As a homeowner, you probably have a string of minor repairs and other touch ups around your home that never quite get done:a closet door thats queaks and rattles a bit, a tear in a window screen, a faucet that drips occasionally. All of these may seem minor to you. Infact, you might have long since stopped noticing them. But a potential buyer viewing your home will notice. So, if you have a list of minor repairs and touch-ups you’ve been meaning to get done, now is the time. You don’t want any thing to get in the way of a buyer forming a good impression of your home. More ways to sell your home: Informed Home Buyer Seller July 2.pdf (555.17 kb)

As you tour a potential new home, you notice that the carpeting in the livingroom is stained. "Don't worry about that," says the homeowner, who senses your disapproval. "We're going to get the
carpeting professionally cleaned before we move."

Should you take their word for it?

Regardless of how honest a seller may seem, never rely on a verbal promise.

Will they move that abandoned car in the back yard? Will they fix the crack in the front steps? Is that expensive-looking ceiling fan included with the house?

Don't assume.Get it written into the offer.

You find a home that you're interested in buying. But you have concerns. Is it in a good state of repair? Will you be able to secure the right financing? Can you sell your current home in time?

Any of these issues can prevent you frommaking a prompt offer and, as a result, cause you to lose the opportunity.

The solution? Make a conditional offer.

A conditional offer means just that. You offer to purchase the home so long as certain conditions,which you specify,are satisfied. Here are the most common examples:

• "Subject to financing".You will buy the home if you're able to arrange for a suitable mortgage.

• "Subject to inspection". You will buy the home if it passes inspection by a qualified home inspector of your choice. If he or she finds that substantial repairs are required, you can either walk away from the deal or renegotiate.

• "Subject to selling my current home". You will buy the home if you can sell your own home within a set period of time.For example:45 days.A sellermight agree to this if your home is competitively priced.

• "Subject to the repair of ____ ". You will buy the home if the seller makes certain repairs, at his or her own expense. This can range from something relatively minor, such as fixing a crack in the foundation, to a major repair like
replacing the roof shingles.

A conditional offer will protect you.However, there is always the risk that the seller will say "No." If you're in a competitive situation, for example, and another buyer's offer is unconditional, you may lose the deal - even if your offer price is higher!

So you really need to use conditional offers strategically, in just the right way, under just the right circumstances.

OTTAWA -- The federal government is ready to clamp down further on mortgage rules if the boom in the Canadian housing market turns into a bubble, says Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. In an exclusive interview with Canwest News Service and Global National, Mr. Flaherty said the government is closely monitoring the redhot housing market for signs that it is reaching "irrational" levels. "The reality is we have low mortgage rates . . . so we can expect some upward pressure on housing," he said. "That's OK, as long as it doesn't become a bubble. We're watching that." If you are procrastinating buying a home read this article; Flaherty Impact.pdf (301.17 kb)

When you’re preparing your house for sale, you want to make sure every room looks its best. But pay particularly close attention to the kitchen. Many buyers will spend a lot of time
determining whether or not it meets their needs. In fact, some buyers will even form an impression about the entire property based primarily on how they feel about the kitchen!
How do you make it look its best? Start by making sure your kitchen appears as roomy as possible. Put away all countertop appliances, even the toaster and the coffee machine, so that the counter space is
completely clear. Check that your cabinets and pantry shelves aren’t stuffed with dishes, foodstuff and other items. While that’s normal in most family homes, it doesn’t promote the image of plentiful
storage space. Clear out as much as you can. Make sure what you leave behind, especially food items, is stored neatly. Got a junk drawer? We all do. Empty the contents into a box
and stow it away. Full article at Informed Home Buyer Oct 09.pdf (571.00 kb)