Marnie Bennett - Buyer's Guide

BENNETT PROPERTY SHOP REALTY & FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES

The Trusted Real Estate Authority for Those Seeking the Best

Unmatched Local Knowledge | Extraordinary Global Reach

THE FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES AND BENNETT PROPERTY SHOP PARTNERSHIP

At Bennett Property Shop Realty, outstanding service to clients has been our top priority for the four decades we’ve been in business. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve recently been selected as a partner for Forbes Global Properties, a network of top-notch brokerages from around the globe. Launched in 2020, Forbes Global Properties is an exclusive platform for luxury homes from more than 400 locations around the world. The platform is facilitated by an invitation-only network of highly successful, recognized leaders in the real estate world.

Membership is reserved for the most distinguished firms, and we’re honoured to be included among some of the top brokerages from across Canada and the U.S., Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, and more. In this partnership, we will be the real estate experts for Eastern and Southeastern Ontario, while, of course, continuing our work and enduring presence in the Ottawa area.

Our high standards and innovative process won’t change, but clients will benefit even more, as we will have exclusive access to top local and international properties in addition to our existing suite of homes.

WHY FORBES?

Forbes Global Properties is a robust resource for luxury home buyers and sellers—a curated consumer marketplace that connects discerning buyers directly to the world’s finest homes and the top-tier agents that represent them.

WHAT IS FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES?

150M Digital Ecosystem

5M Magazine Readership

224M Potential Buyers International Dissemination

Established in 2020 as a showcase of luxury homes and an invitation-only association of real estate experts, Forbes Global Properties™ is the real estate partner of Forbes, one of the world’s most trusted media brands. Leveraging Forbes’ audience and worldwide reach, Forbes Global Properties introduces discerning buyers, sellers, and real estate aficionados to a curated collection of coveted homes around the globe.

WHAT SETS FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES APART?

42M+ Social Media Footprint

82 Countries

No other luxury real estate platform has the same international reach of media power as Forbes. A broker-owned, broker-led organization, membership in Forbes Global Properties is reserved for only the most distinguished brokerage firms. The invitation-only network spans more than 400 locations and comprises approximately 13,000 luxury property experts across the U.S., Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Europe.

A LUXURY REAL ESTATE PLATFORM

SHOWCASING THE WORLD’S FINEST HOMES AND THE STORIES BEHIND THEM.

Established in 2020 as a consumer marketplace and a membership network, Forbes Global Properties is the exclusive worldwide residential real estate partner of Forbes. Leveraging Forbes’ audience and reach, Forbes Global Properties introduces discerning buyers, sellers, and real estate aficionados to a curated collection of coveted homes from more than 400 locations around the globe.

Membership in this invitation-only network is reserved for the most distinguished real estate brokerage firms. Only exclusive members can offer Forbes Global Properties programs and services to buyers and sellers in their local markets. No other luxury real estate platform has the global reach or media power of Forbes, one of the world’s most trusted media brands — and one that luxury buyers respect.

INTERNATIONAL DISSEMINATION

We have unique access to display your home on over 120 international sites in 82 countries. Your property will be translated automatically in 16 languages to reach 224 million potential buyers.

#1 in India

#1 in France

120 SITES

82 COUNTRIES

16 LANGUAGES

224 M illon

POTENTIAL BUYERS

#1 in China

#3 in the U.A.E.

+132 M illon

THROUGH FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES

#1 in Argentina

+113

OTHER WEBSITES

#3 in Russia

#1 in U.K.

REACH AFFLUENT HOMEBUYERS

AN UNPARALLELED SUITE OF INNOVATIVE MARKETING SERVICES

Luxurious Website

Curated showcase of approximately CAN $11 billion of the world’s finest homes at forbesglobalproperties.com.

Landing Page on Forbes.com

High-impact page on forbes.com where homes are presented to Forbes readers alongside engaging editorial and unique insights.

Editorial Opportunities

Curated articles written by top Forbes contributors on forbesglobalproperties.com and forbes.com tell the unique stories behind important homes for sale.

Newsletters and Social Media

Engaging newsletters and curated social media content promote important properties.

Property Marketing Collateral

Elegant digital and print branding tools under the Forbes Global Properties brand help to present and position homes to potential affluent homebuyers.

Targeted Advertising

Premier advertising opportunities in Forbes digital and print publications, strategically targeted to reach qualified prospects.

Tools to Target Buyers

Powerful consumer analytics and tools that help agents to pinpoint, engage, and target prospective home buyers.

MORE VISIBILITY THAN ANY LUXURY REAL ESTATE BRAND

Members of Forbes Global Properties benefit from an unmatched brand halo effect and reach through Forbes.

INDUSTRY SHARE OF VOICE

Forbes Global Properties —

Berkshire Hathaway/BHHS —

84%

Sotheby’s/Sotheby’s Int. Real Estate —

5% 4%

Christie’s/Christie’s Int. Real Estate —

Coldwell Banker —

4%

Savills —

1%

Knight Frank —

Engel & Völkers —

1%

1% 0.5%

MEET MARNIE BENNETT

FOUNDER, CEO, BROKER OF RECORD, REAL ESTATE GURU, MENTOR & PUBLIC PERSONALITY

Marnie Bennett is an internationally recognized real estate professional and a leading voice for the industry in Canada and beyond. With more than 42 years of experience in an often high-pressure industry, what sets Marnie apart is her belief that business sense and a generous spirit go hand in hand. She is the

Broker of Record and founder of Bennett Property Shop Realty — a top-performing, family-owned brokerage in Ottawa, Canada. Marnie built Bennett Property Shop on a philosophy of exceptional white-glove service, leadership, and innovative practices, driving it to become the industryleading firm it is today.

Marnie thrives on connecting with people and making her wealth of knowledge accessible to the general public. She regularly appears on television news segments, radio, and in print media to discuss the latest trends and topics in real estate and share important advice and information. This has allowed her to both deepen her connection to the local community and gain a wide audience, including first-time homebuyers, budding entrepreneurs, and highranking executives.

Marnie has set the standard for client experience and believes that trust, professionalism, and a client-first atmosphere are of the utmost importance. This standard is reflected in the enduring success of Bennett Property Shop Realty, which has maintained its warm, familyowned environment for clients through the years.

MARNIE KNOWS

Great things happen when The Bennett Property Shop gets involved.

Family

business with

over Over Over

20,000

in residential sales

years of combined experience

Fastest growing brokerage in Ottawa

#1 sales team in Ottawa³

The Bennett Team outperforms

99.9%

200 $6.3 B illon families served since 1994 of all agents in North America¹

#1 sales team worldwide²

#1 winner of Better Business Bureau Award for Excellence

WELCOME TO BUYING A HOME WITH THE #1 SALES TEAM

Our buying process is a combination of excitement, stress, and new experiences, whether you are a seasoned home buyer, property investor, or this is your first time buying a home.

The simple fact is, buying a home is rarely a purchase that people make on a regular basis, which is why it is crucial to have an expert consulting you at each step of the process.

Our Buyer’s Guide is intended to give you a resource that will help you define your goals, research your options, and direct you through the process so that you can make informed decisions.

When you buy a home, it should be about YOU:

• Your dreams

• Your requirements

• Your financial situation

• Your time

• Your lifestyle choices

• Your concerns

MOVE IN!

10 BENNETT SUCCESS STEPS TO BUYING A HOME

FULFILLING CONDITIONS

NEGOTIATE AN OFFER

LOOK FOR A PROPERTY

DEFINE YOUR GOALS

DETERMINE WHY YOU ARE BUYING A HOME

Is it a permanent place for you and your family, an investment, or a second home? Whatever the reason, it is important that you buy with an eye on the resale investment potential.

Why has buying a home also become such an investment opportunity?

• No one can predict the future. Over the last 25 years, the average price of a home has risen substantially.

• Land has become a decreasing resource, especially in and around major cities and cultural hubs, which has created the demand.

• Housing is typically considered to be a stable investment, offering good rates of return.

• There is a housing shortage. Millennials — the largest cohort of the population — are now buying homes, and baby boomers are staying in there homes longer.

• Money that pays a mortgage turns into equity that can be used to finance other opportunities.

• Demographics and immigration have always been major factors in influencing investment opportunities.

• It is not always necessary to sell your home just because you are moving; depending on the equity created, it may be possible to offset the remaining mortgage by renting out the property.

Investing your time to understand your local market and its influences could pay large dividends.

BENNETT BUYING CONSULTATION

WORKING FOR YOU AS YOUR BUYER’S AGENT

There are three types of Agency Relationships between parties in a real estate transaction:

• Seller’s Agent - An agent who represents the Seller

• Buyer’s Agent - An agent who represents the Buyer

• Dual Agency (Limited Agent) - An agent who represents both the Seller and Buyer

We will help you to find a home, evaluate pricing, negotiate offers, and guide you throughout the entire transaction to ensure a successful closing.

BENEFITS OF BUYER AGENCY

THERE ARE HUGE BENEFITS IN HAVING A BUYER’S AGENT REPRESENT YOU!

You probably know that all agents can provide these services:

SERVICES & DUTIES PROVIDED

Arrange property showings

Assist with financing

Provide property data

Explain forms & agreements

Monitor closing

Did you know that ONLY Buyer Agents can:

SERVICES & DUTIES PROVIDED

Protect Buyer’s interests at ALL times

Advise and/or disclose to Buyer ALL MATTERS (even if it means pointing out reasons NOT to buy!)

Prepare property value study or CMA for Buyer (even if low)

Represent BUYER only

Structure offers to promote & protect Buyer only

Keep BUYER’S financial capabilities, thoughts, & willingness to pay more for a property strictly confidential

Represent BUYER on MLS listed properties PLUS foreclosures, bank properties, auctions, FSBOs, & contract or built/sale properties

Negotiate home inspections, repairs, occupancy dates, & Buyer credits & costs in Buyer’s favour

OWE FIDUCIARY OBLIGATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES TO BUYER ONLY

3 RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS

AND ANALYZE THE MARKET

Buying and financing a home are closely related, so it is very important to review your current financial situation to understand how much you can afford. There are three key components that determine the start of all searches:

1. LOCATION – where do you want to live?

2. TYPE – what type of home do you want?

3. PRICE – what can you afford?

Only you can determine the importance of each. Once you start to research your options, you will soon know if your expectations are realistic.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Why does location matter so much? For starters, you can’t move a home — at least not easily or inexpensively. When you buy a home in a good location, it is usually a solid long-term investment.

Perhaps more than ever, location is the key factor in driving price increases. In a strong housing market, homes in particularly desirable areas are more likely to see above-average price increases. In weak housing markets, these homes tend to retain their value better.

CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAKE A GOOD LOCATION

A home located in a community with little crime, where neighbours interact and it is safe to walk around freely, is most desirable.

Being in a good school district (even if you don’t have children) is where young families will always want to buy. The better the school district, the higher the values of the surrounding homes.

The easier the access is to main features of the community, the more valuable the home. For homeowners in cities and towns, it’s access to shopping and public transit; for lake communities, it’s proximity to the water; for many, it is access to major road systems.

Being located near noise — whether a busy street during rush hour, close to a fire station, hospital, airport, or a local school — is generally considered a negative. These intermittent noise factors can be missed when looking at a home and not reviewing your location fully.

UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET VALUES OF PROPERTIES

While you may have chosen your location or property type based on your budget, it is still important to research the value of homes currently on the market. The current selling price of a home does not mean that a property is ‘worth’ that amount to you — market conditions and what a buyer is willing to pay for a property affect the true value of the home at any moment in time. When deciding the value of any property, the following criteria should be considered:

• Location of the property

• Condition of the property

• Buyer demand

• Current prices of similar properties

• Recent sales of competitive properties

• Availability of financing

Ultimately, the value of any property is dependent on what is important to you and whether or not this is the home that you wish to buy.

ANALYZING THE MARKET

When helping you search for a home, we will:

• Check the number of days on the market

• Verify the final sold price

• Compare the active listings, the listings that are under contract, and the sold properties within a half a mile and within the past six months

• Analyze the surrounding rents with rent range (analyzing the current rents in the area can ensure that your mortgage payment can be covered with rent in the future)

PRICE RANGE - BY MONTH

AGE OF HOME (YEARS) STRUCTURAL TYPE

MAKE YOUR PLANS

After answering the following questions, you will be in a great position to research your housing and mortgage options as well as create the appropriate action plan and timeline for moving forward.

SET YOUR PRIORITIES:

• What do you want from a home?

• What does your family want from a home?

• Do you want a turnkey home, or would you like to renovate?

• Choose the top five ‘must-haves.’

• Choose the top five ‘would-likes.’

• Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?

• What can you afford on a monthly basis?

• When is your ideal time to move?

UNDERSTANDING A BUYER/SELLER MARKET CYCLE

BUYER'S MARKET

A buyer's market is a market in which the supply is higher than the demand.

SELLER'S MARKET

A seller's market, on the other hand, is beneficial to the seller as the demand is higher than the supply.

5 GET PRE-APPROVED

No matter your prior experience, circumstance, or reason for buying, it is always in your best interest to be pre-qualified for a loan before starting to search for a home. The current rates, approval, and unexpected challenges should be addressed before you have a serious intention of buying.

The pre-approval process involves meeting with a lender and authorizing them to examine your current financial situation and credit history, which results in the amount and rate that you will be able to borrow.

BENEFITS OF PRE-QUALIFICATION:

Knowing what you can afford enables you to plan accordingly and allows you to understand how much you will be lent, and how much you can actually afford to pay each month

As a qualified buyer, you will be taken more seriously when you make an offer on a home

You are able to take the time to understand the short and long-term implications, helping you to make informed decisions and research your options

5 STEPS TO THE LOAN PROCESS

• Types of mortgages are reviewed in line with your requirements

• Interest rates and terms are discussed

• Credit report is requested

• Personal information is verified

• Mortgage Stress Test is conducted

• Title is examined for any issues

• Borrowers to sign documentation at lawyers

4. LOAN APPROVAL

• Parties are notified of the approval

• Loan documents are completed and sent to your lawyer

• The mortgage package is submitted to an underwriter for approval

• Lender reviews the loan package

• Funds are transferred

1. APPLICATION & INTERVIEW

3. TITLE

5. FUNDING

2. UNDERWRITING

LOOK FOR A PROPERTY

THE INTERNET

95% of all prospective buyers use the internet to start their search for homes, typically taking an average of 12 weeks to research the possibilities they believe their budget can match.

YOUR BENNETT REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

We will assist you with narrowing your search by reviewing your ‘must-haves’ and ‘would-likes’ — making recommendations based on our experience and local knowledge.

We also have access to:

• Previewing new properties at Realtor ® open houses

• Technology that automatically sends you new home matches immediately – so you never miss a new listing

• Working within our network to find new properties not even listed yet

• Every home in your preferred community, including “for sale by owner,” discounted brokerages, expired listings, or homes not actually on the market but that are known to suit your needs

• Emailing specific home requirements to agents in the area so they know that you are a qualified purchaser

PRINT MEDIA

Newspapers and real estate magazines still provide a platform that features homes. Not every home is listed on the internet, and sometimes your search can miss that hidden gem because it’s not online.

PROPERTY VISITS

Visit open houses and new home developments both virtually and in person — you can learn a lot by seeing what is on the market.

BUILDING A HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST

In the hunt for your perfect home, it’s easy to get distracted or forget the important priorities when you see a stunning feature or are overwhelmed by all the choices and homes you have visited. Use this checklist to help you stay organized and focused on the important criteria during your search:

• Make a comparison chart for when you start viewing:

Overall square footage

Positioning of the living spaces

General size of rooms

Kitchen style and appliances

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

En-suites

Garage space(s)

Backyard

Landscaping

Condition of roof, exterior

Storage space

Natural light

Do you feel an emotional connection to the home?

How long has the house been on the market?

Is it priced to sell?

Compare its price to others sold on the market — what is the resale potential?

• Take a tour of the home and do a second walk through without emotion. Become the inspector — look beyond the surface:

Will your furniture fit?

Floor plans are a great way to see the flow and how changes can be made. Not available? Measure and draw your own.

Review the true storage space — open doors, cupboards, and storage cabinets; check out attics and basements

Investigate for any damage — flooring, under furniture and rugs, in the back of cupboards, etc. Look at every detail from floor to ceiling, including window trims, under sinks, bathroom tiles, etc.

Look outside — understand the landscaping and the layout of other homes around the home, traffic, parking, noise, etc.

View the property at different times of the day

Take a moment to envision how you would use the space — does it fit your everyday needs?

Who are your neighbours?

NEGOTIATE AN OFFER

When you have found the right home, it is time to prepare and draft an offer of purchase. This offer protects and represents your interests while remaining legally binding on final acceptance. There are many components to an offer, and we will explain the entire process so that you are comfortable with the steps involved.

An offer can be drafted with or without conditions. An offer without conditions is known as a firm or condition-free offer, and one with conditions is known as a conditional offer and in effect, protects one party with the placement of certain conditions on the purchase.

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN YOUR NEGOTIATIONS:

• The condition of the home

• Length of time it’s been on the market

• Buyer activity

• Location

• Urgency of the seller

• Understanding if you are in a buyer’s or seller’s market cycle

The seller may accept your initial offer, reject your offer, or present a counter offer. The counter offer may differ from your original offer with respect to price, conditions, the closing date, or any other items. Offers can be countered back and forth between the parties until one of you accepts or rejects, ending the negotiations altogether.

TYPICAL CONDITIONS TO INCLUDE

• Mortgage approval

• Seller pays replacement or damages

• Costs paid by seller for any repairs over a specific amount

• Seller pays towards specific closing fees — Title Search or Transfer Tax

HOME INSPECTION

• Full access and inspection by a certified inspector

• Electrical, water, heating, roofing, and any infestations should all be investigated thoroughly

• Certain repairs to be completed and approved before purchase

• Typically dated to give you and the seller the time required to complete the purchase transaction

• Related to the sale of your present property or the remaining term of your rental lease

• Subject to the seller’s flexibility to move

INSURANCE

• Most mortgage companies require home insurance prior to approval

TITLE SEARCH

• Ensure that the Property Title is in the name of the seller or seller's trust

• Free from any claims against it, either liens or ownership

• If there is any ‘right of use’ on the property

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING AN OFFER

We will write an offer for your desired home in the form of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) — a CREA approved form that is used to present an offer. The APS is a six-page contract with many details to carefully fill in. Each section should be thoroughly read and reviewed before any decisions are made. All accepted terms of the APS must be carried through the life of the contract. The signed, accepted APS (with all amendments & counter offers) is a LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT.

Some of the items that we will need to pay close attention to include:

PURCHASE PRICE: You want a good buy, but your offer must also be attractive to the Seller.

INCLUDED ITEMS: What is included — refrigerator, washer & dryer, hot tub, furniture, artwork, etc.?

EXCLUDED ITEMS: What is excluded — refrigerator, washer & dryer, hot tub, furniture, artwork, etc.?

WATER RIGHTS: Do they apply? We may need to employ the services of a water lawyer.

DEPOSIT MONEY: This is the initial deposit. The importance of this item is often overlooked.

METHOD OF PAYMENT: Will this be all cash, traditional mortgage, or Seller financing? How much down payment?

SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS: Are there any outstanding or upcoming assessments? Who pays — Buyer or Seller?

POSSESSION: When does the property legally change ownership (you receive keys and move in)?

SELLER DISCLOSURES: What information about the home should you be asking for?

DUE DILIGENCE CONDITION: What “outs” will you have?

APPRAISAL CONDITION: Will the sale be contingent on the home’s appraisal amount?

FINANCING CONDITION: Will the sale be contingent on you securing financing?

ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT MONEY: Will you be offering an additional deposit to your earnest money?

ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS: Are there any additional terms or amendments to consider?

MEDIATION: If a dispute arises, how are you and the Seller directed to handle it?

SELLER DISCLOSURE DEADLINE: What should the deadline date be for the Seller to provide all Seller disclosures?

DUE DILIGENCE DEADLINE: What should the deadline date be for you to complete due diligence?

FINANCING & APPRAISAL DEADLINE: What should the deadline date be for you to cancel based on loan denial?

CLOSING DEADLINE: What should the deadline date be for you and the Seller to complete closing?

IRREVOCABLE TIME: How long should you allow for the Seller to respond to your offer?

WHY OUR OFFERS GET ACCEPTED (WHILE OTHER AGENTS DON’T)



PROFESSIONAL OFFER PACKAGE



COVER LETTER



CLOSING SPEED

PREFERRED LENDERS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PERSONALLY PRESENTS OFFERS

PROFESSIONAL REALTORS –WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

LENDER PRE-APPROVAL

BUY BACK GUARANTEE

PROVIDE PROOF OF FUNDS

HOME WARRANTY

LAWYER APPROVAL

CONTINGENCY REMOVAL

FULFILLING CONDITIONS

Once both parties accept the sales contract and its subjects (that is, any conditions either party may be subject to), they will start to work towards removing these conditions.

We will advise you on what subjects you can remove based on the results once the appropriate due diligence has been completed. Ideally, both parties should have been able to negotiate a reasonable time in which to remove these conditions. It is important to understand the options available to you should one of your conditions not be removable prior to the contract date. This does not automatically mean that the ‘deal is dead’ – having a trusted agent who is a good negotiator and who will work with the Seller’s agent to find a solution is key.

Equally, conditions that the Seller needs to address can also be provided with extensions — this is particularly important when a problem is found during the house inspection. We will advise you on the right course of action based on our knowledge and experience. Once you are satisfied and wish to commit to purchasing the home, a subject removal document will be prepared for both parties to sign.

PREPARE FOR CLOSING

After all the conditions have been removed, it becomes the responsibility of the legal and financial institutions to prepare all the necessary paperwork. Should there be any issues, we will contact you.

Closing day marks the end of your home buying process, and the following items should be brought to the closing:

• A certified cheque for closing costs and down payment

• An insurance binder and paid receipt

• Photo IDs

• Social Insurance numbers

• Addresses for the past 10 years

At closing, you will sign all your legal documents, including paperwork relating to your mortgage and the transfer of ownership of the property. There is a lawyer to facilitate the exchange.

When closing is finished, you should have the keys to the property and a copy of the documentation that relates to the property, including a statement of costs, a statement outlining your mortgage terms, your mortgage note, and a copy of your deed of trust. At the end of closing, the deed will be taken and recorded at the county clerk’s office. It will be sent to you after processing.

TIP: Make arrangements to walk through the new home the day before you close to ensure the home is in the condition per the contract agreement.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN COMPLETING A PURCHASE

TITLE INSURANCE & FEES

• A fee for running your credit report

• A loan origination fee – lenders charge for processing the loan paperwork

• Appraisal fee

• Underwriting fee – cost of evaluating a mortgage loan application

• Survey fee – covers the cost of verifying property lines

LAND TRANSFER TAX

• Recording fee or Property Transfer Tax, which is paid to a city or county in exchange for recording the new land records

LEGAL FEES

• Attorney fees

• Notary fees

INSPECTION FEES

• Home inspection fee

• Home Warranty

MOVE IN

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Whether you are doing it yourself, asking friends for a little help, or hiring professionals, this moving guide will provide you some great insight:

• Hire a moving company or rent a truck. Book early – especially if you are moving at the end or beginning of the month.

• Be sure to get a written confirmation of pricing and the date.

• De-clutter your present home – it’s the perfect time to donate items that you no longer use.

• Order boxes and moving supplies.

• Time to start packing! To make it easier, begin with items in your home you do not use regularly. Pack room by room.

• Be sure to clearly label on the outside of the boxes, which room the box is going, and a quick checklist of the items inside – this will make unpacking so much easier.

• Make a list of the items that need extra attention during moving. Label boxes as fragile if needed.

• As you pack, make notes and photograph items of significant value for insurance purposes.

• Prepare directions (if needed) and instructions for your

movers, including a cell phone number where you can be reached on moving day.

• Be present when the truck is being loaded and unloaded just in case your movers have questions.

• Change your address – post office, banks, cable, internet and phone, insurance companies, utility company, credit card companies, doctors and dentists, and any subscriptions you may have.

• For both the new and old home, make a note of all utility meter readings.

• Pack a travel bag with the items your family may need on moving day, such as a change of clothing, medications, toiletries, etc.

• Arrange for cleaners for the new home and old home. Even if the previous owner hires a cleaner – that extra touch before you arrive makes your new home feel fresh and ready.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY?

When you have found the right home. Don’t wait for perfect conditions to buy — they don’t exist.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET A MORTGAGE?

Getting pre-qualified before you start your home search will help immensely and prevent disappointment.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT?

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO PRESENT AN OFFER?

Don’t be afraid to write an offer — there is no commitment until you remove all the conditions. However, don’t write an unrealistic offer. Offer instead what the property is worth to you; otherwise you may be helping someone else’s offer look good!

CAN I GET OUT OF A DEAL SHOULD I DECIDE IT'S NOT RIGHT FOR ME?

Don’t be afraid to back out of the deal — you have not gone too far until the conditions have been removed. Think of this process as equivalent to giving a job interview — do they know your local market, price points, and types of homes? Ask for references!

HOW DO I FIND THE PERFECT HOME?

Prioritizing and compromising are necessary elements. Compile a list of ‘must-haves’ and then a list of ‘wouldlikes’ — you will never find the right home otherwise.

WHOSE OPINION SHOULD I TRUST?

Trust personal instinct and trusted advisors — do what feels right. Too much stress indicates it’s time to walk away.

BENNETT PROS OFFERS A WORRY-FREE BUYING GUARANTEE!

ARE YOU IN A REAL ESTATE CATCH 22 SITUATION?

GETTING STUCK WITH OR

TWO HOMES NONE AT ALL

80%

OF BUYERS LOOKING FOR A HOME NEED TO SELL THEIR HOME BEFORE THEY CAN BUY.

WE HAVE THE SOLUTION

Your current home sold GUARANTEED or we’ll buy it so you can BUY FIRM!

THE BENNETT 2-YEAR LOVE PLEDGE

Buy with the Bennett Pros and receive RISK-FREE and WORRY-FREE BUYING BENEFITS

The Bennett Team offers this unique Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee, so you are in control of the relationship and home buying process. We want you to know that we have a vested interest in helping you get the best possible home — one that you will LOVE and enjoy for years to come. We put this Guarantee in writing to help you understand how committed to our clients we truly are!

OUR 5-STAR TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent service, strong knowledge of the market, and always available. Passionate to find the best solution by providing excellent advice, being friendly, and having an excellent grasp on money, mortgages, and financing.”

– Zoran B.

“Our house was on the market for over a year, and I was worried it would never sell. We kept lowering the price, and that didn’t even help. Then, I called the Bennett Pros –right away, I could tell there was a huge difference because everything was done with passion, and I became hopeful again. The website photography and video made you really want to be there and own it. Two months later, the house was sold, and instead of lowering the price, we got much more than I thought possible. I now know that picking just any Realtor can cost you a lot of time and money. I will always use and recommend the Bennett Pros.”

– Alan M.

“The Bennette Pros were instrumental in helping me purchase my first home. They explained the process to me and then guided me through each step. They were extremely knowledgeable, and I felt they had my best interest at heart! Thank you so much!”

– Sarah B.

“We recently sold our Barrhaven home in less than two days! The Bennett Pros were very professional as we were out of the country while our house was for sale. They looked after all of the negotiations and kept us informed of all of the developments. All in all, we were extremely happy and impressed with the services provided to us. We would highly recommend Bennett Property Shop Realty.”

– Wayne & Wendy O.