BUYING A HOME - INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

For most people, taking out a mortgage is the biggest financial commitment they will ever make. Here are some facts to keep in mind when considering buying a home as opposed to renting:

• If you are aged 35 right now and buying your first home, you will likely be mortgage-free when you are 60 and sitting comfortably on a considerable asset.
• It's highly likely your investment will appreciate considerably in 25 years. It's important, however, not to buy with the intention of making a quick fortune; think of home buying as a long-term investment.
• Buying a home is a very effective way of saving regularly over many years. Even if you never buy into another retirement or investment plan, you are effectively putting money away for the future.
• Owning a home of your own means you and your family can set down roots, get to know your community and involve yourselves in it.
• As your family grows and moves to homes of their own, you will have the option of earning extra income by renting out spare rooms or floors, if local bylaws allow.
• If you plan to borrow money from a bank or other financial institution, owning your own home is a definite plus when it comes time to negotiate.
• You may not need as much money as you think to get into the home market. Qualified buyers can buy a house with as little as 5% down through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) mortgage insurance scheme. You may also be able to use RRSP funds as part of your down payment.
• With many kinds of investments, you have to pay a capital gains tax on profit you make. If your home is your principal residence, this tax does not apply.

After you have considered all aspects of home ownership and are ready to begin your search, it's time to contact your REALTOR®. They have access to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), a co-operative marketing system through which properties are bought and sold. Using the MLS®, your Realtor can prepare a customized list of properties for sale that best meet your needs and budget.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board 2017

Selling Your Home - Why it Pays to Use a REALTOR®

Before selling your home, you will need a clear understanding of the legal issues and potential pitfalls. One wrong action could result in a lot of cost and frustration, which is why it is essential to have a REALTOR® working with you, as he or she will make the sale of your home a successful and satisfying experience.

REALTORS® use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) to give your home maximum exposure. MLS® is a computer-based system that relays valuable information about your home to hundreds of REALTORS® and potential homebuyers.

Setting a price for your home is an important but difficult process. Again, this is where the services of a REALTOR® prove invaluable. REALTORS® have the experience to help you understand how the market works and decide upon a realistic price that meets your goals. REALTORS® also pre-screen potential buyers to make sure only those who are serious and financially qualified view your home.

REALTORS® will also develop a marketing plan to help your property receive maximum exposure. This will likely include placing your home on the MLS® system and placing a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn. The plan will likely also include arranging open houses for other REALTORS® and potential buyers, and developing advertisements and feature sheets/mailers to market your home.

Once you have accepted an offer to buy your home, your REALTOR® will help ensure that all the proper paperwork is completed. He or she will also make sure that both parties meet the necessary conditions outlined in the agreement.

When you work with a REALTOR® you will likely get a better price for your home than if you try to sell it yourself. Apart from the financial benefits, however, there is an extra measure of comfort and security that comes from having a REALTOR® on your side. Remember that REALTORS® are governed by a code of ethics and standards of business practice. They have also been trained and licensed under the provincial Real Estate Services Act to assist in transactions involving real property. When it comes to buying or selling property, using a REALTOR® just makes sense.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board 2015

You will never regret your decision to work with Ram. That’s our promise!

As you begin to work with him, you will see that Ram has a natural flair with customers and clients. He is able to quickly put them at ease with his good listening skills, quick grasp of customer needs, and his firmly customer-centric approach. He has an instinctive understanding of human nature, people’s interests and motivations, and a deep knowledge of the products and services he promotes which have contributed to his success. His amiable and forthright nature only add joy in working with him. 

Ram has been a high achiever and top performer all his life. In his long career in sales and marketing of 22 years, and across different countries like India, Australia and Canada, Ram has always done exceptionally well in every position he has held. Trained in IT, Ram spent a long part of his career in IT consultancy and Software Sales. Later he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Canada. He then moved onto white goods and big-ticket sales, very successfully again, before finally moving into the real estate sector. 

Ram lives in Victoria, with his wife Priya, who is an Associate Faculty at Royal Roads University and they are blessed with two beautiful boys, now aged 11 and 17.

Work with Ram. You will be pleasantly surprised by the deals he brings you and above all to connect with a good human being. 

Experience the difference!

Contact Realtor Ram:

Email: ram.raman@live.ca

Phone: 250-580-4747