Welcome to the RE/MAX Waters Advantage! Orangeville Real Estate Blog

Share Your Home Buying Experience With The World...

Have you ever watched those real estate shows on HGTV?

I like them, but in real life, it's different.

So I've been thinking... It would be an amazing thing to film a home buying experience from beginning to end. The initial meeting, the people involved, the home tours, the offer, home inspection, and everything in between.

No big TV production, just grassroots and real.

Something to remember and to look back on. Buying a home is an incredible experience, and it would be an example to others, too.

So obviously I'm looking for a young couple who are looking to buy their first home in the next 6 months, and are willing to go on this unique journey in front of a camera.

The ideal couple would be authentic and open, honest and trustworthy, and friendly and willing to share. If you are camera shy, you would probably have to get over it early in the process. :)

Also, a reasonable level of comfort with a computer would be mandatory. No heavy lifting, but we might be uploading videos and transferring files. I would provide a Flip Mino camera that you can keep when shooting wraps up.

I've never tried anything like this before, and I've never heard of any other Realtor doing it. To be honest, I have no idea how it will turn out (it could crash and burn, or it could get huge), but I'm looking for someone ambitious and enthusiastic enough to be a team and give it a shot.

Just let me know if you, or someone you know, would consider filming a journey of buying a home together - my email address is David (at) searchorangevillehomes.com...

Thanks!
David

P.S. If you'd rather discuss over the phone, my number is 519-215-0107

If You're Looking for a Home in Orangeville in the Next 3-12 Months?

Take a Minute to Watch This Video

Visit http://www.SearchOrangevilleHomes.com for a free MarketWatch subscription.

The Five Biggest Home Selling Mistakes - and How To Avoid Them!

Here are the five dumbest mistakes we see smart people make while selling a home:

Mistake #1
Basing their asking price on needs or emotion rather than market value.  Many times, people make their pricing decisions based on how much they paid or invested into their home.  This can be an expensive mistake.  Overpriced homes take longer to sell and eventually net the seller less money. A Realtor can assist you in pricing your home correctly.

Mistake #2
Failing to “showcase” their home.  First impressions are most important.  Bright, clean and tidy homes always sell for more than dark, dirty and messy homes!

Mistake #3
Most traditional real estate agents want you to sign a long listing contract with no way out.  Ask the agent about 30- or 60- days contracts, or if he/she is willing to let you cancel the contract at any time. If the answer is “No,” consider talking to another agent.

Mistake #4
Choosing the wrong agent.  Don’t be afraid to ask for references – and follow up with them.

Mistake #5
Not knowing all of their legal rights and obligations.  Real estate law is complex. The contract you sign is legally binding.  Small items that are neglected in a contract can wind up costing you thousands of dollars.  Consult a knowledgeable broker who understands the many details that could save you money.

Mistake #1
Basing their asking price on needs or emotion rather than market value.  Many times, people make their pricing decisions based on how much they paid or invested into their home.  This can be an expensive mistake.  Overpriced homes take longer to sell and eventually net the seller less money. A Realtor can assist you in pricing your home correctly.

Mistake #2
Failing to “showcase” their home.  First impressions are most important.  Bright, clean and tidy homes always sell for more than dark, dirty and messy homes!

Mistake #3
Most traditional real estate agents want you to sign a long listing contract with no way out.  Ask the agent about 30- or 60- days contracts, or if he/she is willing to let you cancel the contract at any time. If the answer is “No,” consider talking to another agent.

Mistake #4
Choosing the wrong agent.  Don’t be afraid to ask for references – and follow up with them.

Mistake #5
Not knowing all of their legal rights and obligations.  Real estate law is complex. The contract you sign is legally binding.  Small items that are neglected in a contract can wind up costing you thousands of dollars.  Consult a knowledgeable broker who understands the many details that could save you money.

Eight Elements of an Offer

1.  Basic Details

This includes the address and legal description of the property, and the names of the vendor, purchaser and brokers involved.

2.  Price
Depending on the market conditions, your opinion of the value of the home and the information provided by your real estate consultant, the price you offer may be different from the seller's asking price.

3.  Chattel - Inclusions and Exclusions
Items within the home that will be included in the purchase price such as appliances, fixtures or decorations such as drapes or mirrors are referred to as chattel. Don't assume that anything will be left behind. If you want it, put it in writing.

4.  Deposit
The deposit shows your good faith and will be applied against the purchase of the home when the sale closes. Deposits are usually no more than 3-5% of the purchase price, but a larger deposit can show the vendor that you're serious. Your real estate consultant will advise you on the appropriate amount, and you may wish to stipulate that some interest be paid on it in the meantime.

5.  Terms
These include the total price of your offer as well as the financing details. You may arrange your own financing or may ask to assume the seller's mortgage, especially if it has an attractive interest rate. There will also be an expiration date and time after which the offer is no longer valid.

6.  Conditions
These might make your offer subject to home inspection, to your obtaining financing or to your selling your property.

7.  Closing or Possession Date
Generally, the date the title of the property is legally transferred and the transaction of funds is finalized between 30 and 90 days from the date of the offer. This is often a good negotiating point as vendors usually have a fixed date in mind.

8.  Request for a Current Survey of the Property
If the vendor does not have one, you may wish to make one obtaining a land survey a condition of the closing. In most cases, the vendor will not pay for a new survey. As discussed earlier, you can ask the vendor to provide a "Declaration of Possession" or you could buy a "Title Insurance" policy instead. If however, you are planning to add to the house or build a garage, the best idea is to request a new survey - you'll likely need it to get your building permits.

This includes the address and legal description of the property, and the names of the vendor, purchaser and brokers involved.

2.  Price
Depending on the market conditions, your opinion of the value of the home and the information provided by your real estate consultant, the price you offer may be different from the seller's asking price.

3.  Chattel - Inclusions and Exclusions
Items within the home that will be included in the purchase price such as appliances, fixtures or decorations such as drapes or mirrors are referred to as chattel. Don't assume that anything will be left behind. If you want it, put it in writing.

4.  Deposit
The deposit shows your good faith and will be applied against the purchase of the home when the sale closes. Deposits are usually no more than 3-5% of the purchase price, but a larger deposit can show the vendor that you're serious. Your real estate consultant will advise you on the appropriate amount, and you may wish to stipulate that some interest be paid on it in the meantime.

5.  Terms
These include the total price of your offer as well as the financing details. You may arrange your own financing or may ask to assume the seller's mortgage, especially if it has an attractive interest rate. There will also be an expiration date and time after which the offer is no longer valid.

6.  Conditions
These might make your offer subject to home inspection, to your obtaining financing or to your selling your property.

7.  Closing or Possession Date
Generally, the date the title of the property is legally transferred and the transaction of funds is finalized between 30 and 90 days from the date of the offer. This is often a good negotiating point as vendors usually have a fixed date in mind.

8.  Request for a Current Survey of the Property
If the vendor does not have one, you may wish to make one obtaining a land survey a condition of the closing. In most cases, the vendor will not pay for a new survey. As discussed earlier, you can ask the vendor to provide a "Declaration of Possession" or you could buy a "Title Insurance" policy instead. If however, you are planning to add to the house or build a garage, the best idea is to request a new survey - you'll likely need it to get your building permits.

Want Top Dollar For Your Home?

If you're going to be selling your house in the next six months, there are some things you can be doing now that will help you get top dollar for your home when you do sell it.

A special report has just been released which shows you step by step what you need to do to get ready to sell your house for top dollar quickly.

Here's some of what you'll learn:

• Why buyers love model homes and how to make your house show like one.
• How to sell your house in as little as 24 hours -- without ever putting it "on the market".
• How a 25 cent upgrade could earn you an extra $500 - $1000 when you sell.
• How to find out what houses in any neighbourhood are really selling for -- and how long it takes for them to sell.
• Why most real estate advertising will never sell your house -- and what to do about it.
• How to avoid the most expensive mistakes smart people make when they buy or sell a home.
• How to find out the current market value of your home for free over the phone.

David says the information in this report is the secret to his success in selling homes so quickly and the reason he can guarantee to sell any house in less than 60 days.

To get a free copy of the guide for smart home sellers called "How to Sell Your House for Top Dollar Fast!" just click here.

A special report has just been released which shows you step by step what you need to do to get ready to sell your house for top dollar quickly.

Here's some of what you'll learn:

• Why buyers love model homes and how to make your house show like one.
• How to sell your house in as little as 24 hours -- without ever putting it "on the market".
• How a 25 cent upgrade could earn you an extra $500 - $1000 when you sell.
• How to find out what houses in any neighbourhood are really selling for -- and how long it takes for them to sell.
• Why most real estate advertising will never sell your house -- and what to do about it.
• How to avoid the most expensive mistakes smart people make when they buy or sell a home.
• How to find out the current market value of your home for free over the phone.

David says the information in this report is the secret to his success in selling homes so quickly and the reason he can guarantee to sell any house in less than 60 days.

To get a free copy of the guide for smart home sellers called "How to Sell Your House for Top Dollar Fast!" just click here.

Craigslist Ads Go Very Wrong For Some Buyers

Some consumers using Craigslist classified ads to find bargain rentals are getting a nasty surprise. Phony landlords are collecting security deposits and first month's rent. When the renter shows up ready to move in, they find their new keys don't work or that the property is occupied.

Thanks to a blogger named Trench Reynolds, these stories are being collected on Craigscrimelist.org, with links to the original media reports for verification.

In Austin, a man named Timothy Alonzo Nero is accused of cheating at least five victims out of rent money. He allegedly posts ads for sub-lease rentals on Craigslist, using information from legitimate rentals being marketed by real estate agents on Craigslist. Although he has been identified, he is still at large.

In Annapolis, a real estate agent found that her rental listing on Craigslist had been hijacked and changed with new contact information. Prospective renters avoided being scammed when they refused to pay the phony landlord upfront before being allowed to inspect the property.

One property in Covina has been leased to about 50 different renters, but in this case, it is the owner who is allegedly scamming the public. Pardeep Singh is taking the rent money, but leaving the renters homeless. According to reports, he has defrauded renters out of as much as $120,000, and police have not yet located him.

All it takes is fake business cards and a little acting ability. Mr. Nero was convincing as a real estate agent, said victims, although he's never had a license to practice from the Texas Real Estate Commission. He even had obtained a key to one of the properties for lease.

The rise of rental fraud is yet another effect of the housing bust. There are a lot of accidental landlords out there, as well as properties being rented by third-parties. That makes it harder to know if you're renting a legitimate home or not. Here are a few ways to do your own due diligence.

1. Is the agent real? Contact the agent and ask for his/her state license number. Confirm the agent's license at ARELLO.org, the website of licensing officials. Ask to meet the agent at his or her office before viewing the property.
2. Is the landlord real? If you're renting from a homeowner, check property records to make sure the landlord and owner's names match. Visit the property and don't be shy about asking neighbors for information about the home and the landlord. Contact law enforcement and community sites to see if there have been any complaints filed against the landlord.
3. Is the property real? If the rental is being marketed by a real estate agent, look for the listing on other local and national real estate sites. Ask the agent for comparables (yes, they are available for rentals, too) so you'll know you're paying fair market value per square foot for the location. Your state real estate commission should also have a standard rental agreement for you to download and compare against the lease the agent wants you to sign.

Don't hand over any money before inspecting the home you want to lease. Make certain that the apartment or building covenants allow sub-letting, if that's the kind of lease you want to do. Ask for a copy of the apartment or building rules. A legitimate landlord will have standard leases and rules handy for you.

If you don't want to do all that, you can always hire your own agent to find a rental and do the due diligence for you.

Article courtesy of RealtyTimes.com.

Some consumers using Craigslist classified ads to find bargain rentals are getting a nasty surprise. Phony landlords are collecting security deposits and first month's rent. When the renter shows up ready to move in, they find their new keys don't work or that the property is occupied.

Thanks to a blogger named Trench Reynolds, these stories are being collected on Craigscrimelist.org, with links to the original media reports for verification.

In Austin, a man named Timothy Alonzo Nero is accused of cheating at least five victims out of rent money. He allegedly posts ads for sub-lease rentals on Craigslist, using information from legitimate rentals being marketed by real estate agents on Craigslist. Although he has been identified, he is still at large.

In Annapolis, a real estate agent found that her rental listing on Craigslist had been hijacked and changed with new contact information. Prospective renters avoided being scammed when they refused to pay the phony landlord upfront before being allowed to inspect the property.

One property in Covina has been leased to about 50 different renters, but in this case, it is the owner who is allegedly scamming the public. Pardeep Singh is taking the rent money, but leaving the renters homeless. According to reports, he has defrauded renters out of as much as $120,000, and police have not yet located him.

All it takes is fake business cards and a little acting ability. Mr. Nero was convincing as a real estate agent, said victims, although he's never had a license to practice from the Texas Real Estate Commission. He even had obtained a key to one of the properties for lease.

The rise of rental fraud is yet another effect of the housing bust. There are a lot of accidental landlords out there, as well as properties being rented by third-parties. That makes it harder to know if you're renting a legitimate home or not. Here are a few ways to do your own due diligence.

1. Is the agent real? Contact the agent and ask for his/her state license number. Confirm the agent's license at ARELLO.org, the website of licensing officials. Ask to meet the agent at his or her office before viewing the property.
2. Is the landlord real? If you're renting from a homeowner, check property records to make sure the landlord and owner's names match. Visit the property and don't be shy about asking neighbors for information about the home and the landlord. Contact law enforcement and community sites to see if there have been any complaints filed against the landlord.
3. Is the property real? If the rental is being marketed by a real estate agent, look for the listing on other local and national real estate sites. Ask the agent for comparables (yes, they are available for rentals, too) so you'll know you're paying fair market value per square foot for the location. Your state real estate commission should also have a standard rental agreement for you to download and compare against the lease the agent wants you to sign.

Don't hand over any money before inspecting the home you want to lease. Make certain that the apartment or building covenants allow sub-letting, if that's the kind of lease you want to do. Ask for a copy of the apartment or building rules. A legitimate landlord will have standard leases and rules handy for you.

If you don't want to do all that, you can always hire your own agent to find a rental and do the due diligence for you.

Article courtesy of RealtyTimes.com.