Posted on
March 26, 2020
by
W2 Realty Team
Mind Management may just be as important as hand washing right now as we are all just trying to find normal while self-isolating and working from home. Check out these tips to help you manage anxiety & to help promote postive metal health......we hope you find these tips helpful!
- Protect your mind & your attitude by taking just 5 minutes in the morning and journalling…..we find that writing down even just 5 things that you are grateful for helps to start your day off right! Now's the time to follow pages that provide positive thoughts and articles everyday ...we can't possibly get too much of that right now! Check out one like Marc and Angel Hack Life for daily inspriration.
- Try to maintain normal sleep patterns and daily schedules as much as possible. When we can maintain some of our regular habits, it’s helps us to feel as normal as possible. If you are having trouble sleeping there are a number Apps like "Calm" that be can be helpful.
- Limit your exposure to news and social media if you find it all overwhelming….and who doesn’t honestly! It’s good to be informed of course, but too much information can cause undue anxiety & fear. Consider turning off your notifications for the time being!
- Make time for exercise of some kind every day…even if it’s just a walk around the block to get fresh air. Most gyms are now providing online training so check with yours & there are loads of full length videos available on YouTube so you can work out at home. Active by PopSugar Fitness has provided a free link to al of their workouts....from beginner to advanced, with or without equipment and all types and duration options!
- Lighten up on what you watch….comedies and even mindless TV shows are ok right now to give your mind a break. There are so many steaming options available with loads of content & even some our old favourites on syndicated TV like Friends, Big Bang Theory & Rules of Engagement are on daily marathons right now!
- Stay in touch with friends and family "virtually" or by phone just to check in ….both for them and you! We may be self-isolating but we don’t have to feel isolated because we have the gift of technology that allows us to easily connect!
If you need help, there are resources available, so please reach out! The Saskatchewan Health Care Administration has tools available for you to check out on their website.
Be kind to yourself…and others ….everyone deals with things differently! And you know what, if you don’t feel like keeping up with some things right now it’s ok…we’re all in the same boat and we will all get through this together!
We’re here, working at home for the time being, and we’re always available if you have questions about what’s happening in Regina's real estate market so feel free to connect with us ….we’re happy to hear from you!
Email: info@w2realtyteam.com
~ Karin & Jen
Posted on
March 16, 2020
by
W2 Realty Team
Posted in
buying, buying a home, househunting, real estate, realtor, REALTOR®, regina, regina, sask, to do list, yqr
If you are thinking of buying a home for the first time or if you have been out of the market for awhile, there are a lot of things to consider before you start home shopping!
Here is our list of to-do’s to get the process started:
Get pre-approved and decide on budget!
Book an appointment with your lender or mortgage broker to discuss your plans before you even start seriously viewing properties. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a house only to find out that it doesn’t fit your budget.
Knowing the price point of properties you are pre-approved for helps us to narrow the search so we are showing you homes that will fall into the right range.
Your lender will need your employment/salary info and the full picture of your financial situation so they can best advise you as far as price range. Having all of the paper work done in advance will save you time & make the final approval process run more smoothly when it comes time for an offer. They will also guide you as far as the amount of your down payment and what is required for your mortgage.
Know the Costs Involved
There is more to consider than just the purchase price of a home. You need to factor in property taxes, utilities, and condo fees where applicable. Your monthly costs are important to know to determine not just how much you can afford, meaning your pre-approved budget, but how much you are comfortable allocating to home expenses.
There are also costs that go along with making the purchase including your home inspections, legal fees, and land titles transfer fees and the deposit portion of your down payment. With the possible exception of property taxes depending on how you pay those, these expenses are all out of pocket, meaning you have to have the cash accessible as they can’t be rolled into your mortgage.
There are a number of great apps that can help you calculate those expenses so you have an idea of the numbers in advance.
Create your “wants & needs” list
Make a list of what things you want in your next home and what areas appeal to you. Do you love entertaining and the space must have a gourmet kitchen & open concept living spaces? Do you have school age children and the school district is of the utmost importance? Do you have pets and a fenced yard or access to park space/walking paths is a must? Is it number of bedrooms/bathrooms that are most important….or a master bedroom with separate ensuite bath perhaps? Do you want to be able to walk or bike to work so proximity is a priority? Whatever the things are that matter to you most are the starting point for the house hunting process and that all helps us to choose the best possibilities to begin with. Your time is valuable so we ant to be sure that we are choosing the best houses to fit your wants and needs. Of course some compromise is inevitable but we want to help you find the home that checks off the most boxes!
Why Hire a Realtor®?
Because we understand the local market and have the tools and knowledge to guide you through the process, from the first home viewing to the day you take possession of your new home. We negotiate with the sellers agent on your behalf and liaison with your lender, lawyer, home inspectors, appraisers etc and make your home purchase as seamless as possible for you. Simply put we are your advocate!
If you are ready to start looking for your first home, your dream home or even just looking to make a change we are here to help you make the right move.
If you have questions about anything real estate, whether it’s buying, selling or looking to build a new home we have answers!
Happy Home Shopping!
Karin & Jen
Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team
Posted on
March 11, 2020
by
W2 Realty Team
Hawkstone Village is a 2 storey townhouse condominium complex located in Regina's NW development, Hawkstone, close to schools, shopping and services. Hawkstone Village, is a partnership project with Varsity & Gilroy Homes and has the benefit of a builder/developer team with over 30 years’ experience in custom home building in Regina. They have a solid reputation for the quality of their product, and it shows in this project! We, the W2 Team, are happy to represent this project.
The 1023 sq ft 2 storey townhouses, with undeveloped basement space, are now starting at $240,000 (including GST). You can customize your own unit with a choice of preset colour combination & upgrade options based on your personal taste and budget, and If you require a quick possession we have designed some great units that are move-in ready!
You can check out the available move-in ready listings linked below:
Our Hawkstone Village Listings
The 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath units have great standard finishes including carpet & linoleum (upgrade options for laminate & tile), shaker style cabinets in 3 colours, 2 choices of lighting packages, blinds package included,a $3200 appliance credit so ou can choose your own, as well as upgrade options for central air conditioning & granite countertops.
One electrified parking stall is included with the option to purchase a 2nd stall.
The Hawkstone Village show suite is located at 3469 Elgaard Drive, facing Rochdale Boulevard, weekends 1-5PM or you can call to schedule an appointment for viewing!
For more information contact us at:
info@W2realtyteam.com
Follow us on Facebook:
Hawkstone Village Townhouses
You can also check out more details & the unit floorplan at:
HawkstoneVillage.com
Happy home shopping!
Karin & Jen
Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team
Posted on
February 13, 2020
by
W2 Realty Team
Posted in
listing agent, real estate, realtors, REALTOR®, regina, regina real estate, regina,saskatchewan, selling tips, selling your home, staging your home, yqr
Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for sale:
Setting the right price and making a great first impression are essential in attracting buyers, but what else should you be doing to prepare for selling your home? Here are some great tips to give you the best chance at selling more quickly and with the best result!
1. Decide on a listing date and make a plan of attack:
Decide when you would like to have your house on the market and then make a list of things that need to be done prior to listing (we have listed some of those items below). Then set a reasonable time to complete those tasks! Let your REALTOR® know what your goal date is and they can help keep you on track by checking in on progress!
2. Have a second set of eyes & an objective opinion:
You know that project that has never been quite completed….the paint that was never touched up? We have a tendency to overlook imperfections in our own homes because we are so used to seeing them every day.
However, prospective buyers will see every little thing that needs to be done! Invite a friend or your REALTOR® over and have them give you honest & objective feedback about your house – inside and out. They may notice things you've never even thought of. Those items will become your to-do list before listing your house.
Remember, you want buyers to focus on all the great features of your home and not the little things that are un-done.
3. Treat your home like an asset:
Selling your home can be a very emotional process and you need to be fully committed to selling. Once you’ve decided you’re all in, start thinking of your home as an asset....a business transaction.
We understand how important your home is to you, and we are here to make sure you stay on track with your goal!
Part of the business of selling also means working to accommodate showings. We know, it's not always convenient to show your home, but you will want to work around the schedule of potential buyers, as much as possible.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to have as few showings as possible! In a perfect world, one of those first prospective buyers will put in an offer so you sell quickly. All of the work and preparation you do in advance of listing & showings, will pay off!
4. Declutter:
Have you seen those pictures of living rooms in magazines…..they look fantastic, don't they? There's a couch, a chair, a couple of tables, window treatments, and just minimal décor items on tables and the walls.
Now take a look around your home. It might be your living room or your bedroom… how much stuff does your space have in it compared to the picture in the magazine? We recommend taking photos on your phone and seeing what you see theough that persepective …we get so used to living in our space we don’t realize what it really looks like to others.
We’re not saying your home needs to look like a show home, but rather the premise is to simplify. You want to showcase your house, not your stuff.
For every piece of furniture, ask yourself if it adds to the overall feeling over your home or not. If it doesn't, eliminate it if possible. Think of it as pre-move purging....everything in your home is being removed at some point anyway, so you're really just getting a head start.
Now is the time to consider a garage sale or any of the online apps that can help you sell those items before listing your home!
5. To Stage or not to Stage:
There's a good chance that your furniture has been arranged the same way for a long time. And that's fine – it could absolutely be the best way to showcase your home. But there might be a different way to style your house that you've never thought of.
If you have rooms that don’t seem to have a defined purpose, give them one….home office, home gym etc. There are lots of great local professionals who can come in a for a few hours and give you a plan using your own things, and eliminating those items that don’t service a purpose.
When it comes to "staging" for showings, think of fresh white towels and throw rugs in your bathrooms. Keep them in the closet, and when you have a showing throw your old ones in the hamper and put the new ones out. Consider putting fresh flowers out as well. We know people aren’t buying your things but a home that shows well makes a difference to a potential buyer….it really does!!
6. Paint:
Freshly painted rooms look fresh & clean. Every little mark or scratch that have added up over the years will disappear, and your walls will once again look like new. Stick to neutral colors that have mass appeal!
Do you have kids who have their bedrooms painted with bold crazy colors? Yes, unfortunately it’s time for those colours to go.
Remember this is not just your home anymore, it's an asset… and even though paint is the easiest thing to change, potential buyers are mentally keeping track of the things they will need to do when they move in, and sometimes they just can’t look past peacock blue….no matter how much you love it!
Also – while you're painting, consider different window treatments in some of the main rooms. They don't need to be expensive, even nice 2″ white blinds will go a long way to freshen up a room.
7. Curb Appeal Matters:
You only get one shot at a first impression! Have you ever been excited to see a home based on photos but the reality when you pull up in front is completely different? The lawn doesn’t look great, the paint on the trim is peeling, siding is missing etc. That first impression sets the tone for what is beyond the front door, so it really does matter! Take the time to touch up the trim, paint the front door, garage door and stain the deck & fence if necessary, replace sod, add flowers to the front step, get fresh mulch for flower beds, and wash the windows…the view from the inside out matters as well. It’s worth taking the time on a couple of weekends to take care of the details outside because that’s what creates interest to see the inside! Like it or not people really do judge a book by its’ cover.
8. Plan for showing requests:
When that text comes for a showing, we know it is both exciting and anxiety causing! It seems like the timing is always terrible….your house is a mess, and you only have an hour to make it presentable and get the family out. We get it! This is why you need to have a plan! At this point, hopefully you've already de-cluttered and everything should have a place to get it out of site. For you own sanity, furniture and decor should be kept staged as much as possible at all times now…we know sometimes that is easier said than done but having a goal is a good thing! So now what is left to do? Before you go to bed at night or leave for work in the morning…….
- Clean all dishes and put them away, or at least in the dishwasher!
- Make your beds…and throw those cute toss cushions on for effect
- Put all clothes in dressers, on hangers or in covered hampers. Try not to have clothes in the washer or dryer, those strangers in your house are likely to open the washer and dryer.
- Vacuum or swiffer your floors.
- Wipe down all counters, sinks and appliances.
- Have clean unused linens on hand. Keep them folded up in a chest or dresser, and pull them out to place in the kitchen and bathrooms when you have a showing scheduled.
- Make sure your home smells great always...it really has an impact on buyers!
- Turn on nice ambient music if you are home prior to showings.
- Tuck everything that isn’t pretty on the counters into a basket and under the sink in the kitchen and baths. 10. Plan to be out of the house about 30 minutes before the requested showing time ...and take Fido with you if possible! If an appointment is scheduled for 11:00am for example, prepare for them to be running 15 minutes ahead, or behind, and schedule accordingly. Allow 30 minutes for showings when planning your schedule.
Note: Just before listing, consider hiring professional cleaners to come in and do a complete deep clean and then you just have to do daily maintenance while the home is listed.
9. Price right from the start!:
When a house is first listed, it will have its highest level of interest during those first few weeks so it’s important to price strategically. Sellers often think they should start high and reduce if it doesn’t sell, but that can result in a slower sale, and sometimes for a lower price. Pricing too high can send a signal that you are not serious about selling.
When your home is new on the market you want to generate as much buzz and enthusiasm as possible.
If you follow the steps above, have great photos, and price appropriately, you will definitely get that buzz!
One last note:
Try to be flexible with showings and do your best to prepare for them and make them work! We know it’s not always convenient but remember the goal is to sell your home sooner than later.
If you have questions about the value of your home or the selling process in general, we are here to help! Contact us for more information at info@w2realtyteam.com
Karin & Jen
Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team
Posted on
February 5, 2020
by
W2 Realty Team
Ready to file your 2019 tax return? If you sold your home last year or are planning to sell in 2020, we want to make sure you understand the rules about reporting the sale of your home!
What are the tax rules about principal residences?
The new rules were introduced in October 2016 and they changed the reporting requirements concerning the sale of your principal residence.
Before 2016, if you sold your principal residence, you did not have to report the sale on your income tax return, but now it is a requirement.
What do I need to do as a homeowner?
The good news is that you still don’t have to pay capital gains taxes when you sell your principal residence (provided you’re a Canadian resident and otherwise satisfy certain requirements under the new rules). But now, you need to include some details about the sale of your home on your tax return.
You’ll need to provide the year you purchased your principal residence, address and sale price.
The form to use is included in your tax package (Schedule 3 of your tax return). There has also been a change to the way non-residents calculate the length of time they’ve owned their principal residence.
What is a principal residence?
According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), a “principal residence” is any residence ordinarily inhabited by you or a family member in the applicable year.
There’s no need to live in the property for the entire year, and even short periods of time during the year (like vacations) can meet theh criteria. Your principal residence doesn’t even have to be in Canada, but only one dwelling can be a principal residence at a time, and you can decide which dwelling it will be.
If you sell a property that you haven’t designated as your principal residence, you must report half of any capital gains from the sale and pay tax on them.
So why are there new rules anyway?
The new rules were designed to close a loophole. In theory, the change to the way property owners calculate the number of years they owned a property should hypothetically reduce the number of foreign investors and "house-flippers" who previously avoided paying capital gains taxes on the sale of residential real estate by claiming their properties as their principal residences.
The reporting requirements also let the CRA monitor compliance with the rules, to ensure that only those entitled to the “PRE” Principal Residence Exemption, can use it.
What happens if I don’t report?
If you don’t, you may be liable for capital gains on the sale, plus late charges and interest. The penalty is $100 per month for each month you’re late, to a maximum of $8,000.
So the bottom line is, when you sell your principal residence you will need report it on your tax filing for that tax year.
Here is a link to CRA and information on:
Reporting the Sale of Your Principal Residence
Of course, we recommend you consult an income tax expert to ensure you follow the proper procedures and receive advice based on your specific situation.
We hope you find this information helpful!
~ Karin & Jen
Your Proven YQR Real Estate Team
Posted on
December 6, 2019
by
W2 Realty Team
Posted in
advice, buying a home, divorce & real estate, how to, legal advice, mortgage broker, real estate, realtors, REALTOR®, regina, regina, Saskatchewan, selling a home, yqr
Did you know that divorce ranks as life’s second most stressful event?
Decisions over what to do with the family home and who is going where, create some of the most challenging conversations between couples who are parting ways.
Beyond the emotional ties to a family home, shared real estate comes with its own legal issues that need to be sorted out before the dust can settle, and you can both move on. It’s certainly more complicated than simply dividing up the furniture, TV’s and wall art.
However, with 38% of all Canadian marriages ending in divorce, you’re not alone in this and there are industry experts, who have been there too and understand the emotions & the difficult decisions to be made.
We are here to help you navigate the process and answer all of the questions you may have, and while it will likely never be easy, we believe that working with a team who has experience will make it less challenging for you. Or ideally, that’s our goal for you!
We have years of experience working with clients going through this super stressful time in their lives and our job as REALTORS® is to be a neutral 3rd party with the clear & simple goal in mind, of helping you move on with your lives.
Through our video series, W2 Talks: Divorce & Real Estate, we’re tackling some of the questions you may have, with help from professionals in the field, including a mortgage broker & family law attorney.
The Legal Aspect:
No matter who you contact first in the process, ultimately the financial details of your separation will dictate how you move forward, so a formal separation agreement will be paramount. To discuss the legal aspect of Separation/Divorce and how that impacts your decisions regarding your family home & what options you have, we were joined by
Foster Weisgerber, McDougall Gauley LLP, who shares his thoughts on where you should start.
When it comes to deciding what your next move is, there will be lots of questions….can I purchase another property right away, what can I afford….where do I even start with financing a new home? It’s usually the case that one or both spouses want to keep the house, but the real question is if either one of them can afford to do so on their own.
Of course, there are lots of good reasons to keep the family home if possible:
- You have children and want to maintain the stability of the home.
- The house is in an ideal location and near your work, family, and friends.
- The market conditions aren’t ideal to sell.
- You bought the house recently and haven’t had time to build equity.
The financial feasibility of that decision will come down to your specific situation and that’s where your lawyer & mortgage broker will help to guide you.
Mortgage & Financing:
When the time comes, the sale of your home or the purchase of a new home requires teamwork between your REALTOR® and your mortgage expert/lender. To help answer those questions and more, we were joined by Candice Carr from TMG: The Mortgage Group.
Our Closing Thoughts
Whether we, as REALTORS®, are your first point of contact or somewhere later in your process, we will be here with you through every step to help find you a new space to call home …and we will help to ensure you have access to all of the information & guidance you need as you move onto a new chapter in your life!
If you have any questions, general or specific to your situation, and would like to reach out for more information regarding your options, you can confidentially contact any of us with the details below, and your information will remain private.
If you would like to reach out to Foster for more information:
Email: fweisgerber@mcdougallgauley.com
To reach Candice, you can call or email her at:
Phone: (306) 531-6880
Email: Candice@CandiceCarr.ca
We hope this information is helpful to you & please share with anyone you think could benefit from these resources!
Best,
Karin & Jen
Email: info@W2RealtyTeam.com
Posted on
September 10, 2019
by
W2 Realty Team
We were recently discussing pricing with a client and heard the words we have heard many times before……
” I would like to list my home at this amount and we need this amount out of it".
If only it were that simple, we would make it happen exactly that way! Unfortunately our job is to be objective and to provide the best advice we can to help put you in the best position to sell your home, not just to tell you what you want to hear.
It's so important to work with a REALTOR® that you trust has your best interests in mind and then to work together as a team to get the best result for you!
The process of determining a list price for a property requires consideration of a number of factors including:
1. Recent comparables (Active listings but more importantly recent Sales)
2. Market conditions
3. Specific Location (Neighbourhood, Large lot, Backing Greenspace, Proximity to Schools & Services, etc)
4. Condition and Features of the property
While we are always mindful of what a client needs or wants to see from the sale of their home, that can’t be the primary factor in pricing, but rather the deciding factor as to whether or not you want to sell at any given time. And keep in mind that your agent wants you to get the highest number possible for your home as well!
This is where it’s helpful to understand the process and trust the guidance your agent is giving you in regards to pricing.
Market Value is, simply put, what someone is willing to pay for a property on any given day, but overpricing can result in potential buyers overlooking the property completely because it falls outside their range. So rather than presenting an offer and finding some middle ground, they may eliminate it from their list of possibilities altogether.
So when is the best time to buy or sell…..whenever you need to or decide it’s time for a change! You never know who might be looking for a house or condo exactly like yours today and people move at all times of the year.
Of course, if you are a buyer today, there are lots of options for you!
If you need help determining the value of your home or if you would like to see what is in the market that might be of interest to you as a buyer, we’re here to help!
For any questions feel free to email us at info@w2realtyteam.com
Karin & Jen
Your Proven #YQR Real Estate Team
JC REALTY REGINA || 2241 Albert Street || Regina, SK
Posted on
March 15, 2018
by
W2 Realty Team
A professional home inspection is generally a standard condition of your real estate purchase when you are buying a home and it's a super important part of the process! There are a few normal maintenance items that come up regularly in inspections so as a seller it’s a great idea to address these issues prior to listing and help to make that part of the sale process go smoothly! Here are a few items of note:
- Furnace Maintenance & Service including regular changing of filters - Mechanical service is generally recommended every 12-24 months depending on the age of the furnace and cost will vary depending the extent of service & provider. Furnace filters should be changed often & length of time depends on the filter & your home environment i.e. if you have pets, etc. To simplify the process we recommend buying the 4 pack and change them quarterly on the 1st of the month…then it’s easy to remember January/April/July/October.
- Water Heater maintenance - the regularity of service depends on the type of water heater but chances are if you have never had it serviced, you should!! Our Regina water is tough on our water heaters for sure and if you rent your heater, regular service should likely be part of your contract. If not call any qualified plumber to help you out!
- Proper Grading - this comes up more often than not because of ground or concrete settling near the foundation of your home. One of the biggest culprits of water issues in basements is improper grading so It’s super important that water runs away from your foundation. One of the simplest remedies is making sure that extensions on your downspouts are suitable …and at this time of year it’s the one thing you can address, as well as moving all of that snow away from the foundation walls. Once it has melted you want to be sure that the ground level is taking water away from the foundation and it may require topping up the soil levels to accomplish that. If you’re not handy in that regard of course we have great landscape companies in Regina that can help out and make sure you get the right product to address the issue!
If you have questions about the process of buying or selling a home we are happyy to help and don't hesitate to ask...you can contact us at info@w2realtyteam.com
We are your Trusted Regina real estate team and we are here to help you make the right move!
For more information check out our website w2realtyteam.com
Happy House Hunting!
Karin & Jen
Posted on
May 9, 2016
by
W2 Realty Team
Welcome to 110 Aspen Village Drive, Emerald Park!
This spacious foyer invites you into a spectacular Emerald Park custom built walkout that is situated on a pie shaped lot backing the 18th tee of Aspen Links Golf Course.
The 3318 square foot home, with 10' ceilings on the main floor, features a gourmet kitchen with butcher block counters, double ovens, induction cooktop, & large island with separate beverage & wine fridges. The main floor office features Torlys leather flooring with the rest of the main floor completed with engineered hardwood& Italian ceramic tile. The entire house showcases upgraded lighting fixtures specifically accentuating each room.
The 2nd floor boasts 5 bedrooms, including two jack & jill bathrooms with double vanities as well as an additional den or a perfect playroom! The master bedroom is a 2 level spa like retreat with his & hers glass shower, soaker tub, & dual vanities with
in-floor heating. His and Her closet areas are accessed via circular stairs, and an extra large window in the master provides an outstanding view of green space & Regina’s city lights at night.
The developed walk-out basement features a large rec room, rough in for a wet bar, bedroom with walk-in closet and direct access to bathroom. This home is also equipped with a smart phone capable thermostat with zoned heating system. The oversized windows, throughout, flood the home with loads of natural light while the covered 3-sided veranda provides summer shade. Professional landscape plan includes in-ground sprinkler system with over 75 shrubs & trees planted. This home is perfect for the growing family and truly must be seen to be appreciated! Priced at $1,091,000
Check out the fantastic virtual tour to see all this home has to offer!
http://youtu.be/bU5DTkFVwi4
Contact us for more information or to schedule a viewing of this beautiful home
Happy House Shopping!
Karin & Jen
Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team
Posted on
June 24, 2015
by
W2 Realty Team
There are a lot of moving parts in the purchase of a home and assembling a good team that you are happy working with is really important! Of course finding an agent to work with to help you find that home is the first thing you may think about but the “team” also consists of a mortgage broker, home inspector and a real estate lawyer. We can help guide you through that process of prurcahsing in the Regina area and refer you to great qualified people in those industries as well.
1. First things first, we always recommend that our clients meet with their lender or mortgage broker to discuss the process and obtain pre-approval, for two reasons:
(1) We want to show you properties that not only meet your wants & needs but also fit your budget. So knowing what that number is before you start the process allows us to focus on the right options for you.
(2) Having pre-approval and a mortgage broker who knows that you are actively in the process of house hunting will help to make the official financing approval more seamless when you have an accepted offer on a property. It is standard to have a condition to your offer to allow a time period for financing approval and the time required is reduced when your broker has a head start!
You may choose to deal directly with your bank and their mortgage professionals or choose to deal with a mortgage broker. Think of a mortgage broker as a matchmaker….they match up homebuyers and lenders and find the best option for you based on your specific situation. If you choose a mortgage broker, you work directly with them and they act as an intermediary between you and the lender.
2. We always recommend a professional home inspection be completed on the home you are potentially purchasing so you have the peace of mind of knowing what things you may need to address in the short or long term and can plan for those items in the future.
A home inspection is an objective, professional examination to visually assess a homes’ interior & exterior features and systems. The purpose is to provide the client with a better understanding of the property conditions, as observed at the time of the inspection. The report you receive identifies not only the positive aspects of the home, but points out the defects or repairs (major or minor) that you may not have been aware of. This provides you with the opportunity to budget for those repairs or upgrades and to make an educated decision on the final purchase of the home based on that information provided. Knowledge is power!
3. Choosing a lawyer is the final step in your home purchase process. It's essential to have a lawyer handle all the various legal documents involved in the purchase of a home and we recommend choosing a professional who is experienced in real estate law. We can help you with referrals and get an estimate of all the legal costs you can expect including the land titles transfer fees which are standard in any home purchase.
The good news is that when you work with a realtor to purchase your new home we help coordinate and facilitate the transaction from the showings & offer process, the home inspection, and providing all documentation to your mortgage broker/lender and lawyer. We are with you from the beginning of your house hunt until move-in day! Our goal is to help make your home purchase a simple and enjoyable activity.
If you are starting the process of looking for a home or condo in the Regina area, and have questions, whether it is new or resale, we are here to help.
Happy House Hunting!
Karin & Jen
Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team
Posted on
March 13, 2015
by
W2 Realty Team
We know that Regina has had high inventory over the past year, it is good to see on a whole that Canada is holding their own despite our bit of a slowdown. All good news.
Check out this article via the Financial Post for a current update!
As always, happy house hunting!
Jen & Karin
#yqr #realestate #reginarealestate #housingprices
http://business.financialpost.com/2015/03/13/canada-home-prices-across-country-rise-despite-slowdown-in-prairies/#__federated=1
Posted on
February 24, 2015
by
W2 Realty Team
Welcome to 4505 2nd Avenue in the De Marco Pointe Townhomes Project...the last unit available in this great complex!
Regina’s De Marco Pointe Townhome project graces the edge of the established neighborhood of Rosemont. Adjacent to Lewvan Drive, the location provides quick access to all of Regina’s NW amenities & city center, while being within walking distance of local parks and shopping.
The De Marco Point Townhome floorplans feature a spacious welcoming entry with large windows allowing an abundance of natural light to accentuate the open concept living space. The well designed kitchen includes lots of cabinet space, a furniture style movable island with eating bar, built in pantry unit and a stainless steel range hood.
The 3 bedroom two-storey plans offer a master bedroom with 3 piece ensuite, walk-in master closet and a large second floor laundry conveniently located close to the additional 2 bedrooms. Ample storage space is a feature in all rooms.
Every townhome features upgraded cabinetry, lighting, plumbing fixtures and floor coverings and central air conditioning as a value added feature.
De Marco Pointe Townhomes offer an attractive and low maintenance exterior with a private rear deck surrounded by a park like yard, individual attached insulated and dry walled garage and private driveway for additional parking.
The homes include full basements and superior building techniques, with high efficient furnaces, triple pane windows, R50 attic insulation and on demand water heaters. One of the best features of all the townhome units is the enhanced soundproofing provided between each adjoining home for more privacy.
Take a virtual tour of the units below to get an idea of the space...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKxr7dmlogU&feature=youtu.be
Quality construction and finishing as well as a high standard of customer service are the hallmark of Westridge Homes & Construction and we are proud to represent this project!
Now only one unit remains! The former show suite is completely developed with spacious basement rec room and storage space and is upgraded to granite throughout with stainless steel appliances and blinds included! Contact us for more details and to schedule a showing of this great unit now priced at $339,900 including GST.
Karin & Jen
Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team, helping make the right move!
Posted on
February 20, 2015
by
W2 Realty Team
Welcome to 5112 Aviator Crescent!
Check out this brand new beautiful Regina bungalow built by award winning Westridge Homes, located in Harbour Landing. The high level quality of both construction specifications and finishing detail is the hallmark of this builder. Building the foundation on piles is a construction standard for Westridge Homes, as are many elements that surpass industry standards.
This bungalow boasts nearly 3000 square feet of developed space. The 4 bedroom plus den(2 bedrooms up & 2 additional on lower level) floorplan features an entry and living area with 11 foot ceilings and 9 feet throughout the rest of the main level. The main level living area features hardwood floors and a gas fireplace.
The spacious kitchen is open to the dining and living areas and features quartz countertops, glass tile backsplash, upgraded pendant lighting, stainless range hood, loads of cabinets & pantry as well as a functional island with eating bar.
The main level includes a lovely master retreat that fetaures large ensuite bathroom with connecting walk in closet, 2 additonal bedrooms and a den/home office space.
The main level is rounded out with a spacious mudroom/laundry area with direct entry to the double attached garage which has been insulated and drywalled.
Do you love to entertain or need space for your kids to hang out? This fully developed basement, which has been spray foam insulated, has a large open multi-purpose recreation room with a wet bar area. The basement also features two additional bedrooms with walk in closets and a 3 piece bathroom with shower.
The exterior features a covered deck with Duradek surface that is sunroom ready! The yard will be graded and made ready for your development to your personal preferences so you can enjoy Summer 2015 in your new space. There is laneway access to the back yard allowing for RV parking for your toys!
This home is a pleasure to show and the quality is evident from the time you walk through the front door. Well priced at $584,900 you can make 5112 Aviator Crescent in Regina your new home today….just pack your bags!
Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment to view. We are your Proven Regina real estate team and we are here to help you make the right move!
Happy Home Shopping!
Karin & Jen
Posted on
January 29, 2015
by
W2 Realty Team
Have you ever wondered if an Infill project is right for you? Check out this lot at 1920 Athol Street!
Infill development and the movement towards higher density housing in more desirable inner city locations is a growing trend that stretches beyond Regina and in fact most major cities are experiencing growth in this particular segment of the real estate market. It gives people the opportunity to build a new home in a developed neighbourhood usually close to the desired amenities of neighbourhood schools, shopping and restaurants as well as easy access to downtown.
That is the case of this listing, a lot located in Regina’s desirable Cathedral area where many new projects have been built and are in progress. In fact this lot is surrounded by either new homes or homes that have been significantly renovated. Also, many Regina and area builders now have standard plans to fit these 25’ infill lots and many of those plans include basement development with separate entrance regulation suites.
So whether you are looking to build a home for yourself or a revenue opportunity….or a combination of both consider this lot on Athol Street in Regina for your new home project! We can even help match you up with the right builder for your project so if you have any questions about this property or any listing, we are here to help!
Happy Home Shopping!
Karin & Jen
Your Trusted Regina Real Estate Team
Posted on
January 26, 2015
by
W2 Realty Team
Posted in
buying a home, home, home selling tips, Real estate, realtors, REALTOR®, regina, regina, regina, Saskatchewan, selling a home, selling tips, selling your home, yqr
The New Year brings thoughts of change and whether you are purchasing a new home that requires extensive renovations or you just have a room in your existing home that could use an update, good planning helps to keep you focused and may also help you avoid costly mistakes. Yes we have all likely purchased that piece of furniture because it was fabulous and we had to have it….only to find it was not really comfortable or really didn’t fit in the room! Oops ;-)
This article from Houzz has some great tips to help you in the process and might just inspire you to action!
9 Planning Musts Before You Start a Makeover:
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in the Regina area and have questions, we are here to help you make the right move!
Happy Shopping!
Karin & Jen
We are your Proven Regina Real Estate Team
Posted on
January 3, 2015
by
W2 Realty Team
Welcome to 1941 Montague Street...our Featured Property of the Week! Move-in ready and priced well at $225,000.
This charming starter home is move-in ready and located within walking distance to Regina's Cathedral area grocery stores, shops & restaurants, parks, and easy access to downtown and Lewvan Drive. The main level features a 3-season porch, living/dining room and kitchen leading out to a large cedar deck and fenced yard, perfect for summer entertaining! The upper level includes 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom. Room for up to 3 parked vehicles via the laneway at rear.
This home has received extensive renovations/upgrades from 2008-2014 including:
Exterior
- New cedar siding on exterior with new eaves & downspouts installed
- Exterior walls and attic filled with blown-in insulation
- Entire South wall of basement re-poured with concreteNew exterior stairs at front of house
- 20 x 18 cedar deck built off the back of the house
- All new energy efficient windows and exterior doors
- Fence at back and 10x10 shed - Spring 2012
Interior
- New High Efficiency Furnace
- New interior doors, casing, baseboards
- Some upgraded electrical with new breaker box
- New washer and dryer
- Sump pump
- Baseboards and crown moldings in living roomHardwood refinished and/or installed throughout
- Fridge stove, microwave, back splash, kitchen sink
- Sink, bathtub, shower, tub surround, 6-litre toilet installed in bathroom
- Fresh paint throughout
Short possession is available so you can kick off the New Year by making this lovely Cathedral classic your new home! Check out the listing details & contact us for more information and to schedule a viewing:
w2realtyteam.com
If you are looking to make a move in the Regina area, we are your Proven Regina real estate team and we are here to help with all of your real estate needs.
Happy House Hunting!
Karin & Jen
Posted on
November 30, 2014
by
W2 Realty Team
If you are on the hunt for a new condo in the Regina area there are a lot of choices out there but you have to be sure you are comparing apples to apples in terms of building specs and finishing quality! Those two items affect pricing and also the long term value of your purchase!
Hawkstone Village has the benefit of a builder/developer with 30 years’ experience in custom home building in Regina and a solid reputation for the quality of their product, and it shows in this project! We, your Trusted Regina Real Estate team, are happy to represent this project on behalf of Varsity & Gilroy Homes.
Standard units now start at $255,000 including one electrified parking stall, Hunter Douglas blinds package and $3200 appliance credit. Great upgrade options available including granite, laminate & tile flooring and central A/C. And you can choose one of the units we have prefinished or customize your own and choose your own colour scheme. You don't have to sacrifice style at Hawkstone Village.
Short possessions are available so you can just pack your bags and move-in!
Come and check out the project …our show suite is open weekends 2-4PM or by appointment.
3469 Elgaard Drive, facing Rochdale Boulevard.
www.w2realtyteam.com
www.hawkstonevillage.ca
If you need answers or help navigating your home purchase process, we are here to help you make the right move!
Happy Home Shopping!
Jen & Karin
Posted on
September 18, 2014
by
W2 Realty Team
Here's just another perspective on the state of the Regina real estate market today....it may often weigh in the buyer's favor but to say it's a buyer's market may be too simplistic...it depends on the day and it depends on the property. We have had a number of buyers lately that because of the criteria of their needs & wants there is actually nothing to show them on some days even though we have a high number of listings, so it's not every buyer's market clearly! When there are a high number of listings it creates competition in the market that can affect selling prices so it is more important than ever to be realistic in your listing price and your expectations of the end result. If you are priced properly in the market, the the right buyer will come. Regina real estate is an interesting evolving market and our job is to stay on top of it and make sure we are watching the indicators that can affect our clients whether they are buying or selling.
Here is some interesting insight from the CTV news...
http://youtu.be/VDl6FqdNL9A
and check us out on Global TV below!
Check out our persective in this segment for Global TV......
http://trustedregina.com/blog/post/2014/09/18/Trusted-Regina-Real-Estate-Experts-featured-on-Global-
Regina.aspx
If you are thinking about buying or selling in the Regina area and need some help navigating the process, we are here to help you make the right move! And if you are relocating to another centre we can recommend a great agent to help you on the other end as well.
Happy House Hunting!
Karin & Jen
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