What is the first step to buying a home in White Rock or South Surrey?
The first step is being realistic with your budget. Know the difference between what you NEED and what you WANT. Then get pre-qualified with your bank or better yet an independent Mortgage broker who will get all your documents in advance and who will narrow down a proper budget, not just a ball park figure. If you don’t know one, your first step might be to ask me as I can refer you to a qualified professional. Once you have that more precise budget & know what you can comfortably spend, contact me and share your dream home goals with me, that’s when the real work starts. Sharing your budget is a very important step, but explaining to me why you need to be near a specific school, or have a view of the White Rock pier is important info so the hunt for the right home can start.
How do I know if I am ready to buy?
It depends on your goal. If you are looking for your primary residence (not an investment property) you're likely ready if you have a stable job and plan on living in the area for the next 7-10 years. You should have a handle on your savings, and a good sense of what you want in a home and neighbourhood. I highly recommend creating a spreadsheet of your personal budget; living expenses -ie : electricity, water, strata fees, property taxes, gas, internet, insurance…but also dinners, entertainment, clothes, vehicles, and vacations. These all play a role in determining your final budget so you don’t end up over extending yourself.
What happens in a multiple offer situation?
This is where experience matters. A multiple offer means more than one offer to purchase the home has been submitted at the same time…so it can be handled VERY differently if there are just 2 offers compared to if there are over 5 offers (as we saw regularly during the early 2020’s). The seller reviews all offers and typically chooses the one with the strongest combination of price, terms, and conditions — not always just the highest number. As a Buyer, having a clear understanding from the Selling agent how the offers will be handled is key. Being prepared with deposits, inspections and strata information is essential at selling yourself as the Buyer the Seller will choose to work with.
How do you determine what my home is worth?
I look at recent sales of comparable homes in your neighbourhood, current market conditions, and the specific features and condition of your property, like upgrades you have done to the home. This gives us a realistic, data-backed price range rather than a guess. From there, we can talk strategy on where to price it based on your goals.
What can I do to get top dollar when selling in South Surrey/White Rock?
No you don’t need to renovate before you buy, but a new coat of paint helps if there are lots of dings on the walls. Also, get the home professionally cleaned. The first impression is vital. It is the best money you will spend when getting your home ready for sale. Presentation matters as much as a good pricing strategy. Then, small touches like decluttering, staging and professional photos can significantly boost buyer interest, while pricing it right from day one helps generate momentum instead of stalling on the market.
How long does it take to sell a home in a Buyer's market?
A Buyer’s market simply means that there are more homes on the market then there are Buyers. So a home might take longer to sell, especially if prices feel like they are coming down. More inventory means that you will need to make your home stand out more. You need to be the one that buyers are afraid someone else will buy first. Get the home ready inside and out, and price it well from the beginning. Do not make the mistake of following the market down by making price adjustments every few weeks. AS your realtor, I will guide you with real data so you feel comfortable with the listing price. So, if we do this and your home doesn’t feel like a carbon copy of your neighbours home, it should take typically under 45 days to sell.
What areas do I specialize in?
Crescent Beach and Ocean Park, Sunny Side Park, White Rock west and East Beach, Grandview and Morgan creek - But Because I used to be a Vancouver Agent before I moved to South Surrey, I also sell McKenzie heights, Dunbar, Point Grey Kitsilano, Fairview and Downtown from English bay to Yaletown and Coal Harbour.
What makes me different from other realtors in South Surrey / White Rock?
I pride myself in making the experience the least stressful for you as possible. I get intrinsically rewarded knowing you have chosen me to be in your corner. Working for you makes me feel like I am part of your family and I find that special. But I know I also know the importance of providing you with statistical data, continuing education and the experience of being a full time Realtor who knows her market. I believe the more informed you are, the easier it is to make a decision.
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