Mission & Vision

Northumberland Hills Realty Inc., Brokerage was founded by Jody Ledgerwood, Broker of Record in September 2010. The goal was, and still is, to provide the residents of Northumberland County with Experienced, Well Educated, Local Professionals to assist them with All their Real Estate needs.  Professionals that truly care about and put their Clients Needs First!

Jody Ledgerwood, Broker of Record
Jody Ledgerwood

Jody has lived and actively participated in Northumberland County for more than 25 years.  She received her Real Estate Licence in December 2006.  Her educational background is Law and everything related to Real Estate.  Her employment experience includes building homes, accounting and collections for CMHC at Equifax.

Cell: 905-269-7653
Email: jledgerwood@nhrealty.ca

 

Why You Should Choose Us

1. We are Your Local Real Estate Professionals
When you use Your Local REALTOR® you are benefiting from the knowledge they have of your area, your community and your neighbors.  Your Local REALTOR® resides in your area; shops in your area and understands your area. They are aware and educated in local matters such as the Port Hope Area Initiative, Wells & Septic’s, The Oak Ridges Moraine and more.  They are committed to caring about your real estate needs because they care about and live in your neighbourhood too!

When you list with Your Local REALTOR®, your property is put on the Local Real Estate Board (NHAR) so all Your Local Realtors will see your property. The Northumberland Association of Realtors (NHAR) has over 140 members that will see your property listing the same day your property is activated for sale.  Those same members will do searches for their Buyers, and every time the search includes criteria that meets your property, your home will automatically appear putting you in the forefront for a sale. Your property is also automatically placed on the REALTOR.ca site which is run by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Not only can your neighbouring towns/cities see your listing, it will also be seen in Toronto, Vancouver, Nova Scotia and right across Canada, the United States and the World by the general public and ALL Realtors.

2. You, The Client, Are Number One
At Northumberland Hills Realty Inc. we understand that our business depends on you.  Your referrals, your repeat business and your word of mouth.  You are our most important form of advertising.  Without you, we would not have employment.  Your happiness is our number one concern!
3. Friendly, Honest, Respectful, Professional Agents
 Buying and Selling a home can be a very stressful time for a lot of people.  Therefore working with someone who is patient and kind can be very helpful.  Someone who listens and respects what the final outcome should be is very important in all real estate transactions.  At Northumberland Hills Realty Inc., we understand the value of a smile, engaging conversation, being honest and respecting opinions.  At the end of the day, a friendly, honest advisor can take a stressful situation and make it a pleasant and sometimes very enjoyable experience.  This is what we build our strong, lasting relationships on.

FAQ

Can a home depreciate in value?
Generally, real property never depreciates in value, or more so, it is not very common for property to depreciate.  This is why it’s a great investment. Make sure you carefully consider location and community when choosing a home, it can effect the homes future value greatly.

If you are in a newly developed area, do some research on the construction of the surrounding areas being developed to determine if they may effect your homes value.

 Is an older home as good a value as a new home?
This is really just a matter of preference, but both newer and older homes offer distinct advantages, depending upon your unique taste and lifestyle.

Older homes can generally cost less than new homes, however, there are many cases where new homes can also cost less then older homes. Most new homes will not have any backyard landscaping and some don”t include any front landscaping either. With an older home, the landscaping is normally already completed and could have 10”s of thousands of dollars in landscaping done, which is included in the purchase price.

Taxes on some older homes may also be lower. Some people are charmed by the elegance of an older home but shy away because they”re concerned about potential maintenance costs. Consider a home warranty to get the peace of mind you deserve. A good Home Warranty plan protects you against unexpected repairs on many home systems and appliances for a full year or more after you move in.

In a new house, you can pick your own color schemes, flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, custom wiring for TV”s, electrical, computers, phones and speakers, etc., as well as have more upgrade options. Modern features like media rooms, extra-large closets and extra-large bathrooms and tubs are also more attainable in ground-up construction. In a used home, you rely largely on the previous resident”s tastes and technological whims, unless you plan to farm thousands into a remodeling and rewiring.

New-home designers can use new building materials such as glazed Energy Star windows, thicker insulation and other technology that will lower future energy costs for the owner. Most states now have minimum energy-efficiency requirements for new construction. Kitchens and laundry areas in new homes are designed to house more efficient energy-saving appliances. Older homes, unless they have undergone an energy retrofit, usually cost much more per square foot to air-condition and heat.

Builders have to follow very strict guidelines in new-homes and additions, especially in the West and Northwest, where earthquake safety standards must be observed. In general, new homes are usually more fire-safe and better accommodating of new security and garage-door systems.

Older homes can be better judged for their quality and timeless beauty. New homes that now possess a smooth veneer might reveal the use of substandard building materials or shoddy workmanship over time.

As you can see there are advantages and dis-advantages to each, but it really comes down to what fits you and what you are looking for in a home.

What is a broker?
An agent who is authorized to open and run his/her own agency. All real estate offices have one principal broker.
What is Title Insurance?
Title insurance is insurance that protects the lender and buyer against any losses incurred from disputes over the title of a property.
Why should a Buyer use a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is more than just a sales person.  A real estate agent may act on your behalf, providing you with advice and guidance when buying or selling a home. Due to the constant changing of the market, the information available on listings is not always 100% accurate.  There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with a real estate agent. They can make recommendations on what terms and prices to offer as well as negotiating a deal with your best interest in mind.
Can I back out of my contract with one buyer and accept a new, higher offer from a second buyer?
It would be very unwise to try to back out of the contract because a purchase offer that’s accepted is a legal contract that the buyer can seek legal remedies to enforce.
Do I have to sell to the person with the highest offer?
No. If you prefer a lower-priced offer, perhaps with a better-qualified buyer and/or more attractive terms, you can accept that offer instead. Or you can give counteroffers to one or more of the buyers.
Beware, however, that if you turn down a full-priced offer, you may owe your agent a full commission even if you decide not to sell your home.
How should I price my home?
You must take into account the prevailing state of the real estate market and especially local market conditions. The real estate market continually changes, and market fluctuations affect property values. So it is critical to determine your listing price based on the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.
What is the “best time” to put my house on the market?
Along with economic factors such as supply and demand, the time of year you choose to sell can impact both the length of time it takes to sell your home and its ultimate selling price.

Typically, the real estate market picks up around February, continues strong through late May and June, and tapers off during July and August. The summer is usually the busiest time for moving since school is out and buyers may be looking to get their children in school before the new school year. September through November generally marks a rally not as strong as late winter and spring, followed by a slowdown from Thanksgiving through and beyond the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

What are disadvantages of pricing my home on the high end?

Well, several factors may come into play:

  • You might help sell similar homes that are priced lower.
  • Your home may be on the market longer.
  • You could lose market interest and qualified buyers.
  • You might create a negative impression of the property.
  • You could lose money as a result of making extra mortgage payments while incurring taxes, insurance and unplanned maintenance costs.
  • You may have to accept less money.
  • A potential buyer may face appraisal and financing problems resulting from the inflated price.

It is not recommended to sell your home any higher than the appraised value unless demand is high in your area. Ask you real estate agent which price would be right for your home. Also make sure you get a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to assist in determining the best sales price for your home.

Who is responsible for making repairs, if any, as a result of home inspection reports conducted for the buyer?
Because the buyer orders one or more home inspections doesn’t obligate the seller to make repairs or modifications as a result of those inspections. Typically, however, inspection reports are used to negotiate repairs of major problems, or environmental or safety hazards that may be noted. The purchase contract should provide guidance for these negotiations.
What is Land Transfer Tax?
Land Transfer Tax is payable on most residential real estate transactions and is calculated based on the price of the home being purchased. The following is the formula used to calculate Land Transfer Tax:

Purchase Price Calculation
$0.00 – $55,000 .005 x purchase price
$55,001 – $250,000 .01 x purchase price – 275
$250,001 – $400,000 .015 x purchase price – 1525
$400,001 plus .02 x purchase price – 3525

For example if your purchase price was $250,000 the Land Transfer Tax calculation would be .01 x $250,000; minus 275 = $2,225.00.

This amount is due and owing on the closing date of the transaction and is payable to the Ontario Ministry of Finance.

Do we have to leave when the house is being shown?
It is best to be away when the house is being shown. However, sometimes it is impossible. Bitter cold weather or sick children are examples. If you are at home, go wherever the prospective buyer is not. If they are in the den, go to the kitchen. Your presence inhibits them from making comments, looking in closets, etc. Remember that we want them to feel like it is already their home.
What’s the first step of the home buying process?
The Mortgage Pre-Approval. Unless you are paying cash for a house, you will need to get a mortgage. In order to know how much home you can afford, you will need to get pre-approved for a loan. This is the first-step in the home buying process.
What’s Your Best Advice for First-Time Homebuyers?
Trust the Professionals. Beware of advice from people who do not work in the industry. Real estate is a popular topic and almost everyone feels like they have some great insight to offer. In reality, the people who know best are the people that work in the business. Good REALTORS® have sold hundreds (maybe thousands) of properties. We know what to expect and what to look out for. Friends and relatives have only bought and sold a few homes, if any at all. Buying and selling a couple of homes does not make someone a well-rounded source of information. I’ve seen too many first-time buyers become persuaded by well-meaning friends and family, only to be disappointed later. Be confident in your decisions and trust the professionals.
What should I do to get my house ready?
The way you live in a home and the way you sell a house are two different things. First and foremost, “declutter” counter tops, walls and rooms. Too many “things” make it difficult for the buyer to see their possessions in your rooms or on your walls, however don’t strip everything completely or it will appear stark and inhospitable. Then clean and make attractive all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. It’s especially important that the bathroom and kitchen are spotless. Organize closets. Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work and get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords. Make sure the house smells good: from an apple pie, cookies baking or spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. Hide the kitty litter, and possibly put vases of fresh flowers throughout the house. Pleasant background music is also a nice touch.

The second important thing to consider is “curb appeal.” People driving by a property will judge it from outside appearances and make a decision then as to whether or not they want to see the inside. Sweep the sidewalk, mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and clean debris from the yard. Clean the windows (both inside and out) and make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking. Also make sure that the doorbell works.

Should I make repairs?
Minor repairs before putting the house on the market may lead to a better sales price. Buyers often include a contingency “inspection clause” in the purchase contract which allows then to back out if numerous defects are found. Once the problems are noted, buyers can attempt to negotiate repairs or lowering the price with the seller. Any known problems that are not repaired must be revealed as a material defect. You do not have to repair the problem, only reveal it and the house should be appropriately priced for that defect.
What do I do if my house isn’t getting activity?
Even in a slow market, price and condition are the two most important factors in selling a home.

If a home is not getting the activity it needs in order to sell it is probably because it is overpriced for the market. The first step is to lower the price. Then go through the house and see if there are cosmetic defects that you missed that can be repaired.

The second step is to make sure that the home is getting the exposure it deserves through open houses, broker open houses, advertising, good signage and a listing on the multiple listing service and internet.

A third option is to remove the home from the market and wait for overall housing conditions to improve and catch up to the price your asking.

Should I get a home inspection?
While buyers often wonder if a home inspection is truly necessary, most Realtors unequivocally say yes, yes, and yes. “A home inspector takes a weight off of your shoulders by looking into the condition of the roof, electricity, heating and air, plumbing,” says Johnson. “Ensuring these things work prevents you from paying to fix them in the future. If some things are not up to par, you can negotiate with the seller to get those fixed before you sign the paperwork.”
Why should a Seller use a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is more than just a sales person.  A real estate agent may act on your behalf, providing you with advice and guidance when buying or selling a home. Due to the constant changing of the market, the information available on listings is not always 100% accurate.  There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with a real estate agent.

You don’t need to use a commissioned real estate agent to sell your home, but you may want to consider the benefits of having a real estate agent versus not using a real estate agent.

In addition, many people would rather use an Agent due to the complexities of modern Real Estate transactions since they usually incorporate legal and financial attributes, which takes them well beyond more simple transactions, such as the sale of an automobile.

There are several advantages when using a real estate agent to sell your home, such as -your listing will be added to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) so that large numbers of buyers will have access to the seller’s property. In addition, your real estate agent absorbs all of the cost of advertising and marketing, and the screening that will be done of potential buyers by Agents. The Agent will also handle the details of negotiation.

Deciding whether to use an Agent or not depends on if you feel fully confident that you can handle all of the details, then you may well want to attempt selling your house on your own. If not, you most likely will want to use a real estate agent and leave the details to them.