The Objective of most Realtors ...

The objective of a GOOD agent is to get a listing agreement in place so the agent can get the home prepped and the marketing completed properly to get the home sold for the most money. And by the way, this is the objective of most realtors. They genuinely want to see you succeed in the best way possible. They will risk your disapproval by telling you what you NEED TO HEAR, regardless of what you WANT to hear.

But this is difficult to do for many, most realtors want to be people pleasers. There is a difference between a genuine people pleaser that wants to see great things for their clients and the deliberate chameleon agent who tells the client what they want to hear, painting a pretty good, but still believable…

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FMV — 7 Factors of Fair Market Value Range

  1. Location
  2. Size, Amenities
  3. Condition
  4. Market Supply
  5. Market Demand
  6. Ask Price
  7. Marketing

Location. Location. Location

The old adage rings true when it comes to real estate. The largest contributor to the value of your homes is dependant on “WHERE THE DIRT IS”. A small, modest home in a high-value neighbourhood is likely worth more than a large overdeveloped home in a low-value neighbourhood. A home on a ravine, is worth more than the same home across the street with no ravine (and no views).

Size and Amenities

Generally speaking, if 2 homes sit next door to each other, of the same fit and finish but different square footage, the larger home will be worth a bit more in total, but…

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Do you take the blue pill or the red one (How does he word it?)

In the last article, we discussed critical mistakes sellers make that cost them money on their home sale.

In this issue, we're going to discuss the pricing matrix.

The pricing matrix is the relationship and the cause and effect that the 4 different pricing points have on each other.

First, we’ll define these points then look at how each interacts with the other.

  • FAIR MARKET VALUE (FMV) (range) — a price that appeals to many buyers and causes a sale within a reasonable time.
  • ASK/LIST — the initial and ongoing pricing that the seller sets to attract potential buyers
  • OFFER/VALUE — what it is worth to a specific buyer, and where the negotiation starts
  • SALE PRICE — the…

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The Truth Behind Sellers Pricing Their Home (Truth or Reality)

Did you know that the majority of sellers, waste time, effort and stress just to get less for their home?

That's right. They spend time, effort and stress sabotaging their sale to get LESS money in their pocket.

They invest their efforts and their agent’s efforts at the wrong time, in the wrong spots, trying to control the process, and they waste their most critical marketing time.

This 11-part series will walk you through the high points on the most critical aspect of your marketing (The PRICE). And we’re going to share with you why the right price, combined with the right marketing is crucial. And along the way we will reveal a secret that will have you rethinking everything you…

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Daily Reads:

Real Estate

Bob Trumans Blog

Investing (REIN)

Economic Analyst

 Development Information:

  • Calgary Planning Commission Application Listings
  • Calgary Planning Commission Public Notices

Large-Scale Plans and Bylaws:

  • Alberta Municipal Government Act
  • Calgary Transportation Plan 2005
  • Centre City Plan
  • Land Use Bylaw 1P2007
  • Municipal Development Plan
  • Plan It Workbook
  • Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines

Organizations and Agencies:

  • Alberta Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation
  • Alberta Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Calgary Economic Development
  • Calgary Heritage Initiative
  • Calgary Regional Partnership
  • Calgary Transit
  • Calgary Urban Initiative
    • …

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Your Property Wish List

What does your future home look like? Where is it located? As you hunt down your dream home, consult this list to evaluate properties and keep your priorities top of mind.

Neighborhoods

What neighborhoods do you prefer?

Schools

What school systems do you want to be near?

Transportation

How close must the home be to these amenities:

  • Public transportation
  • Airport
  • Expressway
  • Neighborhood shopping
  • Schools
  • Other

Home Style

  • What architectural style(s) of homes do you prefer?
  • Do you want to buy a home, condominium, or townhome?
  • Would you like a one-story or two-story home?
  • How many bedrooms must your new home have?
  • How many bathrooms must your new home have?

Home…

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Why You Should Work With a agent®

Not all real estate practitioners are agentS®. The term agent® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the CANADIAN REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are nine reasons why it pays to work with a agent®.

1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Get objective information and opinions. agentS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning,…

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What You Can Do to Improve Your Credit

Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are big factors in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be. So, keep your credit score high by doing the following:

1. Check for and correct any errors in your credit report. Mistakes happen, and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management. LINK

2. Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance every month. Transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score.

3. Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit.

4. Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage. You’re penalized less for problems after a year.

5. Don’t…

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What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

It’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here’s a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through.

Make sure that:

  • Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and warranties.
  • There are no major changes to the property since you last viewed it.
  • All items that were included in the sale price — draperies, lighting fixtures, etc. — are…

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What a Home Inspection Should Cover

Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.

For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www.ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Structure: A home’s skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected.

Exterior: The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps,…

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