Buying a home in Lloydminster is an exciting step for couples, but it’s essential to be aligned from the start. Misunderstandings about expectations, finances, or future plans can lead to frustration later. Taking time to answer a few key questions upfront can set you up for success.

Here are 10 important questions to discuss before you start house hunting:

1️⃣ Forever home or starter home?

2️⃣ Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves?

3️⃣ Fixer-upper or move-in ready? How much work are we open to?

4️⃣ What changes do we expect in our finances over 5–10 years?

5️⃣ How involved will family or parents be in this process?

6️⃣ What life changes do we anticipate in the next 5–10 years?

7️⃣ Could we still manage the mortgage if one of us lost our job?

8️⃣ How much of our income are we comfortable putting toward a mortgage?

9️⃣ How much outdoor space do we want, and are we ready to maintain it?

🔟 What’s our ideal timeline for buying?

For couples who aren’t married, here are two more critical questions:

👉 What happens to the house if we break up?

👉 Do we need a legal agreement, or will a verbal one suffice?

Discussing these points early can save you time, stress, and potential disagreements down the road.

💬 Ready to take the next step? Let’s work together to find a home you’ll both love in Lloydminster!

Harpreet Christie, Owner/REALTOR®️

RE/MAX of Lloydminster

📞 780-205-7653

🌐 BordercityRealEstate.com

Did you know that a staggering 37% of home purchases fall through due to repair issues? (Source: National Association of Realtors) 

Don't let your home sale become one of these statistics! It can be endlessly frustrating for sellers to spend time and money preparing their homes for sale, only to have a deal fall through because of unforeseen repairs.

Luckily, this situation can be easily avoided by doing a pre-listing inspection. This is a wise investment that can save you time, money, and stress. By getting a pre-listing inspection, you can catch any hidden problems that could doom a purchase contract and avoid surprises when the buyers do their inspection.

With the results of your pre-listing inspection, you’ll be able to address repairs proactively and get them taken care of before listing. This can also help you price your home accurately and generate more buyer demand. 

But what if your pre-listing inspection report turns up several problems and you don’t know where to start? Prioritize repairs that will have the biggest impact on your home's value and appeal. Take a look at these factors when deciding which repairs to make:

• Safety Issues: Address any safety hazards, such as faulty wiring or gas leaks, before anything else.

• Structural Issues: Fix any structural problems, like foundation cracks or roof leaks. If the issue is extensive or far-reaching, work with your real estate agent to decide your next steps.

• Cosmetic Issues: Repair any obvious cosmetic flaws, such as chipped paint or outdated fixtures.

Remember, honesty and transparency are key to a successful home sale. Disclosing any known issues will help you build trust with buyers and ensure a smoother closing process. By being upfront about the condition of your home and remaining repairs, you can avoid future complications and potential lawsuits.

Want to learn more about preparing your home for sale? Feel free to reach out to me anytime 780-205-7653.

Here’s your weekly update on the Lloydminster real estate market:

🏘️ Active Listings: 140

• Average Sold Price: $231,050

• Average Days on Market: 53

• Pending/Under Contract: 7

• Homes Sold This Week: 4

Market Highlights:

• Active Listings: With only 140 properties actively listed, inventory remains on the lower side, creating a competitive market for both buyers and sellers. The average home features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, with prices averaging around $349,880.

• Sold Properties: 4 homes sold this week, with prices ranging from $125,000 to $485,000. This indicates there are still great deals and demand across different price points.

• Days on Market: The average time for properties to sell is 53 days, which shows that buyers are making decisions quicker in today’s market.

• Pending Sales: There are 7 homes currently pending, showing continued buyer interest and a steady pace of transactions.

The Lloydminster real estate market is showing strong buyer activity despite lower inventory levels. If you’re considering buying or selling, now might be the perfect time to take action!

For more info or personalized advice, reach out today!

📞 Harpreet Christie, REALTOR®️/OWNER

📲 780-205-7653

✉️ harpreet@bordercityrealestate.com

🌐 http://BordercityRealEstate.com

#LloydminsterRealEstate #MarketUpdate #HomeSales #RealEstateNews

Many people think that buying a home in the winter is a bad idea. But that’s not the case! While the spring and summer months do tend to have more activity, winter can be a surprisingly advantageous time to purchase a home. 

Here are three big reasons why you should consider buying a home in the winter: 

1. Less Competition: Many buyers believe the myth that winter is a bad time to buy a home. Add this to the hustle and bustle of the holidays plus cooler temperatures, and you’ll see fewer buyers on the hunt for a home during the colder months. This is great news for you as a buyer because the competition will decrease, which will let you take your time during the home search. 

Additionally, because fewer buyers are on the market, you’ll have more leverage to negotiate a better deal with sellers.

2. Motivated Sellers: Most sellers who list their homes in the winter are motivated to sell. They may be relocating for a job or are just looking for a fast sale. This benefits buyers because motivated sellers usually offer more flexible terms during negotiations and may be easier to negotiate down on price. Sellers who need a fast sale may also offer incentives for the right buyer. 

3. Better Showings: Touring homes during the winter months comes with several distinct advantages. First, due to fewer competing buyers, winter showings can be less crowded, which can allow you to focus on the property and really get a feel for it.

You’ll also be able to see how the property handles the winter weather. This can help you pinpoint any issues (like drafts or heating problems) that you wouldn’t be able to see in the summer. By identifying these problems early on, you can make more informed decisions and negotiate accordingly.

If you’ve found yourself hunting for homes this winter, rest assured that you’re not missing out on the “summer market”! Because of these benefits, winter provides the perfect opportunity to find a great home at a competitive price and enjoy a smooth closing process.

Ready to go see some homes? Let’s connect!

Here’s the latest scoop on the Lloydminster real estate market for the week:

🏘️ Active Listings: 141

• Homes Sold This Week: 14

• Average Sold Price: $379,955

• Average Days on Market: 65

• Pending/Under Contract: 3

Market Highlights:

• Active Listings: Listings have increased slightly, now sitting at 141 active properties. Homes are priced in a range from $39,900 to $1,149,900, with an average list price of $364,261.

• Sales Surge: Sales have picked up this week with 14 homes sold. The average sold price was $379,955, showing that buyers are engaging more as the market stays competitive.

• Days on Market: Properties are selling in an average of 65 days, down from previous weeks. This indicates quicker sales and growing buyer interest.

As we head into the final months of the year, we’re seeing a slight increase in listings and a boost in sales. With the market still moving quickly, it’s a great time for both buyers and sellers to make a move!

For more details or personal insights, feel free to reach out!

The Lloydminster real estate market is experiencing some changes this week, and it’s important to stay informed whether you’re buying or selling. Let’s take a quick look at the latest data for October 14-20, 2024:

• 🏡 Active Listings: 149

• 🏡 Average Sold Price: $273,008 (down from last week)

• 🏡 Average Days on Market (DOM): 54 days

• 🏡 Properties Sold: 13

• 🏡 Pending Sales: 7

What Does This Mean?

The average sold price has dropped to $273,008, signaling a potential opportunity for buyers to get into the market while prices are a bit lower. Homes are sitting on the market for an average of 54 days, which means there’s still some time for negotiations, but well-priced homes are moving.

With 149 active listings and 13 homes sold this week, there’s movement, but sellers may need to adjust their strategies in this shifting market. If you’re thinking about selling, it’s important to be competitive with pricing and presentation to attract those motivated buyers.

Buyers:

Now’s the time to act! With prices dropping, you might find a great deal, but don’t wait too long—well-priced homes are still selling.

Sellers:

Let’s talk strategy! Whether it’s pricing your home competitively or enhancing your listing to stand out, we’ll find the best approach to get your property sold.

Harpreet Christie, REALTOR®️/Owner

📞 780-205-7653

📧 harpreet@bordercityrealestate.com

🌐 Harpreet Christie: Lloydminster AB REALTOR® - Call: 780-205-7653

Many homebuyers know that they should start building equity and buy a home as soon as they can. But the idea of finally becoming a homeowner and then getting hit with big, unexpected repairs on the house is enough to make anyone feel a little worried!

If this resonates with you, don’t worry. With the right steps, you can alleviate your anxiety and buy a home with confidence. Doing these 4 things will ensure that you’re protected and prepared for any situation in your new home. 

1. Set a budget for repairs and maintenance: Going into homeownership with money set aside just for maintenance and repairs will make sure you’re prepared if any unexpected costs do pop up. A good rule of thumb is to save 1-4% of the home’s value per year for maintenance and repairs. You can save on the lower end if the home is newer, and save more if the home is older or requires more upkeep. 

2. Research the neighbourhood: Some areas need certain kinds of repairs more often due to weather, trees, floods, and other environmental impacts. Researching the area and asking neighbours can help you find out what you should plan for when it comes to repairs.

3. Get a thorough home inspection: A home inspection is your number one way to avoid unexpected repairs after purchasing a home. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you find a great, reputable inspector and pay attention to the inspection! The resulting report will allow you to see what’s really going on with the property and give you the knowledge and insight you need to move forward with the deal in confidence.

4. Negotiate repairs: If the inspection turns up some needed repairs, work with your agent to negotiate with the seller on covering those repair costs. This way, you’ll go into closing day knowing that the repairs will be covered. 

By taking these 4 proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your anxiety about unexpected repairs and approach homeownership with greater confidence. Remember, alongside your agent, preparation and knowledge are your best allies in the homebuying journey.

Want to talk more about how you can prepare to buy a home in Lloydminster?  Feel free to call me and let’s chat!

Many sellers say finding the time to schedule all those showings is one of the hardest parts of selling their homes! 

If you’re tired of the constant interruptions and stress that often come with frequent home showings in Lloydminster & area, try these 5 tips to reduce showings. These strategies will minimize disruptions and attract serious buyers while helping you sell your home for maximum profit.

1. Optimize Your Listing Photos: Listing photos help buyers decide if they really want to see a home or not, so make sure yours are an accurate reflection of your home Investing in high-quality, professional photos will showcase your home’s features. Great photos will help attract serious buyers and reduce the number of unnecessary showings.

2. Host an Open House: Instead of multiple individual showings that can mess up your week, consider hosting a well-marketed open house. Your agent will help set this up, and it will allow many potential buyers to view your home at once. Holding an open house or two will streamline the showing process and minimize disruption to your schedule.

3. Offer Virtual Showings: Provide virtual tour options for buyers who may not be able to visit in person. This can attract even more interested buyers and allow them to preview your home before scheduling an in-person showing. 

4. Set Up Scheduled Showing Blocks: Coordinate with your agent to set specific time blocks for showings throughout the week. This creates a structured schedule, minimizing the impact on your daily life so you only have to prepare for a couple of showings times instead of multiple showings every couple of days. 

5. Prepare with a Showing Checklist: For the best results from showings, you need to have your home ready and in pristine condition. A checklist can help ensure you’re consistently prepared for showings and avoid any last-minute scrambling!

By implementing these strategies, you can streamline the selling process, attract serious buyers, and minimize disruptions to your daily life when selling your home.

Want more tips on how to sell your home with the least time and stress?  Feel free to reach out and lets’s Chat!

Are you ready to sell your home quickly while maximizing your profits? Then you need these three seller hacks! 

When you use these hacks, you’ll be able to present your home in its best light and attract the most buyers. Increasing buyer interest will help you achieve the most profit when you sell your home and will help you move the process along quickly. Plus, these hacks are easy and cheap to do! Let’s go through them:

Hack 1. Enhance Your Entryway: One of the first impressions buyers have of your home is your entryway, so it’s worth giving it a little TLC! Invest in a professional cleaning and add a fresh coat of paint to your front door to make the best impression. Upgrade your welcome even more by adding potted plants with seasonal blooms and a new doormat in front of the door. An inviting entrance can grab buyers' attention from the street and entice them to explore further.

Hack 2. Use Virtual Staging Tools: If physical staging in your home isn't an option, virtual staging tools can still show off your home’s best assets! These tools digitally furnish and decorate empty rooms, helping buyers visualize the space's full potential when they look at listings online. By showcasing your home’s features, you’ll attract more serious buyers. Plus, virtual staging doesn’t have the cost or hassle of traditional staging, so it’s a great option for many sellers.

Hack 3. Optimize Listing Photos with Twilight Shots: Twilight photos can add a touch of magic to your home's listing photos, so try to schedule your shoot for the golden hour! Because twilight offers the best lighting, your listing photos will showcase your home's exterior and its best qualities. The warm and inviting ambiance created by twilight photos can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers and make your listing stand out from the competition.

By implementing these three simple hacks, you can significantly enhance your home's appeal and attract serious buyers. Remember, a well-presented home is more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price. 

If you want to chat more about how you can score top dollar for your home feel free to reach out anytime.

🏡 Lloydminster Real Estate Market Update: September 16-22, 2024 📈

The Lloydminster market remains fairly active this week! Here’s what you need to know:

🔹 Active Listings: 149
🔹 Properties Pending: 11
🔹 Average Sold Price: $277,878
🔹 Average Days on Market: 49

Market Insights:

• The average listing price for active properties is $362,068, with a median price of $284,900.

• Pending homes show strong buyer interest, with an average list price of $331,189 and a swift average of just 31 days on the market.

• Sellers are seeing great results, with sold properties averaging 97.49% of their list price!

The market is vibrant, indicating continued demand. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, now is a great time to connect!

For personalized advice or questions about your property needs, reach out:

📞 Harpreet Christie, REALTOR/OWNER
780-205-7653
✉️ harpreet@bordercityrealestate.com
🌐 http://BordercityRealEstate.com

Hello Lloydminster! As we close out August and step into September, here's a look at this week's real estate highlights:

• Active Listings: 151

• Properties Sold Last Week: 17

• Average Sold Price: $281,659

• Average Days on Market: 55

Market Trends:
This week, our market continued to demonstrate robust activity with 17 properties successfully sold and 5 more currently under contract. With homes averaging just 55 days on the market, it’s clear that properties are moving swiftly, reflecting strong buyer engagement.

🏡 Thinking of Listing Your Home?
If you're considering selling, the current market dynamics are in your favor. Take advantage of the active buyer interest and lower inventory to showcase your home. Let's get your property on the market and achieve the best possible outcome!

Hello July!

Here are the key stats for the residential market in Lloydminster for June 2024:

• Average Days on the Market: 74 days

• Average Sold Price: $294,130

• Total Active Listings: 148

The market is active with a range of properties available, from affordable homes to luxurious estates. If you have any questions or need assistance with your real estate needs, feel free to reach out!

Best regards,
Harpreet Christie
780-205-7653
harpreet@bordercityrealestate.com
http://BordercityRealEstate.com