Surina Hart, Quinte Real Estate Broker Royal LePage | MLS listings for Belleville, Brighton, Cramahe, Quinte West, Trenton & Prince Edward County

The Listing Price

Friday, Jan. 01 2010  |  Posted by: Surina  |  0 comments

The Listing Price of a home is not an absolute, meaning the majority of Sellers welcome Negotiable Offers. This is not to say that the listing price reflects an overpriced home, but merely an opportunity for Buyers to negotiate purchase price, closing date, inclusions, and terms.

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Open House Buyer Etiquette

Friday, Jan. 01 2010  |  Posted by: Surina  |  0 comments

When viewing homes by going through an open house, remember that you are going through another person's home. Respect of another's home is quite common sense and there are points of etiquette that should always be kept in mind.

The REALTOR® at the open house is acting as a host on the Seller's behalf and should be treated with the same respect you would give the Seller.

If you are asked by the REALTOR®, to sign a guest register before viewing the home, please do so. It is a common and reasonable request that the Seller have a record of who was viewing their home when they were not present.

If the REALTOR® presents you with the option of a guided tour or going through the home at your own leisure, feel free to go off on your own. However, the advantage to having the REALTOR® take you on a tour of the home, is that she is able to point out the features of the home that may be otherwise missed if looking on your own. Another benefit to the guided tour, if you have any questions, you can ask immediately instead of trying to remember to ask the REALTOR® later.

Wear slip on shoes and remove your outer footwear at all times, unless the REALTOR® suggests otherwise. Even in the summer or dry weather, removing your shoes before viewing the home will ensure the Seller's home is kept pristine. Furthermore, do not carry your shoes with you while you go through the home; nothing is worse than a trail of little drops of mud. If protecting your feet is a concern, do not wear sandals, socks provide enough layer of protection for your feet.

Negative opinions of the home is considered impolite as you walk through an open house. Remember, the walls have ears and unkind comments could come back to haunt you.

The furniture and furnishings belong to the owner; if you admire a particular piece of art or object, do so at a distance.

Refrain from using the lavatory during an open house. 

A Buyer's Viewpoint

It is easy to get sidetracked by the appearance and aesthetics of a home, and although this may be important to you, there are many factors to keep in mind when viewing a home.

Before viewing a home, prepare a list of questions you want to ask the hosting REALTOR®. It is very helpful to bring along a notepad and pen to write down information that could be easily forgotten, especially if you are viewing many homes in a day.

Take your time when viewing each home. Remember that you have big decisions to make, so look at each home thoroughly keeping your family's needs in mind. Making note of what each family member needs before your search begins can be quite helpful. When you enter each room, take into consideration the room size, window & door placement and the closet or storage space it has to offer.

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