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Trusted Tips & Resources

Ten Things Buyers Really Want in Their Next Home By Trusted Regina


The Top 10 Things Buyers Really Want in Their Next Home


There is likely no bigger purchase than a home. There are some things on almost every homebuyer’s list when it comes to looking for their perfect property whether they’re buying for the first time, upgrading or downsizing.

These 10 things seem to be really important to most:


1. Separate Laundry Room.

Most homebuyers want a designated space to do laundry. Having enough storage space for laundry items, as well as being able to fold clothes, is a must. Buyers see it as a huge plus. Most people prefer this space to be close to the master bedroom or at least on the main floor.

2. High Efficiency.

Even when buying an older home, homebuyers look for efficiency in appliances and windows. More people are mindful of their utility bills and look to things to cut those costs.

3. A Patio Or Deck. 

Outdoor living is embraced by most homeowners. 87% of house hunters look for a home with a patio where they can entertain family and friends in the warmer months.

4. A Large Garage.

For more than just the vehicles. A spacious garage can also double as a great storage space. A garage also provides easy accessibility to stored items unlike an attic or shed.

5. Exterior lighting.

Most people take great pride in the time and money they’ve invested in landscaping and would like to highlight that even at night. Next to a patio, exterior lighting is the most desired outdoor feature. That includes spotlight, walkway and pendant lights.

6. A Modern Kitchen and Bathroom.

Most people’s savings will be going toward a down payment, so getting a kitchen and bathroom they won’t have to change is high on the priority list. An eat-in, open-concept kitchen is what most people strive for. These are really attractive to young families with children.

7. Hardwood Floors.

Hardwood floors are cleaner and easier to maintain. Good flooring can last a lifetime if maintained well.

8. Walk-in Closet in the Master.

These types of closets are quickly gaining in popularity among first-time homebuyers. Such closets rank in the top five on the home want list.

9. Walk-in Pantry.

A full-sized pantry used to be a staple in every home in the early 20th century. They went out of favour, but are making a strong comeback. According to statistics, it’s the most wanted kitchen feature among buyers these days.

10. A Separate Dining Room.

Like the walk-in pantry, the formal dining room is back on the want list. A separate dining room is among the top 10 essentials for first- and second-time homebuyers.


Trusted Regina Shares 3 Things to Learn From An Open House


3 Things to Learn From an Open House


Are you a professed open house snooper? Do you love popping into open houses even if you’re not looking to sell or buy? While touring an open house is an important step for most buyers, there’s still a lot you can learn even if you’re not presently in the market. For example:


Get staging or design inspiration. 

Most open houses are professionally staged, so checking one out, especially if it’s similar in size or style to your own, can be a great way to get a sense of how different colours and furniture styles look. When it comes time to stage your own for sale, you might have some great ideas.


Get to know your price point. 

Taking a look through different open houses that are either similar to your own, or in a price point you plan to buy in, can give you a reality check. If you keep seeing homes in your price range that just don’t fit the bill, it might be time to increase your budget or be prepared to compromise. The same goes for your current home. If you see similar spaces that sell for a lot less, you might want to rethink your sales strategy.


Learn what doesn’t work. 

Open houses can also be a great chance to see some seriously misguided renovations or decor choices. Did someone take down a wall and lose a valuable potential home office? Undertake a bathroom renovation that just didn’t make sense? Learning what doesn’t work in a similar home, or what features you absolutely couldn’t compromise on can be valuable, too.

Most listing agents know that a certain number of open house visitors are there out of curiosity, not because they’re in the market, so don’t be shy! There’s still a lot you can learn from browsing open houses whether you’re looking to buy immediately or not.



Trusted Regina REALTOR® James Wruth Has 7 Expert Home Selling Tips

James Wruth is one of Regina’s most trusted and top-selling Realtors. A member of RE/MAX Crown Real Estate since 2006, James works with families, individuals, investors, and developers in the purchase and sale of residential properties. Since 2006, James has been a consistent Top Producing Realtor, and he has been awarded numerous prestigious distinctions including Re/Max 100% Club distinction, Platinum Sales Award, and Remax Hall of Fame induction. James Wruth is a Trusted Regina Real Estate expert.

Selling Your Home? James Provides 7 Expert Tips and Steps To Take

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006, 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, your real estate goals, and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share tips and tricks to help sell your home in Regina!


Hiring a Regina realtor who knows how to use the psychology of sales can really pay off. Choose an experienced real estate agent who understands how to use the art of negotiation, who can salvage a potentially sour deal, apply pressure and use other successful strategies to increase your sale price. 

1. ESTABLISH A PRICE

As a Seller, you may believe your property is worth more than the Realtor wants to Initially list it. An agent may agree to list your home at a higher price, but I am of the opinion that this should only apply if you agree to drop that price within a specified period (usually in 15-day increments). Realtors who use this technique may actually be looking out for your best interest. Agreeing on a plan to reduce the price gradually helps build rapport and trust with clients who may be stuck on a number. My job as a Regina realtor is to know the market and I do my research to make sure I know the optimum listing price for every property I agree to sell based on the individual seller's unique set of circumstances. 

2. PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

You need to shift your perspective and view your home through the eyes of the prospective buyers. Ask yourself what you would expect. My role as your Regina Real Estate agent will be to help guide you and give you tips on de-cluttering and other things that will help your home be more sellable. Now is not the time to be attached or sentimental about furniture, art and belongings. 

3. BE AVAILABLE FOR SHOWINGS

Potential buyers may ask to see your home on short notice. It is best if you can accommodate these requests, you never want to miss a potential sale. After each showing, be assured that I will follow up with the people who viewed your home to hear their feedback, which I will share. 

4. YOU GET AN OFFER... OR MULTIPLE OFFERS

If everything goes well, a buyer’s agent will present your agent with an offer. You have three choices – accept the offer, counter the offer, or reject the offer. Be assured that my knowledge of your needs will enable me to represent you in the best way possible.

Next Steps! 

5. UNDER CONTRACT

At this point, you have accepted an offer and have agreed to all the terms set forth in the contract.

6. CONDITIONAL PHASE 

When the agreement of purchase and sale is accepted and signed by all parties, the conditional phase begins. The buyers will have a pre-determined amount of time to fulfil items likely including home inspection, financing, home insurance, etc. The date the conditions are removed, you now have a firm and binding contract for the sale of your home.

SOLD!


7. CLOSING

This is the date of transfer of funds and ownership that was agreed upon in your binding contract. I will make sure that you know that you are packed up and ready to go before this date.

Have questions about selling your Regina property?

Contact me today, I am here to help!


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

Trusted Regina REALTOR® James Wruth Shares Advice on Becoming a Landlord

James Wruth is one of Regina’s most trusted and top-selling Realtors. A member of RE/MAX Crown Real Estate since 2006, James works with families, individuals, investors, and developers in the purchase and sale of residential properties. Since 2006, James has been a consistent Top Producing Realtor, and he has been awarded numerous prestigious distinctions including Re/Max 100% Club distinction, Platinum Sales Award, and Remax Hall of Fame induction. James Wruth is a Trusted Regina Real Estate expert.

So You Want To Become A Landlord In Regina?

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006, 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, your real estate goals, and to be 100% accountable to you. In my latest blog post, I share advice for folks considering investing in revenue properties in Regina, with a view to becoming a landlord. 

Things you need to know before you become a landlord.

If you’re looking to become a landlord, investing in Regina real estate is a solid way to generate passive income! However, before you invest in Regina revenue property, it’s wise to know if you’re getting a good deal.

Here are some tips to consider when buying an investment property in Regina. 

1. Buy the right Regina property that is sure to rent easily

- Select Your Target Regina Neighbourhoods Carefully - remember this is not where YOU are going to live

Consider the following before you invest:
  • Is it a safe neighbourhood? ( Check out Regina Police Crime Map ) 
  • What amenities are found locally
  • What is the rental vacancy rate in that neighbourhood?
  • How close are you to local shops, parks or recreational facilities? 
  • How far away are you from the bus stop or transportation hub?
  • If you are considering buying property suitable for a family are you close to schools? 
You may want to consider duplexes for the peace of mind they bring. With duplexes, you have two units, so if you go for a while without a tenant, it’s usually just one apartment, not both, so you still have some revenue coming in. As an experienced Regina realtor, I can provide a lot of support in your search! 

2. Treat your rental like a business

You can make good money being a landlord, through both monthly cash flow and appreciation on your property. But it’s not like buying a mutual fund. You need to be ready to handle the types of struggles you’d face with any business. You must have a budget for emergency fixes for example! 

Know your rights as a landlord in Regina! 

3. Be sure to properly screen potential tenants

We’ve all read stories of nightmare tenants who generate endless noise complaints, damage property and even stop paying rent. To protect yourself, I recommend credit checks (available through agencies like Equifax and TransUnion) and asking for references from employers and past landlords. I also recommend matching landlord references to the credit check, which shows past addresses, to ensure the applicant is being truthful. Once you’ve found great tenants, you’ll want to hold on to them for as long as possible.

4. Check your insurance coverage

If you’re renting an apartment within your home, your existing home insurance policy could be enough coverage. But if you’re renting a building that you don’t live in, you’ll need to look into additional insurance While it’s not legal to require your tenants to purchase insurance, it’s important they know that they’re not covered by your policy. It’s a good practice to recommend they take out their own tenant insurance policy so their personal property is covered.

5. If you aren't handy or good at DIY - find folks you can trust who are! 

You can save even more time by making sure you’re set up for success from day one. Build a network of professionals — electricians, plumbers, handypeople. This way you can handle most routine problems, like a leaky faucet, with a simple phone call.

Have questions about buying revenue properties?
Contact me today, I am here to help!


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

6 Tips To Help Your Home Stand Out From Trusted Regina REALTOR® James Wruth

James Wruth is one of Regina’s most trusted and top-selling Realtors. A member of RE/MAX Crown Real Estate since 2006, James works with families, individuals, investors, and developers in the purchase and sale of residential properties. Since 2006, James has been a consistent Top Producing Realtor, and he has been awarded numerous prestigious distinctions including Re/Max 100% Club distinction, Platinum Sales Award, and Remax Hall of Fame induction. James Wruth is a Trusted Regina Real Estate expert.

6 Tips To Help Your Home Stand Out From The Crowd This Fall

I believe that relationships are more important than transactions. I started a career in real estate in 2006, 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, 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 a 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, and 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 a 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 colourful 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 sparkling 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 that 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.

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

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