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Century21 Northumberland Realty
629 Water Street East,
Summerside, PEI

Brenda Hackett

As a realtor for Century21 Northumberland I am well acquainted with the market on PEI. Although I specialize in Western PEI, I can assist you with your property selection or sale anywhere on the Island.
Direct: (902) 853-5839
Email:
Toll-Free: 1-888-701-0021

PEI has some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world, Score Golf Magazine has rated PEI as Canada's number one golf destination two years running.
www.scoregolf.com

"Summerside, population 15,000, has long been a major tourist destination in eastern Canada and a leading commercial centre in the province. Now, interest is rising in this city on the sunny southern side of the island as a place to live the good life"
www.50plus.com/

Travel and Leisure Magazine has PEI rated as the top island destination in North America and in the top 10 in the world. Come and take a look at what we have to offer.
www.travelandleisure.com

Direct: (902) 853-5839
Email:
Toll-Free: 1-888-701-0021

  • Global Referral Network
  • CENTURY 21® Buyer Service Pledge
  • CENTURY 21 Internet Marketing Programs
  • Window Talk Exclusive
  • Discount Moving
  • Complete Home Buyers Insurance

Do you know how much money will be needed in order to close your deal? Besides the basic purchase price, buyers face legal fees (plus GST) and disbursements (plus GST), which are the out-of pocket expenses a lawyer/notary incurs. Then there are closing adjustments with the seller - taxes, rental income, condominium maintenance, and some utility charges. And don't forget about the costs of arranging a new mortgage which can include application and appraisal fees. For a resale home, these "extras" can easily add 1½% to 2% onto the basic purchase price.

Do you know what needs to be done after the deal is closed? Once your offer has been accepted the work has just begun. Future steps include arranging for monthly mortgage payments and property taxes, finding the right insurance coverage, transferring your utilities and arranging for your move, among others.

Avoid any surprises by having a CENTURY 21® real estate professional guide you through the necessary steps. Rely on their expert advice to keep you informed and prepared. It's just one more way that your CENTURY 21 real estate professional takes the anxiety out of buying a home.



LEARN ABOUT REAL ESTATE: BUYING
Step 1: Defining What You Want

Start by creating a prioritized list of features you want in your next home and the reasons why. Use it as your search guide, but remember that depending on your funding, you will probably need to make some compromises. In addition, talk to your real estate professional about where you want to live. Location is a huge part of any move. Century 21 professionals are trained to help their clients narrow down their choices by sharing market trends and local information like neighborhood statistics and community links.

Step 2: Figuring Out What You Can Afford

Now that you know what you want, it's time to see what you can afford. You can start by crunching the numbers yourself using our selection of calculators.

When you're ready to move to the next step, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage. This process can often be performed in under an hour and it accomplishes two important goals. First, it will tell you how much house you can afford and what your monthly payments would be. Second, it tells the seller that you can afford to buy their home.

By definition, a pre-approved buyer has an approved mortgage subject to an appraisal of the property. Many times a buyer can use this pre-approved status as leverage during the negotiation process.

Step 3: Shopping For Homes

Once you know what community you'd like to live in and have an idea of how much house you can afford, its time to start checking out actual properties. Beginning this search online can help save you time since it can help you target homes that meet your search criteria. Our home notifier can even email you when properties come on the market that meet your search criteria.

Next, begin visiting homes in person. Ask your local real estate professional to arrange visits and attend open houses that are in your target area and price range. When comparing homes, make sure to look at all aspects of the property. Is the property tax approximately the same? Are both the houses renovated? Do they both have the same amount of bedrooms and bathrooms? Are both houses located on the same or similar streets? Does either house have any encumbrances?

Step 4: Making An Offer

Once you find the home you want, you need to make an offer for the house. Typically this is a very difficult and trying time since both parties have totally different goals. In most cases it is better to have a third party, such as a real estate professional, negotiate the offer. If you have any personal interaction with the homeowner, don't give out any information about your move, your current housing status, financial status or your feelings about their property - positive or negative. This could hurt you in future negotiations.

Step 5: Inspection & Insurance

After your offer is accepted you will need to set up, coordinate and interpret various inspections, including insect, radon, building quality, oil tank, title, etc. You will also need to arrange for homeowners insurance and finalize the mortgage.

This is a major step in the buying process and there are many potential problems that can be discovered during this period. These include a leaky roof, radon gas, termite damage, a foundation problem, and wall cracks, to name a few. These problems happen all the time. The difference between closing on your dream home and starting the process all over again is what occurs during the negotiations between you and the seller.

Your CENTURY 21® Real Estate Professional can help make these discussions go more smoothly. In most states you will also have the option of a "walk through" before the closing. This is your last chance to make sure that all of the items that you have agreed upon were completed to your satisfaction.

Step 6: The Final Closing

Before you arrive at the closing, make sure all the necessary paper work and deposits have been completed. If the mortgage, title work, homeowners insurance and other items necessary under local and state laws are not completed and brought to the closing table, the closing may not happen on time. And, depending on what the contract says, this could result in further action including financial penalties and even the loss of your rights to the home.

Once you close, it's official - you own the house! But there might be a few things you want to do before you lay out the welcome mat. These include arranging for an alarm system, turning on the electricity, subscribing to the local paper, cleaning or replacing the carpet, arranging for lawn services, etc. This could also be a good time to make some needed renovations.

Be sure to turn to your CENTURY 21 real estate professional for guidance and information about many money-saving offers available to CENTURY 21 customers.



CENTURY 21 BUYER SERVICE PLEDGE

CENTURY 21 real estate professionals are dedicated to making the process of buying your home as easy as possible. Below you will find the 21 pledge points offered in support of helping you. *At participating offices only.

  1. Dedicate myself to making the process of buying your next home as easy and as successful as possible.
  2. Respect you, your needs and be honest and forthright.
  3. Hold your best interests in the highest regard throughout the process.
  4. Value and respect your time, being as efficient and effective as possible.
  5. Understand your needs and respond quickly.
  6. Consult with you to determine your particular real estate wants and needs.
  7. Use my base of experience, knowledge, tools and the most up-to-date training to best serve you.
  8. Explain each step of the process and act as a guide to help you make most informed decisions.
  9. Disclose material facts known about the property and respond to questions concerning the property.
  10. Help determine your purchasing power, while explaining alternative methods of purchasing and/or financing.
  11. Provide an action plan for locating the right property, at the right price and terms, in an acceptable time frame.
  12. To the best of my ability, continuously show you new properties that fit your needs.
  13. Provide a Customized Home Search Plan for locating the right property for you, only showing you properties that will best meet your needs and in accordance with Fair Housing regulations and ethical real estate practices.
  14. Use the most comprehensive database of listings in the area, to help you find the home that best meets your needs, whether that be the Multiple Listing Service and/or other methods.
  15. Provide the resources of Century21.com that offers thousands of listings, allowing you to easily review homes that are right for you, access in-depth information on neighborhoods, and additional information.*
  16. Use my knowledge and expertise to promote the most valuable purchase on your behalf. I will assist you in evaluating the market value of properties that are of interest to you and help you obtain the most advantageous price and terms.
  17. Provide access to financing that meets your needs, at the lowest possible rates available to you.
  18. Advise and assist you in completing your purchase agreement, and present your offer with integrity in a light most favorable to your needs.
  19. Upon acceptance of an offer by you, pre-settlement (escrow) activities throughout the closing process will be monitored as permitted by law or local practice.
  20. Offer to provide you with information regarding other professionals (e.g. attorneys, accountants, inspectors, contractors) that may assist you during and after your move.
  21. Utilize the CENTURY 21 System of thousands of offices to provide you with the name of an office in the area of your new home, to assist you further.

Non Resident purchases on P.E.I....

are not a problem providing some guidelines are followed to meet government approvals. Cases vary based on size, location and intentions of future usage of the property. In general, any individual can own up to 5 Acres and 165 feet of ocean frontage without seeking governmental approval.

Direct: (902) 853-5839
Email:
Toll-Free: 1-888-701-0021

  • Global Referral Network
  • CENTURY 21® National Advertising
  • CENTURY 21 Internet Marketing Programs
  • CENTURY 21 Seller Service Pledge
  • Several Web Sites to serve you
  • TV Ad's for Sellers
  • 3 Island Locations
  • Discount Moving
  • Cleaning Discounts
  • RCI Resort Vacations®

What can you do to prepare your house for showing? What small steps can be taken to increase your chances for a quick sale? Efforts to improve the appearance of your house can contribute greatly to its marketing success. Small efforts such as replacing defective light bulbs; repainting damaged trim areas around doors and windows; cleaning the carpets; and adding finishing touches such as fresh flowers can make all the difference.


ABOUT REAL ESTATE: SELLING

Step 1: Creating a Marketing Plan

Create a marketing plan for your home that will help distinguish it in your local marketplace and attract buyers to your property. This may include advertising in the newspaper, posting your listing on the Internet, holding an open house and more. CENTURY 21 Sales Professionals often use the CENTURY 21 Customized Marketing System to create a personalized selling program for clients. Its purpose is to sell a home at the best price possible in the shortest amount of time.

Step 2: Setting the Price

A key part of the marketing plan is setting the list price. If a home is priced to low, it may cost you money. If a home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. To determine the best asking price review the cost of recently sold homes, evaluate the competition and study marketplace trends. CENTURY 21 Sales Associates are trained to use this information to help you reach the right asking price. It is also helpful to discuss other terms and conditions, such as timing and items that can be included with the sale of the home. Both of these can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Step 3: Showtime

Now it's time to get your home ready for the spotlight. Start with a good cleaning, then eliminate any clutter, add a fresh coat of paint and tidy up the yard. Talk to your real estate professional about other tips that can help boost a home's curb appeal and impress potential buyers once they're in the door.

In addition, make sure you are aware of all the federal, state, and local disclosure laws. This information can be obtained by the specific local and federal government agencies or from your local Century 21 Office.

Step 4: Protecting Yourself


In some cases, a home sale can also be an invitation for danger. Here are some things you can do to make the process safer.

  • Ask for identification
  • Ask for pre-approval letters
  • Lock up and hide collectibles and valuables
  • Remember "For Sale" signs bring in buyers. Do not allow your children to open doors to strangers.
  • If you have pets, make sure they are controlled
  • Remove any dangerous items
  • Talk to your CENTURY 21 Sales Professional about additional safety tips to help protect you and your family.

Step 5: Making the Deal

A buyer has made an offer - now it is time to negotiate. Rely on your real estate professional to guide you through this process. He or she will help you arrive at an acceptable price, terms and conditions. Once you have accepted an offer, help keep the deal together by meeting deadlines and criteria, including home inspections, appropriate buyer visits, scheduled deposits and other steps. In fact, during this period there may be a renegotiation of the accepted offer price depending on the outcomes of these visits. As the closing nears, you may also need to perform repairs or do additional work to the house as agreed upon in your contract. In addition, you will need to have the house "broom clean" prior to the closing so that the buyer can complete a final walk through. When you finally arrive at the closing table, come prepared with the appropriate certificates and approvals as required by your town, county and state. Ask the appropriate agency or get a list of what you need from your local Century 21 Office. Once the money has exchanged hands and all the papers signed it's time to hand over the keys and concentrate on your next big project - getting YOUR new home in order.


CENTURY 21 SELLER SERVICE PLEDGE

CENTURY 21 real estate professionals are dedicated to making the process of selling your home as easy as possible. Below you will find the 21 pledge points offered in support of helping you. *At participating offices only.

  1. Dedicate myself to making the process of selling your home as easy and as successful as possible.
  2. Respect you, your needs and be honest and forthright.
  3. Hold your best interests in the highest regard throughout the process.
  4. Value and respect your time, being as efficient and effective as possible.
  5. Understand your needs and respond quickly.
  6. Use my base of experience, knowledge, tools and the most up-to-date training to best serve you.
  7. Provide regular progress reports throughout the process and discuss with you comments received about your property.
  8. Explain each step of the process and act as a guide to help you make the most informed decisions.
  9. Make recommendations to enhance the marketability of your property.
  10. Use a written Competitive Market Analysis and local market information to help you set the right listing price to sell your home and get the value you deserve.
  11. Review various financing alternatives and assist you in determining those which best enhance the saleability of your home.
  12. Develop, present and agree upon a Customized Marketing Plan that will detail specific promotional efforts to help best market your property.
  13. Place the internationally recognized CENTURY 21 yard sign on your property, with your permission and subject to local ordinances.
  14. Provide worldwide exposure for your property on the Internet, including posting your property on Century21.com, a site which receives millions of visitors each month.*
  15. Explain local real estate procedures and regulations.
  16. Show your property to pre-qualified buyers.
  17. Utilize the CENTURY 21 System of thousands of offices to expose your property to potential buyers referred to my office.
  18. Utilize the vast and powerful resources of the CENTURY 21 System to get you the results you deserve, including leveraging a Network of 6,500 offices and 104,000 agents worldwide.
  19. Submit to you all written offers, assist with negotiations, and provide an estimate of your net sales proceeds, so you understand all implications prior to any acceptance.
  20. Upon acceptance of an offer to you, pre-settlement (escrow) activities throughout the closing process will be monitored as permitted by law or local practice.
  21. Assist you in finding your next home, or offer to refer you to another office in another location.

"NOTICE: As a prospective purchaser of real estate, you should be aware that cooperating ("selling") brokers and sales associates can work for you as your agent, in which case they represent you and owe you the fiduciary duties of loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, diligence and care; or with you as a subagent (unless prohibited by law) of the listing broker, in which case they represent the seller, and the fiduciary duties are owed to the seller; or with you as facilitators (as permitted by law) representing neither party to the transaction; or in such other brokerage relationship as may be permitted by law. In any case, as real estate licensees, we are at all times obligated to treat you honestly and fairly, and in most states (and provinces), inform you of our particular representation status. In any event we do not represent (work for) you in the transaction, should you feel it necessary or desirable, you can obtain representation from a lawyer or another real estate broker or both." CAVEAT: DO NOT RELY ON THIS NOTICE AS DESCRIBING THE ACTUAL REPRESENTATION STATUS OF OUR OFFICE CONCERNING THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO YOU AS REFLECTED IN THIS PLEDGE CERTIFICATE. SPECIFICS OF OUR ACTUAL REPRESENTATION STATUS ARE SET FORTH IN A SEPARATE WRITTEN AGENCY DISCLOSURE.

Direct: (902) 853-5839
Email:
Toll-Free: 1-888-701-0021

Centum Mortgage Calculators

Mortgage AnalyzerCalculate your mortgage payment. Create an amortization schedule. Discover what you will owe in 5 years. [try]
Mortgage IsolatorCalculate the rate, payment, principal or amortization by inputting any three known variables. [try]
Prepayment AnalyzerCalculate the interest savings of making extra payments to your mortgage. [try]
Maximum Mortgage AnalyzerCalculate the maximum mortgage amount you qualify for based on your income. A great tool for buyers! [try]
Payment AnalyzerCalculate the monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly and weekly payment option on your mortgage. [try]

Brenda's Best Buys in PEI Real Estate

These properties all represent in their individual price ranges the Best Buys in PEI real estate. Whether you are looking for waterfront property or a starter bungalow properties here are the best value for money on the market today.
View all PEI Real Estate Best Buys

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