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What’s one red flag you always look for during a showing?

Potential Insurability Issues & Legal Access


Insurability and legal access are critical on a first visit. Make sure the property has clear, legal year-round access, as informal or shared driveways can create problems with lenders and insurers. Remote locations or limited fire department access can also make insurance difficult or expensive.   - Scott McDougall, Salesperson

Strong Airfreshners

Strong air fresheners often suggest the seller may be trying to mask another odour. That’s a cue to be extra vigilant in places where smells tend to linger, like basements, closets, under sinks, and around carpets or recent paint. Revealing hidden issues such as mould, pet damage, smoke, or past water intrusion.     - Abbie Drolet, Broker


The Age of the Equipment

The age and condition of the oil tank and electrical system are key red flags. Old or rusty oil tanks can leak and may need replacement for insurance. Outdated electrical systems, like fuse panels or knob-and-tube wiring, can be hard to insure and expensive to upgrade.    -The Bearded Realtor, Jack Bould

What’s one area of a home that you think deserves more attention when buying or selling?

First Impressions Matter

A well-maintained exterior and yard set the tone right away. Cut grass, trimmed landscaping, and a clean, solid-looking roof, siding, and foundation suggest the home has been properly cared for.     - Chris Bousquet, Broker of Record

The Foundation

Structurally, the foundation is critical; if you can see it, it should look solid. I believe the foundation and roof are the most important elements of the home.     - Jack Bould, Realtor

 


The Living Room

Living rooms deserve extra attention when buying or selling. By improving the lighting, using furniture placement, you can create a natural flow, and choosing neutral paint with subtle colour accents, you can elevate the space and boost overall appeal.     - Patsy Moore, Salesperson

Q&A

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I work with a real estate agent instead of selling or buying on my own?

With market insight, negotiation expertise, proven marketing tools, and a strong local professional network, a licensed real estate professional helps save you time, reduce stress, and achieve better results.

What's the difference between a home evaluation and a home appraisal?

Evaluations set a listing price. It's usually a free, informal estimate by a realtor to help set a listing price for a home.

Appraisals determine value for mortgages, refinancing, or legal disputes. This is a paid, formal, unbiased report by a licensed professional required by lenders to determine a property's market value for financing

How do I start finding my next property?

Start by choosing the location that best fits your lifestyle. Next, determine your budget. The following two steps can be done in either order: speak with a mortgage broker or lender to understand your purchasing power, and connect with a local real estate agent who knows the market. Your agent can help you navigate the process, search for suitable properties, and book showings.

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