Recently, you may have been about radon in homes on the news or you may have even received a pamphlet dropped in your mailbox. And while you may have some prior knowledge about what radon is, many Canadians are still in the dark about this potentially threatening gas! As a homeowner or someone considering buying a home, here’s what you need to know:

What is Radon?

When uranium—commonly found in soil and rock—breaks down, it releases a radioactive gas called “radon”. This gas will then come up through the ground and make its way into the air outside, where it can be easily diluted into the atmosphere. However, if it finds a way to come up through the ground and into your home, the enclosed space will trap the gas. This allows it to accumulate,…

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Easily one of the most common questions I get when working with new buyers is “What should I be looking for when buying a house?” And rightfully so; buying a home is one of the largest purchases you are going to make in your lifetime! You want to be sure you’re getting what you want and need! So what should you be looking for?

#1: Ownership History

The house you’re looking at may seem to check off every box on your list, but there may be something you can’t see that you’re missing. The easiest way to tell? Look at the ownership turnover! If the house has passed hands every couple of years for the last decade, that may be a pretty good indicator that there’s something pushing owners out. 

When looking at houses to buy in Saskatoon, my…

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If you are purchasing a home for the first time, the role of “First Time Home Buyer” can come with a lot of questions. Do I need a real estate agent? Where can I find a real estate lawyer? How much does it actually cost? And, of course, how do I get a mortgage? 

Understandably, with all of these questions—and more!—swimming around in your mind, it can be easy to begin feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, that’s where a REALTOR® can help! We work in the realm of Saskatoon real estate each and every day, making us more than familiar with every question you can think of. Plus, we come with some other handy and even helpful information that can help you along the way—including the First Time Home Buyer Incentive.

What is the First Time Home Buyer…

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 When a relationship is created between the purchaser and real estate agent, the agent must work in the buyer client’s best interests at all times.

Purchasers receive the same level of representation traditionally given only to the seller.  Here are just a few of the benefits received from having your own personal buyer’s agent when purchasing:

Confidentiality – There agent you hire to represent you will not disclose confidential information without your permission to do so.

Loyalty – The buyer’s agent must work in the buyer’s best interests at all times.  This means that the agent does for you what they would do for themselves in a transaction.

Full disclosure – The agent you hire to represent you will fully disclose any information gained…

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If you are selling a property, a Real Estate Lawyer will provide the following services:

  • Provide the title search in order to identify any problems with the title and correct the same prior to transfer to the new owner.

  • Hold deposits in trust, and ensure all necessary adjustments are made so you only pay our proportionate share of expenses.

  • Prepare all necessary transfer documents and attend to signing the same with you.

  • Draft the necessary trust conditions for the purchaser’s lawyer to ensure all money is paid in a timely manner.

  • Request a payout from your mortgage company and ensure that your mortgage is paid our and removed from title.

If you are purchasing a property, a Real Estate Lawyer will…

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PAINT THE INTERIOR
Most buyers appreciate a fresh coat of paint.  This helps to enhance your property’s value, brighten rooms, and give a clean, fresh appearance.  Focus on softer neutral shades. These colours make rooms feel larger and appeal to a wider group of potential buyers.

PAINT THE EXTERIOR
Curb appeal is important.  Stick with soft light neutral colors.  Try to stay away from loud or bright colours that may not appeal to others.

CLEAN UP THE YARD
First impressions make a huge impact on potential buyers.  A few hours of raking, cleaning and picking up odds and ends could add a great deal of value to your home.

LET IN THE LIGHT
When everything is in tip-top shape and ready to show, let as much natural light in as you can by opening blinds and…

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  1. Design it right! Survey your property and make notes about the land’s topography, existing vegetation, soil type, rainfall, wind patterns, lighting and areas where water collects.

  2. Improve your soil. Plants need healthy soil.  Improve your soil with compost to help clay soils improve absorption and sandy soils hold water.

  3. Group plants together based on their sun, soil and water requirements. For instance place your sun-loving plants in the sunniest part of your yard.

  4. Focus on native plants and perennials.  Native plants originate in your region and will be used to the soil and climate.  Perennials come back every year. Both can be quite low maintenance once they’re established.

  5. Water in the morning. The best time…

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There are many necessary costs to purchasing a home, and a home inspection is one you definitely shouldn’t skip.  

  • It Provides an “Out” - A quality home inspection will reveal critical information about a house.  THis allows you to be aware of what costs, repairs and maintenance the home may require immediately. If you aren’t comfortable with the findings, it usually presents on las opportunity to back out of the offer to purchase.

  • Safety - A home inspection can detect safety issues like radon, carbon monoxide, and mould.  

  • Reveal Illegal Additions or Installations - A home inspection can reveal whether rooms, altered garages or basements were completed without proper permit, or did not follow code. This can affect insurances,…

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Buying a home is likely going to be the largest purchase of your life, and the total cost goes beyond just the purchase price.  Here’s what you can expect for costs associated with your purchase.

  • LAND TRANSFER TAX | .5-2% of value

  • When a home changes hands, many provinces and a few municipalities, charge a property transfer tax, or title transfer fee.  It can add thousands to your purchase price. (First time home buyers qualify for rebates or exemptions in some provinces)

  • APPRAISAL FEE | around $500

  • Your lender may ask you to have a home appraised to confirm its market value.  Fees vary depending on a property’s value and complexity… CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

  • LEGAL FEES | $500-$800

  • A lawyer or…

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Before you start house hunting, be sure you are comfortable with the obvious and less obvious costs of home-ownership.

The Price Range

The first thing you need to do is determine how much you can afford. Being pre-approved for a mortgage can help set a guideline for your monthly mortgage payment. Keep in mind one-third of a mortgage payment includes property tax and any other secondary financing or condominium management fees, if applicable.

Test this guideline by reviewing your current spending. Do you, for instance, have a commitment to a car or personal loan ? How much do you spend on rent, clothing, transportation, entertainment and travel? Would the guideline mortgage payment still be comfortable considering these expenses? 

Looking…

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