10 Things To Do In The First Year After Buying Your Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.09.2020

1. Walk-Through – First and foremost, you will complete the walk-through on the very first day of owning your home. It is during this time that you will ensure that the home has everything you were promised during negotiation and no new damage is found on the property. You can also take this time to ask your REALTOR® any last-minute questions.
2. Change All Locks – Most homebuyers will change the locks as soon as they take possession of a home because there is no guarantee that more original keys are not in circulation. While you are at it, you can install a keyless entry for added convenience. Or you can call a security company to review other home security options such as alarms and video surveillance.
3. Update Your Information – You should have already updated the appropriate entities for heat, water, and power by the time you take possession of the home. Swing by a local insurance company and update the address on your Driver’s License, among your other major ID suppliers. Do not forget to redirect your mail too! Canada Post offers some impromptu options for that at https://www.canadapost.ca/cpc/en/personal/receiving/manage-mail/mail-forwarding.page
4. Check Electrical Outlets – Most home inspectors will check this, but if you did not get a home inspection you will want to make sure all electrical outlets are grounded. Grounded electrical outlets will prevent painful electrocution or even death if you were to somehow drop a hairdryer into your bathtub. You can either call an electrician to check this for you or you can go to your local hardware store for an Electrical Test Kit. The big box stores sell them for around $30 as shown here https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-electrical-test-kit/1001411954.
5. Verify Air Quality – Make sure you have smoke detectors on every floor of your home and that the batteries are all functioning. You will also want to verify the presence of carbon monoxide detectors throughout and test their functionality as well. Lastly, and often overlooked, take the time to pick up a radon test. It is estimated that radon kills around 3,000 Canadians a year. Radon test kits are typically user friendly and about $50 to purchase at https://radonkit.ca/.
6. Furnace Health – If a major season change just took place, you will want to book a duct cleaning. The furnace can be serviced at this time as well. It typically costs a few hundred dollars but will substantially add to the lifespan of your furnace. Look at the furnace filter too and pick up a few of those as you will want to replace them every three months, give or take, depending on the amount of people and pets in your home.
7. Emergency Contacts – You are now in charge of an entire house so that means you need to know who to call in case of an emergency. Local plumbers, electricians, emergency restoration services, the fire department, etc. should all be in an easy-to-find location.
8. Emergency Kit – In case of natural disasters, or even just a power outage, you will want to ensure your family is safe and comfortable. Create your own emergency kit with items like the following: flashlights, fire distinguisher, portable heater, cash, water and non-perishable food. https://www.businessinsider.com/home-emergency-kit-products#:~:text=15%20items%20everyone%20should%20have%20in%20their%20at-home,roll%20of%20heavy-duty%20duct%20tape.%20More%20items...%20
9. Inspect Your Homes Exterior – Especially with the extreme seasons Canada has, the inspection could potentially save money and problems in the future. Look at the condition of the shingles, the cleanliness of the gutters, the quality of the windows, and any abnormal holes in the house. A proper inspection can save you money on heating in the winter, while proper shingles and clean gutters will prevent water damage in the spring. Take care of those pesky holes too which allow for pesky pests in the house!
10. Create A Tradition – Many people create “New Home Traditions” and it adds to the special experience of really making the house your own. Whether it is hosting a housewarming party or everyone in the family choosing a paint color for their room, the comfort level in the home increases. Often if the property is extremely old, the homeowners will also take the time to burn sage in the home, have a pastor visit to pray over the home, or have an energy clearing of the home. The first year in your new home can be overwhelming so your new home tradition something meaningful and ceremonial. For example: http://www.housewarmingblessing.com/celebrities-smudge-with-sage/

3 Key Indicators the Real Estate Market in Saskatoon Has Shifted

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.07.2020

Saskatoon has been in a firm Buyer’s Market for the past several years. It was not so long ago that the record was broken for the highest number of listings, in Saskatoon’s history, at over 2,200 available homes for sale. However, the global pandemic had some interesting effects on the local market that bodes in favour of sellers. A few of those key points are identified below, with additional information available through Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325.

1. Higher Demand – Arguably spurred by the pandemic lockdown, many buyers are looking to purchase a new home. Often the property is sold before interested buyers even get a showing booked.
2. Lower Inventory – Currently there is approximately a three-month supply of homes which is substantially lower than the past several years. The amount of homes for sale in Saskatoon is nearly 25% lower than last year.
3. Bidding Wars – Bidding wars will drive up a sale price. We have seen nine houses in Saskatoon sell over listed price within a span of seven days in the month of June. It is an extremely rare occurrence and numbers like this have not been present for about a decade.

   Note: Data is an approximation deemed accurate at the time of writing this article for the city of Saskatoon.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions: Home Buyers & Home Sellers Edition

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.05.2020

HOME BUYERS

Home Buyer Strategizing – It is more important that now
than ever to be strategic with your real estate goals and going about them any
way less is foolish. Take the right first step and begin your home buying
journey with a Home Buying Counseling session with Tanya LaRose, REALTOR®.
You will find out exactly what you are looking for, how to get it, and what to expect
along the way.   

Efficient Showing Selection – It is a very dangerous
time to be the looky loo so if you have a tendency to do this, please share it with
your REALTOR®
and they can help you remain focused. Many more media mediums are being incorporated
into listings now so you can view much of the home virtually. When you have selected
homes that require a closer look, ensure they have much of the criteria you are
looking for and therefore are genuinely attractive before you ask your REALTOR®
to schedule the showing.

Perfect Your Finances – The Bank of Canada is taking
strides to strengthen the economy by dropping mortgage rate substantially. Take
advantage of this by asking your mortgage specialist to lock in a rate so your monthly
payments are as low as possible. A mortgage rate can be locked in for up to
three months! Many lenders are also extra meticulous with each files completion
so make sure you have all of your ducks in a row when preparing with your
mortgage broker.    

Protect Yourself During Showings – Gloves, mask, and
hand sanitizer are all tools that you can use to protect yourself and others
during showings. You will also want to avoid touching anything in the home that
you do not need to during the showing. Many homeowners will leave the lights on
and interior doors open for you before they leave and close everything back down
when they return so you do not have to touch anything.

Buyer Client Waiver – The Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association
has taken the initiative to compose a COVID-19 Buyer Client Waiver to do our
part in reducing the spread of the virus. It is a short document that will make
up part of the precautions being practiced by your local real estate industry as
an essential service, in addition to our basic responsibility to humanity.

HOME SELLERS

No Open Houses – The Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association
set national precedent by banning all open houses, therefore it is not optional
to host any open houses for the public or REALTORS®.

Leased Revenue Properties – Remember that currently
the Office of Residential Tenancies (Rentalsman) is not issuing eviction notices
so if you accept an offer outlining possession of a vacant home, you are
accepting a very risky liability.

Tenants During Showings – If you do have a trusted
relationship with your tenants and you proceed with putting your property on
the market, specify with your tenant that they will need to vacate the home
during all showings. Tenants staying home during showings was always frowned
upon but is now unacceptable with the current health concerns as a potential
buyer may refuse to enter the home at all with a tenant present.

Preparing Your Home Before Showings – Before you
leave your home for a scheduled showing, be sure to leave all the lights on,
with all interior doors open, so the contact required by the potential buyer is
minimal. If possible, but not mandatory, you will also want to leave the home for
a extended time period beyond what was scheduled.

Seller Client Waiver – The Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association
has taken the initiative to compose a COVID-19 Seller Client Waiver to do our
part in reducing the spread of the virus. It is a short document that will make
up part of the precautions being practiced by your local real estate industry as
an essential service, in addition to our basic responsibility to humanity.

For more safety precautions and best practices, please contact Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325 to further discuss details on how you can safely and successfully proceed with your 2020 real estate goals.

10 Productive Homeowner Tasks To Do While Staying Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.04.2020

Even if you are not planning on selling your home, you always want to protect your investment and keep it in its best condition. Alternatively, if you plan on selling your home this year, take advantage of the added time you are spending in your home and help it look its best for when the time comes to put it on the market. Many of the following tasks can be done with minimal to no supplies. If supplies are needed, they can be delivered to your home. 

1. Deep Clean – Many surfaces build up dust and grime easily over time which could make your home a hotbed for germs. Take this time to remove dust from all edges, disinfect all crevices, and remove all grime buildup on fixtures or doors (vinegar works great on doors!).
2. Replace Batteries – It is always good to ensure the nuts and bolts of your home are running properly. Whether it is on your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, alarm system, or thermostat, check those batteries! These items would also be identified in a home inspection.
3. Replace Filters – Filters are like the lungs of a home. Check your furnace filter, humidifier filter, range hood filter, and any other filters in your home that might need addressing. You may have to just wash some of those filters but be sure to do your research on which ones cannot be washed. 
4. Check Grout – Tile can often be found in bathrooms and kitchens not only for aesthetics but also functional reasons. You will want to make sure to always repair and clean the grout as it will prolong the life of tiled surfaces and it just looks so much better. 
5. Check Caulking – You will find the bulk of this in any bathrooms and the kitchen too. Run your finger along the caulking and if you find any open spots, strip and replace. Caulking is very inexpensive but a leak could cause hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in replacements. 
6. Tighten Up – After a long winter, doorknobs, railings, and racks may be sitting loose. Take out a screwdriver and tighten things up! The entire house should take 15-30 minutes and prevent a full replacement in the future. 
7. Tape, Mud, And Sand – If you have a few quarter sized dents in your walls that you have been walking by for months, now could be a good time to try your hand at repairing them. Larger sections are not recommended as this project can produce a lot of dust and prompt the need to clean your ducts which is something you would want to avoid right now.
8. Paint – Whether you are painting a discolored room or just to change the vibe in the room, now is a great time to take on this smaller project as there are many non-toxic paint options available. Many people also find painting therapeutic which would be beneficial during these times of uncertainty. 
9. Wash Window Treatments – If you have horizontal blinds, it is worth the time and effort to thoroughly clean the dust off of these. If you have drapes, take them down and wash them, you might be surprised at the original color! 
10. Yard Work – As long as you are still adhering to the physical distancing regulations, feel free to get those yard tools out this spring, just take a break if your neighbor comes out to tackle their yard. Don’t forget your gutters! 

If after this thorough comb-over of your home, you find that it does not suit your needs as much as it once did, contact Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325. You will receive a free Homeowner’s Counselling Session completed remotely from the comfort of your own home. 

The 7 Most Common Items Needed For Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Appointment

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 02.03.2020

1. Government Issued Photo ID – Ensure it is not expired and has your current address.
2. Proof Of Address – You may need your address history, depending on your current living circumstances.
3. Proof Of Income – T4, pay stubs, child tax, etc.
4. Contact Information For Your Employer – A longstanding employer is always best but your employment history might be required.
5. Proof Of Down Payment – It should reflect the exact amount and where it came from (gifts are allowed as well).
6. Any Outstanding Current Debt – You will need to include all financial obligations and anything that may have damaged/ing your credit.
7. Proof Of Assets – Other real estate, savings, vehicles, investments, etc.

Disclaimer: Mortgage pre-approvals vary from person-to-person and financial institution-to-financial institution so other items may be needed. It is also important to note that you may get a rejection from one mortgage specialist and an approval from another. Call or text Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325 for a highly-skilled mortgage specialist contact.

7 Ways To Control Your Emotions In Order To Successfully Sell Your Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 03.02.2020

Selling your home can be a very emotional time in life. Hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of days spent in your home can inevitably build a complex emotional bond that can be difficult to identify and even more difficult to break. Here are some tips on how to get ahead of your emotions so you can successfully get a sold sign on your lawn:

1. Journal – Buy a $2.00 notebook and dedicate it entirely to your home selling journey. It will allow you to organize your thoughts, reflect upon your progress, and document your successes for the next time you have to sell a home. Not a fan of writing? Start a vlog and post it to YouTube, you may be able to help others facing the same task.
2. Set Your Intentions – Identify the reason you are selling your home and commit to it as a positive experience. Perhaps you have an incredible new job opportunity that requires you to relocate or you are expecting a new baby and need more bedrooms. Setting the intention for selling your home will provide the fuel required to continue with sale of your home regardless of any obstacles that may arise during the interim.
3. Keep Yourself Accountable – If you find yourself feeling discouraged often, with a delayed sale or negative feedback from a showing, confide in your real estate agent and use them as a touchstone for staying on track in achieving your goals.
4. Visualize Your Home As A Stock – Real estate is one of the most popular types of investments in the world, and much like stocks, the value goes up and down. The most successful stock investors buy low and sell high, according to the larger financial situation. Reflect upon your financial situation and remember that sometimes you need to take risks for long-term diversification.
5. Focus Your Emotions On The Next Home – Distract yourself from your emotional ties to the past and embrace the potential in your next home. How can it better accommodate your new life circumstances? What kind of house warming party can you welcome your friends and family with? Where are the nearest walking-trails for you to explore your new neighborhood?
6. Objectify Your Home – Think of your home from the perception of a consumer. For example, a product on a grocery store shelf must be presented nicely, priced correctly, and be in front of the right buyer to get sold. It is easier to not allow hurt feelings to influence a potential sale, if a few buyers pass without being attracted to your home, if you think of it from the perception of a consumer who has a variety of variable needs.
7. Remember Memories Do Not Equal Value – The daughter may have had all of her birthday parties in your kitchen and then went on to get married in your beautifully landscaped backyard but that does not mean the price tag increases by $20,000 more than your neighbour’s house which is almost the exact replica of your home.

4 Major Problems That Can Happen When Your Home Is Not Properly Sealed

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.11.2019

High Energy Bills – The first sign home owners can watch for are unusually high energy bills in the winter. If heat is slipping through doors that have old weather stripping on them, it is only sensible to take the steps for resealing at the doors and any other potential areas that might be losing heat so you can save more money in the long run.

Pest Problem – Regardless if it is an insect issue or something larger like rodents, it is easier to take preventative measures instead of reparative measures. Once the pests have infested the home, it can cost hundreds of dollars to remove them and possibly thousands to repair any damage they may have caused.

Dangerous Radon – Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is present in the vast majority of houses which can be especially dangerous if gas levels are high. It often enters the home through the basement. The best practice is to caulk all cracks in the basement and if there are additional concerns a Home Testing Kit can be purchased for added peace of mind.

Mold Damage – If the humidity in a home is not moderated properly, mold can completely destroy a home. It would be an especially high risk if the home IS properly sealed and the occupants cook and/or shower often without running the fans. Once the mold sets in, it is also a health hazard for the current occupants of the home and a potentially large cost to remediate which would complicate any possible resale.

Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.10.2019

#1. What is the cost of using a buying REALTOR®?  It is a common misconception that you save money by not using a buyer's agent. However in residential real estate, the commission is usually paid by the seller regardless if a buyer's agent is involved or not. Therefore you might as well take advantage of the free benefits an experienced real estate professional will bring to the table. Note that there are rare scenarios where a buyer is required to pay their REALTOR® out-of-pocket, but this would have to be fully disclosed and agreed upon in a signed document.

#2. Do you know what kind of buying REALTOR® you would like to work with?  It is important to research REALTORS® before working with one. What kind of credentials do they have? Do they have positive reviews from helping other buyers purchase their homes? What are they able to contribute to your home search process?  Don’t be afraid to ask your potential buying REALTOR® what sets them apart from the others.

#3. What kind business are you supporting by giving your REALTOR® business? In a generation that represents responsible consumerism more than ever, a thorough understanding of your REALTOR® should be mandatory. Do they give back to the community, therefore allowing you to give back through your purchase? Are they known for ethical practices within the real estate industry? Do they have kids which means, in turn, your support is helping with sports teams or college funds? Do they have a giant comic book collection and your support will help them double that collection? It is your responsibility, as a responsible consumer, to support a REALTOR® whose values align with yours.

#4. Can you trusts your REALTOR®? If you’ve done your proper due diligence as a future real estate consumer, you can rest assured that your REALTOR® will carry out their fiduciary duties to the best of their abilities. If your agent is a REALTOR®, and not just a real estate agent, they are bound to a code of ethics. It essentially stipulates that REALTORS® legally owe their client a list of fiduciary duties such as honesty, protecting your best interest and confidentiality. The code of ethics is strictly enforced and discrepancies can lead to serious REALTOR® penalties such as thousands of dollars in fines or lengthy suspensions from practice.

#5. How does your buying REALTOR® protect you? In Saskatchewan, REALTORS® are required to keep full files of all documents in all transactions for seven years. Consequently if you have any questions or lost paperwork for your home for resale or refinancing, which often happens, you can count on that safety net. Secondly, your buying REALTOR® has access to all MLS® data which can protect you from overpaying for a property, which is especially common when purchasing “For Sale By Owners”. REALTORS® are also heavily insured by Errors And Omissions so if for some reason a mistake is made, you could be shielded by this. Lastly, with a skilled REALTOR®, you are protected from being manipulated and/or blind-sighted during negotiations.

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Cheat Sheet

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 02.09.2019

All outlined details are accurate as of September 2^nd, 2019:

• Available across Canada starting September 2^nd, 2019 until March 31^st, 2024 -OR- when the 1.25 billion dollars allocated for this program has been depleted.
• “The Incentive” is a Shared Equity Mortgage Loan.
• The Government of Canada will share in the upside and downside of the property value upon repayment.
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and non-permanent residents may apply.
• The property must be in Canada, available for full-time occupancy, with 1-4 units.
• Applicants must have a total household income less than $120,000 to qualify.
• Your total borrowing limit is up to four times the qualifying limit ($480,000)
• Your down payment + incentive is less than 20% of the property value.
• At least one applicant must be a first-time homebuyer, defined as the following:
• Never purchased a home before
• You recently experienced a breakdown of marriage or common-law
• You have not occupied your “family home” in the last four years
• “The incentive” is a second mortgage on title. There is no principal payment, no interest, and it has a maximum term of 25 years.
• It may be switched to a different financial institution without having to repay “the incentive”.
• No prepayment penalties. Repayment can be made on the sale of the property, at the end of the 25 year term, or at any time through voluntary repayment of the full incentive amount (no partial payments).

If you have additional questions, please contact your trust mortgage expert. For assistance in procuring your home, please contact Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325 to begin the home buying process.

Pet Etiquette For Home Buyers & Sellers

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 03.06.2019

Buying and selling a home can be difficult for everyone without the added twist of a furry dependent. However homes with pets sell all the time and there is an observed etiquette for such situations. It is well-known that pets are like family members and there are certain things to remember during showings to be respectful.

BUYERS:

1. Close Doors Immediately - If you enter a home, be sure to close the door immediately behind you in case the cat wants to sneak out! You do not want to begin negotiations with telling the home owners that 15 year old "Whiskers" ran away.
2. Do Not Touch The Pets - No tapping on fish tanks, no putting your fingers in the bird cage, and do not even think about going near any kennels.

SELLERS:

1. Down Time In The Kennel - Although you are free to leave your pet "as is" at home, there is no guaranteeing the safety of the pet or potential buyer during the showing. Kenneling is a common option as long as your pet is healthy enough to do so.
2. Remove Pets During Showings - If possible, swing by your home prior to the scheduled showing time and pick up your fur baby. Or maybe they can go to a sitters for the day.
3. Temporarily Relocate - If you have family or friends that are open to keeping your pet while your home is on the market, that would be ideal.
4. Showing Quality - Repair any damage your pet may have caused to flooring, doors, trim, etc. and take steps to remove any odor or stains.