Buying Services
The services offered by Kelly Byers are different for buyers and sellers and vary based on each home – after all, every home and client is unique!
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Automatic emails of new listings
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Connecting with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, insurance agents and lawyers
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Working with you as an individual to find the home that is right for YOU
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Previewing new listings before they’re available to the general public
All of Kelly’s clients receive prompt, personal & confidential service tailored to the individual. Please contact Kelly directly to discuss marketing plans, listing services or how she can be of assistance to you.
Renting?
Whether you are a landlord looking for a renter, or a renter looking for a unit, Kelly is here to help. Oxford County has a busy rental market. Please contact Kelly directly for help.
First Time Homebuyer?
One of Kelly’s favourite things about real estate is working with first-time homebuyers. Buying your first home can be scary, but it is also exciting and a great opportunity – there are many advantages offered to first-time homebuyers including a land-transfer tax rebate. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a great website with information about the buying process. Or you are welcome to contact Kelly directly with any questions you may have!
Investment Properties
Kelly Byers personally owns many rental units – in both Oxford County & Florida. She has personally developed semi-detached and multi-unit properties from vacant land & is knowledgeable about the entire process from start to finish. She understands the rental market, the concept of ROI, leveraging, and is very knowledgeable about the Landlord & Tenant Act in Ontario. She can assist you in finding a good rental property, tenants and any paperwork required. Please inquire with Kelly personally about how to be the “first to know” about good rental properties as they hit the market. Woodstock is very competitive and it can be challenging to investors to find investment properties – Kelly is here to help.
Buyer’s Checklist
Buying a home is a big decision – whether it’s your first home or fifth home it is a lot of money and an important life decision.
Do your homework. Get informed about the buying process, before it begins, to save time, hassle and money. Ask your realtor (maybe that’s me!) for a checklist of what to consider.
Shop around. Don’t be tempted to hire the first real estate professional you meet. Make sure the fit is right, check their references and visit the RECO website to confirm their registration. Once you have an agent, COMMIT to them. You will be best served with an agent that you are committed to.
GET A PRE-APPROVAL. It is a waste of time for everyone to shop without a pre-approval in place, especially in the fast-changing world of real estate. If you need recommendations for a lender, ask!
Understand what you’re signing. Before you sign a buyer representation agreement, make sure you know what it means, how long it will be in effect and what the different clauses mean. Ask questions and seek independent legal advice if you’d like a second opinion.
Keep budget in mind:
- Remember to include legal fees, land transfer tax, mortgage insurance and utility hookups in your total cost.
- Know the costs of a home inspection and home appraisal or survey.
- Moving costs can vary based on volume, distance and whether you hire a professional mover. Have wiggle room in your budget to cover the cost.
Protect yourself. Make your offer conditional on mortgage financing, a home inspection, the sale of your existing home, and/or other factors that are important to you. These conditions provide you important protection as a buyer. In a strong seller’s market, if it is not possible to add these conditions, lets have a conversation about how we can protect ourselves ahead of time. Firm pre-approvals and pre-offer inspections are options we can utilize.
Check what’s inside the walls. Ask your real estate professional to look into the age and condition of the home’s systems, such as the plumbing and electrical. Find out if proper permits were pulled for any renovations. Consider a home inspection to further examine the home and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Be specific. Make your offer as detailed as possible. Outline what will be included with the sale (e.g., appliances and light fixtures) and be clear if certain renovations need to be completed, based on the home inspection.
Plan ahead. If you encounter a bidding war, enter with a strategy. Set ground rules in advance about what you want from a home, what you’re willing to spend and what conditions must be met.
Expect the unexpected. Does your closing date on your new home align with when you need to move out of your existing home? Have a contingency plan in place in case the dates don’t match up.
A registered real estate professional can help you navigate the many steps and decisions involved in the home buying process. I would love to chat about how i can help you navigate buying a home!