Setting A Budget
Determining how much you can afford starts with getting a pre approval from lender, as well as some reflection on your lifestyle and goals to decide what you are comfortable spending.
The Value of a Buyer Agent
IS NOT IN FINDING HOMES FOR SALE
Gone are the days of office “Hot Sheets” with all the new listings on them. I’ve heard stories, from before my day, where agents used to steal the hot sheets so that they could show the new homes to their clients, and no other agent could see the new listings. In today’s age, guarding information is not where a realtor’s value is; everyone can go to realtor.ca or sign up for listing services and see all the homes available for sale.
The true value of a Realtor is in their ability to analyze and compare data, know the intricacies of different neighbourhoods, and keep you focused on your goals to find your ideal home and lifestyle.
These abilities do not come standard with all agents. You don’t need a tour guide who just takes you out to see homes, you need a skilled agent who can advise you towards the home that meets all of your goals.
3 Critical Skills
Of a Superior Buying Agent
Skill #1: Data Research & Analytical Skills
There are mathematical ratios we use to determine the fair value range of any home. It’s not as simple as adding/subtracting 5% from the asking price. The Village Guru prepares data ratios to evaluate homes by tax payments, square footage, past sale prices, recent market appreciation/depreciation, as well as current market factors. We can calculate to extreme precision what the value of any home is in any market. Too many home buyers overpay in hot markets and can’t predict current and future value in slow markets. Your interests are only protected if you choose a Broker with solid analytics as part of their system.
Skill #2: EXPERT Village Knowledge
Buying agents need to mark their territory and stick to it. I’ve lived in Mississauga for 35 years and I know more about the obvious & hidden variations of each village better than any agent from Toronto, Markham, or Hamilton. The tricky thing about Mississauga is that many neighbourhoods look the same, with similar style homes, but they are not at all the same in terms of lifestyle or demographics. Often, prices aren’t even comparable and can ruin price evaluations. Outside agents often mistake Clarkson homes for Lorne Park. I recently saw a Meadowvale home listed as a Streetsville home. If you live in Mississauga, you probably know what a huge error that is; the difference in value is significant. If you don’t know Mississauga like the back of your hand, make sure your buyer agent can prove they do.
Skill #3: Communication & Rapport
At The Village Guru, our process always starts with one critical step: to get to know you, ask questions, and learn exactly what you want and need. You kneed to feel comfortable sharing your goals, fears, worries, and when you think you are changing your mind or your goals. This happens all the time. We will never lose ground or get lost in the process if we are always sharing information and staying on the same page. You truly need to trust your buyer agent and let them get to know you in order for them to do the best job.
It’s incredibly common to be attracted to a variety of homes, neighbourhoods and lifestyles.
But in the end, you have to choose just one, even if you’re not sure what your ultimate preference will be. And often, those who thought they were sure of what they wanted, end up in a home very different than their original plans. This is because we use a system that focuses on lifestyle needs over a simple #bed & #bath checklist.
We use a process of prioritization and elimination to continually sharpen the image of your ideal home and lifestyle.
We will help you stay focused on the factors that will provide you the lifestyle and house you need most, by helping you eliminate options that don’t fit your goals. It shouldn’t take 8 months and 100 showings to find that home for you.
Our Home Buying System is a 6-Step Process:
Home Buyer Consultation
A consultation is key to building a strong relationship and answering all your questions. It allows us to learn even more about you, what type of buyer you are, how you like to be communicated with, and your expectations of us during the process.
The Home Search
Communication is the key to success. There are no right or wrong thoughts or feelings; the more you share about the homes we see, the faster we filter towards what you want.
Determining Market Value
Everyone wants to know they are getting a good price and not overpaying for a home. We compile tax, MPAC, and other data from government sources with sales history statistics to calculate fair market value.
Making an Offer
The offer process goes much more smoothly when you see how we determine fair market value and are confident in a price. Then we get to work building rapport with the listing agent to determine the best approach to get action from the seller.
Offer Acceptance to Closing
The time from offer acceptance to closing can be a busy time, navigating conditions, dealing with financing and getting everything prepared for the day you move into your new home.
