Category Archives: FamilyLending.ca

Buyers Stress Reduction

Buyers Stress Reduction

Do you wish that buying a home was one of the most amazingly positive experiences you’ve ever had? Do you want to feel that you are in control? Do you want to feel that you have all the information? Can you actually have this? Yes, by calling FamilyLending.ca.

 

There is a better way, FamilyLending.ca establishes a new measure of success and results. How? By applying one simple truth – you, the customer, are the reason we are in business. Today’s consumer deserves an informed approach and LESS STRESS.

 

Mortgage brokers are not all the same!  It comes down to their systems and focus on serving you the client.  You are the reason we are in business and you are the person that will help us expand this business in the future if we achieve these goals.  Our system has been developed over the years by many dedicated and successful mortgage brokers.  The focus of our system is to keep you informed and to anticipate your questions and points of possible stress.  By informing you about the process and the things we will need from you and when we need them, we can reduce the stress and replace it with a feeling of confidence and pride that you are achieving your goal.   

 

We not only want to earn your business today but to earn the right to ask you to refer others who would appreciate the same level of service you received, tomorrow! 
Contact FamilyLending.ca for more information.

Avoid Sellers Mistakes

Avoid Sellers Mistakes

Don’t put your home on the market until you’ve read this letter! Please avoid these eleven mistakes that could cost you hundreds, even thousands of dollars!Selling your home can be an exhausting experience.  Last minute walk through, inconvenient calls, price adjustments, and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are all real concerns.  If you are not completely prepared, you could end up losing hundreds of dollars in profit or equity.

The difference between a profitable, smooth transaction and a miserable experience is often a fine line.  In a majority of cases, it comes down to the subtle “know how” of your real estate professional.  By utilizing the knowledge of a qualified real estate professional, you’ll ensure the quick, profitable sale of your home.  The letter is designed to arm you with the knowledge to avoid eleven common mistakes which cost sellers serious money.

1. Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs – It always costs you more money to sell “as is” than to make repairs which will increase the value of your home.  Often even minor improvements will yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale.  Your agent will be able to point out what repairs will significantly increase the value of your home.  Seemingly small fix jobs can have quite an impact.

2. Not Considering Other Financial Terms – Cash is always the most advantageous transaction.  Income level, tax benefits, and current legislation are all critical factors when considering purchase terms.  Professional real estate agents are experts at home transactions and can lead you down the path to give you the highest yield.

3. Provide Easy Access for Showings – Accessibility is a major key to profitability. Appointment only showings are the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least; however, there are certain considerations to take into account like your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale, and the relationship you have with your agent.  The more accessible your home, the better the odds of finding a person willing to pay your asking price. You never know if the one who couldn’t get a viewing was the one that got away. By developing a trusting relationship with your agent, he or she will show the home with your best interests and security in mind.

4. Priced Too Low/Priced Too High – One critical reason to find the right professional is to make sure the property is prices appropriately for a timely and profitable sale. If the property is priced too high, it will sit and develop the identity of a problem property. If it’s priced too low, it could cost you considerable profits. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be evaluated by your agent every 10-14 days to help you maximize your return.

5. Relying Solely on Traditional Methods to Sell Your Home – The agent, who is innovative and willing to offer new strategies of attracting home buyers, will always outperform agents who rely on traditional methods. Demand around the clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods, lead accountability, search engine strategies, and cutting edge web strategies. These services exist and should be offered in your home sale.

6. Market Timing/Seasonal Selling – Just as a broker who continually follows the trends of a stock, your professional agent continually follows trends of your home market. They will know if the market cycle is poised to get you the most money. Disregard believing property sales are seasonal…sales better in spring then winter…property is always selling.

7. Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes – The prospective home buyer’s first impression is the most important. An unbelievable amount of home sales have been lost to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, bad stains, unpleasant odours…all the seemingly little things. Imagine you were the home buyer and cleaned your place from top to bottom…military style.

8. Wasting Time with An Unqualified Prospect – Your agent’s responsibility to screen a prospect’s qualification before valuable time is lost. Be sure to align yourself with the right professional and eliminate negotiating with unqualified prospects.

9. Don’t Test the Market – Never put your property online to sell unless you are serious. The right professional will find you buyers. If you are harbouring indecision, you will slow the sale.

10. Believing You Are Powerless to Make a Difference – Be a part of the team! Take an active role with your agent to see what you can do to facilitate the sale. Networking with professional peers and personal friends often results in the sale of your home. It’s surprising how many homes are sold this way.

11. Believing All Realtors are the Same– With all the intricate details and critical decisions to be made concerning your home sale, should you rely on anyone but a top producing professional? Many friends and family members have been estranged from a real estate agent relative as a result of failing to meet expectations. Your home sale is a time-consuming, effort related, difficult task. Maximize your profit by utilizing a professional

 
Contact FamilyLending.ca  for more information.

Construction Evaluation Checklist

Construction Evaluation Checklist

It’s understood that building a new home is usually the largest single investment in your lifetime. We have put together a checklist and guide to help you with this big decision.
 

A.      LOCATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD

1.       Look around, talk to neighbors. Are the streets safe and is there enough privacy?

2.       Are the neighbors likely to be compatible with your tastes and lifestyle?

3.       Will the size of your home be compatible with the existing market?

4.       Are there sources of noise, smoke, or odors that will become a problem in the future?

5.       Are there any new developments planned near your site that will affect your neighborhood in the future?

 

B.         COMMUNITY FACILITIES  
1.       Are there adequate shopping facilities nearby?

2.       If you have children, how is the school system?

3.       Are there daycare centers available?

4.       Are places of worship available and convenient?

5.       Are police and fire protection adequate?

6.       Is there a hospital or medical center nearby?

7.       Is public transportation frequent and convenient?

8.       Are there suitable parks and recreation close by?

  

C.      UTILITY AND IMPROVEMENTS

1.      What is the water system, public or private well? If there is a well, what is the depth and recharge?

2.       Will the service be enough for a sprinkler system?

3.       Is there a sewer system, and is it adequate and reliable for future needs?

4.      If you need a septic system, is the soil, percolation rate, and water table adequate for a new system?

5.       Are there fire hydrants close by?

6.       Is there electricity overhead or underground?

7.       Are there gas pipelines to the area?

8.      Is there enough street lighting for nighttime security and peace of mind?

9        Are there storm sewers and are they of adequate size?

10.     Are property tax rates reasonable? How do they compare with surrounding areas?

 

D.      PRESENT ZONING OF ADJOINING AND SURROUNDING PROPERTY

1.      Check if there are any property restrictions such as building size, setbacks on your lot, any public utility easements, or restrictive building schemes etc.

2.      Are there specific uses not allowed? (Example: storing a boat in your yard)

3.      Are there any architectural restrictions in the development? (Example: only Colonial homes).

4.       Check with the local planning and zoning boards about recent zone change proposals that may influence your property.

 

E.      SITE DISPOSITION

1.       Is the lot well drained, and where are the storm drains in relation to your site?

 2.      Is the subsoil good? Remember, this is important if you need a septic system?

3.       Is there sufficient depth to assure a gravity drain to sewer, especially if there will be any plumbing located in the basement?

4.       How is the topography of the land? By this, we mean is the lot sloping or is it flat?

5.       How high is the water table? This will tell you if a basement is possible?

6.       Are the natural features of the site desirable — views, trees, shrubbery, and privacy?

 

F.      ORIENTATION

1.       The sun’s path is a major consideration when you are looking at your site.

2.       It is nice to wake up in the morning light and have breakfast in the sunlight. Face the East to experience the views.

3.       Southern exposure is beneficial for winter heat, especially if you dislike shoveling driveways!

4.       North light is best for even light, like an art studio or office.

5.       Your site determines the location of your house. Let nature help you place those rooms.

 

G.      PERSONAL TASTE

1.       The last thing, and probably the most important, is personal taste – city, country, seaside, comfort, security, and serenity.

2.       We tell our clients to go to the site on a quiet sunny day and a rather crummy, dreary day and at different times. Take time to walk around and truly observe: your heart will tell you if this is the one.

 

We specialize in helping you achieve your goals today and in helping you become mortgage free tomorrow! Please don’t hesitate to call FamilyLending.ca at 1-866-941-6678or visit our website at FamilyLending.ca if you have other questions or are ready to start investigating your options.

Benefits of Ownership

Benefits of Ownership

There are several reasons that home ownership can offer advantages compared to renting:

  1. Wealth accumulation by paying down debt in the form of mortgage payments, whereas rent pays a landlord’s mortgage down.
  2. Your credit rating improves when you own a home.
  3. Over time, your net worth increases allowing you to establish a preferred status with your bank, giving you the opportunity to make other major plans such as owning your own business.  
  4. If you would become unemployed, the landlord still expects the rent payment; most lenders will work with you and perhaps add the missed payments to your mortgage.
  5. Owning your home allows you to choose how to live, what colors, what decor, what personal choices you prefer.
  6. If you decide not to live in your home, you can make the choice of selling and moving elsewhere, and over time you will have accumulated equity to take with you – tax free!  
  7. If you require short-term loans, lines of credit, or other revolving credit arrangements, home ownership will provide greater opportunities to obtain the same credit arrangements at a lower cost.
  8. The wealth accumulation achieved by owning your home is tax free, since equity in your principal residence is not a taxable gain.
  9. There is a program available for homeowners only, which provides job loss insurance to cover the mortgage payments while you look for work and get back on your feet.
  10. A mortgage payment can be fixed for up to ten years!
  11. You can control a $100,000 asset for as little as 5% of that amount in cash.
  12. Pride of Ownership: you will be amazed how the small repairs that used to bug you in your
  13. rental are now a joy when you own your own home.
  14. Sweat Equity: what stocks let you add value by painting, landscaping, adding a pool, remodeling a kitchen or bath?
  15. Retirement Plan: every mortgage payment and every percent of inflation adds to your retirement.
  16. You now have an estate to pass on.
  17. You don’t answer to anyone (accept the bank).
  18. You become a respected member of the community.

If you would like even more reasons as to why a purchase could help you, please don’t hesitate to call or email for a personal appointment. 
Contact FamilyLending.ca for more information.

 

21 Questions to Ask your Realtor

 

21 Questions to Ask your Realtor

If you discuss these questions first, before you sign a listing agreement – you will get a feeling for the quality of an agent.  Bring them up and discuss the answers.

1.  Does the house or any part of the house need painting?

2.  Should I re-seed the lawn and get my landscaping in top shape?

3.  What about the screens?  What about the windows?

4.  Does the carpet need cleaning? How about replacing?

5.  Should the pets be under control at all times?

6.  Are the appliances something that we should include?

7.  Should I stay out of a prospective buyer’s way?

8.  What is the buyer’s first impression of the exterior of our house?  What can I do to improve it?

9.  What is the buyer’s first impression as they step inside my house?  What can I do to improve it?

10.  Since the buyer will be looking in the closets, should I take some of the clothes out to make them look roomier?

11.  Should I take items from the kitchen cabinets to make them more spacious?

12.  Is there any furniture that I could store or dispose of to make the rooms appear larger?

13.  Do any cabinets need to be touched up or refinished?

14.  Should I give you a list of things that my family likes about the house and the neighborhood?

15.  What about door mats?  Should I replace them with new ones that are neutral and omit our family name?

16.  Should I remove an ornate item that a buyer may want as a part of the house? For example, a special chandelier or a wall system?

17.  Should I ask you for a list of recommendations prepared specifically for helping market my home?

18.  Is the price and terms offered going to appeal to most of the buying public in my price range?

19.  Do I need to be aware of other houses similar to mine also being offered for sale?

20.  Are the garage and storage areas as clean and neat as they should be?

21.  Before spending needless time and money, could I have a list of items to fix in priority of importance?

Contact FamilyLending.ca for more information.