B. Dowling Real Estate Limited, Brokerage

Today, on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are all encouraged to reflect on the heartbreaking history of Canada's residential school system and to honour the survivors, their families and communities. http://ow.ly/t4Vq50GhXNa

At RECO, we believe in a fair real estate market for all, one that is free of racism, discrimination and hate. We’re proud to offer our Human Rights Fundamental...s course for real estate professionals. The course is available to all registrants and offered within the Mandatory Continuing Education program. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3jVNNer

When you’re buying or selling a home, a representation agreement defines the nature of the relationship between you and the brokerage, including the broker or s...alesperson. Before you sign, learn how representation agreements work: When you’re listing https://www.reco.on.ca//buyer-representation-agreements-u/ When you’re buying https://www.reco.on.ca//listingselling-representation-agr/

Free Home Valuation.

Tips for listing your home during the winter months https://bit.ly/2KR7beR In addition to following your salesperson’s advice and safety protocols to reduce ...the transmission of COVID-19, you will also want to give special attention to areas in and around your home that could present physical safety risks to visitors, especially in the winter season. See more

I wish you the happiest Christmas ever. ...

The Ontario Government has lifted the prohibition on open houses for all regions in Ontario, with public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place. What you need to know to stay safe during an open house: https://bit.ly/39nTmNw

Just a reminder that the remote RAHB Offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day. We will reopen remotely on Tuesday, May 19 at 8:30 a.m.

Mistake #3: Buying the Most Expensive Home Buying a home is an emotional decision. It's normal for buyers to want the best home they can afford, but sometimes emotions can overrule financial common sense. Don't be afraid to buy a home that might have all of the basic requirements as far as configuration and location, but might need a touch of TLC. If you can buy a home a little bit under your means, you'll probably sleep better at night, and you won't experience buyer's remorse. Find a truly affordable home, not the home of your far-off future, because most first-time home buyers have one thing on their side that veteran buyers generally do not: time.

Mistake #2: Not Getting a Pre-approval Letter Because first time buyers have never purchased a house before, they might not realize that market conditions often demand a pre-approval letter. Sellers are not interested in showing their house to a buyer who cannot prove he/she approved to buy the house. A buyer might think he/she will get a pre-approval letter if he/she decides to buy the house, but that's backward. In the time it takes to get a pre-approval letter, another qualified buyer could swoop in and snatch the house away while the first buyer is waiting for approval. The pre-approval letter is not for your agent; it's for the seller. Don't even think about trying to write an offer without it.

Mistake #1: Not Listening to the Buyer's Agent First-time home buyers might not trust the real estate agent they hired. If that is the case, the buyer should immediately terminate that relationship. Fiduciary relationships are based on trust. There are good agents and bad agents, just like any business. Hire an agent you trust. Once you trust and like that agent, listen to the advice he/she gives you. Your buyer's agent wants you to win and wants you to buy the home of your dreams. Every real estate market is different, and your agent might give you advice that you find difficult to agree with or understand. Keep asking questions until you feel comfortable. Your agent is the best person to advise you about any given real estate market.

Top 3 First-Time Home buyer Mistakes

Wish you all a very peaceful nigh.

What a beautiful, polite, patient dog! Credit: Jukin Media

The Government of Ontario has updated its list of essential businesses to prohibit the hosting of open houses. Check RECO's COVID-19 Notices page to learn more: https://www.reco.on.ca/covid-19/#prohibit

BREAKING NEWS. - ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PROHIBITS OPEN HOUSES. https://www.oreablog.com//ontario-government-prohibits-op/

DRAMA FOR DAYS

OREA is taking the position - and #RAHB agrees - that all REALTORS should stop face-to-face business, including open houses, in-person showings, and maintaining agents and public office hours. #REALTORS #RealEstate #HamOnt #BurlOn #Haldimand #Niagara #COVID19

BREAKING NEWS: OREA Urges REALTORS to Cease All Face-to-Face Business, Including Showings of Tenant-Occupied Homes, During Ontario State of Emergency - READ MORE... https://www.orea.com//News-an/Press-Releases/March-24-2020

Ward 1 neighbours City Hall is hosting a virtual town hall to address questions about COVID-19 tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00 PM The meeting stream live ...via http://www.youtube.com/insidecityhall Submit your questions by tagging @cityhall on Twitter Participants: Mayor Eisenberger, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Richardson, and Emergency Operations Control Director, Paul Johnson Ainslie Wood Community Association - Corp. AWWCA Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Kirkendall Neighbourhood Hub Strathcona Community Council Strathcona Neighbours

The 2019 REALTOR.ca Insights Report is live! See how visitors interact with REALTOR.ca throughout their buying journey: https://insights.realtor.ca/#insights

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