|
Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you qualified to help me with my real estate needs?
I’m a long standing “President’s Gold” award winner with Royal Lepage. I’m proud to be associated with such a progressive company. I know what it is to be a professional. I have a Master’s Degree in education, am Past President of the Brantford Golf and Country Club, actively involved as a Director on the Dr. James Chiller Scholarship Foundation and am a top selling real estate professional distinguished in the Brantford and Brant markets.
- - -
What is so special about Brantford and Brant County?
Brantford and the surrounding area is a place where our family chose to live. When we moved to Brantford in 1987, I knew no one. The move turned out to be one of the wisest decisions of my life.
Brantford is blessed with beautiful parks, great dining, a nationally recognized "Top 25" golf course in Canada, serene walking and biking trails, and is centrally located within easy driving distance to larger metropolitan areas.
When searching for a home in Brantford or the surrounding area, use an agent to help you look for that dream home. Whether it's in an old neighbourhood with luxurious houses like the one in this picture on Lorne Crescent that have wood trim and stained glass or homes in new developments, call me to assist you with your real estate needs.
Find out more at these official websites:
City of Brantford
County of Brant
- - -
How do I choose a neighbourhood?
You're not just buying a home - you're buying a location. And even the most perfect house won't feel right if you're in the wrong neighbourhood. Educate yourself about the area so you'll choose wisely - and end up being happy with your decision.
BUYERS 7 POINT NEIGHBOURHOOD CHECKLIST
* Are you close to shopping and recreation? Being close to stores, parks, recreational facilities, a post office and dry cleaners will save you time.
* Do people in the area take care of their homes? Explore the neighbourhood, keeping an eye out for signs of neglect (overgrown lawns, houses in need of paint, trash and junked appliances littering yards). A run-down neighbourhood can drive down your property value.
* Are there schools nearby? If you have children, the proximity and quality of schools is key. Some schools will provide data (i.e. average test scores) that can determine quality. Talking to neighbours with children can be helpful, too.
* Is there good access to transportation? Living near public transport and/or major highways can mean an easier commute to work.
* Is it safe? Check with the local police department - they may be able to provide statistics about break-ins or other crimes.
* Will the home increase in value over time? Homes in some neighbourhoods appreciate faster than others. Research the selling prices of homes in over the past decade or so to predict future trends. Your agent may be able to provide helpful data.
* Is it quiet? Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, airplanes and any other noises that might bother you. Return to the neighbourhood at different times of the day to get an accurate impression.
- - -
What is a home inspector?
Protect yourself with a home inspection.
That gorgeous house on the corner lot may look great, but it could be hiding all sorts of expensive, annoying problems, from a leaky roof to faulty wiring to a moldy basement.
Make sure your home is solid and secure inside and out before you buy it. A home inspector will determine structural and mechanical soundness, identify problem areas, provide cost estimates for any work required, and generate a report. It's a great way to avoid headaches and costly problems that can turn a dream home into a money pit.
If you decide to go ahead and buy a home with issues that have been flagged by your inspector, you can base your offer on how much potential repairs and upgrades may cost.
Home inspection costs range according to size, age and location of the home. Your Royal LePage sales representative can recommend a reputable home inspection service or arrange for an inspector to visit your property.
- - -
What should I watch for when I'm looking at houses to buy?
8 POINT HOME BUYER'S CHECKLIST
When you fall in love with a home, the things you like about it can blind you to its problems. Next time you go to an open house or tour a property with an agent, keep your eyes open with these top tips:
1. Take a look at general upkeep. Is it clean? Are lawns left uncut? Do walls need paint? If the small stuff hasn't been taken care of, there's a good chance that bigger issues have been ignored as well.
2. Test it. Try out lights, faucets, toilets, air conditioning and major appliances.
3. Check for water damage. Look at ceilings and drywall for stains and bulges. Water that works its way in through a leaky roof or a cracked foundation can rot wood, create mildew and destroy possessions.
4. Watch for "spongy" floors. Take note of soft, springy sections, squeaky or uneven areas - these can be a sign that costly floor repairs are needed.
5. Check doors and windows. Make sure they fit snugly in their jambs and operate smoothly. Feel for drafts. Look for flaked paint and loose caulking - if wood isn't protected from moisture, it will rot.
6. Look at the foundation. If you see deep cracks or loose mortar and bricks, there may be a significant structural problem. Soggy areas near the foundation are also a warning sign.
7. Make sure there's enough storage space. If you are moving from a home with large closets and a shed, make sure your new house is able to store an equivalent amount of belongings.
8. Measure. Make sure your furniture will fit into your new house.
These tips are for your own first (or second) look at a home. For true peace of mind, you should always hire a certified home inspector before you buy.
- - -
our privacy policy
We Value Your Privacy
JIM GRANT, ROYAL LEPAGE ACTION REALTY is committed to providing our clients, staff, and visitors with Websites that respect their privacy.
Our Website does not automatically gather any personal information from you, such as your name, phone number, or e-mail address. This information is only obtained if you provide it voluntarily, for example when you contact us via e-mail or complete an online form on our Website. We will use that information to respond to your message and to help us gather the information you have requested. Any personal information you do provide is managed according to the Ontario Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. This means that, at the point of collection, you will be informed that your personal information is being collected and why, and that you have the right to access the collected information.
Visitor information is not disclosed to anyone except our company personnel who require the information for legitimate business purposes such as responding to a request, or tracking visitor traffic. We do not collect personal information for commercial marketing or distribution to any private organizations.
Our Website may contain links to other sites. We are not responsible for any of the content and the privacy practices of other Websites.
This site is owned and operated by JIM GRANT, ROYAL LEPAGE ACTION REALTY and is ©2007. Our logos and slogans are registered trademarks and any reproduction of these or our website content without expressed permission is prohibited.
For more information or comments, please contact JIM GRANT, ROYAL LEPAGE ACTION REALTY by email at jimgrant@royallepage.ca or by phone at 519-753-7311.
|
