Trusted Tips and Resources

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. 

Robert MacKay your Trusted Regina Real Estate Lawyer expert explains how CRA may penalize you if you fail to report it.

MacKay & McLean provides the professional services of a large Regina law firm, with the intimate attention of a small firm. The legal process can be daunting and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. MacKay & McLean is with you every step of the way.

MacKay &  McLean are TRUSTED REGINA LAWYERS


It’s an exciting time – the old house is sold, the new one is ready, and all that’s left is the move…..oh wait – not quite yet! There's all that legal “stuff” to deal with now….signatures….titles to be given…and pages and pages of documents that need to be signed before the key is in your hand!!! And to top it all off – who really knows a good real estate lawyer?

Robert MacKay your Trusted Regina Real Estate Lawyer expert explains how CRA may penalize you if you fail to report it.

Reporting the sale of a principal residence was unnecessary before 2016, the year the federal government announced a series of steps designed to slow the housing market down and close housing-related tax loopholes. Some people used the previous lack of scrutiny of gains from the sale of a home to their advantage, including investors flipping homes, and others who owned both a cottage and a house and weren’t conscientious about declaring which was a principal residence.

CRA says that if you forget to report the sale of a principal residence, you’ll need to amend your tax return for that year as soon as possible. Late reporting may be accepted in some cases, but it’s possible you’ll have to pay a penalty equal to the lesser of $8,000 or $100 for each complete month you’re late in reporting.

In most cases, you won't pay tax on the money you make from selling your home if it was your principal residence every year since you bought it.

If you sold property in 2017 or after that was, at any time, your principal residence, you must report the sale on Schedule 3, Capital Gains (or Losses) corresponding with the tax year and Form T2091(IND), Designation of a Property as a Principal Residence by an Individual (Other Than a Personal Trust). 

According to CRA here is why you must report the sale.

For the sale of a principal residence in 2016 and subsequent years, we will only allow the principal residence exemption if you report the disposition and designation of your principal residence on your income tax return. If you forget to make this designation in the year of the disposition, it is very important to ask us to amend your income tax return for that year. Under proposed changes, we will be able to accept a late designation in certain circumstances, but a penalty may apply.

Once you have committed to either buying or selling your property, simply tell your realtor and lender, as applicable, that Robert MacKay will be representing you and to forward the appropriate instructions to MacKay & McLean, attention "Robert MacKay". 

Robert MacKay's team provides professional, personalized service and with their assistance, you can rest assured that your real estate transactions will be handled with the utmost consideration and care.

They  provide a full range of legal services including:

  • Real Estate & Mortgages
  • Wills & Estates
  • Family Law & Divorce
  • Commercial & Corporate Law
  • Litigation & Personal Injury

ROBERT Mackay is your TRUSTED REGINA REAL ESTATE LAWYER!



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Saskatoon, SK   S7K 1N7
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