Frequently Asked Questions

As a real estate agent in Guelph I’m asked questions about the home buying and home selling process. Please find below a few of the questions that hopefully will assist you in understanding what is involved with buying or selling a house in Guelph and surrounding area.

From a Buyers Perspective

1. What is the first step when considering buying a home?
2. How do I start searching for a home in Guelph?
3. How do I know that I am purchasing a property that is well valued?
4. How do I know that I am purchasing a home in a good neighbourhood?
5. Should I consider a home inspection when I find a home that’s of interest?
6. Should I consider renovating my home?
7. What other services can you provide to me as my Buyer’s agent?

From a Sellers Perspective

1. What will a Comparative Market Analysis of my home provide me?
2. What is Geowarehouse and how is it used to help assess the value of my home?
3. How is information on recent comparable homes sold used to assess the value of my home?
4. How is information on current active listings used to assess the value of my home?
5. How is information on expired listings used to assess the value of my home?

Questions from a Buyers Perspective

Q. What is the first step when considering buying a home?
A. The first step in searching for a home is to schedule a buyer interview. Our first meeting will consist of details on how working with a real estate agent in Guelph can help you find and buy a home whether it be a new home or a resale home in Guelph. This meeting will allow us to assess your needs and wants and affordability. In addition, I will educate you on the process involved in performing a home search in Guelph as well as go through legal documentation you will be required to become familiar with, such as Agreements of Purchase and Sale, Working with a Realtor form, and a Buyer Agency Agreement.

Q. How do I start searching for a home in Guelph?
A. I have a very effective and organized approach for searching for homes in the Guelph and surrounding area that will keep you on top of the real estate market at all times without getting overwhelmed.

Q. How do I know that I am purchasing a property that is well valued?
A. My real estate services include educating you on the market value of the subject property as well as market value new and resale homes of the surrounding area.

Q. How do I know that I am purchasing a new or resale home in a good neighbourhood?
A. When viewing homes I will teach you how to assess the area the subject property is located in. The initial Buyer Interview will also establish the areas in which your search will be focused on as well as determine what neighbourhoods will provide you with the quality of life and convenience that would appeal to your needs and wants. I will also teach you some real estate tricks of the trade in determining what the immediate surrounding area consists of.

Q. Should I consider a home inspection when I find a home that’s of interest?
A. The condition of the home is evaluated with each house showing. I am no home inspector however do have my Professional Engineering designation and will teach you how to assess the condition of the home considering structural aspects, plumbing, electrical, roof, windows etc. I cannot necessarily determine the exact state of the home but a thorough walk through will give you an idea of what is questionable and what is considered to be in good shape. This will also contribute in determining the value of the property as well. Having said this, I do recommend a home inspection once you’ve determined a home is of interest, however by walking through the home thoroughly, you can minimize your risks and any surprises.

Q. Should I consider renovating my home?
A. Home renovation recommendations are made throughout the home showing process. I will take into consideration your needs and wants, but also what is ideal for home resale purposes.

Q. What other services can you provide to me as my Buyer’s agent?

A. Aside from providing you with information on all available house listings (including listings from other companies as well as new home construction), I will educate you on all aspects associated with the home search in the Guelph and surrounding area. My role will entail keeping you up to date on new listings including real estate listings from other companies as well as new home construction. I will make appointments to view homes with you and preview them myself where required. Once a property is found, I will draw up an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with conditions and clauses that will protect you and your interests. As your Buyer’s agent, I will then present your offer to purchase and negotiate an agreement under your request with the vendor. My role is to inform you on real estate related topics, expose you to all available listings that suit your needs, and provide you with options. My hope is to educate you to the point that you are confident with the real estate investment you will make. I am a dedicated professional that truly is interested in my clients well being.

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Questions from a Sellers Perspective

Q. What will a Comparative Market Analysis of my new or resale home provide me?
A. The Comparative Market Analysis Summary will provide you with an opinion of value for your home based on several factors including recent comparable sales, current comparable active listings as well as cost to build.

Q. What is Geowarehouse and how is it used to help assess the value of my home?
A. A neighbourhood sales report through GeoWarehouse, a new land information provincial government resource available to Realtors and other land professionals, is provided to include all sales including homes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and homes that have not been registered through the MLS.

Q. How is information on recent comparable homes sold used to assess the value of my home?
A. A list of recent comparable sold homes for properties that are similar in style and size to your home within a specific geographic area are provided in this section. Many Realtors will use this information as their primary source of determining a list price and anticipated market value for your home. Price adjustments are made to each listing to accommodate for any differences between your home and the comparative home.

Q. How is information on current active listings used to assess the value of my home?
A. A list of comparable active listings for properties that are similar in style and size to your home within a specific geographic area are provided in this section. Your home will be compared to all other similar listings that are currently on the market, therefore they are your competition. It is important to keep this information in mind while deciding on a list price for your home.

Q. How is information on expired listings used to assess the value of my home?
A. A list of comparable expired listings for properties that are similar in style and size to your home within a specific geographic area are provided in this section. This information will help you determine why a property did not sell with a given period of time, t hereby avoiding similar mistakes and set-backs.