What if you were able to find your next dream home, with room to grow for the future? A home that make sense financially and also has the potential for the life you want to live?
Getting from here to there can be overwhelming with so much at stake.
The home you’re in now might have felt like a milestone when you moved in, but now it’s feeling more like a compromise.
It might be the foyer that never has room for the kids hockey equipment, or the street parking that’s never free. Sometimes it’s the privacy that you’re craving or a school district that’s a better fit for your kids.
You might be realizing you can make the trade up to a home that you’ve worked hard to achieve and want to enjoy with your family. Perhaps you’ve even reached the point where you can make the leap to your forever home.
At first it might not feel possible, but we ’ re here to make it happen for you.
Having someone in your corner to help you navigate all the complexities and considerations is the key to helping realize the fullest potential of your future.
More people have trusted The Richards Group to buy and sell their homes in Toronto's East End than any other agency.
Our mantra
We make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through the investment and sale.
You are taken care of by a team that perseveres beyond others' definition of possible and welcomed into our family for an experience in total care, with access to resources and relationships to help you realize your vision for your home.
Needs Assessment
We need to dig deep here. Maximize your vision.
Contrary to popular belief, we don’t want you to keep moving. We want to find you a home that you’ll be happy in for a long time.
This requires a real heart-to-heart with your agent. Sometimes what you think you want is not necessarily what you need… or what you even want!
We’re good at getting to the bottom of it. We want you to feel educated and excited with where you’re going. We'll meet and guide you to unlock what you ' re really looking for within your desired lifestyle.
Things to think about...
Here is a list of things you need to think about to get started...and don’t forget to think about now, and in the future. What are your must-haves? What are you willing to compromise on?
Budget: are you going to be strict or willing to stretch to get the right home?
# Bedrooms & Bathrooms: don’t forget about a home office and guest room.
Parking: can you deal with street parking for the right home? Or is a spot or two a must?
Move-in ready or renovation potential: A home that needs work but gives you room to grow and add-on?
Neighbourhood / School District: is location more important than the house?
Walkability & Transit: Consider your daily routines - where are you shopping, walking, commuting?
Area Amenities: Do you want playgrounds? Dog parks?
Buyer Representation Agreement
By entering into the Buyer Representation Agreement, you are granted the same protection and fiduciary duties as a Seller and you are defined as a 'Client' instead of a Self Represented Party ‘SRP’.
Your agent will provide and explain the full agreement and we encourage you to review and ask questions.
What's the difference between being a Client and Self Represented Party ‘SRP’? Self Represented Party ‘SRP’
CLIENT: Buyer Representation Agreement
The sales representative will provide advice and full disclosure of all information.
The sales representative is obligated to act in accordance with all of your lawful requests All information is kept strictly private and confidential.
Not represented by a real estate brokerage
Required to determine market value without the expertise of a sales representative Navigating competing offers.
Reference page 4 of RECO information guide for more information.
Market Education
The second step is to get educated on the market and the neighbourhood you ' re buying in
We get you up to speed on everything you need to know about the market; real-time market data and trends so you can fully understand the market you ' re buying in.
We show you what's available in your budget as well as homes that have recently sold in the area so you get a sense of how far your money will go.
Tap into our deep knowledge of the best streets, the best schools, and the best restaurants to make an informed decision before you buy.
Financing
The next step is to find out how much you are qualified to borrow if you need a mortgage.
Many buyers believe they will get the best possible rate from their own bank This however, is not typically the case
We have several trusted mortgage professionals that we can connect you with so you can properly explore your options.
Finding Your Home
Looking on Realtor.ca is just the tip of the iceberg.
Since many homes are not listed on Realtor ca, we give you a massive advantage with access to exclusive listings and finding off-market properties.
Exclusive listings are properties that are for sale with a real estate agency but they are not listed on Realtor ca or MLS
We expand your search by looking past the obvious and searching our restricted database of exclusive listings.
Off-market properties are not currently listed for sale with a real estate agency but these home owners are open to selling
We also bring you into homes that are being prepared for sale now so you have the opportunity to scoop them up early.
Making an Offer
You're ready to make an offer. Now what?
Together, we review:
Recent sold prices of comparable properties.
History and activity of the listing and any knowledge of the seller's motivation
All the details of your offer - price, closing date, and any conditions
We prepare your offer and review every detail with you.
The seller may reject or counter-offer. If we are in a multiple offer situation, there will be many considerations but rest assured, we will ensure you are as competitive as possible while remaining within your goals.
Once your offer is accepted, the next step is to satisfy any conditions that you have established
Understanding an Offer
There are many components to an offer Here is a review of each:
Price
We do all the research to ensure you have all the knowledge to put in an offer based not just on comparables, but on our deep knowledge of homes that have transacted off-market
Closing Date
This is the date you take legal possession of your home. If we are competing with other offers, you may want to be flexible to the sellers desired date
Deposit
These are the funds that you put down to show good faith for your offer which typically ranges at 5% of the homes value.
Irrevocability
This is how long you give the sellers to respond to the offer which will depend on the time on market, and competitive bids.
Conditions and Clauses
You can make your offer conditional on financing, home inspection, or status certificate in the case of a condo. A multiple offer situation will dictate a strategic approach.
Closing & Moving
Congratulations! It's time to start planning your move.
We always negotiate several buyer visits so you can measure, plan, and dream
You'll need a real estate lawyer - but don't worry - we know the best in the business.
We connect you with our Richards Group List of preferred trades including movers, cleaners, contractors, and much more.
You'll get access to our Insider Perks so you can also get our designer discounts and local business gifts!
Dreaming big?
Our clients always get a complimentary design consultation with our Design Manager And for major renovations and transformations, our interior design company East Design House is ready to help.
No matter what you need, we ' re here to help - long after the moving boxes are unpacked.
Costs and Considerations
What's Next?
Don't worry - we'll provide you with a full checklist but you'll want to book your move, get your property insurance and utilities set up, and start thinking of mailing addresses and things to update Not to mention packing!
If you ' re doing any work to the home prior, start talking to contractors now so you aren't delayed.
Moving Checklist
8–12 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE
❑ Contact a mover and establish a moving date.
Begin getting rid of items you don’t want to move Have a garage sale or donate the items to charity.
Remove items from storage areas; attic, basement, shed Begin packing non-essential and out-of-season items. Make a list of everyone to contact with change of address
Give notice to local service providers; cleaners, day care, lawn service, health club, alarm company, etc
Notify schools of move, request children’s records to be sent to new school
Create a file for all moving related documents.
Start using up stored/frozen foods and cleaning supplies
4–7 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE
Submit a Change of Address form with your post office.
Notify friends and family of new address/contact information.
Compile medical/dental/veterinary records Look for new providers and arrange for the records to be transferred. Place jewelry and other valuable items in a safety deposit box.
Get rid of hazardous materials you cannot move; paints, solvents, automotive supplies, drain openers, aerosols, etc. Contact companies to notify them of your move; subscriptions, utilities, insurance, financial, etc.
Gather items you’ll need during the move; clothing, medications, toiletries. K
Moving Checklist
2–3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE
Pack all non-essential items. Label boxes with contents and room name of where they will go at the new location
Make travel arrangements for children/pets/live plants. Drain fluids from small engines; lawn mowers, weed trimmers, leaf blowers, chain saws, etc.
Make a meal plan for last week.
Say goodbye to neighbors. Leave contact information and have a going away party!
Gather all personal records and important documents.
MOVING DAY
1 WEEK BEFORE MOVE
Finish packing. Mark all boxes for movers.
Confirm moving details with your mover
Clean oven and other appliances. Cancel any remaining services; newspaper, mail, lawn care, daycare, etc
Disconnect appliances; range, dryer, ice maker, electronics. Empty safe deposit box(es). Place items is a safe place for transport with you..
Back up computer files. Carefully pack computers and electronics. Pack personal items needed during the move - use your suitcases for this to keep them easily accessible.
Walk through house with movers, clarifying any special details or packing instructions.
Check utility meters Record gas, water, electric readings
Clean emptied rooms. Check all closets and storage areas.
Carefully review bill of lading before moving truck leaves
Last minute inspection, walk through entire house. Take valuables and important personal records with you
