Currently, the Windsor market is known as a “Buyer’s market”. Sales thus far in 2005 actually remained relatively consistent with 2004; however, we have an increase in houses listed for sale – without a corresponding increase in prospective Buyers. Click on link that pertains to you below to see how I aggressively approach these changes.

Vendors
This is a very competitive time to sell your house!! I am often challenged by 5 or 10 similar houses for sale – it is my duty to ensure your house stands out the most, as the Buyers are out there. I approach each listing on a case by case basis; we have to ensure all necessary and reasonable steps are taken in order to make sure your house is ready for sale. Virtual tours, staging (basically interior designing geared specifically to get your home sold), correct pricing, and a plethora of advertising are often all necessary. Even small things that you would not be aware of, such as ensuring the picture of your property is up at the same time the listing begins is crucial (agents often look at the property the first day of the listing, and then that’s it for a couple of months; it’s that picture they’ll remember when the right Buyer comes along).

For example, I recently had a property on a wonderful street, the Vendors were relatively reasonable on price, the fundamentals (roof, furnace, wiring, plumbing etc.) were in fine shape, but the house needed work cosmetically. Instead of just taking the listing and hoping for a Buyer, I suggested we hold off a couple of weeks as we employed a stager, and the house was sold within 3 days above the Vendor’s goal price.

By listing with me, you ensure the greatest possibility of getting your house sold based on sound analytical strategy. I will not only work hard, but also smartly and effectively.

Buyers
Now is a great time to buy, but it’s not just as simple as going out and getting that house that looks pretty nice. I ensure that we see the best houses available based on my understanding of what you want, and by utilizing an Internet based program that automatically emails you all homes that match your search parameters (type of house, location, brick, garage etc. etc.). This way, the search is successfully conducted efficiently and effectively.

Owing to my education as a lawyer, you will be able to take advantage of my contractual negotiation abilities with any offer. I have been able to make many difficult deals come to fruition by thinking outside the box. An effective strategy in the counter offer stages is often the difference between you obtaining your dream home, or continuing the search.

One flaw I do see continually is what the Buyer does (or doesn’t do) after the sale. I am employed to battle to get the cheapest price possible for you – and then costly errors are made afterwards with things as subtle as choice of mortgage (fixed or variable?), changing the light bulbs in the house to high efficiency, utility bill rates, and even choice of life insurance on your mortgage that the banks subtly slide onto you. As your agent, I feel part of my duty is to be educated on, and inform you of, these extremely easy adjustments that will literally save tens of thousands of dollars over the long term.

For example: the lender/bank will offer you term life insurance, payable with your mortgage. If you pass away while you’re paying off the mortgage, the house is still paid for by the bank. Sounds great right? However, the older you get, the higher the premium. As well, once the mortgage is paid off, you have nothing to show for those payments!!! The more advantageous alternative is to use a financial advisor to construct a whole life package to cover the mortgage, often for a much cheaper price. And once the mortgage is paid off, you have significant money (often tens of thousands of dollars) invested rather than tossed away.

So remember, it’s not just about finding a home!!