Why Honesty is Still the Best Policy
It turns out that everything your parents and teachers taught you when you were very young is true. Among other things, lying is bad and you need to speak up and ask if you want something. It was true in kindergarten and it still holds true today. Whether you are buying or selling a home, open and honest communication with your Realtor and between the parties is a key ingredient to ensuring a smooth transaction.
If you are a buyer, from the first discussion with your Realtor, be sure to communicate exactly what your wants and needs are. Don’t assume that he or she understands what you mean or is thinking the same way as you. Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances and expectations and your Realtor can best serve your needs if properly armed with information. Try to paint a detailed picture of the home and lifestyle you are seeking. Your Realtor’s job is to help turn that vision into reality. Good communication must, of course, work both ways. A good Realtor must have the ability and willingness to speak frankly and advise you if your dreams are out of touch with your budget.
If you are preparing to list a property for sale, start by assembling all the information you have on the property, including ownership and mortgage documents, as well as maintenance and repair records. If there are repair or maintenance items that you do not intend to deal with before listing the property, have a discussion with your agent on the history of the problem. When it comes to buying and selling property, nobody likes surprises. It is much better to tackle and disclose issues up front and avoid further price negotiating down the road. Today’s homebuyers are very sophisticated and knowledgeable and the vast majority will arrange for a home inspection.
If you are selling a condominium, make sure everyone involved is aware of any pending assessments, monthly fee increases or legal issues impacting the homeowner’s association. Once an offer is accepted and a contract is signed, the buyer’s attorney will dig into these issues and unearth the facts. Again, it is far better to disclose everything up front and negotiate from a non-defensive position.
Honest and open communication among everyone involved in a real estate transaction will help ensure a positive outcome for all. Remember what your parents taught you – if you want something, ask for it, and always tell the truth!
Do you need to move to celebrate the changes that are happening in your life? Let me serve you in helping you make the move to the place or home that reflects where you are in life’s journey! I will listen to your needs and use my knowledge and expertise to make this a smooth transition to the right place for you to call home in Calgary. Contact me at 403-708-5873, ajames16@gmail.com, or www.allisonjames.com and let’s get on with your journey!
About Allison James
Allison James has been a realtor® since 1999 with Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. in the changing Calgary real estate market. A Century 21 Centurion Award 2007 recipient and a member of CREA and AREA, she specializes in residential real estate and has her designations as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and a Certified Condominium Specialist. These designations testify that she has the expertise and resources to help her clients make a smooth transition to the next step in their life journey. She enjoys helping her clients as they move through many of the same stages of life that she, too, has experienced. The fact that the majority of her business comes from past clients and/or referrals from satisfied clients speaks volumes about her dedication to the high quality of service that she offers her clients to meet their Calgary and surrounding area real estate needs. She is a mother of four who are all on their own now, and a grandmother of eight. Besides helping people buy or sell real estate, she loves spending time with her family, being active outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, photography, playing the drums, reading, scuba diving, listening to music, learning new things, and nurturing her spiritual growth.
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