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For Buyers

Choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as finding the right home. Here’s a handy guide to finding an area you’ll love. More…

For Sellers

In business, downsizing isn’t a word that anyone wants to hear, but in real estate it provides homeowners with plenty of rewarding opportunities. More…

Mortgage Information

Whether you’re planning the purchase of your first or fourteenth home, it pays to obtain a pre-approved mortgage from the lender of your choice. Here’s why.

 

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Contact Me

I'm here to assist you with any real estate inquiries or concerns you may have. Feel free to share your thoughts, and let's initiate a conversation.

Find a Dream Home
Find a Dream Home

If you're in pursuit of your "Dream Home," I'm here to provide assistance. Just complete my Buyer Registration form, and I'll ensure that you receive timely email notifications with suitable new listings as they become available in the market.

Find out what your home is worth
Find out what your home is worth

Your home constitutes a substantial financial asset. I invite you to contact me without delay to schedule a professional and comprehensive home valuation.

Bessie Nikolopoulos

Bessie Nikolopoulos SRS® Seller Representative Specialist, ASA, SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist

Real Estate Agent

Mobile: 613.305.2978  

Phone: 613.305.2978  

Email

Whether you are embarking on your journey to your first home or your forever home, the decision to buy or sell a property is a momentous one. To navigate this important process successfully, you deserve the guidance of a seasoned professional. When you choose to collaborate with me, you can expect nothing less than personalized, attentive, and patient service. My extensive knowledge of the Kingston area, adept negotiation skills, and expert selling strategies are at your disposal to ensure a smooth and advantageous experience.

Secrets of Savvy Househunters

Experienced home buyers know that there’s more to look for than a good neighbourhood and a sturdy foundation. They shop with their hearts, their heads – and with the expert advice of a real estate professional. Before you get caught up in the excitement of searching for the perfect home, here are some savvy steps to follow.

1. Know how much you want to spend

Don’t get caught in that trap of finding a perfect home that you can’t afford. Do your homework and define your budget. Get a pre-approved mortgage or consulting with your lender of choice, and keep your eye on the market, since any changes could impact what you can afford.

2. Scope out the neighbourhoods

Before you start looking at individual homes, figure out which neighbourhoods you would prefer to live in. How close are schools? Stores? Access to highways and public transit? These all have an impact. Also, check common areas in a community like parks and playgrounds – they can say a lot about how the residents feel about their neighbourhood, so look for tell-tale signs of neglect or proud upkeep. Your agent can also let you know how well certain neighbourhoods are selling, which is a good indicator of where people want to live.

3. Make a list

Smart shoppers never head to the grocery store without a list and neither should you when you head out to an open house. Organize your thoughts on paper and come up with a master house wish list that you can refer to. Divide it up into must-haves, would-be-nice items and deal breakers. Carry this list with you so that you can compare homes on the basis of your personal wants and needs.

4. Find a home inspector

Even before you locate your ideal home, have a home inspector at the ready. He or she may even be able to offer you some pointers for things to look out for when you first see a place.

5. Take your time

Don’t try to squeeze more than four viewings into a single day – it can be more confusing than convenient. Take photos and make note of the pros and cons after viewing each property so you can take a look at the next home without struggling to remember details about the one before.

6. Street sense

Be sure to ask about mutual driveways, parking, zoning bylaws and upcoming construction. You may be in a neighbourhood that is about to be receiving power line upgrades or road repairs that can wreak havoc on getting from point A to point B after you move in.

7. Be a legal eagle

Ask for a survey of the property and take a good look at it. Fences may not be on actual property lines and right-of-way issues may come into play in the future with the sale of the home next door. Don’t just rely on your judgement; hire a lawyer to inspect all of the paperwork related to a prospective purchase and to advise you.

8. Get a second opinion

If you’ve found a home that really appeals to you, show it to someone else like a good friend or relative. Let them do all the talking in case they see something you hadn’t noticed. Having someone who isn’t personally vested in the property can give you the objective opinion you need before you make your decision.

9. Think it through

In a hot market, it can be hard not to make an immediate offer. While that may work in most cases, be sure to step back, pull out your list and carefully gauge if this property meets all of your must-have criteria. Savvy househunters say that when you find the right property, you can feel it down to your bones. If that’s the case for you, see if you can wait a day (or a few hours) before making an offer. The only thing worse than buyer’s remorse is letting a dream home get away.

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