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        <title>The Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/2021-09/</link>
        <description>Greg Dewar is a realtor in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph. His real estate blog shares everything you need to know about buying and selling a house successfully.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/tips-on-moving-from-a-family-home-to-a-condo.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/tips-on-moving-from-a-family-home-to-a-condo.html</link>
        <author>greg@dewarrealty.com (Greg Dewar)</author>
        <title>Tips on Moving from a Family Home to a Condo</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Downsizing


Many people are making the decision to downsize from a larger family home into a smaller condo. Condo living may be more affordable and convenient because you do not have to care for the exterior of the building or the landscaping. The realtors at Dewar Realty, can help you find the perfect condo for your needs. However, because you are moving into a smaller space with neighbours closer by, it is important to properly prepare yourself for this new living experience.


Prepare to Live in a Smaller Space


You should take steps to downsize your belongings before you relocate to your new condo. Conduct thorough cleaning to eliminate unnecessary clutter. Determine which furnishings you will have room for in your new condo. For the items that will not fit in your new space, decide if you will sell them, donate them or store them in a self-storage unit. Condos usually have far less storage space than larger homes, and usually, do not have garage space. Consider that you may need to eliminate items from your closets, and reduce the items you currently have stored your basement and garage.


Hire Movers


Relocating from a home to a condo can take a lot of effort, and you should consider hiring movers to help with this process. A moving team may be able to more quickly and easily relocate your belongings to your new home, especially if the move involves an elevator or limited street access to your new home. Movers can help you to get settled into your new space faster. Movers may also take necessary steps to protect your possessions from damage during the move.


Adjust to Having Neighbors Closer to You


From your first day in your new condo, you may notice that you can hear your neighbours in surrounding units much more so than you could hear your neighbours when living in a home. They can also hear you and your pets. You may have to adjust to hearing their noises, and you also should adjust your own behaviours to minimize the noises they hear.


We are committed to helping you make this transition into a smaller space as beneficial as easy as possible. Finding the right condo for your needs and budget is the first step let us help. Call Dewar Realty at 519 208 9700 to get started.



Contact Dewar Realty
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/should-i-purchase-a-condo-or-a-house.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/should-i-purchase-a-condo-or-a-house.html</link>
        <author>greg@dewarrealty.com (Greg Dewar)</author>
        <title>Should I Purchase a Condo or a House?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





House or Condo: What Should I Purchase?


Looking for a new home can be tough, especially when you are not exactly sure what you want. The best thing you can do is make a list of your non-negotiables. What does your new home absolutely need to have? This will make your ultimate decisions a lot easier. In fact, it will even help determine the type of property that will best suit your needs - a condo or a house? There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing between the two.


Price


If you are just looking to invest in a piece of real estate, condos are generally less expensive than detached homes. This holds true, of course, unless you are comparing at a house in the middle of nowhere and condo in the heart of an urban metropolis. That said, if you want to spend the least just to get a foot in the door, then go with a condo. However, if you are looking to flip the place, then a house will usually end up having a higher resale value.


Space


Do you have a big family where each child needs his/her own room? If so, a house would probably be the best choice. Detached homes are usually much larger than condos, and offer other property amenities as well. These might include a front yard, backyard, garage, pool, and more. The additional space will give you and your family room to spread out instead of living on top of each other.


Privacy


Condos are usually attached to other homes, which means you will be sharing walls or ceilings/floors with your neighbors. If you value your privacy, then perhaps a detached home would be more appropriate. If you could care less about the barking dog next door or the little kids running around upstairs, then a condo could be the right choice for you


Rental


Some choose to buy a home in order to rent it out. If this is the primary intention, then a condo would be the best property. It will be easier to turn around a smaller space and you could probably get competitive with pricing. Since your mortgage will most likely be lower than a house, you can afford to offer the home at a reasonable rate.


Fees


Condos come with regular monthly fees in addition to your mortgage. These fees pay for the building upkeep, grounds maintenance and amenities in the building or neighbourhood. Houses do not have regular fees, but they certainly have regular maintenance expenses. Consider whether you are comfortable having someone else mange the spending on the upkeep on your property (condo associations) or if you prefer to manage it yourself.


Whether you go with a condo or house, it is important that you base your decision off of your list of priorities. Perhaps you can forgive some of the other Cons on your list, if one property’s bells and whistles outweigh them.  The bottom line is – consider your options and make the decision that is right for you and your family.


We understand how difficult this important decision can be, and we are here to help. Dewar Realty Inc is committed to helping you find the right fit that will have you saying 'Yes, to the address'. Contact us today and let's get started


Contact Dewar Realty
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/how-to-manage-viewings-when-you-have-pets.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/how-to-manage-viewings-when-you-have-pets.html</link>
        <author>greg@dewarrealty.com (Greg Dewar)</author>
        <title>Selling Your Home With Pets</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





&quot;What Should I Do With My Pets?&quot;


Your pets may be cute, cuddly and very friendly, but the reality is that they can be a detriment when you are trying to sell your home. Some sellers are afraid of certain pets, or they may have an allergy. They may think that pets make the home dirty, or the home may have an animal odor that strikes buyers as soon as they walk in the front door. These are just some of the many reasons why your pets may pose an issue when you list your home for sale. Our team at Dewar Realty has considerable experience helping our clients sell homes for top dollar in the Cambridge area. I myself have 100lb dog’s so I understand the challenges well &amp; by following a few helpful tips, you can more easily overcome the issues of selling a home with pets.


Thoroughly Clean and Sanitize the Home


Pets may have odors that you have grown accustomed to, but these unpleasant odors may be very apparent to buyers who tour your home. Hire professionals to steam clean your carpets and upholstery a day or two before the home is listed for sale. Clean pet messes from the yard regularly, and vacuum the home daily while your home is open for showings. Litter boxes should also be cleaned daily.


Remove All Signs of Pets Before Each Showing


Some buyers are opposed to buying properties that have had pets in them at all. After all, some people simply do not like animals. You do not want to turn off any potential buyers, so it is a good idea to remove all signs of pets before each showing. As part of your preparation process, vacuum carpeting and upholstery. Hide food and water bowls. Remove pet crates, bedding and toys from the home.


Take Pets With You When You Leave the House


Ideally, your pets will not be left in the home during a tour. Most tours only take about 20 to 30 minutes or less, so you may consider taking your dog with you on a walk or simply sitting in the car at a local park with your cat. Your pets preferably will not be left at home while you are away at work. If possible, plan to take them to a pet daycare service or leave them with a neighbour. Keep in mind that all areas of the home should be accessible to a buyer, including the garage or backyard. Therefore, do not keep your pets in these areas if possible.


Finding a solution for your pets when listing a home may take some planning and effort. However, Cambridge real estate often sells very quickly, and the team at Dewar Realty can help you to position your home for the best results. Because of this, you and your pet may only have to take these steps for a short period of time.


Contact Dewar Realty
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/buying-a-home-while-going-through-a-divorce.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/buying-a-home-while-going-through-a-divorce.html</link>
        <author>greg@dewarrealty.com (Greg Dewar)</author>
        <title>Buying a Home While Going Through a Divorce</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





 Buying a Home While Going Through a Divorce


Divorce is one of the most emotionally devastating events that you can experience, and you understandably want to get your life settled as quickly as possible. Buying a new home can help you to establish new roots and get back on your feet. However, if you plan to buy real estate before your divorce is finalized, you should consider a few important points before you get started.


The Assets for the Down Payment


Simply filing for divorce does not dissolve the marriage, but assets may be divided when you are legally separated. Whether you are using cash for a down payment or to buy the property outright, you will likely need to pay out of pocket with a large sum of money. It is important to speak with your attorney about the legality associated with using funds for a real estate purchase before the marriage has been dissolved. While buying a home before the divorce is finalized is possible, you should ensure that you take all necessary steps to protect your new asset from being tangled up in the divorce proceedings.


The Division of Marital Property


Any new assets that you purchase while still married may be considered marital property, but most marital property is divided as of the date of separation. The last thing you want is for your ex to have a claim on your new property, so you will need to time your purchase to occur after your separation date. Your attorney can advise you about the best course of action to achieve your real estate goals.


Dewar Realty can help you to find the right home to purchase in Guelph, Kitchener or Cambridge after you file for divorce. Even if your divorce is not yet finalized, you can begin learning more about the market and trying to find the right community to live in as a first step. Your attorney can advise when is the right time to move forward with your home buying plans. Contact Dewar Realty at 519 208 9700 today to set up an appointment to discuss your real estate goals.


Contact Dewar Realty
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/house-hunting-in-a-hot-housing-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.dewarrealty.com/blog/house-hunting-in-a-hot-housing-market.html</link>
        <author>greg@dewarrealty.com (Greg Dewar)</author>
        <title>House Hunting in a Hot Housing Market</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





House Hunting in a Hot Housing Market


Real estate in the Cambridge Ontario area is in high demand. Whether you are looking for the perfect new home in Cambridge or in another surrounding community like Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph or other areas, you may be wondering how you can be successful with your house hunting efforts in a hot real estate market. These tips can help you to enjoy a smoother, easier process when searching for a home in a popular market.


Get Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage


One of the first steps you should take is to get pre-qualified for your mortgage. Pre-qualification helps you to determine how much house you can afford, and this can narrow down the scope of your search. A pre-qualification letter can also be provided to a seller to strengthen your offer.


Hire an Experienced Realtor


The next step you should take is to hire a very experienced and reputable Realtor. In this market, you cannot afford mistakes or missteps from your Realtor; you need a person who is very knowledgeable about the area and the current market. Greg Dewar has been serving home buyers in the Cambridge Ontario area for years, and he is the Realtor you want representing you throughout your home buying process.


Make a List of Needs &amp; Wants


It is also helpful to make a list of needs and wants for your new home before you begin your search. This list can help your Realtor locate the best homes that meet your needs and budget. In addition, it can be easy to fall in love with a home that looks fabulous but that is not quite right for your needs. You can refer back to your list when home hunting before you make a final buying decision. This can help you to stay on the right track.


Be Ready to Act Quickly


In a hot real estate market, you often must be decisive yet flexible. Many of the best homes on the market may be snatched up within a few days or less. In some cases, you may fall in love with a house only to find out soon afterward that the home is already under contract with another buyer. In other cases, you may find yourself in a bidding war with other buyers for a wonderful home. When involved in an intensive bidding war, trust your real estate agent to help you create an offer that the buyer will accept. In this market, you will likely have to write an offer with few or no conditions. Know your maximum budget and be ready to pay over asking price.


Be Ready to Try Again


The current market is extremely competitive. Many buyers put in offers on several homes before they get an offer accepted. While loosing your dream home is undoubtedly disappointing, there will be another house. Exercise patience and persistence and be ready to act when the next perfect house comes along.


While it can be tricky to find the right home in a hot market like Cambridge Ontario, you can be successful in your effort. Put these tips into action today to begin the house hunting process. 


Contact Dewar Realty
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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