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The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, April 27,1994 13 Real Estate Deadlines and Policies Deadline for Wednesday Publication is Monday at 12:00 Noon. Any compensation for citois or omissions by The Canadian Statesman will be limited to the value of the space occupied by the error in the advertisement ^ Please phone 623-3303 and ask for the Real Estate Sales Department ) A Realtor Can Help Smooth the Home Buying Process This article is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) of the benefit of consumers in the real estate market. Finding the right home, getting a fair price, calculating mortgage rates, figuring out closing costs...all of these factors and many more make buying a home an overwhelming process. process. However, a Realtor can guide you through the home buying process and transform this confusing experience experience into one of the most exciting times of your life. Have Fun While Doing Your Home Spring Cleaning With the dark shadow of winter fading rapidly and the warm smile of spring upon us, many homeowners are welcoming the wanner weather with open arms by sprucing up the inside inside and outside of their homes. If you're also planning to tackle this task, there are lots of ways to make it fun. For example, plan to do your spring cleaning on a weekend so you can take your time and do a thorough thorough job. Also, pick a mild day so that when you're outdoors, you can enjoy the fresh air instead of shivering shivering in the last of winter's chill. Depending Depending on how sunny your clean-up day is, it may be wise to wear some sunscreen to protect yourself from your first exposure to the sun. If possible, get the whole family involved in the event and play some upbeat music that will energize everyone. everyone. Assign a group leader for your clean-up project and delegate indoor and outdoor tasks to each individual. If it's a task that no one is jumping up for joy to do, split it up into shifts so that one person isn't stuck with the entire job. Outdoor Inspection The first step of the outdoor cleanup cleanup is to walk around your properly and look for any obvious signs of damage. Check for cracks in the foundation, missing or rotten shingles, shingles, loose or crumbling bricks and mortar in your chimney, signs of water water seepage near the foundation and cracked or loose-fitting windows. As well, don't forget to inspect your driveway for damage such as heaving or cracking. Make a list of repairs and fix the damage as soon as possible. possible. In addition, make sure that you remove any dead or broken tree branches or any other yard debris. If your roof is in very bad shape or if you need shingles, make it a priority priority to get estimates from roofer as soon as you can. The last thing you need is to-have water seeping into your attic due to heavy spring and summer rains. j Take a close look at your caves- troughs and downspouts for signs of dislocation and damage. If you didn't clean them out last fall, it's a good idea to tackle this chore this time around. If not, you ran the risk of water water backing up and causing damage if they arc clogged up. Inspect your window wells for damage and if you have a retaining wall, check it for cracks, loose mortar or signs of movement. In addition, make sure decks and patios arc inspected inspected for damage such as sagging, rot and insect infestation. You should also check steps and railings to make sure they are sturdy and secure. If you have a storage shed that looks like it's in a total state of disorder, disorder, it's time to clear it up and organize organize its contents. For example, throw away items you don't use regularly or store them in boxes. Move winter items such as snow shovels and sports equipment to the back of the shed and move spring and summer items to the front. In addition, addition, make sure any herbicides, pesticides pesticides and poisonous substances arc stored well out of the reach of children children and pets. When clearing up your storage shed, check your lawn equipment and furniture to make sure everything is in working order. If anything needs repairing, fix it now before spring is in full swing. Indoor Clean-up You may want to start your interior interior inspection in your basement. Start by checking your walls and floors for cracks, heaving or water damage. Check the rest of your home, for similar damage and pay extra attention attention to your ceilings. Don't forget to inspect your attic as well for signs of moisture and condensation. If you plan to store Christmas decorations decorations and wrapping paper in your basement, make sure you keep them far from any sources of heat. When sorting through things that have been collecting dust, consider giving items such as old clothing or toys to a charitable charitable organization. Even scraps of fabric can be donated to local community community or daycare centres, Magazines Magazines unci items such as home renovation renovation material can be recycled as well. If you have a lot of belongings stored in your basement, you may want to install a shelving unit to lice up some space and help restore some order. This may also be a good idea for your garage and other areas of your home. fly taking care of your spring cleaning now, you'll have lots of time to enjoy the warmer weather that's just around the corner. Think of a Realtor'as a professional professional who brings buyers and sellers together together for the sale of a property. Realtors Realtors are licensed real estate professionals who arc members of their local real estate board. Therefore, Therefore, they have access to the MLS services which are operated by these boards. This service provides Realtors Realtors with a listing of a wide variety of properties for sale, which could very well include your "dream home." What Does a Realtor Work For? A Realtor usually works for the seller and, therefore, represents his or her best interests. However, as a buyer, buyer, you can still expect competent service service knowing the Realtor is bound by ethics and law to be honest and thorough thorough in representing a property for sale. A Realtor will provide you with a wide range of services and will not take it for granted that you know all the in's and out's of buying a home. So, one of the first things he or she will do is thoroughly explain what to expect, so you don't encounter any surprises along the way. Narrowing Down Your Home Choices A Realtor will help zero in on specific specific locations for your new home. He or she will also help you decide what type of home you would like to buy since there are many options such as new homes, resale homes, townhouscs and condominiums. In addition, a Realtor will help you differentiate differentiate between your needs, wants and what you can actually afford. This profile of your home is compared with what's available on the market. A Realtor will then accompany accompany you as you view houses and help you assess whether or not the property and price is right. When you actually discover your "dream home," a Realtor will help you select the most appropriate mort gage option and obtain financing at the most attractive prevailing rates and terms. Negotiation Skills Negotiating is one of a Realtor's areas of expertise. So, you can rely on him or her to arrange a fair price for your home. A Realtor will assist in negotiating an offer, act as a mediator mediator to smooth over any potential conflicts between you and the seller and draw up a legally binding contract. contract. The best part about using a Realtor Realtor is that the fees for his or her services services are usually paid by the seller of the property. So, when you and the seller come to an agreement on the price of your new home, that is the total price you will pay, excluding the legal fees, taxes etc. Selecting a Realtor So, how do you go about finding a Realtor to help make your home buying buying dreams a reality? Actually, there are several easy ways to make your selection. One of the best ways is to ask your friends, relatives and neighbours neighbours if they can recommend a Realtor Realtor who they have used in the past. Another way to become familiar with Realtors is to check local newspaper newspaper advertisements. Many of them operate in specific areas where they know the properties and location very well because they research all the listings and inspect many of the open houses. Therefore, they have an excellent excellent idea of the market value of comparable properties in those areas. Another fun and effective way to meet Realtors is to visit open houses in an area where you would like to buy your home. You can also check the real estate signs in that area for names of Realtors. If there isn't a name on the sign, call the phone number listed on it and ask to speak to the brokerage firm's 'expert' in the area. One way that some home buyers look for a Realtor is to contact a real estate board. However, boards do not provide referral services for Realtors. The only information they can provide provide about a specific Realtor is whether or not he or she is a board member. Once you've narrowed down your choices to a couple of Realtors, make sure that you interview them to find out which one has the best combination combination of experience and knowledge in the type of home and area that you are interested in. Of course, personality, personality, reliability and reputation should be strong factors in your decision. Also ask them for references from previous buyers and sellers who have worked with them. Once you have selected a Realtor, remain loyal to him or her if this individual individual has earned your trust. Keep in mind that he or she will be spending a lot of time and effort to help you find the right home and, will not be paid until the transaction is completed. completed. Nick Zondervan Sales Representative Look No More! Doncaster Crescent, Newcastle 3 bedroom, family room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen with walkout to patio, 2 car garage, paved driveway, gas heat. OPEN HOUSE Saturday April 30/94 2-4 p.m. $139,000 Ann Simpson CZJZV AT | Sales Representative VJAVIjxa*A BEGINNINGS Brick, detached backsplit. Great in-law potential. 3 + 1 bedrooms, 2 baths, ' beautiful private yard with gazebo. Vendor Will Help With Financing. Call Ann Simpson for details. NEWCASTLE - $152,500 Maty Ellen Craig Sales Representative STORYBOOK HOME $244,500 One of the most unique, picturesque properties in tire Durham Region I overlooking Orono Pond. Stone fireplace, stone Spacious 3 bedroom home in Newcastle with walkout from kitchen and rec. room to a large pool-sized fenced backyard. Double garage, 3 baths, Forced air gas, central air. For your appt., call 13ob or Mary Ellen Craig. house, stone garage, all beautifully finished. Call Bob Craig to view. OUR 16-PAGE FARM AND COUNTRY CATALOGUE IS NOW A VA I LAB LE. CALL US FOR YOUR FREE COPY AT623-2000. Buy or Sell With AlfAnnis For Your Chance To Win A 1994 Pontiac Grand Am SE FAMILY REALTY EVALUATION CERTIFICATE This certificate entitles a residential properly owner to one market evaluation by a Family Realty 2000 Ltd. Representative. This service to be performed without cost or obligation to the owner. Return this valuable certificate or call for an appointment at: 623-2000 It pays to buy or sell your home with FAMILY REALTY 2000 LTD. in fact, it could be worth Call Us For Details FAMILY REALTY 2000 LTD Independent Member Broker - Family Realty Network This is not Intended to solicit properties presently listed for sale. A NEW CAR! HOUSE, BARN & GARAGE i- $129,900 3 bedrooms, large eat-in kitchen, airtight stove, new roof. Barn and 40ft. dog run. Lot is 5/8 of an acre. ARE YOU Carol Hallman Sales Representative LOOKING FOR A GOOD BUY? - $99,000 New oak kitchen, new roof, single detached garage, main floor family room. Quiet dead end ^^^^x&et^cd^aronfallnm^o^ddMonaHn^ CENTURY HOME $172,500 Edna Hamel Soles Representative Located in the Village of Hampton, this beautiful five bedroom home has character plus!! | Wide pine board floors, wall to wall fireplaces in family room and master bedroom and a 66 x 165 ft. lot. Call Edna Hamel at 623-2000. ATTENTION GOLFERS! Wilmot Creek Lakefront - $89,900 Absolutely gorgeous lot overlooking the first fairway and fronting on tne Lake! Very spacious 2 bedroom Newcastle II model. South facing Florida room and deck with panoramic view, fireplace, ensuite bath, separate dining room, forced air. furnace and central air. Call Betty Smith for more details. £ PI Betty Smith viles Representative mm Kr ' if! f"L| -.«A MORGANS RD„ NEWCASTLE ON HALF ACRE LOT - $149,900 Spacious, 4 bedroom family home, ixtromely private, well treed & hedged lot. Detached garage plus workshop. Just 5 inimités to town! CHURCH ST., BOWMANVILLE ON 200 IT. LOT-$119,900 Nice, older bungalow, 2 big bedrooms, large living/dining combo, eat-in kitchen, good fimshnble basement. Double detached garage/woikshop. BOWMANVILLE MARKET SHARE March I « March 31, 1994 TRANSACTIONS PER SALES REPRESENTATIVES OF BROKERS OFFICES LOCATED IN BOWMANVILLE FAMILY REALTY 2000 LTD. 100% Sales For Sales Rep. (13 II, ms, relions for 13 sales reps,) REMAX Cornerstone 75% Sales Per Sales Rep. (IK transactions for 24 sales reps.) W. FRANK REALTY 29% Sales Per Sales Rep. (4 transactions for 14 sates reps,) KENHOCKIN 18% Sales Per Sales Rep. (2 transactions for 11 sales reps.) NUS EDVAN -- Sales for Bowmanvillc VAN DYKE -- Sales for Bowmanvillc