1. Research the Ottawa market to understand the current trends and conditions. Knowing what is going on in the market will help you make a more informed decision when it comes to purchasing real estate in Ottawa. Download our APP to stay informed about new listings & sold prices: https://app.homelocatorapp.com/3V5cZ2UcHwb 
2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford and will help you narrow down your search for the perfect home.
3. Get to know the different neighbourhoods in the area. Decide which ones you prefer and make sure you are familiar with the amenities, schools and other important factors that may influence your decision.
4. Have a clear budget in mind. Make sure you know what you can afford and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to go over your budget just to get the perfect home.
5. Hire a real estate agent linked Open Door Real Estate Group who is knowledgeable and experienced in the Ottawa market. We can help you find the right home and guide you through the entire process.
6. BONUS TIP: Download our Home Locator App.

Why For Sale By Owners get less for their homes

• Everyone is trying to save the same commission

    Buyers know the seller is not paying a commission, so they make a lower offer thinking they can save the commission on their purchase price.

• FSBOs attract bargain hunters and speculators

    Many opportunists believe—rightly or wrongly—that For Sale By Owners are uninformed about the marketplace.  Since you don’t have representation, they believe they have a better chance of slipping a lowball offer past you than through an agent working for a homeowner whose property is listed.

• Buyers, unsure of property values, will offer less

    Since most buyers are represented by an agent, they will likely never see your home.  That leaves those who are not represented.  With no agent to advise     them on what constitutes a fair offer for your property, they are likely to throw out a lower offer to “leave room for negotiations.”

• FSBOs have less exposure to potential buyers

    At any given time your FSBO is competing with more than 2000+ properties listed with Realtors on the Ottawa Real Estate Board.  The real estate industry does an excellent job of advertising and marketing these listings to potential buyers and there are more than 3200 real estate professionals in the Ottawa Area alone!      All of this means is that most    serious buyers are quickly scooped up by real estate professionals.  What’s left behind are largely buyer prospects who are uninformed, hard to please, and those looking for an unrealistically good deal, all of which normally result in lower offers on your property.

• Tough negotiators seek out FSBOs

    People who believe they are tough negotiators like to make offers on FSBOs     because they think they’ll have an upper hand dealing with an “amateur.”  These individuals usually avoid a Realtor to represent them in their home purchase as they think they will have an upper hand without one.

1 They have set realistic goals about home ownership.
2 They know the difference between what they NEED & what they WANT.
3 They have hired a real estate professional to guide them through the process (ask about this free service).
4 They have done market research on the area, property & values.
5 Market research is key to securing the best deal. Knowing the future development in the area, the allowable uses and various zoning information will give you a better understanding of value.
6 They have an understanding of the costs associated with the property.
7 Ask the sellers if they can provide recent utility bills. Your family will definitely use utilities differently, but it will give you a broad range of value that you can expect to pay.
8 They have completed a recent pre-approval. Yes, a pre-approval does expire. Having a pre-approval is great, but only if it’s current. Recently there have been a few mortgage requirement changes.
9 They have eliminated distractions and have set aside time to get information and view homes.
10 They have the courage to move forward once they have found the one & offer the best price.
11 They have a firm understanding of development in the neighbourhood.
12 They have viewed the property & the neighbourhood on various occasions. 13 Consider attending one of our free information nights visit www.BuyerSeries.ca for a full list of events.

1. Learn about the local real estate market and the potential of investment opportunities. 
2. Discover the latest mortgage options available and how to calculate your condo fees & budget. 
3. Understand the process of buying a condo and the steps involved. 
4. Get advice from experienced professionals on how to make a good investment. 
5. Learn the different types of condos available, pricing, and amenities. 
6. Get an inside look at the negotiation process and how to get the best deal. 
7. Connect with other potential buyers and network with industry professionals. 
8. Find out about government incentives and programs that can help you with the purchase. 
9. Get tips on how to maintain your condo and how to maximize its value. 
10. Get a comprehensive overview of the condo buying experience from start to finish.

RSVP to our next Condo Curious event by visiting: https://www.buyerseries.ca/ 

Take control of your dreams of home ownership. Over the last 8 years, Ayn has designed a series of home buyer events that will help buyers and sellers navigate the Ottawa real estate market. This series of seminars and events take place in Ottawa and relate to buying and selling in Ontario. They are ideal for both Ottawa's downtown urban clients and rural residential clients who want to know more about the overall home-buying process and how to get started. 

These sessions are hosted by Ayn MacDonald -  Real Estate Broker  & other professionals she invites as subject matter experts. 

Check the full schedule of events at BuyerSeries.ca.