Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Trusted Regina Mortgage Broker Ryan Boughen's Mortgage Renewal Tips!

The land of mortgages is big, and Ryan Boughen, a multi-award-winning Regina Mortgage broker with TMG The Mortgage Group, understands how confusing it can be with new rules, rates and information appearing regularly in the market. There are also dozens of lenders with thousands of mortgage products available. Ryan Boughen is a Trusted Regina Mortgage Broker, and in his latest mortgage tip, he touches on the subject of mortgage renewal. 


Your mortgage is probably the single most considerable expense. Unfortunately, most people give it little thought. Here are the most expensive mistakes you must avoid when you renew your next mortgage.


✅ Don't take the first offer - Most times, the first offer you receive from a bank or lender is never their best. Don't be afraid to shop around.

✅ Refinancing - Many mortgage brokers and lenders will bring up the opportunity to refinance your debt or take out equity from your home at the time of mortgage renewal. For more than 99% of us, this is a bad idea. The lure of “cheap money” is strong – whether to pay off debts or use the money for a home reno – going into more debt when you renew your mortgage will cost you in the long run.

✅ Paying off Debt Responsibly - If you have car loans, lines of credit, a balance on your credit card, or other personal debts, you should never pay more than the minimum on your mortgage. Paying off these debts, saving for your child’s education and putting away 15% of your gross income into retirement ALWAYS takes priority over paying off your house.

✅ Have A Master Plan for your Finances - If you fail to plan, plan to fail. Ideally, you should have a monthly, yearly and 5-year plan for your overall finances. Anything from planning your monthly expenses, such as budgeting housing, automotive, and general expenses, to the amount you want to see in your RRSPs and retirement fund.



Trusted Regina REALTOR® James Wruth Explains Selling A Deceased Family Member's Home

James Wruth is one of Regina’s most trusted and top-selling Realtors. A member of Remax 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.

James Wruth Explains The Process When Selling The Home Of A Deceased Family Member

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 explain the process of selling the home of a family member who has passed. 

What Is The Process Involved When Selling The Home Of A Deceased Family Member? 

Unfortunately, I am all too aware that the death of a relative is always a hard time for the family left behind. Not only do you have to navigate the emotional turmoil that is present when someone you love passes, but you may also have to deal with the inevitable real-world details – like liquidating assets and maybe even selling that person's home.

1. The Importance Of An Up To Date Will

If you think their properties will automatically pass to their descendants when they die, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise. If a homeowner dies without a will, or with a will that somehow fails to specify who the deceased’s property is meant for, what happens to the home becomes a provincial decision.

Each province has its own formula for distributing the deceased’s assets that takes priority over the dead person’s wishes.

When a person dies intestate, typically the family will act as administrator of the estate. Section 11 of The Administration of Estates Act lists the persons entitled to apply for Letters of Administration:
  • spouse; children & grandchildren;
  • parents;
  • siblings; nephews and nieces;
  • next of kin of equal degree of consanguinity;
  • creditors; and the official administrator.
Letters of Administration may not be required to deal with assets that are not part of the estate (Part II Assets) such as property jointly owned with the deceased at the date of death, assets with a named beneficiary or assets outside Saskatchewan. Letters of Administration will be required if the estate assets include real estate in order to conduct any land transactions with Information Service Corporation.

Selling a home after a relative dies is what’s known as an “estate sale.”

The term “estate sale” can often be interpreted in different ways. For instance, if you are not a Realtor, you might be thinking that an estate sale is an auction where furniture and other possessions are liquidated. Most real estate agents, on the other hand, think of an estate sale as selling a property for one of the heirs.


2. Transference of real estate after death.

So what happens when the home is going to be sold?

The first thing that needs to be done is to ensure the executor has been given authority to liquidate the real estate. There should be specific instructions in the will about selling the property.

First, look to see if the executor under the will was given power or authority over the real estate. If they were not given authority over the real estate, then the beneficiaries hold the authority and can sell the real estate without the executor’s consent.

Important note: 
If you are going to be selling an estate where there are more debts than assets, this is what’s called being insolvent. If this is your situation it is important NOT to pay any debts you don’t have to— If you pay some low-priority creditors, you could find you are personally liable for the amount you shouldn’t have paid out. For example, don’t pay the landscaper or the telephone bill. These should be paid by the executor once approved.

3. What Happens If there Is a Mortgage Outstanding?

A majority of Canadian homeowners don’t know what happens to their mortgages when they die. Only 28 per cent of respondents to a 2021 survey realize that their mortgage needs to be paid by the beneficiary who receives their properties. It does not disappear, unfortunately, although that’s exactly what 12 per cent of survey respondents think happens to a mortgage when a borrower dies.

Property owners, particularly investors, must also keep in mind the tax bills awaiting their surviving family members. The CRA treats a dead individual’s assets as if they were all sold on the day prior to his death, meaning capital gains taxes on non-primary residents need to be paid – even if the home is left to a beneficiary. Joint ownership of a property with a spouse can provide a clean and legal workaround; otherwise, those left behind will need to foot the bill. 

4. Collect all the necessary documents related to the home.

One of the least enjoyable, but most necessary, things that those left behind need to do is collect all required financial documents. Financial documents are essential for the distribution of the estate, including the home. Without all the necessary documents things become much more complicated.

You may have to search for a while to find everything you need. Often all documents won’t be in the same place. Sometimes people will stash them in hidden places. It is worth the time to search everywhere, including crawl spaces, the attic, and the garage, go through all the boxes and files, and even look under the mattress and drawers.

The documents you will want to gather may include:
  • Will – As explained - If there is a will, it will significantly simplify the distribution of the estate.
  • Receipts from bills – You will need to freeze your relative’s credit and contact all creditors, including the three major credit reporting agencies.
  • Investment documents – Your relative may have had stocks and/or bonds.
  • Insurance documents – There may be a policy from an employer, or one purchased privately.
  • Homeowner’s policy – Keep homeowner’s insurance up to date and increase coverage if necessary.
  • Bank account documentation – You want accurate information on all of your relative’s bank accounts.
  • Personal documents – If your relative had any personal documents, like journals, poetry, etc., you might like to have them at a later date for sentimental reasons.
Once you have gathered all the documents you know, you will need, shred everything else that has personal information on it. It is a common thing for identity thieves to use the social security numbers of the deceased. By eliminating all documents with the number on them, you make identity theft more difficult.

4. Change The Locks and Mail Delivery

When selling a home as an estate sale, it is essential you have complete control of the property. This includes changing the mail, so you receive it in a timely fashion, along with enhancing the home’s security. Keep in mind there are going to be folks who know about the death that took place and the fact the home may be vacant.

You will be surprised how many keys have been given out on a property over the years. Whether it is friends, relatives, the babysitter or various contractors who have done work. It is better to be safe than sorry.

5. Hire a Regina Realtor To Help You Get the Home Ready For Market

After you have processed all the personal possessions of your relative, you will be ready for the actual sale. At this point, you will go through much the same steps as any other home seller – although some minor differences may apply.

I have found that often when selling a home that was owned by an older relative, or a house that has been occupied for decades, there is extra work involved in prepping for sale. This can be one of the most challenging parts of selling a deceased parent's home. The house may be quite dated, including old wallpaper, decorations, carpet, paint, etc. It may also have damage that has gone unaddressed for a long time.

An experienced and reputable real estate agent will provide the best advice on what needs to be changed or repaired before you put the home on the market. If you want to get the best possible price, you may need to make some changes. The most common I see include:
  • Getting rid of old furniture/ window coverings
  • Removing wallpaper
  • Changing dated flooring and/or refinishing hardwood floors
  • Applying a fresh coat of paint
  • Eliminating all signs of pet ownership, like stains and other damage
  • Installing new fixtures and updating lighting
In addition to any changes you make to the home, you are going to want to clean it thoroughly. There is nothing more critical to the sale of a home than a proper cleaning. I may also suggest professionally staging the property if there is not enough appropriate furniture/belongings left after the cleanup. 

Once the home is prepared for buyers, then we can go ahead and list it. As long as you have made the home desirable based on the current Regina and Rea Real estate market, you should be able to sell it for a fair price.

A misunderstanding of what happens to a person’s property once they’ve died can cause extreme distress, both financial and emotional, for her surviving family members. So the best advice I can give is to have your will and paperwork in order as soon as you become a homeowner. In addition, you review your will on a regular basis to ensure it reflects your wishes. 

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 team brags about James Wruth a Trusted Regina REALTOR®

The Trusted Regina team is thrilled to brag about our newest Trusted Regina REALTOR®. We are thrilled to welcome James Wruth to the Trusted Regina Community of business operated with integrity.  James Wruth is a Trusted Regina Real Estate expert



James Wruth of RE/MAX An Expert At Your Side

James Wruth is one of Regina’s most trusted and top-selling Realtors. A member of Remax 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.







A Regina real estate professional known for his extensive market knowledge and his unmatched devotion to his clients, James’s success is based almost exclusively on client referrals. He earns the respect and loyalty of his clients by working tirelessly on their behalf and by always offering them honest and candid advice.

"James is an outstanding Realtor who takes the time to provide unbiased advice around any properties we were looking at in order for us to make an informed decision. His attention to detail professionalism patient manner allowed both my wife and I to confidently assess options and we could rely on him to provide pros and cons while keeping in mind our needs for our perfect home. James always went the extra mile. You have created raving fans out of us both " - Colin Romano- Regional Manager Investment and Retirement planning - RBC Royal Bank 


James Wruth believes that relationships are more important than transactions and he has built his Regina real estate business around that philosophy. 
 
When we sat down with James our team was immediately impressed with his authenticity and professionalism. He has over 15 years in the Regina real estate industry and is clearly an expert who loves what he does. He shared that he has worked diligently to build the business over the years, apart from when he took a year off in 2016-2017. This was because James made the decision to put his career on hold and spend as much time as he could with his father before he passed away in September of 2017. James is a family man through and through and he is a proud father to 3 daughters.  

Community Support.


James Wruth is committed to supporting the community and actively supports many Regina non-profits and charities,  including Children’s Miracle NetworkHospitals of Regina FoundationSouls Harbour Rescue MissionThe Royal Canadian Legion and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.


He believes in personalized one-on-one service to fully understand you, your real estate goals and to be 100% accountable to you. If you are looking for a real estate agent who works tirelessly on your behalf and always offers honest and candid advice then James is a perfect choice. 



"The responsibility of selling your home in Regina and area does not come lightly to me. I understand the effort and challenges that surround the decision to sell your current property, and I will provide the real estate expertise, resources and strategies to guide you through it seamlessly. I'm here to provide you with the guidance you need to feel confident and absolute certainty that you are in the right hands." James Wruth


Sell Your Home For The Best Possible Price, With The Least Amount Of Time and Stress!

James Wruth Is A Trusted Regina Estate Agent



The Trusted Regina Team Brag About CH Living Your Trusted Regina Property Management Company


CH Living Joins Trusted Regina In The Regina Real Estate Category


The Trusted Regina Directory team is thrilled to brag about our newest Regina partner in our Regina Real Estate Category. We would like to welcome and introduce you to CH Living Your Trusted Regina Property Management Company With The Best Regina Apartments For Rent! 

CH Living take big steps to make their properties a great place to live and call home. They want your Regina apartment rental experience to be positive and long lasting. Many of their buildings are conveniently located in downtown Regina. The focus of the CH Living Team is on renovations, preventative maintenance, quality materials, and communication. That became very apparent when we were speaking to past and current residents as part of the unique Trusted Regina verification process. The folks we spoke to were very impressed with the buildings, the amenities and the helpful and friendly staff at CH Living. 

" I've lived here for a little over six months and have nothing but good to say. From property manager CH Living's staff to caretakers Gale & Dean, they are all so responsive to tenant inquiries. The building itself is quiet and well kept. Lobby was updated a few years ago, as are all the suites as folks move out. Security is good, outside parking nearby. Location can't be beat, between downtown and Wascana Park, and also near the little Broadway strip with grocery store. Shoppers Drug Mart and 7-11 one block away. All manner of salons and spas in the Transition neighbourhood. All appliances are new, air conditioning works, balcony and sunset is a bonus."- L. Zwart - Regina


CH Living has numerous properties with rental units in Regina and they literally have something for everyone. They have number of properties that have apartment rentals for adults only, many of the CH Living Properties are focused on the needs of independent senior living, and they also have several family friendly buildings. You can check out all CH Living properties as well as a list of current Regina apartments available for rent on their website here. If you would like more information on any of the properties or want join a waiting list for a building, simply contact Quinn, Cindy and the CH leasing team, they will be happy to assist.  

A History Of Trust In An Industry Full Of Horror Stories


The “CH” in CH Living is synonymous with Campbell & Haliburton - the CH Group - this is the parent company that was established in 1957, the company has been a landmark to the Regina Cathedral community, and includes sister companies, Campbell & Haliburton InsuranceCH Living and CH Built ( a disaster remediation & renovation company that also does the ongoing maintenance on the CH Living properties). The CH group has a stellar reputation and the integrity starts at the top, with the CH Group President,  John Grant. 

John is a visionary and deeply committed to providing opportunities that benefit all members of society. He is passionate about creating opportunities and a path for success for people living in social exclusion. His dedication and ongoing commitment to our children and families make him a unique and outstanding individual. John was the recipient of the 2021 Association Of Fundraising Professionals ( AFP ) Outstanding Community Partner Award. Learn more about him in the video below. 




Trusted Regina  warmly welcomes John and the CH Living team to the Regina directory of excellence and we are proud to give them the ‘Thumbs Up’! See all they do and read more reviews by clicking on the link below! 

Location, Community, Exceptional Quality ...It's Your Home.

CH Living is Your Trusted Regina Property Management Company



Trusted Regina COMMERCIAL Real Estate tip- Part 3

 How to Purchase Commercial Real Estate: PART 3

Purchasing Commercial Real Estate: Identify the Right Property

There are a number of factors to consider when looking for suitable commercial real estate to purchase. The old adage "location, location, location" is true for commercial properties just as much as it is for residential. But there are other issues at play, as well. Here are some things to consider:

Location:
This is still the No. 1 issue. You want to be close to your customers, your workers, and your vendors or suppliers. "You want to be convenient to customers to the extent that you have a business where the customer comes to you," Martin says. "But depending on the type of business, access to rail and highway and shipping lanes may be important, too."

 

Physical condition: After identifying the general location, consider how the property was used, the wear-and-tear, whether there are any environmental issues or potential liability issues, such as asbestos or lead paint.

Allowable uses: If your business is an accounting firm, you likely need commercial office space. If you are a manufacturer, you need an industrial space. Either way, you need to make sure the zoning allows you to do what you need to do on the property.

Limitations on exterior or interior: Whether due to zoning laws or building codes or covenants, there may be limits to changes or alterations you can make to the property. A good example is a building that is in an historic area and subject to restrictions on changes that can be made to the façade.

Adequacy of access and parking
: You need to make sure your customers can park and take into consideration whether access is compliant with laws such as the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Opportunity for expansion or leasing: Entrepreneurs often have a rosy outlook about growth and so the potential to expand is a consideration as is the flipside – if you don't grow as much as planned, can you lease out extra space?

 

Part 4 coming soon!! 

 

Previous Posts

ADDRESS

S & E Trusted Online Directories Inc
TrustedRegina.com
310 Wall St #209
Saskatoon, SK   S7K 1N7
Ph: 306.244.4150

GET THE APP

App Store Google Play
Follow us on Facebook Instagram Linked In Twitter YouTube RSS Feed
Abex
Abex
Stevies
Sabex
NEYA
Website hosting by Insight Hosting