How to Sell an Haunted House
This is the perfect time of year to take a look at selling a haunted house. Laugh if you want, but there are lots of people out there that truly believe that haunted houses exist and would never knowingly purchase a home they thought was haunted. Of course the reverse is also true.
My mother-in-law once purchased a home where the previous owner had committed suicide in the bedroom. In fact the “evidence” was still on the walls (who actually cleans up that stuff?). She got it cheap because of that and never had an issue.
There was a case in New York State about a haunted house that was sold and the new owner successfully sued the previous owner because he was never told about it. The home it turned out was well documented locally as a haunted home, in fact it had appeared on TV as such. The new owner, who was from out of the area didn’t know and when he found out he wanted out of the deal.
The court agreed with him. It didn’t matter whether the house was really haunted, but that he believed it was and that fact would have effected his decision to purchase.
So how do sell a haunted house? Like all other homes with a stigma. You disclose all the facts, even if you don’t believe, the buyer might.
Happy Holloween!!!
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Asbestos and Your Home
Asbestos and Your Home
If you are thinking of buying a home built before the 70's chances are it may have some asbestos in it. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction applications for the greater part of the 20th century. Often appearing as insulation, piping, roofing, flooring and other items asbestos in most forms is not dangerous, it is the dust that contains deadly fibers.
Exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Diagnosis of this asbestos-related lung illness is a difficult task due to a long latency period and many symptoms mimicking less serious ailments.
If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air.
There are companies that can assess, survey and remove asbestos with qualified asbestos abatement professionals. With a professional staff, they can help determine if you have asbestos and assist you in determining the most logical method of managing the problem- disposal or removal. Most work under provincial and federal regulations to ensure no health concerns arise from improper removal.
If the home you are thinking of purchasing (or currently own) contains asbestos don't panic but make inform choices.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
If you are thinking of buying a home built before the 70's chances are it may have some asbestos in it. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction applications for the greater part of the 20th century. Often appearing as insulation, piping, roofing, flooring and other items asbestos in most forms is not dangerous, it is the dust that contains deadly fibers.
Exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Diagnosis of this asbestos-related lung illness is a difficult task due to a long latency period and many symptoms mimicking less serious ailments.
If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air.
There are companies that can assess, survey and remove asbestos with qualified asbestos abatement professionals. With a professional staff, they can help determine if you have asbestos and assist you in determining the most logical method of managing the problem- disposal or removal. Most work under provincial and federal regulations to ensure no health concerns arise from improper removal.
If the home you are thinking of purchasing (or currently own) contains asbestos don't panic but make inform choices.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Remax - Number 1 in Stratford
Remax - Number 1 in Stratford
Based on the total number of homes sold in Stratford between January 1 and September 30, 2009.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Bad Credit & Buying a Home
Bad Credit & Buying a Home
Bad credit & buying a home don't always go together, but just having bad credit doesn't necessarly mean you can't buy a home.
First, with the recent economic times the banks have tightened their lending requirements, (although we are seeing some loosing of these tight guidelines) making it tougher to get a mortgage.
But people with lower Beacon Scores (how your credit is measured) can still get the money they need to buy a home.
So if your credit is a little weak call me and let's talk. As a former bank lender I may be able to help.
Your dream of owning your own home is worth a few minutes of your time.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Bad credit & buying a home don't always go together, but just having bad credit doesn't necessarly mean you can't buy a home.
First, with the recent economic times the banks have tightened their lending requirements, (although we are seeing some loosing of these tight guidelines) making it tougher to get a mortgage.
But people with lower Beacon Scores (how your credit is measured) can still get the money they need to buy a home.
So if your credit is a little weak call me and let's talk. As a former bank lender I may be able to help.
Your dream of owning your own home is worth a few minutes of your time.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Buying A Home - Who's Working for You?
Buying A Home - Who's Working for You?
You've decided your ready to buy, you been to a few open houses and met a few real estate agents. They all seem nice (and we all are) but did you know under normal circumstances we work for the seller, not you the buyer.
Without boring you with a lot of legal double speak, we are bound to do our very best for the seller. But this is where Buyer Representation Agreements (BRA) come into play. In a nut shell this is an agreement you sign with the realtor of your choice and now he works for you and your best interests.
This agreement between you and your chosen realtor now puts the realtor on your side. They can now disclose things to you about the property, the seller, or anything relevant to your purchase of the property. Here is a quick example.
You are talking to your realtor and say to them that you like the house you are about to put an offer on. You tell him you like it so much you would go over asking to get this house. Without a Buyer Agreement your realtor would have to tell the seller what you said, if asked. With the BRA in place your secret is safe because they are working for you.
So before you get serious about buying a house, get serious about finding the right agent for you and put a Buyer Representation Agreement in place to get the best advice you deserve.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
You've decided your ready to buy, you been to a few open houses and met a few real estate agents. They all seem nice (and we all are) but did you know under normal circumstances we work for the seller, not you the buyer.
Without boring you with a lot of legal double speak, we are bound to do our very best for the seller. But this is where Buyer Representation Agreements (BRA) come into play. In a nut shell this is an agreement you sign with the realtor of your choice and now he works for you and your best interests.
This agreement between you and your chosen realtor now puts the realtor on your side. They can now disclose things to you about the property, the seller, or anything relevant to your purchase of the property. Here is a quick example.
You are talking to your realtor and say to them that you like the house you are about to put an offer on. You tell him you like it so much you would go over asking to get this house. Without a Buyer Agreement your realtor would have to tell the seller what you said, if asked. With the BRA in place your secret is safe because they are working for you.
So before you get serious about buying a house, get serious about finding the right agent for you and put a Buyer Representation Agreement in place to get the best advice you deserve.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Stratford History
Stratford History
Just some interesting facts about our city.
- 1828 - Settlement begins.
- 1832 - Thomas Mercer Jones, an agent of the Canada Company
Canada CompanyThe Canada Company was a large private chartered British land development company, incorporated by an act of Parliament of the United Kingdom on July 27, 1825, to aid the colonization of Upper Canada...., names the village "Stratford" and renames the portion of the Thames River running through it "The Avon River." - 1849 - The Perth County News is Stratford's first weekly newspaper.
- *1853 - Perth County is created, with Stratford as its county seat.
- 1854 - Stratford is incorporated as a village
VillageA village is a clustered human settlement or Residential community, larger than a hamlet , but smaller than a town or city. Though generally located in rural areas, the term urban village may be applied to certain urban area neighbourhoods, such as the West Village in Manhattan, New York City and the Saifi Village in Beirut, Lebanon..... - 1859 - Stratford is incorporated as a town
TownA town is a type of human settlement ranging from a few to several thousand inhabitants, although it may be applied loosely even to huge metropolitan areas; the precise meaning varies between countries and is not always a matter of legal definition..... - 1885 - Stratford is incorporated as a city
CityA city is an urban area with a high population density and a particular administrative, legal, or historical status.Large industrialized cities generally have advanced systems for sanitation, utilities, land usage, house, and transportation and more.... with a population of 9000. - 1918 - A gift from a Michigan CNR employee, swan
SwanSwans are birds of the family Anatidae, which also includes goose and ducks. Swans are grouped with the closely related geese in the subfamily Anserinae where they form the tribe Cygnini....s come to live in Stratford. - 1933 - The army is called in to end a general strike, the last time the military is used to quell a strike in Canada.
- 1936 - The Shakespearean Gardens are created.
- 1953 - The Stratford Shakespearean Festival Theatre is opened by a Stratford journalist, Tom Patterson
Tom PattersonHarry Thomas "Tom" Patterson Order of Canada, Order of Ontario, Bachelor of Arts, Doctor of Laws was a Stratford, Ontario born journalist who went on to found the Stratford Festival of Canada, the largest theatre festival in Canada..... - 1957 - The Festival moves into its first permanent structure.
- 1964 - The CNR shops close.
- 1997 - Nations in Bloom crowns Stratford the "Prettiest City in the World."
- 2003 - The Stratford Festival of Canada celebrated its 50th season welcoming 672,924 patrons to 18 plays.This was a record number of playgoers during the 50 seasons. The Avon Theatre realized a complete renewal and The Studio Theatre, a fourth theatre space seating 250 people was added.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
3 Lightbourne Ave
3 Lightbourne Ave $349,900
GREAT HOME FOR THE YOUNG FAMILY OR PROFESSIONALS; FORMAL DINING ROOM FOR THOSE DINNER PARTIES. THE RELAXED EATING AREA IN THE KITCHEN FOR THE CASUAL LUNCHES AND COFFEE TIME. THE SPACIOUS DECK RUNS ALMOST FULL LENGTH OF THE HOME; GRANITE COUNTERTOPS; CERAMIC HARDWOOD AND LAMINATE FLOORS ARE ONLY A FEW OF THE EXTRAS THIS HOME HAS TO OFFER. THE 4TH BEDROOMS W/ FRENCH DOORS IN THE LOWER LEVEL COULD BE A WONDERFUL OFFICE OFF THE FAMILY ROOM. MLS 092938
GREAT HOME FOR THE YOUNG FAMILY OR PROFESSIONALS; FORMAL DINING ROOM FOR THOSE DINNER PARTIES. THE RELAXED EATING AREA IN THE KITCHEN FOR THE CASUAL LUNCHES AND COFFEE TIME. THE SPACIOUS DECK RUNS ALMOST FULL LENGTH OF THE HOME; GRANITE COUNTERTOPS; CERAMIC HARDWOOD AND LAMINATE FLOORS ARE ONLY A FEW OF THE EXTRAS THIS HOME HAS TO OFFER. THE 4TH BEDROOMS W/ FRENCH DOORS IN THE LOWER LEVEL COULD BE A WONDERFUL OFFICE OFF THE FAMILY ROOM. MLS 092938Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
397 Ontario Street Stratford
397 Ontario Street Stratford - New Listing
Gleaming hardwood floors with large principle rooms. Beautiful stain glass windows; the juliet balcony is a bonus. The home is zoned MUR which allows numerous uses. Easy walking to uptown or the theatre.
Gleaming hardwood floors with large principle rooms. Beautiful stain glass windows; the juliet balcony is a bonus. The home is zoned MUR which allows numerous uses. Easy walking to uptown or the theatre.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
Pre-Approval Vs Pre-Qualification
Pre-Approval Vs Pre-Qualification
Very shortly after you have made the decision to purchase a home you will need to talk to a mortgage professional about your new mortgage. This is an important first step in determining how much you can really afford and whether you qualify credit wise for a mortgage.
Over the years the terms pre-approval and pre-qualification have been used as if they are interchangeable. They are not. They mean two entirely different things and should not be confused. Let’s take a look at the two.
Very shortly after you have made the decision to purchase a home you will need to talk to a mortgage professional about your new mortgage. This is an important first step in determining how much you can really afford and whether you qualify credit wise for a mortgage.
Over the years the terms pre-approval and pre-qualification have been used as if they are interchangeable. They are not. They mean two entirely different things and should not be confused. Let’s take a look at the two.
Pre-Qualification
Getting pre-qualified, too be frank, is almost a waste of time. In its simplest form a mortgage expert takes the information you give to them and without checking into it, offers you his opinion on what you can afford. No credit check has been done. No verifying your income, nothing is done to verify your statements. It is only an opinion on what you can afford. It is not a commitment on anyone’s part to give you a mortgage. Usually the whole process is done while sitting in the mortgage experts’ office. Many people have been very disappointed when thinking they have mortgage make an offer on home only to find out they’re wrong.
Getting pre-qualified, too be frank, is almost a waste of time. In its simplest form a mortgage expert takes the information you give to them and without checking into it, offers you his opinion on what you can afford. No credit check has been done. No verifying your income, nothing is done to verify your statements. It is only an opinion on what you can afford. It is not a commitment on anyone’s part to give you a mortgage. Usually the whole process is done while sitting in the mortgage experts’ office. Many people have been very disappointed when thinking they have mortgage make an offer on home only to find out they’re wrong.
Pre-Approval
On the other hand a pre-approval is a commitment to give you a mortgage usually with the condition the house must be acceptable. In this case they do a full credit check, verify your income, gather proof of your statements. In most cases they will offer you a letter stating exactly the terms and conditions of your new mortgage. This process can take anywhere from several hours to a few days.
When it is time to search for your new home be sure to get pre-approved and not pre-qualified.
Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell
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