Ready to buy or sell a home in Oakville? While you may be tempted to try and tackle the process on your own, know that an experienced real estate agent can provide you with invaluable expertise and support. Below you’ll find five reasons why it’s essential to work with a professional real estate agent for any type of real estate transaction.

1.  A Good Realtor Will Educate You, Not Sell To You.

Obviously, a real estate agent wants to help clients buy and sell homes. However, a good agent is dedicated to much more than just selling. They will also help you understand the entire process so you know what to expect. A quality agent wants to make sure you make a smart and educated decision.

For example, if you want to list your home, an experienced Oakville realtor will help you navigate through the following areas:

• Determining if your property is ready for the market.
• Having professional home staging done.
• Deciding on a fair price.
• Providing you with helpful information on associated costs for selling a home.

If you are a buyer and are ready to find a new home, an experienced Oakville realtor will make sure you are ready by working with you to ensure the following questions have been answered.

• Have you been pre-approved by a lender? 
• Do you know what you can realistically afford? 
• Do you know what goes into a strong offer?

If you’re not prepared for your real estate transaction, then buying or selling a home can turn into a stressful and seemingly impossible situation. By working with the right agent, you’ll transform the way you think about real estate and feel less overwhelmed about the whole process.

2. Qualified Real Estate Agents Know How To Market Your Property.

When buyers walk into a poorly presented open house, it’s pretty impossible for them to imagine wanting to live there. You can also count on reduced open house traffic if the listing includes poor images and incomplete details. It really is essential to prepare a home for being sold the right way. Some of the most important aspects of a good real estate marketing plan include:

• Home Staging.
• Professional photography.
• Video footage.
• 3D house tour.
• Online marketing tools. 

Do all of those things really sound like something you can tackle on your own? You’ll certainly save time, money, and frustration by having a real estate agent help you present your property.

3. A Realtor Knows Local Market Conditions.

Real estate agents are in-tune with the conditions in your local market. As such, they will have insight into things like:

• Type of audience for your home.
• Where to advertise to buyers.
• Where most buyers are coming from to see your home.
• Average number of days it takes to sell a home.
• Average asking price versus sales price.
• Trends in real estate in your area.
• Whether or not sellers pay closing costs.
• Challenges you could face due to factors such as layout or location.

In-depth knowledge of your market and the real estate conditions in your area, means that your agent will have the ability to get you the best price for your home, even when taking into account every realistic challenge or obstacle that may impact your listing.

4. Real Estate Agents Are Skilled Negotiators.

Real estate negotiations are complex. From making counter offers to dealing with conditions and arranging an appropriate deposit – ask yourself, would you really know how to handle those situations with the right knowledge and protocols? By working with an agent you’ll be able to create a strategy, negotiate, and manage the situation as effectively as possible. 

In addition, your realtor can assist you with stressful events such as when a home inspection reveals a problem with the roof, electrical or finds mould. These discoveries can send people back to the negotiating table and your Oakville realtor will be ready to make sure you are properly represented, and with your best interest in mind.

5. An Agent Is More Than Just A One Time Resource.

Real estate agents are well connected in the community and can help you find the resources you might need once you’ve bought or sold a home. From a recommended moving company to a home renovator and even the best local restaurants – ask your realtor for their suggestions! A great realtor really does want to help you get settled into your new home and are happy to help.

And don’t forget to keep in touch! Your realtor can help you get a home evaluation a few years down the road, help keep you updated on real estate happenings in your neighbourhood, and of course, help you or any of your friends or family with any future real estate transactions.

Trust Sue Heddle Homes With Your Real Estate Needs 

Walking into the real estate process without the expertise of a qualified and experienced real estate agent will most likely not produce the outcome you want. With a top real estate agent, like Sue Heddle Homes, on your side, you can let go of common worries and relax knowing that you have an experienced professional, eager and ready to help you. By hiring a realtor, you’ll be able to look forward to the good things that are about to come and enjoy the process along the way. Ready to move forward? Contact Sue Heddle at (416) 906-7998.

Many people made the decision to focus on their space in 2020 as a result of spending so much time at home. Whether you worked with a top Oakville realtor like Sue Heddle Homes to find a new home or decided to undertake renovations, home owners were focused on finding an aesthetic and a layout that was as functional and as comfortable as possible. 

There was a bit of an anything goes approach to home design in 2020 as we faced so much uncertainty and change. As such, some of the trends that made their mark over the last few years are predicted to not make the transition into 2021.  

4 Trends That Won’t Make It Through 2021 

While you should always choose design elements that speak to you and that make you love your space, if you’re looking for inspiration for 2021 design projects, keep reading to learn more about what you may want to consider.

1 - Open Floor Plans.

The pandemic certainly changed the way people used their homes. As such, open concept spaces became less desirable as it was no longer a great fit to have your living room, playroom and kitchen all openly connected. The lack of function and privacy was challenging for many, open concept just isn’t as attractive as it used to be.

In 2021, there will be a larger demand for more distinct rooms with doors, windows, and more flexibility to be able to create private and quiet spaces.

2 - Minimalism

The focus and the increased time spent at home means that spaces need to be much more layered and people want to make use of every inch they have. Leaving spaces designed with a minimalistic feel just isn’t feasible anymore. It’s pretty impossible to have everything put away and leave nothing out when everyone is home more than ever before!

In 2021, watch for spaces that expertly combine old and new, with a focus on matte finishes that support more comfortable and flexible spaces that could be used for multiple purposes.

3 - Neutrals

Since design is about reflecting personalities and the way we want to feel, 2021 will bring out more colour, more visual interest, and more playful designs. People are looking for positive spaces, and to feel joy and happiness when at home, so watch for the addition of bold décor pieces and a renewed interest in colourful art. This upcoming year will see vibrant, expressive colours be the more popular choice and past popular grey tones will take a back seat.

4 - Dark Colours

Along with the exit of too many neutrals, it’s also time to say goodbye to dark colours. Dark colours close in a space too much, especially during this time when people are looking for more of a relaxed vibe. With many people continuing to work remotely in 2021, dark colours are too limiting unless you plan on investing in expert lighting to go along with it. 

Find Your 2021 Home with Sue Heddle Homes

The year 2020 really made everyone re-evaluate what they want in a home, whether that be layout or location. If you’re ready to make a move in 2021 and find a home that works better for your needs, contact Sue Heddle Homes. Sue has been helping people find the perfect home for their family for more than a decade and has extensive knowledge when it comes to real estate in Oakville and the surrounding areas, including rural farm properties.

When you work with Sue and her team, you’ll get the expertise, knowledge and a level of customer service that will make your experience as stress free as possible. If you have any questions or would like to talk about your real estate needs, give us a call today at (416) 906-7998.