SELLING YOUR HOME ON YOUR OWN - OR USING A REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
STAGING… FOR A FASTER SALE AND HIGHER PRICE
If you are buying a home, then, before you decide on whether this home is your dream home, the following checklist will help you look at prospective homes with a critical eye. We suggest printing this page and putting it on a clipboard. When you find a home that really interests you, mark the features you see and note their general condition on this list.
If you have decided that now is the time to sell your home, you might be thinking: should I hire a Real Estate Sales Representative or do it alone. Have you ever considered repairing your own car? Anyone can buy the tools and parts. However, most of us just do not have the knowledge, training, experience or the expertise and commitment of time to do the job properly. Besides, there are plenty of experienced professionals to do the work for us.
There are many television shows today that focus on home staging. If you have not watched any, do yourself a favor and tune in. They all say the same thing: do not even consider putting your house on the market until you have taken a close look at its condition. Experienced sales people know that you only have one shot at impressing potential buyers, so take some time to prepare your home for showings. You will be rewarded with a faster sale and a higher offer.
The Susan Lancaster Team was a part of the Carassauga Portuguese Pavilion from May 28th to May 30th.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Draw to Win a Wonderful Boat Cruise to one of Three (3) Destinations: Miami, Orlando or Los Angeles – All courtesy of the Susan Lancaster Team.
Congratulations to Our Winners! … 2 lucky Winners were awarded a Free 5 Day & 4 Night Cruise for Two on the Carnival with a Retail Value of approx. $1,400.00.
In addition to this Grand Prize, 12 other lucky Winners were given Free bottles of Wine.
Thanks again to everyone for both their participation and support … The Team had a great time being a part of this Celebration of Cultures and we hope to participate in many more events like these.
Sincerely,
Susan Lancaster
New HST Tax Commencing July 1, 2010
GST/HST Applicable on Real Estate Services Provided
The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario have signed a Comprehensive Integrated Tax Coordination Agreement for the implementation of HST in Ontario. The HST will come into effect in Ontario on July 1, 2010, at a rate of 13%, consisting of a 5% federal part (equivalent to the existing GST) and an 8% provincial part.
For key rules that will determine how the GST/HST will apply to Real Estate Services, See the June 2010 Newsletter on the Left-hand column under "Lancaster Luxury Homes Newsletter".
BUYING Through a Realtor or by Yourself?
Buying a home without the representation of a Real Estate agent may save you some money - But be sure you know your way around a real estate transaction, or you could get yourself into trouble.
Step 1: Decide whether you know enough about the home Buying process to represent yourself. Are you familiar with the laws concerning the transfer of Real Estate? Can you protect yourself against responsibility and liability if something goes wrong?
Step 2: Ask yourself if you are willing to discuss money and negotiate the offer directly with the Seller - or if dealing with the Seller makes you uneasy.
Step 3: Determine whether you're comfortable dealing with the processes of setting up and evaluating Home Inspections, finding a Lender on your own, arranging for the Title Transfer, and other tasks a Real Estate Agent would ordinarily handle.
Step 4: Decide whether you can deal with the added stress of Buying without representation and whether it's worth the money you can save by representing yourself.
The Home Buying Process is never easy! Buying Real Estate without the proper representation can often result in many discrepancies which may cause great losses to you, the Buyer.
So by hiring a knowledgable Real Estate Agent with the right Negotiating Skills that represents your Best Interests will be sure to benefit you in the long run giving you the right home, in the right location, at the right price.
The Susan Lancaster Team will be sure to represent your best interests through the entire Home Buying and/or Home Selling Process. The team has over 50 years Sales and Negotiating experience which will save you both time and money.
