BSI Blog

Homebuyer’s Glossary: 28 Real Estate Terms to Know Buying a home is a huge commitment and one of the biggest financial investments you’ll ever make. If you’ve never done this before, you can expect to get hit with a barrage of real estate terms and jargon that might leave your head spinning. Your RE/MAX agent is there to guide you through the process, but for the keeners who want to hit the books before you hit the streets, below is a list of some common... [read more]

As a potential new home owner, we’re here to remind you of the importance of doing your homework to help make the most of your real estate investment. By following these top mortgage application tips, you will be one step closer to making a good investment and having your dream home become a reality. Do your credit report homework Before you start applying for your mortgage, be proactive and get a copy of your credit report. Once you have it, thoroughly check for errors and other... [read more]

If your goal is sell your home faster, renovations can help move the needle. Buyers are attracted to a space that feels new and modern, so even small upgrades can go a long way – especially if it’s been decades since the last home update. If you plan to put your house on the market, consider making these small but impactful updates before you list. Fresh Paint A fresh coat of paint, both inside and outside the home, can brighten up the space and make it feel new... [read more]

Prepping your house to put it up on the market can be a bit of a process, but putting in the time upfront to freshen it up can pay off in the end. When a potential buyer comes through the front door, you want their first breath to smell like home (and full-asking price). 1. Done and Dusted Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the best way to freshen up your living area is to get rid of the dirt, right down to the dust particles. A clean microfibre cloth — with a drop or two of... [read more]

Pets are often considered members of the family. But when selling a home, our four-legged family members can cause additional challenges. We reached out to our RE/MAX Influencers—a panel consisting of RE/MAX Sales Associates from throughout Canada—to find out the top things pet owners should keep in mind when attempting to sell their home. Limit the impact Pets tend to leave a mark; however, by limiting their impact, you can make your space appealing to any buyer. Dogs... [read more]

Ontario real estate conditions can vary greatly, depending on the city or town you’re considering. From expensive markets like Toronto to affordable markets like Cornwall, as a real estate investor, each market offers different benefits and challenges. Interest rates are at the lowest they’ve ever been, following a series of interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada to bolster the economy during the Covid19 pandemic. Those who have job security could find that... [read more]

The impact of climate change affects us all. Not only are the Earth’s temperatures rising, we are seeing more natural disasters as a result of the phenomenon and natural habitats are declining at an alarming rate. The good news is, there are small steps you can take for a more energy efficient home, that go beyond recycling and composting. Consider the following tips for going green: Install a smart thermostat: Heating and cooling your home takes an immense amount of energy, and the... [read more]

As a homeowner, it is important to keep up with the curb appeal of your home. A well-maintained driveway will show potential buyers that you take pride in your home. Depending on the type of driveway you have, here are some helpful tips on how to keep your driveway maintained and welcoming. CONCRETE DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE The key to keeping your concrete driveway looking great is with cleaning and sealing it on a regular basis. Sealing: Concrete driveways should be... [read more]

Sellers’ Tips for the Best Backyard on the Block A great backyard can be the most relaxing part of a house. However, if neglected, it can also be one of the most stressful areas to maintain. We reached out to our RE/MAX Influencers—a panel consisting of RE/MAX Sales Associates from throughout Canada—to find out the best ways to have a backyard you can boast about. Tidy Up! Storage sheds and garages are key for tucking away gardening items so that they are not... [read more]

For most home sellers, the goal is to sell their home for the highest possible price and in the shortest amount of time. Two ways to achieve this is with the right asking price, and by staging the property. So, do staged homes really sell faster, and for a higher price? The short answer is yes, and here’s why. Do staged homes sell faster? According to the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes spend 73 per cent less time on the market than their... [read more]