Services
Buyers
Initial Meeting
Determining what type of property you are looking to buy can be a daunting task. Mark will sit down with you to help you decide specific locations to concentrate on and specific criteria you are looking for in a property such as the number of bedrooms, square footage and budget. It is useful to differentiate between your "must haves" from your "want to haves". Importantly, as you begin to look at various properties your criteria may change. A few key items to consider are:
- Community / area
- Property size (including total square footage)
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Age of property
- Number of floor levels
- Suite for nanny accommodation or rental income
- Garage space
- Parking
- View
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Once you have decided on the type of property you would like to purchase, the next step is to obtain mortgage pre-approval. Mortgage pre-approval provides valuable information to save you time and money. Mark's years of expertise in mortgage finance can help direct you to a trusted mortgage advisor.
Viewing Properties
Going on "tour" is the fun step! Mark personally previews properties on a weekly basis, and takes the time daily to monitor all new MLS listings to keep apprised of hot new listings. Mark and his team of real estate professionals carefully help to search out a selection of properties that best suit your property criteria. Mark then coordinates a "tour", scheduled at your convenience to view selected properties of interest. It may take several tours before you find the perfect property.
Making an Offer
When you have found your dream property, it is time to make an offer. This step is critical and depends on strong negotiation skills. This is when you want to have a skilled real estate agent looking after your needs. Mark's years of experience and negotiating skills make the difference in helping you achieve your dream.
Sellers
Thinking of Selling?
Our company can give you up-to-date information on what’s happening in the marketplace; as well as the price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
We will ensure your property is marketed well to maximize its exposure to other real estate agents and the public. We know when and where to market your property to generate the most interest and potential sales opportunities. When you do receive offers on your home, we will help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your goals. Throughout the selling process, we are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have.
If you're thinking of selling your home, we can help you.
Selling Process
Initial Meeting
Mark will meet with you to discuss selling your home. It will be important to establish a general timeline for listing, selling, and moving. Mark will familiarize himself with your property and note lot size, interior square footage, and key selling features. As well, he will discuss staging presentation of your home. Together you will decide on any improvements or renovations that may be needed to optimize your property’s value and presentation.
Determining Price
Mark prepares an extensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) specific to your property. Mark’s CMA involves detailed market research to examine market value. In determining price, Mark accounts for recent sales, active listings, current market conditions, and your personal perspective. In order to ensure the maximum value of your property, he always visits the city to check zoning for alternate development possibilities.
Preparing your Home for Sale
To achieve maximum value for your home it is necessary to present it for sale in the best possible condition. This will include a thorough cleaning and de-cluttering of your home. It can be important to de-personalize your home so that your home appeals to the widest number of prospective purchasers. Often with new Home construction, Mark will recommend a professional Home Staging service.
List Your Home
You will receive a complete copy of the listing contract for your records. Mark will put a highly visible RE/MAX “For Sale” sign on your property. Your home will be photographed and measured for marketing material. An MLS wide agent’s open house will be scheduled to showcase your property to real estate professionals. As well, open houses to the general public will be scheduled on weekends. Realtors and the public will contact Mark to request a showing of your property. Mark and his team will contact you with requests from realtors and the public to view your home. Occasionally, you may have an enthusiastic Buyer knock on your door requesting a viewing. In this instance, it’s best to kindly decline and give them Mark’s contact information.
Offer to Purchase
Mark meets with you to carefully discuss the terms of the contract and price. Mark’s knowledge of the market, contract expertise, negotiating skills and excellent reputation are critical in closing your deal at an acceptable price. Dates of closing, possession and completion are determined.
Offer Acceptance
Once the terms of the contract have been agreed and signed by you and the Buyer, the offer is accepted. Usually, there is a subject removal period of about a week to give the Buyer time to arrange for items such as inspection, financing, and bank appraisal. Once subjects have been removed, you have a firm offer and a deposit is required.
Purchase Completion
There are a number of important legal and administrative items needed to complete your sale. About a week before completion, you will meet with your lawyer or notary for the final sale completion which includes the transfer of funds and title, closing costs and insurance. The date of Possession is your moving day. Mark will arrange to have keys exchanged to the new owners. Extra keys, garage door openers and appliance manuals will be left for the new owner. Your home must be left clean and in good order for moving day.