Not only are online reviews widely used, but they’re also important in how we make buying decisions. 57% of consumers in the same survey stated that they only patroned a business with an online review of four or more stars. 

But how accurate are these reviews? It’s not uncommon for business owners to either fake positive reviews for their own business or negative ones for their competitors. Reviews can also be biased due to influence from the business in the form of discounts and promotions. In this article, we review how to weed out fake reviews and see if a business is truly as bad or good as you hear. 

Can you actually trust an online review? 

Fake and bias reviews run rampant on every site. One survey found that 58% of businesses reported receiving a fake review. This is true on e-commerce, social media, and even dedicated review websites. Businesses also use promotions and refunds to entice consumers to leave good reviews or to remove bad ones. 

In e-commerce for example, aside from untrue reviews, businesses may provide refunds to anyone not satisfied with their product in exchange for the removal of their review.  As a result, the overall rating of the product is swayed towards five stars, as anything less than that has been removed. This can provide an improper picture of how the product actually is. 

Similar issues occur with social media websites like Facebook or Google (while Google Plus is gone, Google Review is alive and well!). Business owners commonly entice positive reviews with free products or discounts. It’s also not uncommon for their marketing team to create fake Facebook and Google users to leave reviews that push their rating closer to that perfect five stars. At the same time, these fake accounts can leave poor reviews on their competitor’s pages.

Then there are dedicated review websites such as Yelp, Angie’s list, and RankMyAgent. These websites value the trust of their audience and know that fake reviews would eliminate this trust. Dedicated review websites usually put more effort into monitoring posted reviews. Some review sites such as RankMyAgent go as far as to verify that all reviews first. Others like Yelp allow businesses to report what they believe to be a fake review, and their moderators scour through postings for suspiciously positive ones. These sites also watch out for businesses trying to solicit favourably bias reviews.  

If you really want to know if a review is trustworthy, it’s important to find out a site’s procedures in tackling fake and bias reviews. A site that is passive towards fake reviews is ultimately not as trustworthy as a site where reviews are heavily monitored or require verification. 

What to look out for when reading an online review 

No website is perfect in monitoring their reviews. So how can you figure out whether a business deserves the number of stars or positive/negative ratings it has? Furthermore, how can you get the best flavour of whether this product or service is really worth your money? 

Check the number of reviews: The number of reviews says a lot about a product. When the total number is low, a few bad or good reviews can easily slant the overall rating. This could incentivize someone to post fake reviews—whether positive or negative. However, if a product or service has hundreds or thousands of reviews, the rating is robust and a few good or bad ratings won’t make any substantial changes. It’s also very difficult to fake hundreds of reviews.  

Check the number of reviews: The number of reviews says a lot about a product. When the total number is low, a few bad or good reviews can easily slant the overall rating. This could incentivize someone to post fake reviews—whether positive or negative. However, if a product or service has hundreds or thousands of reviews, the rating is robust and a few good or bad ratings won’t make any substantial changes. It’s also very difficult to fake hundreds of reviews.  

Look for Patterns: Patterns are an indicator of what the business is good or bad at. For example, a particular item on their menu or a certain trait about their abilities as a realtor could be brought up multiple times in various reviews. But patterns go beyond this. Look for patterns in spelling and grammar, length of review, and the names of the reviewers. If coincidences are popping up, it could be a sign of a single person using multiple accounts to write fake reviews. 

Detect Bias: The people writing reviews are not professional reviewers in most cases and are likely not neutral. A reviewer who happens to be a friend or family member will likely give the business five stars. Although it’s hard to weed these bias reviews out, it’s important to look at both positive and negative reviews, even if the business has 4.5 stars. 

Read three-star reviews for the most balanced picture. Five-star reviews are commonly overly gushy about how great the business is while one-star reviews are often a spill of venom when someone is in a bad mood. Neither situations are helpful to you. Three-star reviews look at both the pros and cons of the business and are less extreme than its one- and five-star counterparts. 

While online reviews are a great resource for seeing if something is worth your money, it may not always be the most accurate portrayal of a business. Fake and bias reviews run rampant for any website with a review system. Look at how the website moderates its posts to see how trustworthy it really is. Designated reviews sites like RankMyAgent are sure to provide a more accurate portrayal than websites that don’t verify whether a posting is real or fake. 

The post How to Read an Online Review first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

But, before you get the keys to your new home, you have to squirrel away your down payment. This will typically run you about 20 per cent of the cost of the house or condo – if you want to avoid paying Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) insurance.

Here are 8 money-saving hacks for you to employ to build up that down payment even faster:

1. Re-evaluate your spending: Be honest with yourself. Do you know where every one of your hard-earned dollars is going?

Make yourself a budget. What are the things you have to pay for each month? How much money do you allot for groceries, gas, and entertainment? Do you stick with your budget, or do you have a tendency to overspend? (Like I do.)

After an investigation into my own personal spending habits, I learned that those coffee runs in the morning were costing me a total of $56 a month — and I’m talking $2 basic drip coffee from 7-11. I thought I was doing myself a favour by moving away from speciality artisan coffees that cost about three times as much. Alas, $56 a month is still $56 I don’t need to be spending if I drank the coffee I already have in my kitchen.

Ultimately, re-evaluating your spending is an important — and often brutally eye-opening — first step. But if you are serious about saving up 20 per cent for your down payment, you need to know what’s realistic so you can set realistic savings goals. Which leads me to my next point…

2. Constructing attainable and realistic savings goals: You want to reach your savings goal, but I’m certain you don’t want to completely change your entire way of life to do it.

By setting savings goals that are realistic and fit within your budget, you won’t have to give up those things that you love and can’t live without. With that being said, you want to ensure that you are maximizing your savings where you can. Just be prepared to work at it for a longer period of time. Perhaps it will take you two or three years to save up that down payment. But, at least, you won’t be making drastic spending cuts from those areas that bring you joy.

If you limit yourself from spending on those fun things too much, it may result in one night of catastrophic spending which will throw you right off of the savings wagon.

3. Pay off those high-interest credit cards first: I mean, you’re not really in a position to save money if you owe interest to our friends at Mastercard.

Try the snowball method to pay off those debts quickly:

Tackle the smallest debts first! Pay your minimum payments across your debts — if you have multiple cards or lenders — but be sure to put extra onto your smallest debt until it’s zero. Celebrate. Then, not unlike constructing the body of a snowman, roll those funds onto the second smallest debt while still paying the minimum payments on other debts. The snowball gets bigger and bigger until your debt is all paid off in no time.

4. Increase your income: This may seem like a “Duh!” suggestion, but it is definitely a sure-fire way to speed things up.

Sling coffee part-time, mow lawns around the neighbourhood, try having an online garage sale on Kijiji or Varage, or try your hand at babysitting/pet sitting. There are even some reliable websites that will pay you for participating in surveys.

By increasing your income and slamming those dollars right into savings, you will be able to reach those goals and milestones you have set for yourself in step 2.

5. Spend wisely: There are some amazing points systems out there that will allow you to save money on groceries, gas, and other essentials.

I am a huge fan of the Presidents’ Choice points system. I can collect points when I shop at specific PC related stores and then I can use those points to pay for groceries. They add up pretty quick, especially when you use the credit card for daily purchases, I typically save $10 minimum on each grocery run.

Did you know that Safeway offers 20 per cent off on the first Tuesday of every month?

Most grocery chains will offer a day like this. If not, be sure to shop your flyers and score sales when they do happen. By cooking at home you will save big dollars, so why not save those cents too on produce and pantry items when you can! Everything adds up.

Before going shopping (for anything, really) pop online and see if you can find any printable coupons. If you download the apps for your favourite stores, there are usually deals for members or active users that can really reduce your spending.

Bonus tip: Check the back of your receipts. Sometimes you will find coupons for other stores in your neighbourhood!

6. Cut your spending the smart way: Take another look at your budget that you reexamined in Step 1. Are there any areas that you can cut and live without?

When I was searching through my budget, I was able to cut my coffee runs, my boutique gym membership — I have access to a free gym at work — and the internet.

I know that last one might be a little surprising to most 20-somethings my age… Rest assured, I live above a café and I can often ride their wifi. This, however, meant a slower connection, therefore I cut ties with Netflix and other streaming services.

I also said goodbye to my major telephone bill with Rogers when I joined up with Freedom Mobile. Just by switching providers, I cut my bill in half while doubling my data. Score. You can call your service providers and ask to renegotiate your contracts. Most companies will do anything they can to keep your business and you can often land some deals that will save you money each month.

7. Use that Tax-Free Savings Account you opened: Build your down payment even faster by investing it into a high-interest tax-free savings account. WIth a high return interest and absence of taxes, this a safe and sure way to make that money work for you.

8. Borrow from your RRSP: You can borrow up to $25,000 from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan tax-free. However, there is a catch. You have only 15 years to replace these funds into your RRSP to avoid those tax payments.

Don’t already have one? While you’re at the bank opening your RRSP ask the financial advisors about tax credits available at a municipal, provincial or federal level that you may be able to qualify for as a first time home buyer. They might be able to lead you to some grants or tax breaks that aren’t regularly advertised.

At the end of the day, saving up for a down payment is no minor task. It will take strength, commitment, hard work and dedication. But when you reach that milestone and you earn that key to your new home the satisfaction, the pride, you will feel, will make it feel all worthwhile! Plus, the saving skills and life skills you earned along this journey will definitely help you for the rest of your life.

I mean… who doesn’t love someone who can cook a delicious restaurant-esque meal in the comfort of their own home!

So to you, the frugal fun-loving savers, I wish you the best of luck on this life adventure!

The post Life hacks to save for a down payment Speedy saving: 8 ways to save faster for your first home first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

Here are checklists of questions that can be a good resource to helping you find your perfect apartment.

Before the Viewing – Questions to ask the potential landlord

• How many bedrooms are in the apartment?
• How much is rent?
• When is the apartment available? When do the previous tenants move out?
• Are utilities included in the rental cost, if not, how much will they be per month?
• Are there laundry facilities?
• Is there parking included in the rental fee?
• Do you have any rules about pets? Smoking? Guests?
• Where is the closest public transportation located?
• Why did the person move out?

During the Viewing – Items to check

• Do you need to set up service for the power? Cable? Hydro? Internet?
• Is there air conditioning and/or central heat?
• Are the laundry facilities pay or free use?
• Are you sharing a space with other people? Are the other people there to meet?
• Are there working smoke detectors?
• Is there a fire extinguisher in the apartment?Are there enough electrical outlets in each room?
• How many telephone jacks are in the apartment and where are they located?
• Is there cable television hook-up?
• Is the hot water working?
• Do the door locks work?
• Do the windows have working locks and is it easy to open and close?
• Do the appliances (oven/stove/fridge) function properly?
• Are there major cracks in the ceilings or walls?
• Who pays for rental damages?
• Is there a damage deposit, what is considered damages?

Things to Consider

• Is the apartment close to work or school?
• If sharing, are you living with people you would want to live with?
• Do you need to pay first and last, or damage deposits – check with your local rules to see which a landlord can charge in your area
• Do any additional expenses from this unit be accommodated for in your budget?
• Does it meet your needs for laundry? Parking? Internet? Guests?
• How long is the lease agreement?
• At what point in the lease agreement can the landlord increase the rent?

Take your time while you’re inspecting your potential apartment! Don’t rush and be thorough. You want to make sure that you choose a place you can picture yourself living in happily.

The post Renting 101: Apartment Viewing Checklist first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

Get That Pre-Approval

 Most of us would probably agree that the fun part of buying a home is the search, not the financing. While it can be tempting to focus on the excitement of the house hunt, establishing a relationship with a lender in advance is essential. Qualifying for a mortgage involves several different factors, including your income, savings and credit score. Based on that information, a lender will give you a pre-approval amount that can help to guide your search. Proceed with caution, though: the Canadian Real Estate Association warns that pre-approvals sometimes overestimate real purchasing budgets, and it emphasizes that pre-approvals do not guarantee financing. Nevertheless, you would be wise to start the financing process before you set your heart on a property.

 Do Your Research

Location, location, location. The old adage remains true, but your definition of a prime location will depend on your particular requirements. Sure, the inner-city hipster-havens are full of entertainment and culture, but does urban living suit your style? New communities can offer room to stretch your legs, but do the amenities meet your needs? The City of Calgary has many resources to assist you in finding information about your prospective community and its future development. Check out the Planning & Development and Community Services departments online for more information about Calgary’s many and diverse communities.

 Freehold or Condominium?

 Often, your budget will determine what property type you purchase. Condos and townhouses can offer the features and finishes you want at a lower purchase price. However, monthly maintenance fees can add up. Also, major improvements to common areas could bring special assessments that might run into the thousands. The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta recommends that buyers have a professional document review completed to ensure that a condominium corporation is in good standing. With a freehold property, you don’t have to worry about monthly fees, special assessments or reserve funds, but the tradeoff is that you are responsible for all maintenance of and repairs to your property. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and consider how each type of ownership fits your lifestyle before deciding on a property.

 Be Realistic About What You Can Afford

 No one wants to be house poor. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends that home buyers spend no more than 32% of their gross income on all mortgage-related expenses—that means the mortgage principal and interest, as well as property taxes and utilities. You might also need to budget for monthly condominium fees, as well as mortgage and homeowners’ insurance. If you aren’t careful, your once-manageable purchase price could balloon into a burden. Sit down with pen in hand and write out your monthly budget, taking into consideration all applicable costs. If you aren’t comfortable living on what’s left over, think about lowering your price point.

Take Off Those HGTV-Coloured Glasses

Admit it: you want hand-scraped hardwood floors, waterfall quartz countertops, massive closets, and a tastefully finished basement. Unfortunately, it isn’t likely that you’ll get everything on your wish list in your first home. Instead of expecting perfection, make a realistic shortlist of must-haves. Maybe you can live with the old countertops for now if the transit links are good and the yard is big enough for Fido.

 Don’t Rush!

Your home might be the most significant purchase you ever make, and you don’t want to be hit with (home)buyer’s remorse three months in. Take your time. Talk it out with your partner, family members and friends. Test drive your would-be commute and visit local restaurants, shops and services. Walk around the neighbourhood and chat with your potential neighbours—after all, who knows the community better than those who live in it?

 … But Don’t Wait Too Long

Your top choice could be hot property. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a home and mentally moving in, only to have your hopes snatched away by another, faster-moving buyer. Depending on the market, you might have to act fast. Make sure your financing and shortlist of must-haves are in order so you can move quickly when the time comes.

Get That Home Inspection

We’ve all heard the horror stories: someone forgoes an inspection on their dream home, only to move in and find out there are major issues an inspector would have caught. To avoid unforeseen expenses, CMHC recommends that all home buyers have a home inspection completed to make them aware of any required repairs or replacements. Knowing about issues in advance will allow you to make an educated decision about what might be your largest single purchase, ever. To find an inspector, ask a friend or family member for a recommendation, or contact the Alberta Professional Home Inspectors Society.

Plan For Fees

We’ve all heard of “closing costs,” but do we actually know what these fees entail? Although the seller pays the real estate agents’ fees, buyers have their own set of costs to settle before taking possession. According to ATB Financial, you can expect to pay around 2% of the purchase price of your new home on costs associated with closing. These might include a property appraisal, home inspection or condominium document review, in addition to lawyers’ fees. You might also need to budget for adjustments for utilities and taxes the seller has already paid, as well as your own moving costs. Do this math ahead of time and avoid feeling strapped for cash on possession day.

 Take Advantage of Programs and Credits

 Short on your down payment but have a healthy registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)? The Government of Canada’s Home Buyers’ Plan allows buyers to withdraw from an RRSP up to $25,000 in a calendar year to buy or build a home.

If you’re looking at a fixer-upper, consider talking to your broker or lender about a Purchase Plus Improvements mortgage. This CMHC program allows buyers to borrow up to 10% of the as-improved value of their home, and to roll that into their mortgage. Think of it as borrowing in advance on equity you create through your renovations.

When you file your income taxes for the year of your home purchase, don’t forget to claim the non-refundable $5,000 First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, which could put up to $750 in tax savings back into your pocket.

Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
There is one person who can help you navigate all the ins and outs of your first-time home purchase (and every home purchase thereafter): your real estate agent. Not all agents are the same, and you require someone who meets your needs and expectations. Ask friends, family members and colleagues for their recommendations, and then read verified reviews about their recommended agents at RankMyAgent.com.

Purchasing your first home is a major life milestone, and with good planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing an agent who is a good fit for you and following these tips and suggestions, you can rest assured that your first-time home-buying experience is memorable for all the right reasons.

The post First-Time Buyers Beware: How to Avoid 11 Common Mistakes first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

They say choosing a neighborhood is like choosing a spouse. You have to like and love it – after all, it’s great to have them for keeps.

So, how does one choose a neighborhood? What are the right questions to ask about a neighborhood?

COMFORT and SAFETY

First off, ask yourself how comfortable you feel in the neighborhood. Is it safe to walk home at night? Are the streets well-lit? If you have kids, can they wander off throughout the block safely? It is always best to check out the city crime statistics. You can also get a sense of the neighborhood by trying to walk around the area and ask the neighbors about these things. Safety and comfort should be two of the top questions to ask the neighbors.

WHAT ARE YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLES?

This is a tough question to ask. What is really important to you? And then think about your everyday rituals. Is jogging important to you? Is there a place where you can jog or walk your dog? Do you want a neighborhood with coffee shops and restaurants? How far is it from the nearest recreation center or park? Do you want to live somewhere with nearby bars and shopping centers or movie theaters or bookshops? If you have children, ask if there is a daycare program nearby. Are there public or private highly rated elementary, junior and high schools in the area? If you’re going to live in the city, these are some of the right questions to ask. How close is it to public transit? Is it accessible to bus routes or subway stations? Do these stations have the lines that you need to get to work?

After you have figured out what is essential for you, ask yourself if you are willing to trade it off with other more essential things? This is the tricky part.

SIGHTS, SOUNDS, SMELL…

If visuals are important for you, ask yourself if you like the houses in the neighborhood. Are they well-maintained? Are the streets clean? Do you like big tall buildings? Do you prefer a quiet neighborhood with clean well-manicured lawns? Do the coffee shops and restaurants in the area look appealing? Do you want to hear pleasant sounds in the morning like birds chirping during your morning coffee? Or do you mind hearing trains screeching and roads bustling with energy and traffic? Get a good whiff of the air in that neighborhood. Do you like the smell? Perhaps, it’s the scent of freshly baked bread in the morning? Or do you mind taking in the fishy smell from the nearby grocer? It is best to go to the neighborhood at different times of the day, so you’ll know the different sights, sounds and smells at any given hour.

…AND TASTE TOO

Try to get a feel on how neighbors socialize with each other? Or do they keep to themselves? Ask yourself what is more important to you. Does the neighborhood match your taste in living environment? Does it meet your criteria of a good neighborhood? And of course, can you afford to live in that neighborhood? These are one of the right questions to ask. How much can you spend? And what kind of house do you need? Needless to say, what good is it if you like the neighborhood but you don’t have the means to live there?

The importance of picking out the right neighborhood for you is very important; starting with the right agent would be a great first step.

The post What questions should I ask when looking for the perfect Neighbourhood? first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

Colder weather means more than back to school. It also means that leaves fall from trees and clutter your front and backyard. While the plethora of colours is beautiful, unraked leaves make your lawn look unmaintained and detract potential buyers. These leaves also reduce the sunlight that your grass gets and suffocate them. Therefore, make sure your lawn is leaf-free

And just because summer is over, doesn’t mean that summer lawn care is over too. Although your grass may not grow as fast, it’s ideal to still cut it. Get rid of weeds to also maintain that perfectly green lawn.

Lastly, the colder weather can leave your summer flowers shrivelled and lifeless—waiting for the next summer sun. Trimming dead flowers tidies your flowerbeds and allows you to add fall-season flowers, such as chrysanthemums or potted mums, for a splash of colour among the evergreen bushes and trees. Pumpkins are also a great decoration as homes prepare for or retire from trick-or-treaters.

While the outside of your home is important, it’s the inside that many buyers care to see. And adding some seasonal colours, decorations, and scents can make the inside of your home that much more appealing. This doesn’t mean painting every interior wall orange but is as simple as warmly coloured pillows and blankets for the couch and autumn-themed centrepieces for the tables. Also, when you’re buying pumpkins for the outside of your home, a few mini pumpkins for the inside won’t hurt.

We buy with more than just our eyes, so adding some autumn scents can emphasize a cosy fall atmosphere. The scent of freshly baked cookies, apple pies, cinnamon, and, again, pumpkin, can resuscitate a person’s favourite autumn memories and put them in a buying mood. As an added bonus, the potential buyer can walk away from your showing with some delicious treats—or you can ignite these scents using an autumn-themed candle.

Colder weather demands a warmer home—you don’t want potential buyers walking in to realize that they’ll need to wear their jacket. Although there’s no snow just yet, the weather may require you to start running your furnace. Additionally, check your windows for damages that can lead to drafts. A damaged window leaks the warmth of your home to the outside and turns off potential buyers who want a place that can retain comfortable indoor temperatures during the winter. As well, installing weather stripping prevents leaks and secures comfortable indoor temperatures.

The autumn season also means shorter days and less sunlight. Buyers often come to see houses after work, and by October and November, the sun may have set by that time. This is why plenty of indoor lighting is crucial, as sunlight is no longer available to show buyers the beauty of the property. Fluorescent lights, as opposed to incandescent light bulbs, also make your home seem more modern. If you want to go above and beyond, Philip Hue light bulbs can completely change the dynamic of your rooms with different colours. And don’t forget the fireplace, which provides heat, light, and an autumn vibe.

Exterior lights are as important as the interior ones. Just because it’s dark outside, doesn’t mean that buyers no longer have an interest in your home’s exterior decor. Lighting the outside of your home gives a rough impression of what the property looks like in the daytime. Though, if they really have an interest, they’ll come back during the day.

A homeowner needs to maintain their home, and each season has its own maintenance checklist. Because winter is coming and heating soon becomes a necessity, replacing your furnace’s filter and ensuring it’s at its optimal performance is crucial. It also shows people that your home is ready for cold nights. A clean Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is part of your furnace’s optimal performance, so getting it cleaned should also be part of the to-do list. Both the heater check and HVAC cleaning requires a professional to come into your home, but before inviting them in, make sure that they have the proper certifications and credentials to perform the tasks that they offer. A clean HVAC system can also rid your home of fall allergens, helping those viewing the property breathe more easily.

Going back to falling leaves, it’s important to clear dead leaves from not only your lawn but also your gutters and water pipes. There are dozens of options for this, whether it’s fancy tools, professional help, or getting your hands dirty. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot or pest infestations. Also make sure that water is not coming behind your gutter, as this leads to the formation of puddles on your walkways and driveways which ultimately damages them.

Finally, if you’re someone who uses their fireplace (or wants to impress people coming in for an open house by lighting the fireplace), make sure that it and the chimney are clean. Frequent fireplace use can lead to the build-up and accumulation of unburned tar vapours. And this leads to chimney and house fires.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Home Ready to Sell in the Fall first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

It can seem like a daunting task at first – we’re bombarded with ads. How do you really decide? Below you will find our tips on how you can find the best real estate agent in Calgary

How to find a good Real Estate Agent in Calgary

• Step 1: See if they specialize in your area.
• Step 2: Ask how long they’ve been an agent.
• Step 3: Find out how well they communicate.
• Step 4: See if they have current listings and how many there are.
• Step 5: Check their credentials and awards.
• Step 6: Ask what their services include.
• Step 7: Research their reviews and talk to past clients.

See if they specialize in the area.

This may be the most important aspect when looking for real estate in Calgary. Calgary is made up of many communities with its own individual identities and markets. Whether it’s a specific neighbourhood or just the Northwest you’re looking at or selling in, Calgary is a vast city, and having a realtor that knows the ins and outs of an individual community is a huge asset to you as a homebuyer or seller. This realtor will have a key insight to the neighbourhood: its market, its schools, best grocery stores, and other key amenities. If you want to make the most informed decision, having an agent who specializes in your area will always be your best option.

Ask how long they’ve been an agent

This question can show two things: one – it can denote how much experience an agent has, but two – it can show the passion of the agent. Taking a quote from another one of our blogs: “While the number of years someone does a job can note experience, it is agents that are passionate about the career that are the ones that will work the hardest for you… You want to select someone that is as excited about your next steps as you are.” (How to Choose Your First Real Estate Agent)

Find out how well they communicate.

This is important – undoubtedly communication is key to a successful transaction. Do they answer your calls or emails promptly? Do they regularly update their media channels? Are they honest and forthcoming with their information? While the latter can be hard to gauge, online reviews or talking with past clients can help.

See if they have current listings, and if so, how many.

Looking at current listings help to decide a fair number of factors. It can identify the style of the agent in respect to presentation – is it attractive? Would you consider that property? How many listings are there? Too few or none would indicate a red flag, while too many may not make you a priority as a client. Are the houses in the area similar prices? This would likely mirror your own transaction.

Check their credentials and awards.

In the short of things, you simply want to make sure the real estate salesperson is registered and who supports a code of ethics. Here are a few common designations (as per the National Association of Realtors):

– Accredited Buyer’s Representative® / ABR®: The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.

– Certified Residential Specialist / CRS: The CRS designation is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers. On average, CRS designees earn nearly three times more in income, transactions, and gross sales than non-designee REALTORS®.

– Seniors Real Estate Specialist® / SRES®: The SRES® Designation program educates REALTORS® on how to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients age 50+. By earning the SRES® designation, you gain access to valuable member benefits, useful resources, and networking opportunities across the U.S. and Canada to help you in your business. Find out more about designations here.

Another asset to help an agent’s credentials would be a peer-supported award. (Give example) Being awarded by your peers is one of both respect and admiration; therefore you’d know that this real estate agent is a respected individual in their area and profession.

Research their reviews and talk to past clients.

This is going to be the best indicator of a real estate agent’s true performance. We’d recommend taking a look at a third party, independent review website for unbiased reviews or testimonials. Clients do not have to leave a review on these sites, they choose to out of the exceptional level of service they received. On another level, asking to contact past clients and actually getting to ask questions about an agent’s individual service is invaluable.

Ultimately, take the time to do your due diligence and you’ll reap the benefits of an agent who best suits your individual needs.

New to the search for a real estate agent? Check out our guide on how to pick your first agent

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For many old souls, living in a cottage by the woods near the lake is the ultimate old-fashioned childhood dream. What’s not to love about cottage life? A cozy country cottage with old-house vintage charm — wood-plank floors, refreshing old-fangled kitchen with oak beams, a flower garden, a vegetable patch and a dazzling lake view. Imagine log fires, idyllic breakfasts and romantic dinners. Long walks by the beach or by the lake. Horse-back riding by the beautiful countryside. Secret verdant gardens and really awesome walking trails right outside your cottage’s garden gate. These are just some of the perks of living in a cottage.

If cottage life is your definitive dream, take note of the following important things you need to consider when starting out your search in buying a cottage.

Choose the Site

If you’re buying a cottage by the sea or by the lake, make sure you take a good look at the historical background of the property. Find out how fast the soil is eroding and how much land has worn down in current years. If you really want to buy a cottage near the shore, make sure the cottage is nearer the inland for safety reasons.

Consider Solitude

Do you want to live near a crowded lake? Do you want your neighbors to live close by? Do you want to live in a private cottage community with just a few neighbors? These are crucial questions you need to answer when you’re considering buying your first cottage.

Think About Convenience

Find a cottage that is accessible through land and water. Consider the road access during the different seasons. You might need more than just a boat to get there or a four-wheel drive vehicle at some periods of the year. Check out if the roads are well-maintained all year round. Consider the travel time as well. What is your limit?

Check the Environment

Consider the surroundings of the cottage that you’re intending to buy. Is the view beautiful? Is it in a higher plain for a better view? If yes, would you mind the climbing? Does it have a stunning sunset view? A property with a sunrise view is more often cheaper compared to the property with the afternoon sunset view. If the cottage is by the side of the lake, check out the size of the lake. Is it a large one where you can go boating and do other water activities like fishing? What kind of shoreline does your waterfront have? Is it a sandy shoreline? Is it deep enough to dive or dock your boat? Is the surrounding area a woodland area? Does it have a faster way in the beach?

Check out the Existing Systems

Does the cottage have drilled well for its water system? Is there hydro available? What about the means for cooking and heating system? Make sure a professional inspector checks out and reviews the systems of the cottage. If the place is cold, like in other areas where it gets rainy and foggy even during summer, make sure your cottage is insulated. Look into possible installation of a fireplace or stoves to keep you warm and toasty in case the temperature drops.

Consider the Local Laws

Find out restrictions regarding building a new dock in your shorelines. Find a local real estate agent who knows a good deal about the cottage and its property. The local real estate professional will lead you to a local lawyer who is well-versed about the pertinent information you need – like information sources, local tourist associations, cottage life associations, lake associations, local legislations, official plans and many more.

Before buying the cottage of your dreams, it’s important to put into consideration the aforementioned things. Make sure you weigh all your options and you have chosen what kind of cottage living that will best fit your personal preferences. Would you like cottage living by the water? Or would you prefer cottage living by the woods or lake? Do you want a lot of neighbours? Or do you prefer to be isolated? Each cottage living offers a unique experience. Decide on what you really want before you pick out a spot. Remember, these things are dependent on your personal choices, preferences and inclinations.

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With spring right around the corner, you might be thinking about sprucing up your home. However, it may not yet be time to work in the garden or on other outside endeavors. If cabin fever is setting in, this is a great time for indoor improvements to brighten your living space and get you warmed up to work outside when the seasons change.

Whether it’s over-stuffed closets or cluttered garages, everyone has problem areas on their property. Maybe you just need to give some attention to an area that has not been touched in a while. Whatever your vision, now is a fantastic time to tackle an indoor project. Below are a few ideas to help get you started.

Organize That Closet

Clear out the things you don’t need and make it easier to find the things you do. You can build a closet system for about $100-$500 to put everything at your fingertips. Consider donating functional appliances, furnishings and accessories or your out of date clothing.

Cut The Chore Of Window Washing In Half!

Soon, there will be a warm sunny day beckoning to cleaning your windows from the outside. By washing the inside surface of your windows now, you’ll cut the overall chore of window cleaning in half. I recommend a cleaning solution made of one cup white vinegar to 3 cups water in a spray bottle, with just a ½ teaspoon of a good grease-cutting dish soap. Buff the windows dry and to a shine using old newspaper (Seriously; I doubted this too but it really works!). You’ll be amazed at the lint-free shine!

Paint An Accent Wall

Or, you could choose to do an entire room! The room you spend the most time in should probably be your starting point. Choose a color that will set the mood you want to foster; do you want to be energized or relaxed? For inspirational colour palates and handy tips visit my “Paint a Room Project” board on Pinterest.

Add Shelves Or A Bookcase To A Room

If your house has papers and books stacked up on counters or in cabinets, you may need some additional shelving! Built-in bookcases or shelves can help a cluttered area feel more spacious. Storage solutions can organize your magazines into volumes by publication, season or month.

Change-Up The Hardware On Your Kitchen Cabinets

This shouldn’t be more than a one-afternoon project, but it is definitely a low-cost way to give your kitchen a little facelift. Visit specialty gift shops and woodworking supply stores or search on-line for options. When you look “outside the box” of your local hardware stores (not that there aren’t great options there too) there is a surprising and vast array of contemporary, traditional, whimsical, artisanal, and colorful options fashioned from every manner of materials.

No matter which project you choose to tackle, you can keep the whole family busy and ward off these year-of-the-winter-vortex doldrums at the same time. If you’d like more suggestions for DIY projects for your home visit my blog or other Pinterest boards at kevinhartley.ca.

Kevin Hartley specializes in The Beaches, East York, Danforth Village, Woodbine-Lumsden and waterfront communities of Toronto. Do you have a question you’d like Kevin to answer? Email him at homes@kevinhartley.ca

This content is not intended to solicit clients or properties already under contract. Always consult directly with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances.

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