The Ramahi Real Estate Group 780-406-4000

Most people that are selling their property feel that it would be advantageous to hire the services of a good real estate agent. But a large percentage of them also feel that it can be quite challenging to find one that ticks all the boxes. Here are some basic things to keep in view while hiring and working with a real estate agent:

Conduct Some Market Research

It’s important that you carry out some research in your local area. Either walk around or drive through the neighbourhood and keep an eye out for real estate signs (especially ones that have ‘sold’ written on them). Check which agents’ names show up more often on these signs. Many people hire a selling agent based on the recognition the professional has in their community.

Meet with the Agent in Person

Make it a point to walk into open houses in your local area. Pay attention to how the agent deals with potential buyers. It’s also important that you take some time to personally interact with the agent, rather than simply taking a business card and leaving. The aspects to look out for are — a professional attitude and a great personality. Many people find agents at open houses they have attended.

Read Ratings and Reviews Online

Today, it isn’t difficult to find reviews for real estate agents online. Once you have identified a few agents, conduct an online search and read reviews and customer testimonials, check what their ratings are. Read what the agent’s previous clients are saying about the services offered. It’s also important to note the manner in which the agent responds to any negative reviews.

Referrals Are A Great Way to Go

Personal referrals from family members or friends are probably one of the best ways to find a great real estate agent. More than one in five home sellers find agents via referrals from family, friends, colleagues or neighbours.

Meet with Multiple Agents

Interview at least three real estate agents. It’s never a good idea to settle for the first one you come across. A majority of home sellers end up contacting only one agent. However, when you discuss your requirements with multiple agents, it gives you the chance to compare their services, personality, and approach and decide which one you find best suited to your needs. If you have got some referrals, meet with at least three of them and ask them the exact same questions to judge whether you can work with them.

In addition to all these things, it’s also important that you set clear expectations when hiring an agent. Explain what your communication preferences are and make sure the professional is easily accessible as well. Following these basic tips will help you zero in on a real agent that would be a good fit – like us, the Ramahi Real Estate Group!

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in the Edmonton area, for a greater probability of success you need a dedicated professional. We can guide you through the process and be counted on to protect your investment!

If you are planning to sell your home, it is important to hire the right agent. A good agent has the experience that can help you sell your house faster and for a lot more money as well. You can visit online sites, search for good agents in your area and read some of the reviews that they’ve received from older clients. You can then decide whether you want to hire their services or not. Here are a few questions to ask an agent while selling your home:

What Are Your Qualifications?

The agent you hire should have a state license. If they belong to any local real estate trade associations, they will have access to multiple listing services. This means that they would be able to list your home on various sites which will get it the visibility it needs.

How Many Sales Did You Close The Previous Year?

Even though past success doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a quick sale, it does give you some assurance that the professional knows what he/she is doing. Inquiring about the price range the agent has sold other properties is necessary. You need someone who knows exactly what features buyers in that specific income bracket are looking for.

Do You Have Local Real Estate Experience?

Hiring the services of a local real estate professional can prove to be a huge advantage, as they have the knowledge of all upcoming developments and amenities that may have an impact on the value of your home. You will want the services of an agent who knows the market in your neighbourhood. The agent you hire not only has to sell your house but also your neighbourhood as well.

How Do You Zero-In On The Right Listing Price?

The money aspect and your agents negotiating abilities will decide what listing price will work best in the existing market. If your house is priced much above the market rate it just won’t sell and will be a turn-off for potential buyers. Contrastingly if you price it too low you will end up getting far less than what it is actually worth. Make sure that the agent you hire has the solid market knowledge and has handled sales of properties similar to yours in the recent past.

Will I Be Working Directly With You?

It is important for you to know whether you’ll be working with just one specific agent or some member of his team. There are both good and bad aspects to each; for example, if you’re working with a team of agents, it makes the showings a lot easier. However specific requests which are made by the seller may go unnoticed within a team.

How Much Money Is It Going To Cost Me To Sell My Home?

Knowing the costs that you will end up paying for the broker’s commission, closing fees and any other additional expenses can help you plan accordingly. You can also compare one agent’s charges with another.

What Sales Strategy Will You Use?

Every agent should have a written down strategy for how they are going to market your house, from social media to listing services to open houses. Relying on mailers isn’t enough. Consider using the services of an agent that provides professional photography, a custom designed website or even videos.

What Do I Need To Focus On While Readying My House For Sale?

Take their advice and make additional upgrades or repairs, follow other useful hacks they suggest for impactful yet easy-on-the-budget improvements. If they suggest staging, you might want to consider using it. At times, just de-cluttering and cleaning may get the job done.

What Will Be Our Mode Of Communication?

It’s important to ensure that the agent uses the same mode of communication that you prefer. For example, if you prefer a telephonic conversation over texting, the agent you choose should be able to cater to that need. The communication frequency and method between you and the agent are important aspects when it comes to making a successful house sale.

Getting answers to these questions and any other relevant ones, are crucial to the success of your house sale. Start off with a FREE home evaluation!

Purchasing a new house is one of the biggest investments that one makes. It isn’t just an investment of money, but also of time and a lot of effort. Most people end up staying in a house for a minimum of five years, or in some cases for decades and it’s essential to make the right purchase choice.  It is important to look for a house that suits your lifestyle, family and even your budget. Take a look at how you can make the most of your home buying experience.

Buying a Home

Be Patient

Buyers need to be ready to move quickly when they find the house they like. However, it’s far much more important for the buyer to be patient. Agents help you avoid major pitfalls. Real estate professionals state that if you are prepared and know exactly what to expect (even though it is a stressful and intimidating process), you will have no problem in finding the house you like.

Hire an Agent

Hiring an agent to help in the buying process can prove to be extremely helpful. The agent will ensure that there are no problems with the property. These experts are skilled in negotiating house pricing, which helps you get a better deal. Once you get your pre-approval, look for an agent with local knowledge and one you can trust as well.

Location Matters

The location of the house matters a great deal. Some of the aspects to take into account include, proximity to schools and parks, entertainment opportunities, shopping areas etc. Aside from this, it’s important to make sure that the neighbourhood is safe, well-connected, well-maintained, and suits your lifestyle.

Be Aware Of All Costs Involved

Purchasing a house isn’t cheap and you end up paying for insurance, pre-paid taxes, home inspection, title closing fee and mortgage costs to the lender. This is where an experienced realtor comes in handy as buyers don’t always expect the inspection costs, non-homestead taxes or association fees. Many unanticipated problems may surface at the last minute after an inspection which can end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Selling Your Home

Here are some tips on how you can make the most of your home selling experience.

Set a Timeline

Homeowners should set a timeline while selling their house. A lot of people try to sync the sale of their house with a relocation or the purchase of another property. A well-maintained and updated house won’t take long to get sold.

Hire an Experienced Agent

Consider hiring an agent who has the knowledge and experience to sell your house quickly and also make the process as smooth as possible. A local agent familiar with the neighbourhood, has deep knowledge about buying trends. They will conduct a market analysis, survey your house and provide professional photography services as well. These are the types of agents you should be working with.

Know How Much Expense Is Involved

Real estate commission, owners title insurance, transfer tax, current mortgage balance etc. are the different costs associated with a home sale. After an inspection of your house, you may have to spend some money on repairs or give some concessions to the buyer.

Have the Right Home Features

Updated kitchens and bathrooms are what the modern buyers desire. However, they also want the house to be practical and function without any problems. Every home buyer will have very specific requirements while buying a home. Most will look for things like large yards, proximity to schools, extra garage space, well-maintained sidewalks etc. While every property won’t have all these aspects in place, it needs to have at least most of these desired features.

Home Improvement Updates and Fixes

Carrying out small and simple fixes will ensure your house will sell quickly. It’s important to create a good impression on buyers by making sure that your house is spruced up and well-maintained. It is a good idea to get your home staged by a professional. The real estate market is very competitive and you have only one chance to make an impression on buyers.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, one of the best ways to get a great deal is to hire a skilled real estate team like us, the Team Ramahi Real Estate Group! Contact us today to get started on buying or selling in Edmonton. 

Purchasing a home can be quite a complex proposition.  Here we take a look at the steps involved in the home buying process, and what you can do to make it simpler.

1. Deciding To Purchase a Home

You have to make numerous decisions while purchasing a new home. The most important of them being the duration for which you are planning to stay there. It is advised to buy a house only if you are planning to live there for between 2-5 years. In many places, you may find renting to be much more affordable than owning the house.

Aside from mortgage payments, there are many more responsibilities that come with a property purchase such as, paying for insurance, sticking to a budget and also repairs. Consider what reasons are making you more inclined towards buying a home. Tired of renting places and want to have a place of your own? Starting a family? Or trying to make some money in real estate?

2. Checking Out All Your Options

If you are a first-time borrower it isn’t mandatory to make a down payment. However, you will end up saving a considerable amount of money on your mortgage if you choose to make a down payment. Typically, it should be 20% of the price of your house. After evaluating home prices in different areas, you may find some places to be a lot more affordable than others.

Take what experts say into consideration on whether the prices will increase or decrease.  By using a home affordability calculator you can determine how much money you can spend on the purchase. Take a look different mortgage rates and then calculate a few of the basic mortgage options. You can then determine whether the rates will increases or decrease in a couple of years.

If you are confused about whether to opt for a fixed rate or adjustable mortgage rate, speak with a few of the people living in the area that have bought homes in the last few months. Asking them for some advice on some of the challenges they had to face and what tips they can offer may prove to be effective while making your final decision.

3. Get A Mortgage Pre-Approval

First, start off by comparing different mortgage rates online. You can visit websites of online lenders which will help you estimate different mortgage options. You can also evaluate options with a local bank or credit union. A lot of companies offer “pre-qualify” systems that help you estimate what you can afford and what you cant. This is an excellent step for evaluating the different lenders.  However, it isn’t the same as pre-approving. After narrowing down your search to just a couple of lenders, you can then apply for a pre-approved mortgage with each of the companies. Every application causes a drop in your credit score, this is why it’s advisable to apply with moderation.

4. Shop For A Great Home

Compile a list of all the different features that you are looking for in a home, like the number of bedrooms or closets and take this with you every time you visit a house. Looking at different properties each day makes it difficult to differentiate one from the other. Write down notes on every house you visit, this will make it easier for you to make a final decision. Take a note of all places that require repairs and calculate the amount of money it will take you to fix them, this can help when you are negotiating the price of the house.

5. Finalize The Deal

Organize a home inspection, as this is an important step before purchasing a home.  Spending up to $200- 400 on an inspection can bring to light any potentially serious problems in the structure. In fact, you can use the home inspection report to negotiate a better buying price if you are keen on purchasing the property. Evaluate all your homeowner’s warranty and insurance options and look for ones that give you the best deal. Contact your mortgage lender for your final loan approval.

Ensure that all closing documents are in place by getting them reviewed by your attorney or agent. Following these steps is essential to making a smart property purchase. Let us help make your next Real Estate transaction a successful one!

How to Choose the Neighbourhood That Best Suits Your Lifestyle

It is common for first-time home buyers to spend ample time focusing on finding the perfect home, but even an ideal home will be less than perfect if it is not in a great community. Therefore, it’s a good idea for first-time buyers to first invest a bit of energy in searching out the right neighbourhood. Ideally, the local area that is selected will perfectly suit the entire family’s lifestyle, and there are a few factors to consider when narrowing down the options.

The Location of the Community

After buying a new home in a lovely neighbourhood, some people will spend a considerable amount of time enjoying life in their new space. However, all will need to venture out of that small community from time to time. With this in mind, the ideal community is one that is located next to shops, restaurants, medical centers and more that can meet the home buyer’s needs. People will generally enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle when they have access to almost everything needed within a few miles of their home.

The Amenities and Services Available

More than that, the community itself may need to have specific amenities in it. For example, some neighbourhoods have a community center, nature trails, play areas for the kids and other similar amenities. They may also have a far more active community spirit, and the neighbourhood may host parades, picnics, festivals and other local events that can bring residents together. Not all of these are important to all buyers, but some may be far more important than others to certain individuals. Keep in mind that those amenities and services that are not available directly inside the community may be available in the larger community, and the home buyer should consider all of this when deciding where to buy a new home.

The Residents in the Community 

Another point to consider is the general makeup of the community. Some communities may have a quieter ambiance, and this may be more common with more established neighbourhoods that have residents who have lived in the area for years. Other communities may be more appealing to families with younger kids or who are about to start a family, and this may be due to proximity to schools, the kid-friendly amenities in the area and more. Most home buyers will find that they feel more at home living in a community when they choose an area where other residents are in the same general stage of life as they are in.

It can take time to narrow down the choices to find the right community to live in. These factors must all be considered in combination with the type, style and affordability of housing in the community. While some home buyers will search for a neighbourhood on their own, others may find it easier to work with a real estate agent. Ready to learn more about the different type of neighbourhoods in the area that may be most suitable for your needs and preferences? Contact us today!

Selling a home is often harder than what people realize. They often envision that they are going to put their house on the market and within a few days they will have someone that loves their home and wants it for the price that they have listed. That is hardly ever the case. Most people will find that their homes sit on the market for a few months before they find someone interested, and chances are the person is not going to pay the asking price, depending upon how bad they want this home.

For those who are in the process of selling a home, what can you do in order to sell your home faster? Better yet, what can you do that is going to sell this home faster and get you more money for this home? There are several tricks that people are using in order to do just that. And if you use these tricks as well, you may find that your home disappears off the market sooner than what you anticipated, which is always great news for sellers!

Tend to the Outside of the Home

You have heard it before; curb appeal is everything when it comes to making a great first impression. Thisis why you should always tend to the outside of the home to make it look great. This does not mean that you have to invest a lot of money into paint or the like to spruce it up. A few ideas:

• Pressure wash the driveway to make it look great
• Wash down the porches and decks to make these look fresh
• Mulch around the plants that are in the yard
• Mow the yard and keep it looking great
• Clean the outside windows to allow the light to shine in when people are viewing your home

Small Changes Can Make a Difference

Those who are trying to sell their home will find that even the smallest of changes are going to make the difference in getting your home sold faster and for money! Here are several small changes that are not going to break your bank and are simple enough to do on your own that render results.

1. Put new hardware on the cabinets and drawers in the kitchen. This can make even the older cabinets look newer, which is what buyers like!
2. Put in new light bulbs that are higher wattage to allow the rooms to be bathed in light. When a home is lighter, buyers are more willing to buy these homes.
3. Put a fresh coat of paint on the walls, around the doors and the like. Be sure to use a neutral colour so that potential buyers can see just what they could do with this home.
4. Change out the door hinges on the front door and even the knob to give this a fresh look.
5. Put up new blinds in the windows if these are broken or discoloured with age.
6. Be sure to paint the inside of closets a bright white to make them look larger, a large closet is one of the biggest components for several buyers.
7. Put a new welcome mat at the front door…it makes your home appear fresher!
8. Make sure the outlets in the house and the switches are coordinating.

Décor Choices Can Make All the Difference

While you have your own taste in décor, did you know that it is the décor choices that you make that can affect the sale of a home? Many people go into a home that is not decorated in a way that they like, they see a hassle when they see this, and they are not going to buy or even if they do they are going to offer a much lower amount than what the seller wants. Here are a few tricks that can make your home a blank canvas:

• Keep furniture in the home that is bland and very generic
• When painting walls, be sure to go with a neutral colour
• Keep fresh flowers in the home that are white or soft pastel colours as this is inviting
• Get the clutter out of your home…clutter can make a home that is exquisite look like it is falling down!

Clean…and Clean Some More

The best thing that you can do in order to get your home sold sooner and for more money is to clean…and keep cleaning. Be sure that you are:

1. Vacuuming on a daily basis
2. Have carpets and rugs steam cleaned before showing the home
3. Plug in some air fresheners in the home that is going to help it smell clean. Tip: many people find that if they use an Apple Cinnamon smell in the home it will lead to a sale sooner.
4. Ensure that closets and the laundry room are neat and tidy as these are going to be major areas that buyers assess.

When it comes to anything that you do to the home in order to sell this sooner, remember that you do not want to invest more money into the property, as you may not make this back. Thus, keep it simple and cheap when making improvements.

One of the best pieces of advice that you can take is to work with a realtor. A real estate agent has worked in the field and knows what will sell. He or she can walk through the home with you and decide what needs to be done, what can be left and the like. Their goal is to get your home sold, and if you are willing to take their advice you may find that you sell this home sooner and for more money.

For those who are selling, these tips may be one way to get ahead of the competition in the area…and get your home sold sooner! Get in touch today for a FREE HOME EVALUATION!

Are you planning to sell your house? Are you clueless on how to start and proceed with the next steps? Don’t worry, this post is going to discuss the home selling process in detail. As you might already be aware, there is more to selling a property than getting hold of an agent and cleaning up the place.

Get Prepared

The first thing to do is to prepare yourself in advance. Before you get in touch with an agent, clean up the house, declutter the gardens, and get it neat and tidy for inspections. Think and decide when you are looking to sell and the price you have in mind. Also, if you have not yet chosen an agent, ask your friends and families for recommendations on a reliable agent.

You can also attend other open houses to get to know agents. Interact with these agents. Another trick is to behave as a buyer. Even if you are looking to sell, you should always choose an agent you would be comfortable buying with. You can ask them questions and see how they respond.

Choose the Sale Method

Next, choose the sale method. Your agent might give you some suggestions but you should also have your own research and be able to make your mind up based on what you want. An auction is a common method of sale that will get you the best result in the least possible time. Sit down with your agent and decide on a selling price. At this point, you should also have a plan for listing your property, and open it up for showing and inspections. The market can be rigid with overpriced listings, so it is important to choose a reasonable amount the first time around itself. The usual inclusions are light fittings, fixed floor coverings, and general fixtures, such as window coverings.

Consult With Your Agent

Go over the agreement and consult your agent if you have any questions. If you want to make any changes, let your agent know immediately and more importantly, before signing. If there is anything at all that you are not happy or comfortable with, DO NOT sign the agreement and instead, discuss with your agent. Along with this, also create the vendor’s statement.

If you want to get the best possible results, you need to advertise in many areas. Marketing is the key to making sure you are getting your home’s worth. Ensure your listing contains flattering photos and great copywriting. The piece should be written keeping in mind the property’s target audience.

Many people move out of their house once their house is on the market. However, not everybody can afford that. What you can do is to make sure the house remains presentable during inspections. Once it is on the market, your agent will negotiate for the best price. A good agent will get you a great price. So, the first step of getting a good agent is actually the most important one in the whole process. Once you find a buyer, the settlement is the last phase in the process. The buyer makes the payments and takes legal possession of the house.

Want help selling your home? Are you unsure of your homes current value? Get in touch with Ramahi Real Estate Group today!

Choosing a great real estate company might seem like a big undertaking at first. After all, your money is your baby and you need to absolutely make sure that the company you choose is keeping your money protected and in their best interests as well as yours. So how do you choose which real estate company to find your perfect house? Here are 5 traits to look for.

Experience

First of all, and most importantly, you need to make sure you choose a real estate company that has been proven to be effective over the last few years. Experience is key! They should obviously be profitable, growing and have numerous happy clients, testimonials and reviews.

Find references where possible, join some real estate groups or forums in the area, compare other companies and do the proper research ahead of time to make sure you feel comfortable with the services they offer, and the experience they have.

Open Communication

Make sure that the company you choose is a full service provider. Are they

available at all times during the day?Will you be able to get a hold of them easily if you have questions? Is there an open dialogue for you to express your concerns? Sometimes quick responses are essential to make important real estate investment decisions.

Reports should also be accessible to you at all times. Find out what types of reports you will be receiving so you can better understand your market options? Weekly, monthly or annual reports should be detailed and clear-cut.

Risk vs. Reward

When you think about investing money into a house, you need to think about risk, there’s no way around it. Choosing to invest in a house is about how much risk you are willing to take. The bigger the risk, the bigger the payout is not always the case. You need to have a future plan in place. You should never buy a house because you ‘feel like it’. Buying a house should also not be considered as an investment. You should never count on making money from buying a house. A good goal to keep in mind is breaking even over 10 years.

The housing market can shift considerably. Make sure you are assessing the pros and cons clearly and have a financial plan if things don’t pan out as you desire.

Creative Structure

You’ll want to look for a company that specializes in managing your properties in order to yield the highest value on your behalf. With a strong experienced team in place, you should be given plans that reflect realistic market values on the buying and selling side.

Don’t get bogged down by fancy marketing materials and professionalism. A good real estate company won’t try to sell or convince you to choose them. They should be informative, support and align their plans to fit with your goals and be willing to help with whatever questions you may have.

If you are interested in selling your home fast or finding your dream home as soon as possible, contact the Ramahi Real Estate Group today!

Has your property already been in the market for quite some time and you have not had any luck? Is there any way to attract buyers? There are many strategies that you can use to sell your property. Let’s start with the basic ones and proceed to the others.

Rethink your Marketing Strategy

Many buyers research properties months, or sometimes, even years in advance. If your listing details are not updated for months, potential buyers will not show interest in the property. One of the best ways to attract buyers is to post great photos of your house – both the exteriors and the interior. Take some in daylight and some in the evening. A variety of great pictures will, no doubt, spark an interest.

The first thing you need to do is to figure out your target audience. Once that is done, you can rewrite your description and make it more creative and appealing. Aim this at your target audience. You can also upgrade to a featured listing. For this, get in touch with your agent.

Consider Changing the Selling Price

The three critical factors while selling a house are the presentation, location, and price. Decreasing the price a little bit might make the buyer feel that it is possible to purchase this product and might consider it. If your property has been in the market for some time, you need to reassess the market value and by extension, your price.

Take a Break

If your property has been on the market for a long time without luck, there are chances of the below-mentioned situations occurring.

Buyers might avoid it thinking something is wrong with it as it has been around for a long time or they will use it as a negotiation tool to further decrease the price. This usually happens when the property has been in the market for about 3 months or so. The best idea here is to take a break from listing it and start out fresh again. This is a great option if you can afford to do it.

Understand What Went Wrong With Other Buyers

Get an honest review from your agent. If possible, get in touch with the buyers who did not take fancy to your place and ask them why. Correct it. Revamp your place to make sure it is aesthetically pleasing. Instead of renovating the entire place, try to hire a home stager to bring some spark to the place. Spring for some paint, professional cleaning of the house and the garden, and make some quick fixtures as well.

Comparison Research

Check out the listings on the market and see what other properties are there and how they are faring. Attend inspections and auctions, network there, and gain more insight about why buyers are passing up on property. Note down anything that strikes you and later, discuss that in detail with your agent and see if there is any way to make it happen. With a good market and some luck, your property should sell out pretty fast.

If you’re having trouble selling your home, check out our FREE Home Evaluation and let us help sell your home.