Lou and his Team are pleased to provide the following brochures and information designed to assist you in your quest for real estate knowledge. If you would like to receive the full brochure on any topic discussed here, simply click on the Send Brochure button and Lou will be happy to provide it to you.

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SECRETS - Nine Deadly Sins to Avoid When Buying

Let's face it, buying a home is a major expense. But why make it more expensive than necessary? Play the buying game right and you can cut costs AND buy the home that is best for you. Here are nine, common and costly pitfalls to avoid:

1. The Wrong House
   Choosing the wrong house is a costly mistake. It may be too big, too small, too far from work, or is a fixer-upper and you're just not the handyman type.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this #1 trap!
2. Bidding Blind
   Some buyers offer a contract above the true market value of the property, or fail to bid on a great value because they don't know the market.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!
3. Title Trouble Traps
   A title search may reveal encumbrances on the property title like tax liens, easements and so on. Have the title search done early.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!
4. Survey Surprises
   A property survey may show the lot boundaries are different from the property plan, a neighbour's fence is over the line or zoning regulations have been violated. Ask to see the seller's survey and have your new survey done early.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!
5. No Home Inspection
   Avoid surprises by having an independent home inspector check the house both inside and out.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!
6. Pre-paid Shockers
   Some items such as property taxes get pro-rated. Avoid inaccuracies by asking for these figures a day two in advance and check the charges.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!
7. Seller Slip-ups
   Repairs not made, items that fail to convey, or other contractual hangups can delay settlement.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!
8. Hidden Junk Fees
   Some lenders add questionable charges at closing that you were not made aware of. Avoid these fees by asking the lender at application time exactly what fees arfe included, and what fees can be reduced or waived.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!
9. Closing Rush
   Insist on seeing the settlement sheets the day before closing. You will avoid last minute problems. Don't get trapped in a "too close" closing.
   Lou's Team will help you avoid this trap!

B-U-Y-I-N-G NEW VERSUS RESALE

The choice between buying a new home and a resale home is a matter of weighing the pros and cons, and deciding what is right for you. For example: New homes are yours from day one. You do not inherit a previous owner's tastes and design ideas. However, new homes may require additional cash outlays for landscaping, window coverings and appliances. New homes are subject to GST, resale homes are not.

THINGS YOU BETTER KNOW ABOUT PURCHASING

Lou offers 20 TIPS that homebuyers should know before going house-hunting. For example: Who has the best interest rates in the mortgage field - bankers or mortgage brokers. Another example: What can I have included in the sale? Are there any exclusions?

S-EN-I-O-R-S: HOW TO DECIDE WHEN TO SELL

Housing needs change throughout our lives. As we grow older, there comes a time when we must think about our housing needs and explore ways to save money on housing costs. For example: As a senior, are you overhoused. Are you paying more than you want for taxes, utilities and maintenance. These are serious concerns for seniors. Lou offers you salient tips on what you should consider when re-thinking your housing needs.

E-X-P-I-R-E-D: HOW TO SELL A HOUSE THAT DIDN'T SELL

You put your house up for sale and it doesn't sell. What happened? Lou's Team can help you. Don't get spooked by the death of the first listing. In this brochure, Lou offers guidelines that will help you analyse what went wrong so that it is not repeated.

Lou Piccioni, Sales Representative
Royal Lepage West Realty Group Ltd.
5110 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario | M9A 1C2
Telephone - (416) 233-6276
Fax - (416) 233-8923 | E-Mail -
lou@realestateetobicoke.com