Are you prepared for what may happen next? Do you know all the ins and outs of what comes with a rapidly changing real estate market? This is why finding the right REALTOR® for you is such a crucial step in the process. Navigating the current real estate landscape is tricky in times of uncertainty, but luckily for you, I can help calm all your concerns. Here’s how.

1. Market insights 

As your REALTOR®, I have access to data pertaining to your local & micro housing markets and have experience navigating all markets, from being in the Top 1% in Canada for well over a decade. I understand the stakes are usually high and know the importance of having the right strategy in place for the type of market you’re in. Managing showings, offers, conditions, negotiations, finances, moving companies, packing—it’s all too much! Let me help you with this.

For sellers, I can gather information on comparable homes, see what they sold for and when, and I also know what buyers are looking for in your area. With me, you get the full support of a boutique style real estate team, from pre-listing preparation and marketing to the successful sale of your home, and I will remain by your side regardless of when you plan your next move.

For buyers, I am here to work for you and get the best home for you. I can advise you on what to expect in your local market, from commute times and proximity to amenities, to noise levels and municipal regulations you may not have heard about.

All real estate markets are local—what’s happening with national and regional numbers may not be relevant for you. I will help you make sense of it all.

2. Negotiation skills

It doesn’t matter if interest rates are at 5%, 10%, or 1%—at the end of the day, my top priority is looking out for you and making sure you’re comfortable with whatever price you land on.

As your REALTOR®, I ensure that I know what you’re pre-approved for, and I understand how interest rates affect your buying power. By clearly communicating your wants, needs, and budget, I can properly advocate on your behalf. 

3. Financial guidance

Did you know I can help you before you’re pre-approved? That’s right! Reach out to me to get a handle on how your local market is reacting to the latest news from the Bank of Canada. I can also provide you with a list of lenders I’ve worked with and offer tips and tricks to help you secure a better rate.

Before doing anything, have a look at our Mortgage and Payment Calculator — https://www.philiphollett.com/buyers/calculators/ - which can provide you with an early look at your financial situation. 

4. Professionalism and sense of security

One of the biggest worries for people on the move is the uncertainty of conducting a real estate transaction. There are so many variables (not just talking about interest rates here!) to think about. From land transfer taxes and lawyer fees to dealing with complete strangers while trying to complete one of the largest financial transactions of your life—you have a lot on your plate if you’re buying or selling.

I understand this. I won’t push you into something you’re uncertain about and can help with market timing strategies to make the current interest rate situation work better for you.

5. Home buying and selling MVP

As your REALTOR®, I am your personal real estate MVP. While you’re figuring out financing, I can already get to work behind the scenes. If you’re buying, this means setting up searches for you, staying on top of houses that are hitting the market, and using my connections to find what might be coming available—hey, with interest rates dropping, anything you can do behind the scenes to get a leg up on your competition is worthwhile.

If you’re selling, I can get to work marketing your property right away, getting it ready for staging, and compiling documentation, all without disrupting your routines too much.

By now, you know interest rates impact the Canadian real estate landscape and that likely isn’t about to change anytime soon. Making the right decision at the right moment seems like a lot of pressure when you don’t know where interest rates will be on a month-to-month basis.

Thankfully, as your REALTOR®, I monitor market trends and housing data to ensure that, whether you’re buying or selling, your best interests are kept top of mind.  Reach out for more details on how we can help you plan your journey to achieving your real estate goals!

There are two trends impacting real estate photography that you should know about if you’re thinking of selling this year. 

First, more than ever before, buyers are relying on pictures to decide whether or not to schedule a viewing. They expect to be able to go online and “tour” your home via the photography. If they don’t form a good impression of your home from the pictures, they may quickly lose interest in your listing. 
Second, everyone is a photographer these days! Most people have phones with cameras, and many think they can take a decent picture. 

Unfortunately, taking a “decent picture” isn’t good enough. Your listing photos need to accomplish a lot. They must: 

• Give buyers the information they need: room sizes, layout, views, property details, etc; 

• Showcase the most enticing features of your home; 

• Communicate the functionality, spaciousness and style of each room; 

• Provide a sense of what it’s going to be like to live there ; and, much more. 

In short, listing photos need to help sell your property. When you consider that these pictures are often the first look-see buyers get of your home, you can appreciate how important they are. 

So, don’t leave listing photos to chance. There is an art and science to taking them. 

Think of it this way. If better listing photos encourage just five percent more buyers to schedule a viewing, that could result in a faster sale at a higher price. 

By the way, I’m well-versed in the best practices of taking great listing photos. Call me for more information.