Accepted Offer...Now What?

We have shopped around and found a home you fell in love with. We wrote an offer on it and the offer is now accepted. So...what happens now?

Well, once the Seller agrees to your offer, you are then "Under Contract". But, we still have a lot to do to ensure a successful closing. These steps will have strict deadline dates. You must complete them properly and on time. If not, it could cause you to lose your deposit and the sale. We will outline and discuss some of the steps to expect.

During the next 7-10 days, you will have several conditions to meet to consider the home "SOLD". Your Real Estate Professional will assist you in meeting the following conditions:

• Financing - The mortgage company will receive a copy of the offer. They will review it and confirm with a letter stating if they will provide financing for the home.

• PDS (Property Disclosure Statement) - The owner fills out this form. It outlines the conditions of the home. You will have time to review and sign it. Each party requires a signed copy.

• Plot Plan - The Seller will provide this if one is available.

• Home Inspection - Home inspections identify any structural, electrical and/or mechanical problems. A home inspection is highly recommended as it can identify property defects.

• Insurance - Contact your insurance company to confirm they will insure your home. They will provide a letter of confirmation to your real estate professional.

• Heating & Electric Costs - The Seller will provide statements of heating and electrical costs for your review.

• Deposit Cheque - You have the option of writing a certified cheque, money order, E-transfer or a personal cheque. You will make the cheque out to the listing realty company "In Trust".

• Water Test & Septic Sewer System - These tests are done if you are on a drilled or a dug well and septic system.

Once you meet the conditions, the deal has become "FIRM". Congratulations! You just purchased a home now you can plan your move. This would include such things as:

• Calling Water, Fuel, Phone, Power and Cable companies

• Health Care - Doctors, Dentists, Optometrist etc.

• Financial Services - Banks, Accountant, Credit Cards, Insurance, Lawyer etc.

• Government Offices - Federal & Provincial Revenue Agencies, Driver's License, Health Card, Library etc.

You may also want to book a moving truck, if necessary, and begin packing.

There you have it, what happens when you have an accepted offer. There are many steps in the home buying process. But no need to worry, your real estate professional will be with you every step of the way.

Thanks for checking in! Until next time...Keep it "REAL"!

Mary-Lou

Writing An Offer

Now that you have found the right home, what's next?

You write the offer!

To get you the home you want for the best price, having an experienced RealtorⓇ is extremely important.

Your Real Estate Professional will help you with the following items:

1. Review the homes that have sold in the area.
2. Identify the condition of the home. Most homes are priced at market value with the condition of the home taken into account.
3. Decide on a price.
4. Determine the deposit amount.
5. Chose a date (usually 7-10 business days) to have conditions met. It includes the financing, insurance, inspection and other conditions in the agreement.
6. Identify what fixtures and chattels to include in the purchase price.
7. Decide on a closing day. The day you will move in to your new home.

So...what happens when more than one buyer submits an offer on the same home? This is what we call a "competing offer" situation. Simply put, it is when more than one buyer puts an offer on a home. The seller will have the chance to review and select the offer that best suits their needs, if this happens. Usually, they select the highest offer. Other conditions, such as closing date, could be taken into consideration as well. If this happens, you and your agent will talk about a strategy.

There you have it, the process of writing an offer. There are many important, strategic factors to consider besides the price. Your agent will assist you every step of the way.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...Keep It "REAL"!

Mary-Lou

What Home Is The Right Home?

How will you know when you see the house of your dreams? A common reply is always, "I'll know it when I see it!" However, if you logically analyze your needs ahead of time, you'll be better equipped to make an educated decision when you have an emotional response to a house that you see. This blog post will help you determine and prioritize  which characteristics are most important to you in a home. Surely you have heard the common real estate theory that there are three things to consider when buying a house: "Location, location, location!" While there are other important factors to consider when choosing a home, answering the following questions will remind you how important location is in your decision.

Geography - Ask yourself these questions when choosing your neighbourhood.

• Will you be looking in urban, suburban, semi-rural or rural areas?
• How will you be commuting to work?
• Do you have a preference with regard to natural features like woods, hills and lowland?
• How long will your commute be? Do you need to be near public transportation?
• Do you have a preference to be near water such as rivers, lakes, streams, ponds or the ocean?

Surrounding Areas - Keep in mind what you'd like to have near you, such as:

• Shopping Malls
• Supermarkets
• Department Stores
• Drug Stores

Neighbourhood Focus - This is the general appearance of the properties in the neighbourhood and if what you're looking for fits. You will look at things like...

• Are the homes well maintained?
• What are the main types/styles of homes and how far apart are they?
• Do the homes appear "newer" or "older"?
• Are there many visible property enhancements such as swimming pools, fences, decks and patios or extensive landscaping?
• Are vehicles primarily parked in garages and driveways, or are they parked on the street?
• Are there emergency stations such as fire and police close by?

Schools - For family with young children, schools are to be considered.

• Are there both public and private schools? Are there bilingual schools?
• Are they equipped to handle special needs if needed?
• How do children primarily get to school?
• What is the teacher per student ratio?
• Are there after-school activities offered?
• What type of sports programs and clubs are offered?
• What is the percentage of children that graduate?

Work Issues - Buying a home closer to your work site can sometimes help with the decision making.

• How long will your commute be?
• How many methods can you use to get there, such as walking, driving, car pool, taxi or bus route?

Recreation and Entertainment - It is nice to not only move into a great neighbourhood but also become a part of it...as a whole family.

• What forms of entertainment are offered?
• What types of indoor and outdoor sports facilities are available?
• Are there public parks, country clubs, and/or sports teams close by?

Community Involvement - Making your new community your own.

• Do the neighbours socialize regularly?
• Do they hold block parties or picnics?
• Is there a Home Owner's Association?
• How active are they in the community?

Selecting Your Home

When choosing the house itself, which features and amenities will be included? I suggest having all members of the family make a list of their preferences and which features are most important to them. You can then compare notes and come to a consensus about which items are "must haves" and which are negotiable. Once you've gone through the process of deciding on your home's features and amenities and sized up the neighbourhood characteristics that are most important to you, there is one more task to undertake: Prioritize! Then you'll have a definite picture in your mind of what you're looking for, and you'll be able to make logical choices when the time comes to decide if "this" is the home for you. Here is a sample list:

House Style             Gourmet Kitchen          Walk-In Closets           Fenced Yard

No. of Levels           Formal Dining Room   Fireplace                       Large Yard

No. of Bedrooms    Breakfast Nook              Finished Basement    Storage

No. of Bathrooms  En-suite Bathroom        Garage                          Age of Home

There you have it...the first step in finding what home is the right home for you and your family. It is easy to say you're moving, it's finding the right home that takes a little time and consideration to make sure it is the right fit for you and your family.

Until next time...Keep It "Real"!

Mary-Lou

Hello, My name is...

Hello, My name is Mary-Lou Tallon. 
I am a Realtor with 10 years experience in the Real Estate market. I have received "Rookie of the Year" for Atlantic Canada and continue to achieve high sales awards each year.
Your real estate relationship is important to me. I understand the importance of family, negotiation, keeping up to date and time needed to complete a sale.
I use the newest tools and technology to market properties to ensure they stand out. I know the value of customer relations, communication, trust and competency. My hard work and positive attitude has helped build a solid reputation in my community, with clients, associates, family and friends.
Whether you're buying or selling, I know it is ALL about YOU and YOUR real estate needs. My goal is to ensure your Real Estate transaction is a positive, pleasurable and satisfying experience.
Through my blog, I will take you through the steps of the home buying process, the selling process and everything in between. I will also offer tips and checklists to help with your Real Estate process. 
My commitment to you is to make myself available before, during and after you buy or sell your home. Keeping it "REAL" is what I do; I will be honest, open and upfront. Buying or Selling? YOU are my top priority!

Thanks for reading...until next time!

Mary-Lou