to you.

Question: What about new versus previously owned?
Answer:
Although new homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, buyers are willing to spend more upfront with an understanding that part of what they are paying for is assured low maintenance costs. A builder's warranty, along with brand-new roof, appliances, furnace and other operating systems that make major repairs unnecessary, work together to counteract possible slower appreciation initially.

Data from Housing Surveys suggest that operating costs per house are lowest for brand-new homes, slightly higher for relatively new existing homes but lower on average for older existing homes. Measured per square foot of living space, however, operating costs are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes.

Utility costs are the largest component of operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on size of the home, insulation, window quality, air leakage and efficiency of the furnace. Operating costs also include expenditures for both routine maintenance and major repairs.


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