B U Y E R S
W I T H
P R E S E N T A T I O N
J O H N
K A R E V S K A
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ABO UT J O HN JOHN KAREVSKA John believes that his job is to provide clients with one thing: value. Whether that’s helping them to understand every step of the buying process or ensuring that their home sells for the best price, John brings professionalism and experience to his work. John’s clients know that their real estate needs are being handled with care! For most people, buying a home is one of the biggest decisions they’ll make. John helps guide you through the entire process, by taking the extra time to explain every step, every document, and every recommendation along the way. You’ll feel comfortable knowing that you’re making decisions with all the information. And when you decide it’s time to sell your home, John will be there to help you determine the best listing price, and to help you negotiate a deal that serves your best interests. Selling your home with strength of real estate knowledge and experience on your side!
Exceptional Agents.
Exceptional Results.
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WHY CHO OS E US? CHOOSE US FIRST! When you’re looking for a partner to help you find a home, you’ve come to the right place. The experience, dedication and strong communication you’ll receive here will help ensure you find the best home possible that suits all your needs. 1. The Local Advantage Take advantage of a broad spectrum of technologies and tools that help us find your next home. 2. Internet Tools Since the lion’s share of home buyers starts their search on the internet, searching for homes on search engines is essential. You’ll gain access to view all potential properties across all real estate websites. This will allow you see all available homes to help you find the home the best suits you. 3. Working the Market It’s important to “work the network.” We can work together to find possibilities through networking with other agents to see all possible listings that may be available. 4. Personal Touch Technology plays a huge role in helping us find a home, but it takes an experienced agent with great communication skills, face-to-face interaction, and substantial negotiating skills to find the right home for you at the right price. RELAX! WE LOOK AFTER THE DETAILS Of course, we will take care of the thousands of details involved with your property search so you can move forward with your life. We want you to feel confident in knowing everything will go smoothly from start to finish.
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WHAT WE STAN D FO R
OUR CORE VALUES We We We We We We We We
listen, we care, and we serve. believe in people and their dreams. own the problem and we solve it. face challenges with optimism. do whatever it takes. check our egos at the door. innovate and constantly improve. practice work/life balance.
OUR PURPOSE
Dedicated to creating value for our clients. CLIENTS FIRST
OUR MISSION
To be widely Respected as the go to Realtor in the city!
OUR MUTUAL OBJECTIVE
To help find you a home for the most favourable price and best terms with the least inconvenience to you. To do this, we will be working as a team. Communication & Cooperation are vital to ensuring a successful sale.
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TRUSTED ADVICE I ARE YOU DEALING WITH AN EXPERT? Did you know that the average agent sells or helps clients buy only 6 homes per year? Did you know that 45% of real estate agents spend less than $500 per year on training and professional development. These are the facts, so how do you know if your agent is an expert when it comes to helping you buy a home?
BUYER’S I N FO
THE BUYING EXPERIENCE 1. MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE It is very important to evaluate yourself and your situation to help ensure that buying a home is the right decision for you. We believe in full disclosure and the importance of planning. Some questions you should ask yourself: What reasons are prompting you to move and what is your preferred timeline? Have you been through the pre-approval process? If so, what amount have you been approved for? When we find the right home for you, are you prepared to make an offer? 2. YOUR LIFESTYLE Deciding on what type of home you want to live in is just as important as deciding on where you want to live. For some, location is everything. For others, home details are everything. It is important that you decide what is most important for you and what type of lifestyle you truly desire. 3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Another important decision during the buying process is proximity to important things such as schools, work, grocery stores, and amenities such as shopping centres, restaurants, parks and recreation centers. These things define your lifestyle choice and are not only necessary, but convenient.
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TRUSTED ADVICE II EXPECTATIONS, NEEDS & WANTS By determining buyers’ expectations, needs and wants, and comparing them to what the market is showing, an expert will help find the ideal home for you. However, it is important to understand how an agent will be able to identify these factors.
T H E RI GH T AGEN TS TEAMS ALWAYS OUTPERFORM Because we are an experienced, well-oiled team, we ensure our client’s expectations are always met. Real estate is so much more than just a job, it is our passion, and our duty is to provide all our clients with the necessary services to help them reach their real estate goals. Having the RIGHT AGENT helps. IT ALL STARTS HERE... Many agents offer great service, but not-so-great advice. Others offer great service, great advice, but lack communication. Though we are not perfect, we strive to offer our clients excellent service, excellent communication, trusted advice and a personal touch. We truly believe in people, their dreams, and care about all of our clients, who we now consider our extended real estate family. KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN LOOKING FOR AN AGENT... 1. EDUCATION The most important factor in choosing a real estate professional is his or her education in the real estate industry. Our professionals have advanced training and education, allowing them to be among the top agents in the world earning prestigious designations in the various fields of real estate. 2. EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE You want a full-time agent who is familiar with your area and with the type of property you intend to buy. 3. AVAILABILITY AND COMMITMENT Your agent should be capable of prompt and decisive action during the course of finding your home. Does your agent make it a point to keep in touch with you constantly? Is your agent easy to contact in case of emergencies or even for the simplest questions? Is your agent available on the weekends or in the evenings when most buyers are out looking? 4. RAPPORT Does your buying agent take the time to listen to your goals and clarify your needs? Can your agent understand your unique situation and be genuinely concerned about the outcome of the process? Your listing agent will be your guide and partner in this crucial decision, so it is important to find one with whom you can get along. “FOR MOST OF US, OUR HOME IS OUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT. WHEN IT’S TIME TO BUY WE MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE BEST DECISION IN PREPARATION FOR YOUR HOME. IN THIS BOOK YOU WILL FIND DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF TO BECOME AN EDUCATED BUYER.”
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TRUSTED ADVICE III REAL ESTATE AS AN INVESTMENT AND A HOME Everyone needs a home, however, one cannot overlook the importance of real estate as both an investment and a home. You simply don’t want to just live, but also build capital with something tangible, valuable and essential to life.
M O RTGAG E I N FO READY TO BUY YOUR HOME? GETTING STARTED You’ve decided you want to buy a home. Now what? The first – and most important step to the home buying process is financing. You can’t do anything until you know how much you can afford. To get started, you need to understand what lenders are looking for from a borrower. There are three main factors that help determine if you qualify for home financing: income, assets, and credit history. DIFFERENT TYPES OF MORTGAGES: Getting a mortgage is one thing. Getting a mortgage that best suits your situation is another. Some mortgages have less strings attached but have more strict stipulations, while others may be harder to get, but have more flexibility. It is important to have all the information about mortgages available to you before you decide to move forward in the purchase of a home. INCOME & ASSETS Most loan programs require the lender to verify all of your income sources. Typically you will need to provide pay stubs, your T-4 and copies of your tax returns. Lenders will also want to go through your assets and how much of a down payment you will have when determining your loan approval. CREDIT HISTORY All lenders review a borrower’s credit history to determine the type of credit used, the amount owed, and the borrower’s repayment history.
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TRUSTED ADVICE IV PREFERENCES, QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS Throughout the search process, many questions will arise. Common preferences are floorplan/layout, local amenities, schools, crime level, demographics, quality of life, price range, age of home and more. These preferences should always be taken into account by your agent to speed up the process and allow you to find the ideal home sooner rather than later.
BUYERS PREPARATION BEING AN INFORMED BUYER You’re ready to buy - or maybe you’re just ready to start seriously thinking about buying. There’s a lot you can do to prepare. With so much information available at your fingertips, you may already be doing a lot of your own research. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you get started. DETERMINE YOUR PRICE RANGE The best place to start when buying a home is to find out how much house you can afford. Our team can refer you to a mortgage broker who can assist you with determining how much of a down payment you can afford, comfortable monthly payment, and the type of loan that fits your needs best. Serious buyers who are highly motivated should go through the effort of getting pre-approved; not only will this allow you to focus your home search, but it will also position you as a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers when the time comes to make an offer. MAKE A LIST AND PRIORITIZE Imagine your ideal home and location. Now make a list of everything you envisioned, take that list and break it down from high to low priority. High-priority items are the things you cannot live without in your new home. (Large Bedrooms, Large Closets, High-end appliances, proximity to amenities and schools, etc.). Lower-priority items are those that are an added bonus, but not necessary. (Jetted-tub, landscaped yard). TOUR HOMES IN PERSON AND ONLINE Some people look at several homes before finding just the right one. And others find “the one” immediately. Thanks to the internet, you can streamline your search process significantly by checking out homes for sale online. You can visit open houses and preview everything that’s for sale in your market on one of our websites.
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TRUSTED ADVICE V A HOME THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS Contact us anytime you need to know what’s really going on in the market. If you have questions, then we’ll have the answer! When you’re ready to take the next step toward finding a home, we’re here to help. We’ll make sure to match you with a home that best suits your needs in the right neighbourhood.
HOME INSPECTIONS IMPORTANCE OF AN INSPECTION It is a good idea to make sure what you think you are buying is indeed the property you are buying. It is so important to feel comfortable with your purchase during the home buying experience. Feeling comfortable starts with financing, but then leads into feeling confident that your purchase is sound. Having a professional home inspector is the way to gain peace of mind. A proper inspection will cover all areas of the house both structurally and mechanically and give you an objective view of the property. A qualified home inspector will also provide you with a written report indicating areas of concern and the estimated cost of repairs. HERE ARE A FEW HOME INSPECTION TIPS: • Ensure the home inspector checks for visible issues with plumbing, electrical systems, roof, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors and windows, and the condition of the foundation. • • Ensure your home inspector gives you a close and personal look at your new home. It takes about three hours to go through all the systems, and if there are any problems, you will see them with your own eyes. They will also give you maintenance tips and easy fix-ups, if necessary. • Ensure that in the end, you receive a detailed report that summarizes the condition of your home.
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TRUSTED ADVICE VI PURCHASE & SALES AGREEMENT Once an offer on a property has been made by a buyer and accepted by the seller, they enter into a legal contract known as a Purchase and Sale Agreement. This document outlines the specific terms and conditions of the transaction and is acknowledged by both parties by the signing of the document.
THE OFFER PROCESS MAKING AN OFFER NEGOTIATING THE RIGHT WAY We take the ethical responsibility of fairly negotiating contractual terms very seriously. It is our job to find a win-win agreement that is beneficial to all parties involved. You may even have to deal with multiple offers, so make sure that yours is strong if you really want the home. As your agent, we will guarantee a thorough and objective assessment of the home’s true value to help you make the right choice. THE INITIAL AGREEMENT AND DEPOSIT An effective agreement is a legal arrangement between a potential purchaser and the property’s seller. Laws vary but in order to be a legally binding agreement, the agreement may require consideration. This consideration (initial and additional deposit) is to be held in trust pending the fulfilment of conditions or contingencies in the effective agreement. KEEP WRITTEN RECORDS OF EVERYTHING For the sake of clarity, it will be extremely useful to transcribe all verbal agreements including counter-offers and addendums, and convert them to written agreements to be signed by both parties. We will assist you in drafting all the paperwork for your purchase and make sure that you have copies of everything. STICK TO THE SCHEDULE Now that you have made an offer, you and the seller will be given a timeline to mark every stage in the process of closing the real estate contract. Meeting the requirements on time ensures a smoother flow of negotiations and also ensures that each party involved is not in breach of their agreements. During the process we will keep you constantly updated so you will always be prepared for the next step.
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TRUSTED ADVICE VII DON’T TRY TO TIME THE MARKET Trying to time the market and figure out when is the best time to buy is not a great approach when deciding to buy a home. Trying to anticipate the housing market is impossible. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and you can afford it. Real estate is cyclical, so if you try to wait for the perfect time, you’re probably going to miss out.
THE OFFER PROCESS MOVIN G CHECKLI ST PREPARING YOUR NEXT MOVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION It is important that you use this checklist in order to be well-prepared when buying a home. The last thing you would want to happen is to move into a home without the necessities in life such as electricity, gas, water, or work/school related services such as internet/phone, etc. Be sure everything is in order to keep things running smoothly during the buying process. If you need assistance, we are always here to lend a helping hand. It`s what we do! UTILITY PROVIDERS • Electricity Providers • Telephone Providers • Water & Sewage • Cable & Internet Providers • Gas Providers GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS • IRS • Post Office • Schools • Provincial Licensing • Library • Veterans Administration INSURANCE COMPANIES • Accidental Insurance • Auto Insurance • Health Insurance • Benefits Provider • Home Insurance • Life Insurance
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Broker • Accountant • Doctor • Dentist • Lawyer BUSINESS ACCOUNTS • Banking Institutions • Cell Phone Providers • Department Stores • Financial Companies • Credit Card Companies CLUBS & MISCELLANEOUS • Country Club • Health & Fitness Club • Recreation Club • Book Club • Other Club
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TRUSTED ADVICE VIII REALTORSÂŽ WITH YOUR BEST INTEREST IN MIND Real estate agents come in different shapes and sizes. They also have different mentalities. It is important to make sure that your agent is looking out for you and not simply for themselves. It is important that you, the buyer, feels comfortable during the whole process and that all your questions are answered, your requests are met, if possible, and there is never a breakdown in communication.
TESTIMONIALS WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING... “John Karevska is a very hard working agent who treats you like family. He looks after you and your needs and always does his best to get you what you want......at a price that suits you. The effort he puts in is incredible. I’ve used his services twice now and I’d recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell a house.” MS. NORONHA, AJAX “John was a great broker. He was very patient with us. We have looked for years. he continued to invest in us and helped us eventually find the property of our dreams. When it was time to present the offer, he suggested we draft a personal letter to the owner, which ultimately became the prime reason the owner selected us over multiple bids. He was a pleasure to work with and we would recommend John to all of our friends.” TONY P, TORONTO “John Karevska was very knowledgeable. Knows the area well. He explained each step and made sure I understood what was happening. His enthusiasm kept me calm and reassured as the whole process was overwhelming. I will readily use John for any future real estate business.” J.HOLDER, SCARBOROUGH “John Karveska was a great real estate agent for us, his knowledge and guidance gave us the reassurance we were making the right move. He offered great advice and helped us determine what was our best approach to buying and selling our houses. As well, he helped guild us through the home inspection and offered some very useful advice. I would strongly recommend John as your real estate agent. His approach is direct and honest and exactly what you should be looking for in an agent. Without a doubt we would use him again if we ever decided to relocate.” JASON, PICKERING
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JOHN KAREVSKA (416) 617.2530 jkarevska@yahoo.com
CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc., Brokerage 527 Kingston Road West, Ajax, ON L1S 6M1 www.johnkarevska.com