I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006 with Remax Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time, I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you and your real estate goals and be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I provide expert real estate tips that stand the test of time. In my latest real estate tip, I share the top 5 reasons you should work with an experienced Regina Realtor.

James Wruth's Top 5 Reasons You Should Work With An Experienced Regina Real Estate Agent

Working with an experienced realtor can be beneficial in several ways:

1. Knowledge and expertise: An experienced realtor will have a thorough understanding of the local real estate market and can provide you with valuable insights and guidance on the buying or selling process.

2. Access to resources: An experienced realtor will have access to a network of professionals, such as home inspectors, appraisers, and lenders, that can help make the buying or selling process smoother and more efficient. 

   Only real estate agents can get your home through multiple listing services (MLS).
   One of the biggest challenges of selling a home without a real estate agent is finding the best way to distribute your home listing to potential buyers. Advertising is a pay-for-play process, so selling your home alone will require you to spend money upfront to get your listing in front of as many eyes as possible. Working with a real estate agent provides your home access to the MLS, which is generally considered the primary system all real estate agents use to search for the most up-to-date home listings. MLS listings are what most buyers look at when searching for a home.

3. Negotiating skills: An experienced realtor will have strong negotiating skills and can help you get the best deal possible, whether buying or selling a property.

4. Time-saving: An experienced realtor can save you time by handling the paperwork and administrative tasks involved in the real estate transaction.

5. Peace of mind: An experienced realtor can provide peace of mind by answering your questions and addressing your concerns throughout the buying or selling process.

Working with an experienced Regina realtor can make the real estate process more efficient, less stressful, and ultimately more successful.

Partner with me; I’m a top Regina RE/MAX Agent and an experienced Regina REALTOR®. 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest advice, I will be an expert at your side.

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006 with Remax Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time, I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I provide some expert real estate tips that stand the test of time. In my latest real estate tip I tackle the subject of rising interest rates and how it may affect you as a homeowner ( or potential homeowner).  

When a rise in interest rates may affect you

A rise in interest rates often means that it will cost you more to borrow money.

A rise in interest rates may affect you if:

• you have a mortgage, a line of credit or other loans with variable interest rates 

• you’ll need to renew a fixed-interest-rate mortgage or loan

Your financial institution could also increase your interest rate if you don't make payments on your credit card or loan.

How interest rates work

Interest rates rise and fall over time. If you’re borrowing money, interest is the amount you pay to your lender to use the money. The interest rate is used to calculate how much you need to pay to borrow money. 

Financial institutions set the interest rate for your loan. This could be a mortgage, line of credit or another type of loan. 

You can find your interest rate in your loan agreement. Your financial institution must provide you with certain information about interest rates on your loan. 

Fixed and variable interest rate loans

When you get a loan, your financial institution may offer you a fixed or variable interest rate.

A fixed interest rate will stay the same for the term of your loan. A variable interest rate may increase or decrease over the term of your loan. 

Some lenders may offer you a lower introductory rate for a set period for certain types of loans. Make sure you can still afford the payments at the regular (higher) interest rate.

Dealing with a rise in interest rates

Pay down your debt as much as possible to deal with a rise in interest rates. If you have less debt, you may be able to pay it off more quickly. This can help you avoid the financial stress caused by higher interest rates and bigger loan payments.

You can deal with a rise by using these tips:

• reduce expenses so you have more money to pay down your debt 

• pay down the debt with the highest interest rate first to pay less interest over the term of your loan

• consolidate high-interest debts, such as credit cards, into a loan with a lower interest rate 

• avoid getting the maximum mortgage or line of credit that a lender offers you

• avoid taking on unnecessary debt with things you want but don’t need

• avoid borrowing more money as it could limit your ability to save for your goals

• find ways to increase your income to help you pay down debt

• make sure you have an emergency fund to deal with unexpected expenses, such as covering higher loan payments to avoid penalties

What is a trigger rate?

When your mortgage or loan has a variable interest rate with a fixed payment, you may reach your trigger rate if interest rises.

Your trigger rate is the rate at which your mortgage or loan payment will no longer cover the principal and interest due for that period. Once you've reached the trigger rate, your payment will only cover interest payments and no money will go toward paying down your principal.

Reaching your trigger rate means that you’ve stopped paying down your loan and you’re now borrowing more money. This is often called negative amortization.

The best way to find out your trigger rate is to review your mortgage or loan agreement. You can also contact your financial institution. They’ll be able to calculate the exact rate for you. They’ll also be able to let you know your options if you reach your trigger rate.

If you reach your trigger rate, you may be required to:

• increase your payments

• make additional payments to cover the excess interest

• change to a fixed-rate mortgage

If you’re not at the maximum amortization period allowed, your financial institution may offer to extend your amortization. This would avoid having to increase your payments. However, extending your amortization means paying for a longer period and paying more interest in the long run.

Suppose you have a mortgage of $300,000 with a variable interest rate of 4% and 20 years left on your amortization. If you extend your amortization by 2 years, it’ll cost you $15,126.26 more in interest. The decision to keep the same payments while interest rates rise can become very expensive over time.

When interest rates are on the rise, contact your lenders as soon as possible to find out about your trigger rate and discuss your options.

Impact of a higher interest rate on your loan payments

The following examples show you how your mortgage, line of credit or loan payments may be affected when interest rates rise.

How a rise in interest rates could affect your monthly mortgage payments

Suppose you have a mortgage of $300,000 with a variable interest rate and a 25-year amortization. Your interest rate is currently 3% and it goes up to 4,5%. Your mortgage payment will go from $1,420 to $1,660. An increase of $240 a month.

Partner up with me, I’m a top Regina RE/MAX Agent, and an experienced Regina REALTOR® 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side. 

Greetings Friends,

I am pleased to be able to share my 2023 February Regina Real Estate Market Report! 

February 2023 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report

How Does This Compare to National Data? 

National Statistics

New home prices in Canada dropped by 0.2 per cent month over month in January, according to Statistics Canada data released Wednesday.

In its latest New Housing Index report, StatCan said higher mortgage rates continued to put downward pressure on new house prices.

“Borrowing costs rose again in January, as the Bank of Canada increased the policy interest rate an additional 25 basis points, bringing it to 4.5%,” StatCan said.

READ MORE: Home prices in Canada could fall 5.9% in 2023, CREA forecasts

StatCan noted the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported that 18.7 per cent more single-family homes had been completed but not sold in December 2022 compared with the same month in 2021.

In addition, the price of softwood lumber went down again in January, declining a total of 61.2 per cent since the high in March 2022, reducing builders’ construction costs.

These changes were felt by builders who reported deteriorating market conditions and decreased construction costs as the reasons for the decline in new home prices, StatCan said.

It also reported that Winnipeg (-1.3 per cent) recorded the largest decrease in new home prices last month, followed by Victoria (-1.1 per cent) and Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ont. (-0.9 per cent).

 

In January, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) predicted house prices could fall almost six per cent this year from 2022, which ended in a sluggish market as sellers and buyers sat on the sidelines.

The association’s forecast amounts to 495,858 properties changing hands in 2023 and is based on sales “more or less” stabilizing since the summer, “suggesting the downward adjustment to sales activity from rising interest rates and high uncertainty may be in the rear-view mirror.”

The same factors are also expected to put a damper on the average home price, which CREA said will reach $662,103 in 2023.

 

I believe in personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, and your real estate goals and I commit to being 100% accountable to you. I want to bring value before, during and after the sale of your home!  If you are looking for a real estate agent who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, please contact me today! 

 

Greetings Friends,

I am pleased to be able to share my 2023 January Regina Real Estate Market Report! 

JANUARY 2023 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report

How Does This Compare to National Data? 

National Statistics

Canada’s housing market ended off a turbulent year with prices at a 22-month low. Canada’s average home price has once again decreased on a monthly basis to $626,318 for December 2022. This is the lowest it’s been since January 2021. That’s a decrease of 1% from last month and it’s 12% lower compared to last year’s average sold price in December 2021, as Canada’s housing market continues to feel the effect of rate hikes and slowing demand. Nationally, sales during the month of December 2022 are down 39% year-over-year to 21,840 transactions.

Canada’s MLS Benchmark Price, which measures the price of a “typical” home in Canada, was $717,000 in December 2022. That’s a 7.5% drop compared to last year. The benchmark price has fallen on a monthly basis since March 2022, which was when housing prices in Canada peaked. Since then, multiple Bank of Canada rate hikes have caused Canadian mortgage rates and prime rates to rise, while Canada’s inflation rate remains elevated.

 

I believe in personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, and your real estate goals and I commit to being 100% accountable to you. I want to bring value before, during and after the sale of your home!  If you are looking for a real estate agent who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, please contact me today! 

 

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time, I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share the notification that  I was selected as Regina's Best Top Real Estate Professional - 2022

James Wruth - Realtor / Remax Crown Real Estate, Congratulations!

The 2022 RankMyAgent R-Oscars are here! And we are proud to announce you are one of the Best of in Regina.

The public has left thousands of verified reviews on RankMyAgent (RMA) for professionals all over North America, and you have emerged as one of the most trusted and respected agents in Regina. 

RankMyAgent knows just how hard you have been working. We are cheering you on and celebrating you. To highlight your success, you will see your badge added to your RMA profile and over the next few days we will be celebrating you by sharing your success across our network!

So from all of us here at RMA, congratulations on this incredible accomplishment. Keep collecting those reviews from your happy clients!

RankMyAgent (RMA) is always here in your corner.

Warmest wishes,
Riti and the RMA Team 

P.S. - Over the next few days we will be celebrating your success.

Look out for mentions on our blog, social media, and other outlets.

Partner up with me, I’m a top Regina RE/MAX Agent, and an experienced Regina REALTOR® 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side.

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time, I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I provide some expert real estate tips that stand the test of time. 

Whether it’s buying, selling, or renting, a real estate transaction is a big undertaking. 

Since I started my career in real estate, the market has seen significant shifts. Over the last several years, many parts of the Country have seen a sellers’ market, complete with multiple and “bully” offers, and record-high prices. Of course, there was (and is) the pandemic, which did not have the expected cooling effect on the market. And now, in early 2023, we are seeing the repercussions of increasing inflation and a buyers’ market.

No matter what kind of market we are in, however, my essential tips remain the same.

1. Understand the market. You’ve seen it in the news. Canada's housing market is cooling. In Regina and Saskatchewan we didn't see the crazy market and price increases that impacted buyers in Toronto and Vancouver,  so now may be a more favorable time for buyers than sellers. However, it’s equally important to bear in mind that property values do fluctuate over time.

2. Assess your finances and priorities. Ask yourself these important questions: How much can you afford for a down payment and mortgage? How is your credit score? How much responsibility are you comfortable with? Do you care more about equity or having the freedom to move?

3. Set a clear budget. Make sure to account for the extra costs that come with buying a home — such as legal fees, land transfer tax, and utility costs.

4. Choose a Regina Real Estate Expert you can trust! 

Partner up with me, I’m a top Regina RE/MAX Agent, and an experienced Regina REALTOR® 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side.

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time, I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share information for new immigrants to Regina who may be seeking information about what is required to purchase a property in the Queen City! 

Are you new to Canada and wondering if you’re eligible to buy a house in Saskatchewan?

First and foremost—congrats! Let me be the first to welcome you to this great province of ours! 

Question: Can you purchase a home as a new immigrant? 

The answer? YES!  As a newcomer to Canada, you can buy a home, even if you have immigrated here very recently. Plus, new immigrants to Canada can often qualify for a mortgage, so long as all standard financial requirements are met.

1. Anyone in Canada who can afford the costs of homeownership is eligible to own a home. In fact, you do not have to be a resident or citizen to own a home. 

2. You must abide by Canadian taxation and real estate laws. 

Most Canadian banks and lenders are more than happy to work with newcomers, even if they don’t have an established Canadian credit history. Canada is actually one of a handful of countries in the world where non-residents can qualify for a mortgage—they can even be at the same interest rates as citizens. Some of the larger lenders and banks have dedicated newcomer mortgage programs to help you finance your first home, as they understand the challenges that you might face. 

PRE-APPROVAL - THE FIRST STEP. 

In Canada, most banks and mortgage lenders offer pre-approval, which is a process where you learn the maximum loan amount for which you can qualify. This process also helps you estimate your potential mortgage payments. Sometimes, lenders will even let you lock in a current interest rate for up to 4 months!

To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you normally have to provide information about your income, assets, debts, and current employment information.

After you submit this information, a lender will assess your application and either approve or refuse your request within about 5 business days. If approved, you can start shopping for a home in Saskatchewan that falls within your pre-approval value limits. 

Time to start looking for your new home in Regina and area?  

During this stage, you’ll likely want to enlist the help of an experienced Regina real estate agent. When you are ready to make an offer on your desired property they will help you navigate all of the paperwork and processes involved. Making an offer on a house in Saskatchewan generally involves a deposit. The deposit and the down payment are different. Homebuyers provide a deposit at the time of making an offer to demonstrate to the sellers that they’re serious buyers but be warned, you would generally lose your deposit if you walk away from the agreement before the sale is finalized. 

The deposit amount is rolled into your down payment when you close on the house. The down payment is the total amount that you put down on your home in cash as part of the mortgage lending process-  In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% for properties up to $500,000, but some lenders may require more. When the purchase price is above $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5% for the first $500,000 and 10% for the remaining portion.

If you were pre-approved for a loan, you’ll continue working with your lender to get your mortgage formally approved. This normally happens within a few weeks. Your realtor will assist you with organizing your home inspection, signing any necessary paperwork, and finalizing your home purchase.

LAST STEP Enjoy your new home and I hope you enjoy living the Canadian dream in your new home

Partner up with me, I’m a top Regina RE/MAX Agent, and an experienced Regina REALTOR® 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side.

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time, I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share five New Year’s Real Estate resolutions! 

Are you planning to sell your home in the new year?

Regardless of season or market conditions, remember that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Make it memorable for all the right reasons. Before listing your home, commit to these five New Year’s Resolutions to help ensure the quickest sale for the highest price.

Mark Your Calendar

Set your listing date well in advance to help you anticipate, plan and prepare to sell your home. The process of changing homes has a lot of moving parts and is a coordinated effort between you and your team of experts. Think real estate agent, lender, lawyer, home inspector, trades, movers… the list continues. This is especially the case if you’ll also be buying a new home at the same time, as many people do. Reach out to a selling agent early on in the process to discuss your options, get important advice and get the ball rolling.

Repair and Replace

When planning to sell your home, assess its condition and make repairs before listing. Cracked drywall, stained carpets, burned-out light bulbs and other minor damage is easy to fix and won’t break the bank, but left un-repaired, could impact offers. TIP: It can be tough to evaluate your own home. Have your agent or a friend tour your home and offer constructive criticism. Find out which renovations offer the best return on investment here.

Get Comparables

Three to six months before your home hits the market, wave your agent start scanning comparable listings to get a ballpark price estimate. Keep in mind that a variety of factors may affect your home’s selling price, like lot size; landscaping and interior finishes; proximity to busy streets, public transit, schools and parks; or supply and demand in the marketplace. Your agent will assess your home just prior to listing, to ensure you set the right price to attract serious buyers.

Cut the Clutter

A cluttered home can suggest lack of space, which can impact offers. Depending on lifestyle and length of time spent in the home, this can be a big undertaking. Take it step by step, room by room, and you’ll get through it. Be honest about what you want, need and love, and what you can do without. The bonus? You won’t have to pack, move and clutter your new home with stuff you don’t want.

Stage to Sell

When it’s time to sell your home, stage it to show it in the best possible light. This includes packing up family photos and personal m (prospective buyers want to picture themselves in the home, not you!), putting the non-essential items into storage (or the donation bin!) and perhaps renting some furnishings that take your home to the next level. Your agent may offer staging as part of their suite of services, or will be able to put you in touch with a professional stager to help get the job done.

Hiring the right real estate agent is key to a successful sale, and it’s important to know that many agents specialize in listing homes versus helping you buy a home

Ready to sell the house you love? Partner up with me, I’m a top Regina RE/MAX Agent, and as an experienced Regina REALTOR® I can support you by inserting a degree of professional separation.

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side.

Owning a house is like ‘being in a long-term relationship’, so it can be hard to break up! 

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time, I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I acknowledge that selling a home you love is NOT easy. 

Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do! 

So goes the famous Neil Sedaka song... and sometimes that is the truth!  

You grew up in that home, or you raised your own family inside those four walls, so when it’s time to move on, downsize or sell for a multitude of reasons, it can very hard emotionally to let go! 

Another reason why a breakup with your home is hard to go through can be explained by the Endowment Effect. This economic theory finds that people overvalue what they already own. They are comfortable with the status quo and feel threatened by change and the unfamiliar, which makes losing or parting from what they have particularly difficult. Now, they believe that their loss is more than it actually is.

Sure, this house was perfect, but the home selling and buying process isn’t finding “the one” that sticks around forever. It’s more about finding the home that fits your needs best based on your current situation. That gets easier if you can feel good about your next decision and give yourself closure over the past—so let’s dive into 5 tips to help you work through it.

Tip #1: Make sure you’re ready to ' FOLD It' from a financial perspective

When you mix money and love, things get complicated. Just ask the 1 in 5 partners who choose to keep their finances separate. Applying this division of church and state to selling the house can suck some of the emotion out of the process.

Above how you feel about the selling situation, you need to figure out the hard financials and timing of this sale. Can you afford to sell this home and buy another, and is now the time to do it?

You can start by getting a ballpark figure for what your home would go for in the current market. Then, factor in your expenses like home prep, repairs, and agent commissions. Make sure that after you sell the house, you’ll have enough money to pay off the mortgage and then some, ideally enough for a sizable down payment on the next house.

Then, find out if it’s the best time to sell your home in your market. Depending on where you live, seasonality makes a big impact—in fact, data shows that selling at an opportune moment can help you increase your profits significantly.

Take away?
 
Similar to a relationship break-up, selling a home shouldn’t be a rash, spur of the moment decision. 

Tip#2: Reframe your mindset to focus on your ‘Why’

The first question I ask my seller clients is, “Why Are you Selling?”

Maybe you crave the carefree lifestyle that apartment/ condo living can provide, perhaps you want to move to be closer to the grandkids, or maybe you have to buy somewhere bigger to give your family more breathing room.

Take Away?

Focusing on the logic of your reason and your why, makes it easier to harness your attention to the future. Reframe your home sale as change (good change!) rather than loss. Then, selling your house becomes an opportunity for you to move on to a different chapter of your life.

Tip #3: Keep living your best life BUT keep on keeping up with the Jones's 

The last thing you want to do after you decide to sell your house is to wallow in regrets and neglect home selling responsibilities.

Oftentimes, home sellers are also buyers, so their home purchase is contingent on their home sale. You must make sure that your home looks it's best. Then, take steps to detach from what you used to call your home. Trust your real estate agent and start the staging process. See how furniture works in different arrangements, change up the decor, and paint the walls neutral colors to begin depersonalizing the house without giving yourself whiplash. - you can find some helpful tips on curating curb appeal in the Regina real estate article I wrote about Selling A Home in A Slow Market 

Once you have put effort into making the property look it's very best,  you can channel your emotions and efforts toward figuring out what your future will look like, in terms of the house and your new neighborhood. That way, your next home becomes a productive distraction that will help you get over the initial home sale.

Take Away?
 
Be sure to keep up with maintenance and to work with your realtor to get the best price for both your existing property AND the new one!  

Tip #4: Do the Emotional work

So, when you sell your house, don’t be afraid to:

• Walk-through your home and revisit old memories.

• Reflect on how the house has served its purpose for however long you lived there.

• Talk about how you loved living here with your spouse, children, and family members.

This type of processing helps you to accept your emotions throughout the home sale. If you want to keep a snapshot of the home, take photos and use those as emotional anchors for you to look back on in the future.
 

Take Away?

It is healthy to mourn a loss!   

Tip #5: Get proper closure

When selling a house, you don’t want to walk away with unfinished business or bitterness. You might not be emotionally prepared for the change, but don’t demand buyers to overpay for your home or leave the home in a sloppy state. Be respectful to the next set of homeowners, and take the time to get everything in shipshape for the final walkthrough.

A proper goodbye can also include a “house-cooling party” that lets you invite friends and family to your home for one last time before handing over the keys. Those who are important to you also have a chance to say goodbye to you and the home. Just don't go crazy, as the last thing you want is wine stains on those newly cleaned carpets! 

Take Away?

Ready to sell the house you love? Partner up with me, I’m a top Regina RE/MAX Agent, and as an experienced Regina REALTOR® I can support you by inserting a degree of professional separation.

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side.

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share Your home is one of the biggest investments of your life. When you’re ready to buy or sell, choose wisely—choose me, James Wruth REMAX Crown Regina Real Estate Agent. In my latest Regina real estate tip I share 7 tips on how to sell your home in a slower market. 

7 Helpful Tips To Help Sell Your Home in a Slow Market

TD’s latest Provincial Housing Market Outlook, released at the end of June 2022 , projected that home prices in Canada are set for a further fall in the current rising-rates environment, with a 19% peak-to-trough decline anticipated between the first quarter of this year and Q1 2023. That report indicated little prospect of an overall housing market meltdown, a pointed to more of a slowing down.  Since as a seller, you can’t wave a magic wand to change the state of the economy or suddenly increase the pace of home sales, you’ll need to channel your competitive side and think of this as your next challenge. Even in sluggish markets, houses still sell. Make yours one that does with the right game plan that swerves to avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake #1: Minimal Property Preparation

You need to clean, declutter and stage your home or your dooming your sale from the start. No matter which type of market you’re facing, you’ll need to deep clean and declutter to meet the bare minimum buyer expectations. However, In a buyer’s market, don’t be surprised if you have to go beyond that to tackle a handful of repairs and upgrades to make your home’s desirability rise above the competition. As far as the final presentation goes, top agents will share that a staged home sells faster than an unstaged home, and good staging can increase your sales price.

Mistake #2: Maintenance neglect

You don’t need to break the bank on improvements that’ll cost more than they add in value, like a full kitchen or bathroom renovation. But in a slow market, you should deal with any deferred maintenance you’ve put off over the course of ownership, whether it be leaky plumbing, a wobbly ceiling fan, or mold issue in the basement. Look over your home very objectively. In a slow market, you’ll reduce hassles and increase your chances of securing an offer if you take care of outstanding maintenance yourself. But if you don’t have the upfront funds to take care of necessary repairs, you’ll have to disclose any known material defects and then compensate for the issue with an appropriate pricing strategy. 

Mistake #3: Amateur photography

In this digital age where 93% of buyers use online websites to house hunt, it’s critical that your online listing photos be on point. Make sure that the pictures taken reflect your home in the BEST light! 

Mistake #4: The Price Must Be Right

Overpricing can hamper your sale in any market condition, but when you’re selling in a buyer’s market it can completely kill your chances of selling at all.

So don’t make the mistake of simply listing at the same price (or higher) than recent comparative properties have sold for. Listen to your Regina real estate agent and TRUST the data to find the right list price to help your home sell fast even in a competitive market.

Mistake #5: Mediocre marketing

Great photos and the right price can only go so far to get your house sold—if no one knows about your listing.

Selling in a slow market isn’t easy, so putting your property in front of as many buyers as possible is key, The responsibility of selling your home does not come lightly to me. I understand the effort and challenges that surround the decision to sell your current property, and I will provide the real estate expertise, resources and strategies to guide you through it seamlessly. I have a broad marketing mix and I work hard to get the property in front of as many of the RIGHT prospects as possible!  

Mistake #6: Restricting buyers’ access to your home

No one likes to be told to get out of their own home, but that’s what you’ll need to put up with while your home is on the market.

Develop a showings strategy that includes quick and easy cleaning wipes, portable bathroom caddies, and lidded storage bins, so that you can quickly clean and hide away your toiletries and personal items on just an hour’s notice. Don’t refuse to have a lock box on your house, or demand outlandish access restrictions, like requiring half a day’s notice before showings. The more foot traffic, the better.
 

Mistake #7: Stubborn negotiations

Even once you’ve received and accepted a decent offer in a competitive buyer’s market, you’ll need to get through the buyer’s home inspection and the back-and-forth on repair requests. In a slow market, buyers are picky, and finicky, and not as committed to the home sale as the seller. They’ll walk away over the smallest things because they know there are plenty of other properties out there. 

Selling in a slow market: Have an expert at your side

If life were a fairytale, you sell your house whenever you want and at the price you want. In real life, sellers are at the mercy of the market.

Plus, every house is different. What it takes to sell your house in a slow market could be different than your neighbour’s situation. When in doubt, work with a top Regina real estate agent with experience in your area and property type to navigate tough decisions. 

Contact me today, I am here to help!  

• Read More Reviews From James's Clients Here 

• SELL Your Home With James Wruth. 

• See The Regina Real Estate Market Trends

• Search For A Home On James' Website 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side. 

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share 6 ways you can ensure your home stands out to buyers this fall in Regina! 

The summer selling-season frenzy is over, but fall has just as much (if not more) sales-inducing mojo to offer. The crisp autumn weather gives home hunters new incentive to find that perfect house to snuggle into before the snow comes. Here are some surefire season-sensitive tips to make sure it’s yours that they choose.

Clean Up The Yard

Get out that rake and move those newly fallen leaves off the lawn tout suite. Making sure potential buyers can see the potential of a summer garden is a big selling point. Cut back bushes and dead flowers, make sure vegetation isn’t blocking any windows or paths. Also, check for any trees that have grown up with the warm weather and are now blocking views or sunlight.

Fall Flowers / Displays 

Boosting autumn-time curb appeal starts with few strategically-placed planters filled with flowering fall favourites such as chrysanthemums, marigolds and mini sunflowers. They come in yellows, oranges, reds and browns and instantly brighten up walkways, steps, window boxes and doorways. A grouping of seasonal gourds by the front steps wouldn’t go amiss either.  Autumn ushers in memories of a bountiful harvest, children dressed in colorful costumes and thankful families sharing a meal. As you spruce up your porch, the realization that fall is finally here brings the excitement of the season to your home.

Wash Those Windows

After a Saskatchewan summer filled with hot, dusty days and warm breezes, windows can start to look filmy and streaked, while window screens are plugged with dirt and unlucky insects. You may not notice the buildup since it happened over a few months but buyers will. Dig out that power washer or hire a window-washing company to tackle the job and get those windows sparking clean. It is well worth the investment.

Top Notch HVAC

The furnace probably hasn’t been used all summer so now’s the time to have it looked at by a specialist and prepped for winter use. A potential buyer will have an inspector look at it anyways so it’s better to fix any potential problems prior to the house going on the market. Before anyone steps foot through the door, you’ll want the air flowing through the home smelling fresh and the heating system doing its job.

Squeaky Clean Fireplace

A wood-burning fireplace is on a lot of buyers’ must-have list – but they want one they can light up the day they get the keys. Get the chimney professionally cleaned and scrub down the stove and brickwork. As soon as you list the house, hold off on lighting it and instead set up a display of attractive logs, large pinecones or pillar candles.

Open House Details

Fall is a favourite time for many people so when you do open your doors, make sure they get a season’s greeting. Before they arrive, simmer hot apple cider on the stove to fill the house with a welcoming scent, then fill up a thermos and put out paper cups so visitors can sip on cider while they tour your tastefully staged rooms. Fill a bowl with fresh apples and set out a tray of ginger cookies for potential buyers to take home as a sweet reminder of how much they love fall – and would love to buy your home.

Your home is one of the biggest investments of your life. When you’re ready to buy or sell, choose wisely—choose me, James Wruth REMAX Crown Regina Real Estate Agent.

Contact me today, I am here to help!  

• Read More Reviews From James's Clients Here 

• SELL Your Home With James Wruth. 

• See The Regina Real Estate Market Trends

• Search For A Home On James' Website 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side. 

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions I started a career in real estate in 2006 with REMAX Crown Real Estate In Regina, and since that time I have built a Regina real estate business around that philosophy. My goal is a personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, and your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share the advantages of working with a REMAX Crown Real Estate Agent in Regina. 

Why I am proud to be your RE/MAX Crown Real Estate Agent in Regina.

Buying or selling a home is likely the largest and most important transaction you’ll ever make. That’s why so many people trust RE/MAX:  the most widely recognized real estate brand in the world. For more than 20 years, RE/MAX has been the leading real estate organization in Canada. By providing the best training, administrative and marketing support, brokers and agents are free to focus on what they do best: SELL real estate

As a RE/MAX Crown Real Estate Agent, I am focused on providing you with the best results and service in the industry. I listen carefully to understand your real estate goals and work hard to create solutions that make sense for you. Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, I have the expertise, proven track record, and resources to help you achieve your real estate goals. A common mantra in real estate is “location, location, location.” REMAX agents have extensive knowledge of the Regina area and can help find the right home for you or the right buyer for your home.

As a RE/MAX agent, I am supplied with exclusive tools and training to ensure I have the skills they need to effectively guide you through the real estate process. In fact, Canadian RE/MAX agents averaged twice as many transactions as its competitors. (based on 2015 closed transactions source: CREA, RE/MAX) and have more specialized designations than any others, making them Canada’s most productive agents.

Tech Savvy

RE/MAX has always been a leader in the real estate industry, adopting the latest technology and creating innovative marketing programs. RE/MAX was the first brand to expand its reach to the global market through a revolutionary global listing site. With listings from more than 80 countries, displayed in over 40 languages, RE/MAX agents have the opportunity to search and post listings internationally, making international transactions easier than ever.

Community 

At the heart of RE/MAX is a deep commitment to the communities we operate in. This was another big reason why I was drawn to the brand as a new agent back in 2006. RE/MAX Crown Real Estate Agents succeed with dedication, experience and community involvement. As a team, we have raised thousands of dollars through charity work, and we channel those funds into local and regional children’s medical facilities to improve the quality of life in our local communities! 

All RE/MAX Agents display the Miracle Home sign on property listings. As we are committed to helping hospitalized children across our province and have pledged a portion of their income from the sale of that home to the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation

Your home is one of the biggest investments of your life. When you’re ready to buy or sell, choose wisely—choose me, James Wruth REMAX Crown Regina Real Estate Agent.

Contact me today, I am here to help!  

• Read More Reviews From James's Clients Here 

• SELL Your Home With James Wruth. 

• See The Regina Real Estate Market Trends

• Search For A Home On James' Website 

If you are looking for a Regina Realtor who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice, I will be an expert at your side.