It shouldn't surprise you to know that I have some thoughts about hiring someone to help you out with real estate.  Because I've been helping people with real estate for a long time and I've seen the problems that come with poor vetting.  

What do first-time buyers need to know about their Realtor® before committing?

Your realtor® is your partner-in-crime when it comes to getting a great deal on real estate. Although you have access to more information in the housing market than ever, without the proper training to evaluate, filter and process that information, you are facing overload that will not help you seal a better deal.  This is where a great realtor® comes into play.  Here are some of the most important questions to ask when vetting your real estate partner, especially if you are a first time home buyer.

I am not a big fan of DIY real estate.  There is a lot to know.  And even for clients who like doing things themselves, most eventually realize that realtors add a lot.  So I like to go with my clients to potential listings, to help them see what I see. 

The Johnsons were referred to me to help them out by the good folks at the town planning office. Steve laughed when he told me that when he emailed another person about finding a good real estate agent. The name he received was the same as the one at the planning office.  

Lucky for me the name was mine.  Thanks guys!

We took a look at the vacant land on a Sunday, in the pouring rain. The property is where the Johnsons plan to spend their retirement years.

Sometimes, before someone lists a property with me, they need to get a sense of the appropriate range of potential values for their property without going through a formal, extensive appraisal process with a Certified Residential Appraiser. 

As a Realtor® and Broker, I can provide an Opinion of Value, which is a review of sales and property data for similar properties in your area.  As part of the Realtor® Code of Conduct, we are prohibited from providing Opinion of Value on properties in which we have financial interests, where we lack the appropriate technical skills and the fee charged for the OPV has nothing to do with the actual value of the property.  

Home insurance is meant to protect homeowners from huge, unexpected out of pocket costs from theft and damage. It is also usually a legal requirement for owning a home if you are financing that home. Even if it wasn't, investing in the protection of the biggest asset you will ever own is a great move. Here are the basics about home insurance in Canada and how you can get the best insurance for your needs.

Our little corner of Ontario has beautiful lake-spotted landscapes, a growing artisan culture of local food production and appealing recreational options for all kinds of families, travelers and people looking for a rest.  We are open to new seasonal and recreational property owners who enjoy the fishing, hunting and clean air of country living.  Here are some of the best tips for starting the search for your cottage dreams in one of the cleanest, greenest places on earth.

I have something wonderful to tell you:  I’ve established a new, full-service real estate brokerage with you – my savvy clients – in mind.  Sharon White Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage is open for business as of January 1, 2016.  While I enjoyed working with my colleagues at Re\Max Country Classics Ltd., I’ve got a new mission with Sharon White Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.

The Sharon White Team sat down with Sherry Hayes earlier in August to talk about her life in our town.  Sherry describes herself as someone who is trying to evolve but not take herself too seriously at the same time. She works in Not-for-Profits and strives for balance in all things. She loves Bancroft and North Hastings and says there is nowhere else she would rather be than right here, right now!  She is currently enjoying  a peaceful existence with her 21 year daughter on the York River.

A house is the most significant purchase you'll ever make in your life. 

So you probably want to be able to stay there for quite some time.  And you probably want to avoid going into a retirement home until absolutely necessary. 

But how do you make sure that your house - and the community where your house is located - are prepared for ageing?

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We sat down with Gail Burstyn of Lylis Designs last week in advance of the summer season to talk about her work and life.  This eight minute video features the best parts of our chat and her stunning images.