FOR BUYERS
I’m interested in a home in Lethbridge. Do I need to call the real estate agent on the sign?
If you would like to see real estate listings, you can call any licensed real estate agent. If you have more than 1 house you want to see, the same real estate agent should be able to arrange them for you on the same day so you don’t have to make several different appointments. Our team is made up of 8 licensed real estate agents (REALTOR® licensed with the Lethbridge and district association of REALTORS®) and we can show you ANY real estate listing. We also have 5 Lethbridge Buyer’s agents who specialize in helping people find the perfect home.
Can I go look at a conditionally sold home?
In most instances, you can book a viewing, as long as the owner still wants to allow showings. However, 8 times out of 10, when a house is conditionally sold, it will go final. So check the circumstances out with your real estate agent first to find out how likely a sale. That way, you don’t get your heart set on a property that is already sold.
Should I get pre-approved before shopping for a house?
YES, YES, YES! Unless you are one of the lucky people paying with cash, you need to get pre-approved before shopping for and putting an offer on a house. It will make the whole process go much smoother and will save you from any unexpected surprises along the way. You can go to your bank, or you may want to call one of our Lethbridge Mortgage Professionals.
How much do I need to pay the agent helping me buy the house?
Most of the time, there is NO COST TO THE BUYER. In our market, the agent representing the buyer is paid by the seller’s brokerage. Your Real Estate agent will be paid a commission. Most agents will ask you to sign a buyer brokerage agreement, which is required in the province of Alberta, to outline the services you will be receiving from your agent. For more information, check out the services of a buyer’s agent.
I’m from out of town. What area of Lethbridge should I live in?
If you are unfamiliar with Lethbridge, it’s a good idea to find an experienced real estate agent who can provide details on which areas are the safest, closest to schools, etc. Lethbridge is a nice-sized city, and it usually won’t take you more than 20 minutes to get from point A to point B. Check out our page different areas of Lethbridge for some more information, or feel free to ask us directly. Or you can search different areas here.
I’m moving to Lethbridge, and I need to buy before I get there, can you help?
The team at viewlethbridge.com has lots of experience helping people buy who can’t make it to Lethbridge. Check out this page about how we can help you buy in Lethbridge and area, when you are not around.
What are the surrounding towns around Lethbridge? Can I get a better deal there?
There are many small communities a short distance from Lethbridge, and prices will be slightly lower. (Coaldale Real Estate, Coalhurst Real Estate) However, if you will have to drive to Lethbridge every day, you may want to consider the fuel cost you will have to incur if you drive. If you are paying an extra $200 a month in fuel, that could end up being the equivalent of another $40,000 mortgage, plus the extra time and the wear and tear on your vehicle. If a larger yard is important to you, lot sizes will generally be larger in the smaller communities.
I want to look at some brand new homes? Can I do this through a real estate agent or do I have to go to a builder directly?
Most builders work with real estate agents for buyers who want a new home. This can give you the advantage of having only one contact, instead of having to talk with multiple builders. Another advantage to having a real estate agent on your side is that they don’t work directly for the builder, and will always have your best interest in mind. Team Viewlethbridge is happy to have Joel Cote on our team. Joel has previously worked for a builder and has special knowledge and experience when it comes to working with Lethbridge Home builders.
I’m making an offer on a house in Lethbridge. Do I really need a property inspection?
We always recommend to our clients to get a home inspection, unless it is a brand new house and you are satisfied with the builder’s warranty. The property inspection may not find anything that would stop you from buying the house, but it should help you to know more regarding what is required to maintain it. We have a list of Lethbridge Home Inspectors on our website.
What is a walk-through, and will I need to do one?
You should schedule a walk-through of the home you’re buying on the morning of possession or the evening before. Check out this page for what is a walk-through.
FOR SELLERS
How do I choose a real estate agent to list my Lethbridge house?
There are many ways to choose a real estate agent. You can ask your friends and family for recommendations, or search for Lethbridge real estate agent testimonials. You want to have someone who knows how to market your property and someone who is easy to get in touch with directly. One common complaint people have with real estate agents is a lack of communication. A real estate agent should be able to give you a complimentary, no-pressure consultation with regards to the selling process, as well as a free comparative market evaluation of your home. You may also want to hire a top team. Check out theactualstats.ca for information on the top real estate teams in Lethbridge.
What’s the best time of year to sell my property?
There does seem to be more people looking in the spring, but there are also more listings and competition at that time. There are people looking year-round, but most buyers do tend to prefer looking around when the weather is better. Most times of year are okay, except we would suggest avoiding mid-December if possible. The majority of condo sales seem to happen though from May through August.
Should I stage my home before selling?
Staging your home can be a very important part of the sales process. Staging can vary from a simple clean-up and declutter, to repainting and replacing fixtures, or furnishing an empty home. Most importantly, a house that is for sale should be clean both inside and out, free of clutter, and odor-free. If your house is in a price range and area where there is a lot of competition, then staging is a very good idea to help you stand out above the rest.
Should I fix up my house or just sell it as is? What are the best improvements I can do to sell my home?
Every home is unique. If your home is in an area and price range where homes sell quickly, you may not want to invest the time and money required to fix up your home. However, if your home is in a price range and area where there is a lot of competition, you may need every advantage you can get. You can ask your real estate agent to look at your house before you are ready to sell, and she should be able to give you ideas on what projects are going to give you the best return, (painting is almost always a good idea). Check out the list we have on preparing your house for sale.
I want to sell my Lethbridge home and buy a new one. Should I sell first, or buy first?
Nine times out of ten, we would suggest you sell your home before buying a new one. The main reason is that unless it is a very hot sellers’ market, you cannot be sure when your house will sell and you do not want the possibility of carrying two homes at the same time. However, there are times when buying first is the only option (i.e. you do not want to lose the house of your dreams). In that case, ensure your bank or mortgage professional has approved you to carry two mortgages. And be sure to consult with your real estate agent when writing contracts to help you with the needed terminology to protect you. Check out here for a more detailed explanation.
I need to sell my home with tenants in it… how do I do that?
Check out our full page for information.
What documents do I need to sell my home?
There is lots you can do to prepare… Check out this page for a detailed list.
What’s the Real Estate market like in Lethbridge?
This is the question we get all the time. There is a market for Canada, for Alberta, and for Lethbridge. And there are different markets depending on what type of property, (Condo, adult condo, luxury homes, starter homes). Check out viewlethbridge.com/market for the latest market update from Justin Myer.
