Navigating a successful real estate transaction can be challenging enough; add in the intricacies of having to move an entire household in a relatively short timeframe and it’s easy to understand why many consider moving to be such a stressful experience.
Local REALTOR® Brenda McKinley is able to streamline the moving process for clients in Burlington and Hamilton, whether their destination is a large 4-bedroom home or a more modestly sized condo.
Here she shares her top 3 tips:
1. Plan
Plan, plan, plan and plan some more, says McKinley. “Make sure that you have investigated your target areas. Drive the neighbourhood, check crime statistics, research historical listings and sales,” she advises. “Have your financing approved (if necessary) well in advance and then don’t make any major changes to your financial position (buying a car, borrowing money).”
2. Choose your REALTOR® wisely
“Make sure you are comfortable with the REALTOR® that you choose—you will be working very closely with them and sharing a lot of your personal information. Make sure they know the area you are targeting,” she says.
3. Keep emotions at bay
“If you have a home to sell, listen to the stager and follow their recommendations,” says McKinley. “There may be many emotions attached to this sale. Don’t let your emotions make decisions.”
The REALTOR® has a number of unique strengths that benefit buyers and sellers during a process like this, including the knowledge she’s gained from her many years of experience. “I understand the ins and outs of transactions from all sides,” she says.
She is also told that she is a calming influence and that she is able to keep people from feeling stressed—a really valuable skill to have in a high-stakes, fast-moving industry.
McKinley has been licensed to sell real estate since 2001 and has worked in and around the field for most of her working life. “My husband and I have always loved houses and moving is very cathartic for us. I was the person in our social group that people reached out to when they were considering a move or a renovation,” she says.
McKinley cautions buyers and sellers against getting too attached. “Sometimes people get attached to small things like appliances and, sometimes, are willing to walk away from a sale or a purchase because of them. While the price you pay or receive for your home is important, Buyers and Sellers don’t always understand that $1,000 extra on a mortgage could only cost about $5 a month in payments,” she says.
She doesn’t hesitate to share her connections with clients, often recommending local companies and services that can help streamline the moving process. She often relies on her database of contractors who are available to help. “We have a great network of service providers: painters, electricians, contractors, movers, stagers, lawyers,” says the broker.
Reach out to Brenda McKinley of Realty World Legacy to view the latest home listings in Burlington and Hamilton and get expert advice. Call her at 905-320-8306 or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
This article was sponsored by Realty World Legacy, a 2024 BurlingtonToday Reader Favourite.