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Whether you are preparing for a move or not, this is the time for Spring cleaning and de-cluttering projects.  But without a plan of attack and a place to start, it is easy to just leave it for another day when it can seem like such an overwhelming project. So why not start with one room at a time, one day at a time. We found this great itemized list in an article on Houzz.com (one of our favourites for design ideas!) that will help you get your kitchen in ship shape in no time :) 


7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Kitchen

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25184065?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u487&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery1

If you are planning to make a move this year you will be wanting to prepare your home for sale and you will want it to look its best for photos and showings. So we recommend giving yourself a deadline to get organized now and the bonus is that it will make packing up for your move a simpler process when the time comes as well!


Happy Spring Cleaning! 


Karin & Jen

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Although this phenomenon does not occur on a frequent basis in Regina’s current real estate market, the occurrence of multiple offer situations, sometimes referred to as “bidding wars”, can and does happen. Multiple offers are often dictated by a limited supply of listings and a high demand for good homes, especially in certain price points and neighbourhoods. This scenario is great for sellers(although even some guidance in handling those offers is helpful) but not so great for buyers when it tends to push up home prices and can create a stressful home buying experience.

Our goal is to help you purchase your home at a fair price so you can feel good about the purchase you’ve made. Here are some of our tips to help you navigate the process as a buyer with as little stress as possible:


Create an Attractive Offer
In a multiple offer situation you will need to be prepared to act quickly and there are a few things you can do to make your offer more attractive. (1) Make sure to have mortgage pre-approval before the process begins. We can share that information with the seller’s agent so they can be assured that your offer is serious (2) Put your best foot forward…offer whatever you are comfortable paying for that property as you may not get the opportunity to consider a counter offer (3) Making a significant down payment also shows your level of commitment to the purchase of the property.

There are other elements to consider such as possession dates and home inspections but those are specific to the property being considered and your personal situation and motivation for purchasing. That is where we can guide you in the process.


Don’t be discouraged!
While we usually know when we are dealing with multiple offers, we can’t know what those offers will be or how badly someone else wants that home!  Remember it’s a not a competition to win and there is no winning if you pay more than you really wanted to. We know it can be a frustrating process at times but patience is a virtue here. Don’t be discouraged if the first one doesn’t go in your favour, it isn’t the end of the process until we find you the right house!   


Trust your instincts….and your agent

When you find the right home you will know it and you will feel comfortable with the amount you are offering for the property.  If you feel anxiety or pressure to make a decision or to pay more than you’re comfortable with, or can afford, don’t be afraid to walk away!  There will always be another house.

You should be working with a REALTOR® who you trust to have your best interests at heart. It is our job to provide you with all the information that you need to make an informed decision on the purchase of your home.  We’re on your side and we want to get the best result for you.


If you are looking to buy or sell in the Regina area, we are here to help!


Happy House Hunting!

Karin & Jen

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Thinking about condo living…trying to decide if it’s the right lifestyle for you?  Well not that long ago in Regina your choice would have been simply apartment condo or townhouse and now the options are almost limitless! 


There are Apartment condos with surface stalls or underground heated parking, urban or suburban,  entry level & budget friendly or upscale finishing with amenities including optional guest suites, workout centres and car wash facilities,  high rise with rooftop areas ,  3-4 floors with balconies,  or the newest option of condos & mixed use of business and commercial on the lower levels.



Or how about a loft condo in Regina’s trendy Warehouse District where every unit is unique in its style, as above, and every complex has its own individual features.  Or maybe a Townhouse with one or two electrified stalls or a detached garage stall, single or double attached garage, basement or not?   Ok so now that you are completely overwhelmed with the degree of choices available, let’s simplify the process!


There are options in every price point and every area of Regina so first things first, we always suggest you start with determining the following 3 factors: 

  1. Budget - don’t forget to include condo fees in your monthly budget!
  2. Needs  - do you have a pet, require secured parking, elevator vs stairs, #bedrooms/baths
  3. Desires  - location(walking distance or proximity to work, near a park, etc), finishing choices, modern vs traditional, deck/balcony  or rooftop area

Once we know those 3 things we can put together a list of all of options currently available and start to narrow down the choices.  It can be difficult enough for buyers to sort through all of the listed units let alone all of the new construction projects in various stages of the build but we stay on top off the new developments so it’s our job to provide you with the details of all of the options, resale or new, that fit your three criteria.

That being said, sometimes budget changes when you’re not finding things you like in the set price range and also sometimes some of non-negotiable needs suddenly become negotiable when staying within budget in the most important priority!  


If you are thinking about a condo or a new home  and need help navigating the process and all of the options available, give us a call!   We are the team in Regina that can help you make the right move.


Happy Condo Shopping!

Karin & Jen



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