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/

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.

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.

7 Things To Remember About Staging As a Home Owner, Home Buyer, and REALTOR®

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.05.2019

1. Staging Is Like The Lipstick Of A Home - You can show up without it, but you’ll get more attention when you have taken the time to apply it properly. It also means no staging is better than very poor staging.
2. A Home Staged To Sell Is Different Than A Home Staged To Live In - Furniture style and trends take precedent over furniture placement. Nobody will notice if the cutlery is not in order or if a coat rack is not directly next to the door. However everyone will notice if you try to stage a home with pieces of furniture from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.
3. Psychological Cues - Staging is meant to peak the buyers attention on both a conscious and subconscious level relying on colours, balance, and flow. If the visual makes them feel good, they will associate this feeling with the home.
4. Vacant Homes - Always invest in staging for vacant homes as it is proven to bring more showings and higher offers. It also minimizes the initial appearance of the homes deficiencies.
5. Staging Is Meant To Inspire - When the home is vacant, viewing only a few staged rooms is beneficial because it offers creative inspiration, and scale, while allowing potential buyers space to envision their own furniture.
6. Respect The Staging - If you are in a staged home, it is customary to  avoid sitting on the furniture or walking on the rugs. Think of it as art, it is meant to be admired and not touched.
7. Staging Is Not Magic - No type of furniture will sell a home if it is wildly overpriced, make sure it is priced according to market value.

If you are listing your home, or a home, visit www.upstaginginteriordesigns.com for a free consultation when you mention this blog.

How To Keep Showings Hot When Temperatures Are Freezing (Top 5)

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.02.2019

1. Shovel The Driveway – Nothing screams “disinterested homeowner” like mounds of snow and no way to access the home during showings. Shovel the sidewalk, driveway, backyard paths, and any other walkways your yard may have.
2. Call The Locksmith! – Does your deadbolt only unlock if you insert the key 3/4 of the way and jiggle it three times? Get the locksmith on-site ASAP. The last thing you want is a tricky lock to open while the potential buyers are standing outside in -30°C weather with increasing irritation.
3. Micromanage Weather Stripping – Did you replace the weather stripping around the front door in September and it’s already worn down? Replace it again. You want the buyer to feel warmth literally, and metaphorically, as soon as they enter your home.
4. Start The Fire – Does your home have a fireplace? Turn it on for every showing and/or open house. It adds an outstanding visual and an appeal of physical warmth that often gets overlooked in the warmer months.
5. Set The Stage – Truthfully, staging a home is recommended any time of the year but it is absolutely pivotal which is why it still made the list. The visual stimulation of an expertly decorated home triggers a positive experience during a showing. It helps break up the agitation the buyer may be experiencing due to a rapidly rising and dropping body temperature during an afternoon of showings in the winter. Also be sure to keep a neutral, clean, or warm scent throughout the home!

Call or text Tanya LaRose, award-winning REALTOR®, at 306-380-7325 for more helpful tips on how to prepare your home to sell during showings. 

3 Simple New Year’s Resolutions to Owning Your First Home In 2019

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.01.2019

1. Get The Right Representation – Buying your first home (or any home) without a REALTOR® is like playing Russian roulette. Make sure your agent is licensed with a reputable brokerage, has experience in the local market, is readily available to you, has good reviews from past clients, and is technology literate for proper logistics. Buyer’s representation is traditionally paid for by the seller so there is no reason to refuse the service.
2. Find The Down Payment – Whether you need to buckle down on your savings or borrow from your RRSP’s there are always options for a down payment, some just take longer than others. Speak with an experienced mortgage broker to find out your down payment options. Also remember that it is okay to ask your mortgage broker how much experience they have in the field because an inexperienced broker may not be covering all of the bases.
3. Lock In The Rate – Mortgage rates are always changing and can make a difference of hundreds of dollars on your monthly mortgage payment. When you get pre-approved for your mortgage, your broker can lock in the optimal rate for up to three months. Even if the rates go down within the three months, you can still opt for the better rate, but at least you are protected if they go up.

BUYER BEWARE: 4 Detrimental Tricks Of The Trade For First-Time Home Buyers

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 03.12.2018

1. Searching listings - Not all home search engines carry all of the available listings, many will only carry their own brokerages listings or listings that have been purchased so you may be missing out on some great options. For full access try REALTOR.ca which will give you access to all listings, but the right REALTOR® will give you access to even more homes for sale.
2. Subscriptions - You do not have to sign up to a brokers website to look at a single listing. If you know the address, go to a generic website like REALTOR.ca and search the address there.
3. Paying too much - You may be inclined to take matters in your own hands when pursuing your dream home but remember that the listing agent is representing the seller and a “For Sale By Owner” is representing themselves. So who is representing you? Always have your own buying REALTOR®, they will ensure you are not paying more than the home is worth. Accept buyer's representation, it's free!
4. Being too private - When you first consult a REALTOR® regarding your home purchase, they will have a lot of questions. Each question comes with a purpose and refusing to answer or giving a false answer may derail your home purchasing success. Trust your choice in REALTOR® and remember they are legally obligated to protect your best interest and keep all of your information confidential.

Purchasing your first home carries much more risk and liability, call Tanya LaRose at 1-306-380-7325 for professional buyer's representation.

The Homeowners Top 5 Priorities for Fall Home Maintenance

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.10.2018

1. Roof – The frequent changing temperatures combined with ice, rain, snow, and wind can wreak havoc on roofs. Prioritize replacing any missing and loose shingles. The roof is your first line of defense from any water damage internally extending to damage of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
2. Gutters – Ice dams are the product of clogged gutters. After leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts followed by a good spray down of water to clear the passage way. After this, check for loose joints or brackets and replace, if necessary.
3. Foundation – Basement flooding rates high on insurance premiums. Walk around your house and take a close look at the foundation. Caulk around the area where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house, and around windows and door frames to prevent heat from escaping. If the parging is falling apart, you may want to have this redone if your budget allows.
4. HVAC – Proper heating and cooling amounts to 47% of energy costs in your home. Move your hand around the edges of windows and doors on a windy day, if you feel a breeze you will want to replace the weather stripping or add caulking.
5. Yard – Yard functionality during the winter is best to prepare for rather than scramble about during the first 20” snow fall. Ensure you have all of the summer tools stored away and all winter tools readily available (snow blower, shovel, etc.). You will also want to shut off outdoor water values, drain hoses, and blow out the sprinklers to prevent water from freezing, expanding, and breaking the pipes.

Honey Do List: 7 Spring Starting Tips For Homeowners (Exterior Edition)

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.03.2018

1. Check The Exterior – Once the snow begins to dissipate, you can take a closer look at your house. From the roof down to the foundation, look for any damage that may have happened over the winter.
2. Clean The Gutters – One of the most common reasons for water damage is clogged gutters. You should also make sure you have all of the correct downspouts.
3. Inspect Your Grading – When the snow melts, it needs a runoff so it doesn’t pool around the foundation, this can eventually compromise its integrity. Build it up and aim for at least a 6” slope.
4. Remove Storm Windows – If you use storm windows in the winter, now is the time to take them down and put the screens back on. You should also use this time to clean the windows.
5. Check On Lawn Tools – Make sure blades are sharp, fuel tanks are filled, and lawn products are ready so you can tackle the landscape as soon as those higher temperatures start to roll in.
6. Inspect For Pests – Nobody wants rodents or excessive insects in their house or manifesting on their lot. If you see any droppings or signs of pests, call pest control.
7. Service The Air Conditioner – A/C maintenance can improve energy-efficiency, lengthen unit lifespan, and ensure functionality when it is scorching hot outside. Call the professionals now because HVAC companies get increasingly busy as spring progresses. Get them to check heating and ventilation while they are at it.