For every real estate transaction there's a story. Some stories are happy; weddings, growing family, downsizing freedom and the like. Many are sad; divorce, death, financial pressure and tales of that ilk.
The more emotional the move, the more you need a great Realtor who has your back. Sometimes when you're on cloud 9 you need the voice of reason keeping you on track and not overpaying for a home. When you are in despair you definitely need a trusted professional helping with the overview and managing the details of your transaction.
In my experience the best Realtors display tremendous empathy. They will feel deeply what it is you're feeling and lose sleep over thinking of ways to help you. Literally. That said, the most effective Realtors in the midst of any emotional crisis keep their cool and keep the transaction process at a manageable speed for the client.
The vast majority of people, when upset, cannot process information well. They are already on overload. I've often let grieving clients know that I am happy to repeat information, re-answer questions and simplify as much as possible the stress on their choices. In doing this, I completely respect their intelligence and competence -- I just know that under duress we are not firing on all cylinders.
When dealing with the sale of your biggest asset or the purchase of your biggest asset, look for a realtor who is invested in your welfare and not pressuring you to add to their paycheck. A great realtor will give you the straight goods -- but kindly. They will make sure you and your loved ones are protected and well served in the good times and the bad.
A great Realtor is the voice of heart AND the voice of reason. Just one more example of why they're worth their weight in gold.
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
cool shades and zipped lips
One of the early lessons in real estate is learning when to zip it! It is always fascinating rather than providing commentary upon entering a home to listen to how it strikes a potential buyers. I might think it's gorgeous but it may hold no appeal to my clients. Or, I walk in ready to apologize for bringing them to an address and they comment that its a really great place.
There is no "one size fits all" in real estate. And, when showing property it is pretty critical that a Realtor remember that they're not the ones making the purchase or planning to live in the house! This doubtless sounds very basic and yet, if you're like me, you're sometimes still surprised at how differently someone else views the same exact thing you're looking at.
Recently there was a YouTube video that went viral. It involved a dad shooting his daughter's laptop following inappropriate comments on facebook. What surprised and intrigued me was the controversial "take" on this video (which was only intended for the daughter's "facebook friends".) Some found it amusing in this day of coddling, others were outraged at the use of a gun, the escalation of the disagreement, etc. Both sides are convinced of their argument.
This got me to thinking about a speaker I heard once; he came out with an over sized pair of green tinted sun glasses on. He asked the crowd if the world looked green to them. He was then emphatic that the world was green from his standpoint!
We each view our world though our own collection of shades that tint our view of the world. Its not right or wrong, better or worse. It is simply the unique way we see the world and experience the world. So, simply expecting someone to see something the same way we do is impossible. They can't. Their glasses have a different tint.
At best, we can gain an appreciation for the cool shades someone else is wearing and zip up the compulsion to overlay our view. Gives all new meaning and adds credence to the cliche that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason!
There is no "one size fits all" in real estate. And, when showing property it is pretty critical that a Realtor remember that they're not the ones making the purchase or planning to live in the house! This doubtless sounds very basic and yet, if you're like me, you're sometimes still surprised at how differently someone else views the same exact thing you're looking at.
Recently there was a YouTube video that went viral. It involved a dad shooting his daughter's laptop following inappropriate comments on facebook. What surprised and intrigued me was the controversial "take" on this video (which was only intended for the daughter's "facebook friends".) Some found it amusing in this day of coddling, others were outraged at the use of a gun, the escalation of the disagreement, etc. Both sides are convinced of their argument.
This got me to thinking about a speaker I heard once; he came out with an over sized pair of green tinted sun glasses on. He asked the crowd if the world looked green to them. He was then emphatic that the world was green from his standpoint!
We each view our world though our own collection of shades that tint our view of the world. Its not right or wrong, better or worse. It is simply the unique way we see the world and experience the world. So, simply expecting someone to see something the same way we do is impossible. They can't. Their glasses have a different tint.
At best, we can gain an appreciation for the cool shades someone else is wearing and zip up the compulsion to overlay our view. Gives all new meaning and adds credence to the cliche that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason!
Friday, February 03, 2012
Yes, you should have an inspection!
So, you've found a home you like, you can afford and is in the right neighbourhood. I liken this to picking out a video in the store (a fading experience!). You've got it locked up, but you haven't paid for it yet.
One of the most important things you really must do, unless it is a new home under warranty, is to have the home inspected. I know some people's brother's cousin's uncle has built homes and could come do a walk through. Worse, some buyers have done bathroom renos so know homes. Worst, you saw a Mike Holmes show and know what to look for....
The best money you'll spend is on a professional inspection. The inspector I favour has had 30 years in the trades (carpentry, heating & cooling) prior to becoming an inspector. All inspectors are definitely not created equal so do look for a solid recommendation. Now in B.C. inspectors do have to be accredited so that helps consumers.
An inspection does many things, one of which is shielding you from buying a home with any major faults. Another thing is to point out little fixes that will be necessary either immediately or in the next few years. Delightfully most inspectors also produce a manual for you on your home with descriptions and instructions on when to consider replacements and what kind of materials have been used in the construction of your home.
I'm in my 8th year of real estate and have had to collapse less than a handful of deals based on severe problems. I have had price negotiations based on significant but not deal breaking problems as well. Always I pre-frame clients that an inspector will find some fault -- but that we're not nit picking (most contracts have a threshold for inspections: any problem over a certain amount requiring immediate repair of either a set amount or percentage of sale price).
In a home that's not new you should expect comments on usual wear and tear. Minor things are not deal breakers, only information.
What constitutes a deal breaker? Major foundation issues, unsafe building materials, poorly done additions, roof leakage, poor insulation, faulty wiring, things of this scope. What constitutes price negotiations? Anything over and above the agreed upon amount for normal wear and tear, i.e. you find out the 7,000 furnace is on its last gasp.
Once you've purchased the home there is no turning back. If two days after you buy the stove goes kaput...it's your stove! The only recourse you have for compensation would be if there was a latent defect (one not easily discoverable by inspection) that the seller's knew about and failed to disclose.
Ballpark price for an inspection is 450 - 500 and is the best money you can spend. Obviously a great Realtor is going to make sure all other subjects are met before asking you to pay for an inspection. (You'd hate to pay 500 then find out you couldn't get insurance or that there was a problem with the home title.)
So, yes, always yes, you should have an inspection and you should use a licensed, professional, well recommended, honest, knowledgeable inspector!
One of the most important things you really must do, unless it is a new home under warranty, is to have the home inspected. I know some people's brother's cousin's uncle has built homes and could come do a walk through. Worse, some buyers have done bathroom renos so know homes. Worst, you saw a Mike Holmes show and know what to look for....
The best money you'll spend is on a professional inspection. The inspector I favour has had 30 years in the trades (carpentry, heating & cooling) prior to becoming an inspector. All inspectors are definitely not created equal so do look for a solid recommendation. Now in B.C. inspectors do have to be accredited so that helps consumers.
An inspection does many things, one of which is shielding you from buying a home with any major faults. Another thing is to point out little fixes that will be necessary either immediately or in the next few years. Delightfully most inspectors also produce a manual for you on your home with descriptions and instructions on when to consider replacements and what kind of materials have been used in the construction of your home.
I'm in my 8th year of real estate and have had to collapse less than a handful of deals based on severe problems. I have had price negotiations based on significant but not deal breaking problems as well. Always I pre-frame clients that an inspector will find some fault -- but that we're not nit picking (most contracts have a threshold for inspections: any problem over a certain amount requiring immediate repair of either a set amount or percentage of sale price).
In a home that's not new you should expect comments on usual wear and tear. Minor things are not deal breakers, only information.
What constitutes a deal breaker? Major foundation issues, unsafe building materials, poorly done additions, roof leakage, poor insulation, faulty wiring, things of this scope. What constitutes price negotiations? Anything over and above the agreed upon amount for normal wear and tear, i.e. you find out the 7,000 furnace is on its last gasp.
Once you've purchased the home there is no turning back. If two days after you buy the stove goes kaput...it's your stove! The only recourse you have for compensation would be if there was a latent defect (one not easily discoverable by inspection) that the seller's knew about and failed to disclose.
Ballpark price for an inspection is 450 - 500 and is the best money you can spend. Obviously a great Realtor is going to make sure all other subjects are met before asking you to pay for an inspection. (You'd hate to pay 500 then find out you couldn't get insurance or that there was a problem with the home title.)
So, yes, always yes, you should have an inspection and you should use a licensed, professional, well recommended, honest, knowledgeable inspector!
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Is your heart in your home?
Home is massively important to me. I can't begin to describe how much I love pulling into my driveway and seeing my little yellow house. It is a humble home, but full of colour and the presence of my dogs and objects of art and photos that I love. Very commonly I am told by guests how deeply they relax there and how it reminds them of a home they loved from growing up.
On the bleakest of days when I nestle in at home and light my wood stove -- it's a little coffee coloured wood stove with glass front -- all is as it should be in my world. Home is sanctuary, creative space, play space, work space. It is where I go to rest, rejuvenate, create, entertain, laugh and commune.
I have lived in houses that were not a good fit for me. Rather like having a pebble in your shoe, you can be thankful for having shoes....but the fit is uncomfortable and distracting. The quest for home is a driving force and one that should be respected.
Perhaps this is why home buying is often an emotional decision. Logically someone is looking for a town home that's brand new yet fall in love with an old character home they drive by one the way. (There is a slang expression, "buyers are liars" in the real estate profession. This is not meant to be rude but to indicate that often a buyer thinks with their logic that they want one thing and end up buying something else entirely based on the draw of their heart.)
Many people I take house hunting know within seconds of walking into a home whether it is for them or not. Part of my job is to make sure it's not something easily altered that is the barrier if they don't like it. Is it the smell? Is it because the walls are yellow or the carpet pink? Cosmetic changes can be made easily. So, take your time to see if the home speaks to you in any meaningful way.
A great Realtor will try to get to know you, what makes you tick, what makes you comfortable. We're not being nosey...just investigating clues to help you find the home that wows your heart. There are few things more satisfying to a great Realtor that watching your expression when you find the home for you!
When you buy a home to live in, live in it! That might sound funny, but so often people will use all neutral colours or the most generic taste in furnishings instead of tricking it out just for their joy. But that's a blog for another day....are you buying to live there or buying to flip?
I wish for everyone the deep and satisfying joy of having your heart in your home. If you're living somewhere that doesn't fit you...call me. We need to talk. Don't let a few weeks of inconvenience stop you from being at home in your home.
On the bleakest of days when I nestle in at home and light my wood stove -- it's a little coffee coloured wood stove with glass front -- all is as it should be in my world. Home is sanctuary, creative space, play space, work space. It is where I go to rest, rejuvenate, create, entertain, laugh and commune.
I have lived in houses that were not a good fit for me. Rather like having a pebble in your shoe, you can be thankful for having shoes....but the fit is uncomfortable and distracting. The quest for home is a driving force and one that should be respected.
Perhaps this is why home buying is often an emotional decision. Logically someone is looking for a town home that's brand new yet fall in love with an old character home they drive by one the way. (There is a slang expression, "buyers are liars" in the real estate profession. This is not meant to be rude but to indicate that often a buyer thinks with their logic that they want one thing and end up buying something else entirely based on the draw of their heart.)
Many people I take house hunting know within seconds of walking into a home whether it is for them or not. Part of my job is to make sure it's not something easily altered that is the barrier if they don't like it. Is it the smell? Is it because the walls are yellow or the carpet pink? Cosmetic changes can be made easily. So, take your time to see if the home speaks to you in any meaningful way.
A great Realtor will try to get to know you, what makes you tick, what makes you comfortable. We're not being nosey...just investigating clues to help you find the home that wows your heart. There are few things more satisfying to a great Realtor that watching your expression when you find the home for you!
When you buy a home to live in, live in it! That might sound funny, but so often people will use all neutral colours or the most generic taste in furnishings instead of tricking it out just for their joy. But that's a blog for another day....are you buying to live there or buying to flip?
I wish for everyone the deep and satisfying joy of having your heart in your home. If you're living somewhere that doesn't fit you...call me. We need to talk. Don't let a few weeks of inconvenience stop you from being at home in your home.
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