Hamilton’s Leading Real Estate Agent

Helping Clients easily sell & buy homes to achieve their real estate goals.

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About

Sorrento Shuswap

Sorrento Shuswap has been in the real estate industry for over 10 years. He’s been satisfying clients real estate needs by providing them with his knowledge and expertise.

Useful Articles

From The Blog

  • Financing the Build of a New Home in Ontario

    By

    Building a new home can be an exciting experience, especially for first-time home builders. However, financing the build of a new home in Ontario can be daunting, and it’s essential to understand the various financing options available.

    In this guide, we’ll dive into construction loans, Ontario mortgage agents, and other financing options to help you make informed decisions.

    A Guide for First-Time Home Builders

    new home construction project in Ottawa, Ontario

    Before embarking on your home-building journey, it’s crucial to understand the financing options available to you. Building a new home involves several steps, starting from finding the right lot, designing your dream home, hiring a builder, and obtaining financing. While the process may seem overwhelming, it’s essential to take one step at a time, starting with financing.

    1. Construction Loans

    Construction loans are a popular financing option for new home builders in Ontario. These loans are short-term loans that cover the cost of building your home and are typically paid back over a period of six to twelve months. The loans are drawn down as the construction progresses, and the interest is only charged on the amount drawn. Additionally, construction loans have a higher interest rate than traditional mortgages because they are riskier for lenders.

    1. Traditional Mortgages

    Traditional mortgages are long-term loans that are used to purchase already-built homes. However, some lenders offer construction-to-permanent mortgages, which combine the benefits of construction loans and traditional mortgages. With a construction-to-permanent mortgage, you can finance the construction of your home and then convert the loan into a permanent mortgage once the construction is complete.

    1. Ontario Mortgage Agents

    Working with an Ontario mortgage agent can help you navigate the complexities of financing a new home. Mortgage agents can help you find the best financing options based on your needs and financial situation. They can also help you understand the different types of mortgages available, including construction loans and traditional mortgages.

    1. Home Equity A Guide for First-Time Home Builders (HELOC)

    If you already own a home, a HELOC can be a viable financing option for building a new home. A HELOC is, in simple terms, a line of credit that’s secured by the equity you may have in your home. You can use the credit line to finance the construction of your new home, and once the construction is complete, you can pay off the HELOC with a traditional mortgage.

    1. Savings

    If you have the cash reserves, financing the build of your new home with savings is a viable option. By using savings, you can avoid taking on debt and the associated interest payments. However, it’s essential to ensure that you have enough savings to cover any unexpected costs that may arise during the construction process.

    Making the Best Decision for Financing

    Financing the build of a new home in Ontario can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to make informed decisions. Construction loans, traditional mortgages, Ontario mortgage agents, HELOCs, and savings are all viable options for financing your new home. It’s essential to consider your financial situation, needs, and goals before choosing a financing option. By taking the time to research and understand your options, you can make informed decisions and build your dream home with confidence.

  • Choosing A Real Estate Agent? Best Questions to Ask

    By

    Acquiring or disposing of property is an exciting venture that’s best undertaken with an expert who understands the nuances, latest developments and intricacies of the industry. It’s important to find a real estate agent who is well-informed, competent, and equipped to handle the type of housing and location you’re interested in, and whose personality and approach align with yours as you’ll be working closely with them.

    Real estate agent

    Are you a licensed realtor?

    While it may seem like an obvious question, asking your real estate agent if they are licensed is extremely important. You should ask to see their license to ensure that you are dealing with a professional who has undergone the required training and met the qualifications necessary to work with clients legally.

    What brokerage do you work with?

    It’s also important to know which brokerage your real estate agent works with and to gather information about their team, company, and experience. You can do this by researching their affiliations, browsing their website, visiting their office, or even giving them a call to verify their credibility. This can help you ensure that your agent is part of a reputable and trustworthy team.

    How long have you been an agent?

    If you are searching for an agent with expertise and familiarity with the field, it’s important to inquire about their prior experience and how long they’ve been in the industry. Most likely, they would be delighted to tell you how they became involved in real estate, how long they have been working in the sector, and what particular properties or ventures they specialize in. So don’t be afraid to ask them about it!

    How many clients do you work with at one time?

    It’s essential to find a real estate agent who is active and has a strong presence in the market, but not one who is too busy to answer your calls or take you for showings. In a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable market where listings disappear within a few days of being posted, it is crucial to have an agent who is available and responsive. You should ask about their current client load, the number of properties they are currently handling, and their expectations of your client-agent relationship. You may want to clarify whether they will be working with you directly or if they have a team to assist with showings and appointments. Overall, your agent should be accessible and dedicated to serving your needs.

    What is your area of specialty?

    Real estate agents have different specialties: some specialize in buying, some in selling, and some are proficient in both. Determine where their expertise lies and choose what best suits your needs and circumstances. An ideal selling agent will work on your behalf, prioritize your interests, provide guidance on staging, enhance potential client traffic, and strive to secure the best possible price for your property. The right buying agent will represent you during bidding wars, have access to the latest property listings, and help you find your dream home. While you can choose to work with one realtor for both selling and buying, ensure that they are competent and dedicated to you, the customer, rather than simply looking to make more money.

    What are your fees?

    Inquiring about the costs, fees, and commissions involved in working with a real estate agent is entirely reasonable. While fees may be negotiable, it’s crucial not to base your decision solely on an agent’s reduced rate. Instead, prioritize finding an agent who possesses the necessary education, experience, and a roster of happy clients who are willing to provide testimonials.

    Do you have a list of references?

    A good agent should be willing to discuss their previous client experiences and should have a list of references that you can contact to learn more about their work. If an agent is unwilling to provide this information, it may be a red flag indicating that they’ve had negative interactions with past clients. Therefore, it’s essential to conduct your due diligence by calling a few references and getting to know the agent’s true nature beyond their sales pitch. Ask about their accessibility and personality to determine if they’re a good fit for you. It’s important to do this before you sign any contracts.

    Do you have experience buying and selling in your area?

    A skilled agent will possess an extensive understanding of the city and its environs, including the comparable properties for sale, recent sales, and a general grasp of the local real estate scene. The real estate market in larger cities with high demand and limited inventory can differ from rural areas, where there are more significant properties but less urgency. Check if the agent has prior experience buying and selling properties in the location you’re interested in. Inquire about the number of homes they’ve assisted in buying or selling in that market over the past year. A seasoned agent will also have knowledge of schools in the area, anticipated property tax, public transportation, and entertainment options, among other things. They should act as advocates for the city you are interested in. Don’t just choose someone because they’re an agent; choose someone who you believe will do an excellent job in your area.

    Before choosing a listing agent, it is important to ask them how they plan to assist you in preparing your property for sale.

    While some agents will be proactive in organizing professional cleaning services, staging items, booking photographers and videographers, and dedicating their attention to marketing your listing, others may simply put up a sign and expect you to do the rest. To avoid any confusion or miscommunication, it is important to clarify the level of involvement your agent is willing to have and what tasks you will be expected to handle. It is also a good idea to get recommendations and feedback from others before making a commitment.

    Can you tell me about your previous listings?

    It’s recommended that you inquire about the length of time it took for their past properties to sell, the ratio of the listing price to the actual sale price, the procedures they follow for advertising and showings, and if they have the necessary skills and experience to manage any specific needs you might have.

    Want to ask some questions? I’d be happy to answer, contact me today.

  • Ultimate Home Staging Checklist

    By

    If you’re considering selling your property and would like to have a smooth process that allows you attract clients home staging is neccessary. In this read, we are going to look at a few tips you can implement from today to prep your home for sale.

    One of the key secrets to gaining the attention of buyers and increasing the chances of selling is by home staging in a manner that allows prospective buyers to envision themselves living in that space. This simply means decluttering and depersonalizing the living and storage rooms.

    Home staging

    Take down those photos of your family from the walls, side tables, fridges, mantels, and any other surface. When people are viewing the house, they want to picture the photos of their loved ones, not yours.

    Declutter the house and clear the pathways.

    If you do not have storage space like a shed, you can rent one. Trust me, it will be worth it. The more open space, the bigger the house will feel. Avoid leaving packed boxes around the home as it will give the impression you’re in a hurry to move which gives the buyers more bargaining power.

    While home staging remove pets from the property and hide any pet supplies.

    While we all love pets, their presence can be distracting, making people lose focus on the most appealing features of your house. Also, the last thing you need is the smell of a dog or a litter box during a showing.

    Home staging the bathroom

    Put away the toiletries, clean the bathroom countertops, and ensure you put fresh white towels. How do you expect a potential buyer to envision themselves in the space when your toothbrushes are clearly visible?

    The same applies to the kitchen.

    Clear all the countertops. Box up and store those items that may be distracting or a turn-off to prospective buyers. This includes the rice cooker, toaster oven, spice rack, microwave, slow cooker, etc.

    Hide any sensitive information.

    This includes bills, passwords, credit card information, bank statements, and any other paperwork with personal information. After all, you cannot trust everyone who shows up for a viewing.

    The same applies to prescription drugs, jewelry, money, and other valuable items. You do not want people scoping your home and then coming later as burglars. Anything can happen and so, it is best to be cautious.

    Open the windows to allow natural light and fresh air.

    A well-lit interior will help highlight the best parts of your house. Also, do not go overboard with the fake scents. The fragrance may not be the potential buyer’s cup of tea and they may suspect you’re hiding an intense odor.

    Home Staging Summary

    Buying a home is exciting but make sure to not leave anything behind at your Previous residence. Deep clean and ensure no surface, corner, or hard-to-reach space is left behind. If possible, hire a professional cleaning company. This will ensure that your home leaves a good impression on potential buyers.