If you put your home on the market, chances are you want it to sell quickly. However, there are certain circumstances in which sellers don’t just want their home to sell quickly, they actually need it to sell super fast. This may be due to a sudden relocation, the purchase of a new home with a tight closing date, or any number of other reasons.

Obviously, this can be a stressful situation. However, there are some practical things you can do to help your home sell super fast:

• Find out the current market value of your property. This will guide you in your decision on the listing price.
• Be reasonable about the listing price. You can sell quickly and still get a good price for your home. But, realistically, you won’t be able to hold out in the hopes of getting an “above market value” offer.
• Be as flexible and accommodating as possible when it comes to scheduling viewings and open houses. If you’re going to restrict buyers to seeing your home on Saturdays from 3 to 5, then you’re going to reduce your chances of a quick sale.
• Clean and declutter your home. This is the fastest way to dramatically improve how it shows.
• Tend to the outside of your property. Cut the grass. Trim the hedges. Fix the creaking back gate. Do everything you can to increase your property’s curb appeal.
• Apply fresh paint wherever possible. Painting is the quickest and least expensive “renovation” you can do. It can significantly improve the look of any area of your home.
• Spread the news that your home is on the market and that you’re looking for a quick sale. Tell your friends, neighbours and co-workers.

Shopping for a home is a little like shopping for a car. Unless you know what to look for, you risk being swayed by first impressions and buying something that does not truly meet your needs.

For example, you might fall in love with the recreation room — complete with a bar and a dartboard — and unconsciously overlook the fact that the home doesn’t have enough bedrooms to accommodate your growing family.

So when you’re viewing a potential new home, or checking out a property during a weekend “open house”, make sure the home meets your needs.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Is there enough room for my family, now and in the future? Remember, as kids grow so does the space they require!
• Are there enough bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and storage space?
• Is the yard big enough?
• Will my furniture fit the space?
• Do I like the neighbourhood? Always take a walk around and explore the area.
• Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? If the seller won’t be taking care of such issues, repairs or replacements could add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the true cost of buying the property.

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions when viewing a home. After all, it’s a major purchase. You want to get it right!

Need help finding homes to view that meet your requirements? Call today.

A potential buyer comes to view your home. She explores each room with interest. Then she opens the closet door in the master bedroom. Will she be impressed with the space and imagine her clothes adorning the racks and shelves?

That likely depends on how you use and manage that storage space.

Of course, her first reaction will be based on size. Short of doing a major renovation, there’s not much you can do about that.

However, there is plenty you can do to make the space seem bright and roomy. Your first step is to remove as much of the clutter as possible. If the closet doubles as storage for boxes and other items, for example, move those items elsewhere. (It might make sense for you to temporarily rent space at a local self-storage.)

Next, make sure the space isn’t over-filled. You don’t have to remove all your clothes, but consider removing enough to fully accentuate the roominess of the space and make it look neat and organized.

Finally, don’t forget about lighting. It also plays a key role. A dimly lit closet will make the space look unappealing. Use enough wattage to create a pleasant glow throughout the area.

Don’t forget to do the same things for all your other storage spaces too.

“If I look confused, it’s because I’m thinking.”

Samuel Goldwyn

“Everyone is a genius at least once a year.”

G. C. Lichtenberg

“I not only use all the brains I have, I use all the brains I can borrow.”

Calvin Coolidge

There’s no doubt that things change in a home when it’s put on the market. Those changes can cause stress for the entire family.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce that stress considerably. With a little bit of planning, you can even make the home selling process a relatively pleasant experience for everyone.

The first step is to talk candidly with your family, especially kids, about their feelings and concerns regarding selling your home and moving. Their worries may include:

• Losing connections with friends.
• Finding a new job.
• Starting a new school.
• Disruptions in the home during viewings.
• Work involved in preparing the home for sale.
• Keeping the home clean and tidy for viewings.

The more you’re aware of how your family feels about the process, the better you can deal with those issues.

Keeping the home clean for viewings and open houses is usually one of the major stressors. It may feel like you’re tidying up for a special guest several times a week! A solution worth considering is hiring a maid service on a short-term basis. That help can save you a lot of time and stress, especially if you’re also searching for a new home.

During viewings, it’s best for you and your family to be out of the home. So, consider planning little adventures. You can visit a museum, eat at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try for months, or take the gang to a recreation centre. These ideas will go a long way toward alleviating the sense of being “kicked out” of your own home!

While shopping for a new home, you will likely view a lot of properties and may even attend a few open houses. That’s part of the process of finding your next dream home.

But there is another type of open house you should also attend. It’s one for which you need no invitation – the “neighbourhood open house.”

Of course, this isn’t an actual advertised open house. The term simply means that you’re able to view any neighbourhood you’d like to live in and try it on for size.

So when viewing a home or attending an open house, take some time to explore the neighbourhood. Get a sense of what it’s going to be like to live there. You can:

• Take a walk around the block.
• Visit the local park and playground.
• Have a coffee at a local cafe.
• Visit the local school.
• Test access to commuting routes to work.
• Check out daycare facilities.
• Drive to the local shopping centre.
• Investigate local features, such as theatres, restaurants and golf courses.

The neighbourhood you live in is just as important as the home itself. Before you buy, make sure you get to see your neighbourhood too.

Even if you live in a beautiful home in a great neighbourhood, a dispute with a neighbour can make living there a miserable experience. That’s why it makes sense to settle such disputes quickly and amicably.

How do you do that? Here are some tips:

1. Deal with the issue quickly. It’s tempting to avoid facing an unpleasant dispute with a neighbour and hope the problem just goes away. That rarely happens. To settle a dispute, you need to act quickly.
2. Avoid displays of anger. Acting angrily typically only gets the other party on the defensive. It can escalate the situation and rarely, if ever, leads to a resolution.
3. Isolate the problem. Never generalize a dispute with a neighbour. Be specific.
4. Don’t complain; propose. Rather than complaining about loud music at night, propose a solution. For example, “When our front lights have been turned off, that means we’ve gone to bed. Would it be possible to turn down the music at that time? Thanks!”
5. Say thanks when there’s a resolution. You may never be close friends, but being cordial will go a long way toward easing the tension.

“Congratulations. Today is the day. You’re off to great places. You're on your way!”

Dr. Seuss

“Don't mistake activity with achievement.”

John Wooden

“Doing the best in the moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

Oprah Winfrey

There is an old adage in marketing and sales: Before trying to sell something, you need to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. When it’s time to sell your home, you’ll need to do the same thing. Imagine that you’re the potential buyer and then view your property from that perspective.

Start with what a buyer sees first, the outside of your property from the curb. Does your home look inviting and attractive? Are there ways you can improve the look of your home from this vantage point?

It may be as simple as trimming the hedges.

Then, walk into your home through the main entrance. What is your first impression? Does your home look clean, uncluttered, and appealing from the foyer? Is there anything you can do to improve the look?

Even a small change, such as moving a coat rack that is cluttering the space, can be a significant improvement.

Finally, tour the rest of your home. Most buyers viewing homes will visit the kitchen, the living room, and other rooms on the main floor and then check out the upstairs bedrooms. As you are pretending to be a potential buyer and looking around, what impression are you getting? What features do you especially like? What don’t you like? Are there any issues that concern you?

Don’t forget to view your garage and backyard too.

By doing this simple exercise, you’ll be able to see what changes and improvements will make your home show better.

Want more ideas on how to sell your home faster and for the best price? Call today.

When you view properties listed on the market, you will see them as they look today. Yet, once you purchase a new home, you’ll likely plan on living there for years to come. Since homes and neighbourhoods change over time, it’s a good idea to imagine what the property and the surrounding area will be like over the years you plan to be there.

How do you do that?

To begin, take a close look at potential maintenance issues that may be coming up. Will the roof shingles need to be replaced in a couple of years? Is the furnace more than 15 years old? Will the bathrooms need to be renovated in four or five years?

Then, take a look around the neighbourhood. Find out what construction projects, road improvements, and other improvements are underway or will be happening soon. Are there plans for a new school nearby? Is there a major shopping centre due to be built down the street?

Also try to get a sense of the trends in the neighbourhood. Does it seem like it will be a nice place to live over the next few years? Do the homeowners take good care of their properties?

Whether you plan on putting your home on the market someday soon, or you’re just interested in how much your property is worth from an investment perspective, it makes sense to know how homes are priced.

When a home goes on the market, there is an overwhelmingly high probability that it will sell for somewhere close to its market value.

So if a three bedroom, detached home in a neighbourhood sold for X dollars, then you can expect a similar home down the street to sell for roughly the same price.

That’s why REALTORS® look closely at recent home sales in the area in order to advise clients on the best listing price.

Are there other factors that determine selling price? There are many. Home improvements, special features such as a large deck as well as the general attractiveness of your home, can all increase its value to potential buyers.

While some of these characteristics may help boost its selling price, others may simply help you sell your home more quickly.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

Henry David Thoreau

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

Albert Einstein

“The good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge.”

Bertrand Russell

As you’re probably aware, one of the key steps to preparing your home for sale is to get rid of as much clutter as possible. You want to make every room look spacious and comfortable.

But what do you do with the pictures, boxes, clothing, tools, furniture and other stuff you need to take out of your home?

For items that you don’t want anymore, you have two options: dispose or donate. You can dispose of items at your local waste depot or recycling centre, (but be sure to call ahead to confirm which items they will accept.) Donations can be made to organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army. These organizations are interested in good furniture, clothing, appliances (that work), bikes and other toys (that don’t need repair), and tools.

For items you want to keep, consider renting space at a local self-storage facility. Most offer a variety of storage options from lockers to garages, and typically charge by the month. As for security, most self-storage facilities have fencing, gates that require a passcode, cameras and other security features. You can also lock your own unit.

One of the drawbacks of self-storage is that you have to move your stuff twice – first to the storage unit, and then to your new home. An alternative that’s becoming increasingly popular is a Mobile Storage Unit. The unit is placed in your driveway for a few days while you load it with the items you want stored. Then it’s picked up by the mobile storage company and taken to their warehouse. When you move, the company simply drops the unit off at your new home for unloading.

It seems like every month there is a new website offering deals on everything from electronics to travel. In fact, the “coupon industry” is booming.

This trend has conditioned people, more than ever before, to look for bargains and become determined to pay well below the market price for merchandise. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all want a deal!

But when it comes to shopping for a home, bargain hunting can be a bad idea.

First of all, the real estate market is competitive. The overwhelming majority of homes sell for a price that is at, or close, to their respective market values. Your chances of finding a property that is listed significantly below its market value is slim to none.

Secondly, if you become fixated on finding a bargain, you may not notice all the great properties on the market that are within your price range and meet your criteria.

In other words, you may inadvertently pass on what may, in fact, be your next dream home.

So, when shopping for a new home, focus on finding the right property at the right price, and not on finding a bargain.

At this time of year, people traditionally set goals for next year. Do you have something you want to achieve over the coming months? If so, then you’ll have a much better chance of reaching your goal if you make it “SMART”.

SMART is an acronym that refers to the five ingredients of a successful goal: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. It is based on the work of famed management guru Peter Drucker, but the technique is equally applicable to personal goals.

Here’s how it works:

Let’s say your goal is to lose weight.

To make this goal SMART, you would need to make it specific – lose 7 pounds; measurable – track your weight every week; achievable – find a good program to follow; realistic – check with your doctor to make sure your weight loss goal is sensible, and time-bound – six weeks.

Studies prove that if your goal is SMART you’ll have a much better chance of achieving it. Good luck!

“If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

Thomas Edison

“Life is a combination lock, your job is to find the right numbers, in the right order, so you can have anything you want.”

Brian Tracy

“It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined.”

Henry James

While you may not be seriously considering selling your home or looking for a new one, you might still be interested in what’s going on in the marketplace. After all, it’s nice to see “what’s out there” and find out more about some of the homes that are currently listed on the market.

There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s a good idea.

Keeping up with what’s going on in the local market, will help you make better decisions about your own home, especially if you anticipate selling within the next year or so.

Many people do this by reviewing listings online, ads in the real estate section of the local paper or dropping in on open houses. While these techniques are helpful, they don’t always give you the best picture of what’s really going on.

A better strategy is to talk to me. I will give you the best information about properties available and where the local market is headed.

As your REALTOR®, I can also satisfy your curiosity about how much particular homes have sold for in the area – which will give you a clearer idea of what your own home might get if it was listed today.

Speaking of price, I can provide you with a free assessment of your home’s current market value, which will give you an even clearer idea of what you’re likely to get.

Clearly, by working with me, you’ll have a source of advice and information that will help you make the best decision when the time comes to consider making a move.

You’ve probably heard the term “curb appeal”. It refers to how your property looks when a potential buyer first sees it from the curb. Curb appeal plays an important role in the first impression a buyer gets of your home.

There is another type of appeal you should also be concerned about – “foyer appeal”. Foyer appeal is all about the impression a buyer gets when he or she first walks through your front door.

Think about it. What do you do when you enter a particular home for the first time? You probably take a quick look around while you’re removing your jacket or shoes. In fact, a lot of the impression you form about a home comes from the first look you get while standing in the foyer. Home buyers do the same thing.

So when preparing your home for sale, it makes sense to make your home look as attractive as possible from the perspective of the foyer. There are many ways you can do that. Make sure the area is clean and uncluttered. Don’t have shoes and boots lying around. Make sure there is nothing obvious and unsightly in the foyer.

Fair or not, buyers form lasting impressions from the foyer. So make sure that the first impression is a good one!

It would be ideal if you could hire an interior designer and completely remodel your living room. But, let’s face it, that could be very expensive.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make your current room look a lot better. Here are some simple, low-cost decorating tips that will accomplish just that.

• Put a covering over your worn sofa or chair. A simple throw blanket placed at an angle can make a dramatic difference.
• Plants, real or artificial, make just about any room look better. Just don’t overdo it.
• Don’t try to hide problem areas. Instead, accent them. For example, if the window sill is worn and aged, place a couple of antique-looking ornaments on it!
• Re-do the walls. Move pictures around. Consider adding other wall decor, such as plates and mini-shelves.
• Place your favourite hard-cover books around the room. Add illustrated books in the living room and cookbooks in the kitchen or dining room.
• Lamps, especially interesting looking ones, can go a long way toward enhancing a room.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Be daring. Sometimes just moving a picture or a piece of furniture can make all the difference.

“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.”

Linus Pauling

“All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing.”

Edmund Burke

“Dreams are the touchstones of our character.”

Henry David Thoreau

As in any industry, there are terms and buzzwords that are unique to residential real estate. When you put your home on the market, you should know what those terms mean. Here are definitions for the most common ones:

Fair market value: This is an estimate of how much a specific home will sell for in today’s market, taking into account what similar properties in the area have sold for recently.

Seller’s Agent: That would be me, the REALTOR® who is helping you sell your property. I would also assist you in finding and buying your next home.

Buyer’s Agent: This is the REALTOR® who is representing the buyer of the property you want to sell.

Pre-approved Mortgage: This is a statement (often in the form of a certificate) from your bank or other lender that states that you qualify for a mortgage for a particular amount of money. A pre-approved mortgage adds credibility to any offer you make on a new home.

Staging: This is a strategy where a home is purposely prepared so that it appeals to potential buyers. Staging may involve cleaning, de-cluttering, rearranging furniture, redecorating, and more.

Survey: This is a document that defines the boundaries and measurements of your property and any structures on it.

Offer: This is an offer of purchase, in writing, for a particular property.

Conditional Offer: This is an offer to purchase, but with conditions – such as “conditional on a satisfactory home inspection” or “conditional on arranging suitable financing”.

When preparing a home for sale, most homeowners focus on pleasing the eyes. In other words, they make their property “look” as attractive as possible. That is, of course, a very important thing to do! However, your home will be even more appealing to buyers if you also engage their other senses.

Take smells, for example. Ideally, you don’t want any smells at all in your home during a viewing. So be careful about odours that can linger after cooking. Use the fan. Do not use scented air fresheners or strong perfumes in washrooms prior to viewings. If you or another family member smokes, avoid having the smell come into the home.

As for sounds, soft, pleasing music is fine. Just be sure to choose a style that would be acceptable to all. Think elevator music! If a neighbour is creating a loud noise next door – jackhammering a patio foundation, for example — ask him or her to keep it down during showings. Most good neighbours will be happy to do so.

In general, anything you can do, even something minor, that will make your home more appealing to all the buyer’s senses is worth the effort.

When you shop for a new home, you’ll probably start by thinking about what you need in your next property. Your list might include a spacious kitchen; three bedrooms; and, a mature tree in the backyard.

Those are property features and, of course, they’re important. But finding your next dream home involves more than just property features. It also involves getting what you want from the surrounding area. After all, a home isn’t going to be enjoyable if commuting to work from your neighbourhood is long and agonizing. So when you shop for a new home, also think about:

• Work. How will you get to work? Is public transit nearby?
• School. Where will your kids go to school? Is transit or bus service available? Will your kids be able to walk to school?
• Kids. Where will your kids play and hang out? Are there nearby playgrounds and parks?
• Neighbours. Do the local homeowners seem like the kind of people you’d like as neighbours?
• Shopping. Where will you do your weekly shopping?
• Hobbies. How far will you be from golf, theatre, or other hobbies?

As your REALTOR®, I can help you answer these questions. Call me today.

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

Sir Winston Churchill

“Always aim for achievement and forget about success.”

Helen Hayes

“It is best to disregard talk and judge only actions.”

Dorothy Day

Do you remember the last time you viewed a home for sale? What do you recall about that property? You likely remember the features and characteristics that stood out, such as the gorgeous hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen with the long island, or... the faucet that was dripping in the main floor washroom!

Obviously, you want potential buyers to notice the great features of your home rather than those things that are less appealing. So, when preparing your home for sale, pay particular attention to what a buyer is likely to notice and remember.

Say, for example, you have a small unused bedroom that has become the unofficial storage room. If something doesn’t go anywhere else, it gets put in that room! Now it’s a cluttered space.

What will buyers remember about that room after a viewing? Will they see the potential for a home office or comfy reading room? Most likely, they will just remember a small, cluttered, potentially unusable space.

Buyers will also notice a dripping faucet, a scuff in the wall, or the lingering odour of spicy cooking in the kitchen. They will remember all the things that stand out, regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

So, when you list your property, make sure that what stands out for potential buyers are the desirable features of your property.

If you have a wonderful sitting room with large windows and a great view, make sure that space is clean and comfortable. You may even want to “stage” it a little, perhaps with some fresh flowers and a good book sitting on the end table.

As your REALTOR®, I can help you determine the most marketable features of your property and how to ensure buyers notice – and remember – them. Call me today.

What’s great about your home? Is it the spacious foyer and generous main floor closet space? Is it the beautiful washroom? Is it the playground that is only a short walking distance away?

Although some properties may look similar at first glance, every home is unique – with features and characteristics that make it special.

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, make a list of all the great things about your property that potential buyers will want to know.

Start by thinking about what you think are the desirable features of your home. Write down what you really love about the house and the surrounding area.

Next, think about what friends and other visitors to your home think is great about it. Have you ever heard anyone say something like, “I really love your kitchen!” or, “This is such a quiet street”? Those are indications that potential buyers will like those features and characteristics too.

Finally, talk to me. I can help you determine all the great things about your home and area, and how to market them.

Can you afford to purchase the home you really want? Here are some things to consider:.

• What kind of home do you want? What kind of neighbourhood do you want to live in? What features and characteristics do you need in a home? (Three bedrooms? A large livingroom for entertaining? A backyard big enough for a garden?)
• What homes currently on the market match that criteria? Are there some properties for sale that are close to what you’re looking for? What are their listing prices? How much, realistically, will it cost to buy one of those homes?
• How much, realistically, can you expect to get for the sale of your current property?
• How much of a mortgage will you need? How does that compare to the mortgage you qualify for?
• What additional costs will you incur in selling your current property and purchasing your new home? (For example, moving, home inspection, repairs and renovations, closing costs, etc.)

Chances are, there’s a home on the market that you can afford – and is right for you. Call me today to discuss.

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

J. K. Rowling

“Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.”

Abraham Lincoln

“People always call it luck when you’ve acted more sensibly than they have.”

Anne Tyler

When you’re putting your property on the market, you want to make it seem as big and comfortable as possible. After all, buyers are attracted to space. However, you probably have at least one room in your home — and perhaps even more — that feels small and a little cramped.

Of course you don’t want the buyer’s first impression of the room to be its size. Since it isn’t practical to be knocking down walls and renovating, what should you do? Here are some ideas for making small spaces seem larger and more comfortable:

• Remove any items and extra furniture that make the room feel smaller than it really is.
• Remove any obstructions near the entranceway. You should be able to open the door fully and walk in without bumping into a desk or bookshelf.
• Don’t use heavy curtains on the windows. Let the light in.
• Use soft light bulbs with enough wattage to fill the room with full and pleasant (but not blinding) light.
• Less is more. Keep knickknacks, pictures and other décor items to a minimum.
• Keep the door fully open during viewings.
• Make sure there’s enough space for two people to walk in and move around without bumping into each other.
• Give the room a purpose. “This is the home office.” Or, “This is the comfy reading nook.” If a small room doesn’t have a reason for being, it will seem like wasted space.

Want more ideas for preparing your home so that it will sell quickly and for the best price? Call today.

If you’re planning on moving, you’re probably focused on how much your new home is going to cost. However, it’s also a good idea to understand the real costs associated with selling your current property.

In fact, there are some costs and expenses you may not have anticipated. Here are a few examples:

Home inspection. You might think you’ll only need a home inspection for a home on which you’ve made an offer. However, it might also make sense to have a home inspection completed on your current property in order to identify potential issues that might get in the way of a sale. Buyers feel more confident when considering a home that has had a recent professional inspection.

Cancellation costs. There may be extra expenses associated with cancelling internet services, newspaper subscriptions, home security systems, and even lawn care services.

Repairs. You should budget to get any maintenance issues, such as a broken door handle, dealt with before your home goes on the market.

Staging. Tasks like getting rid of clutter, arranging for the carpets to be professionally cleaned, having the hedges trimmed, and doing other things to make the property look attractive to buyers all fall under the umbrella of “staging”. You can do much of this work yourself, or hire a professional.

Moving. It’s a good idea to budget for the costs of moving. Even if you’re using a friend’s truck and planning to do most of the packing and hauling yourself, there may still be costs, such as packaging materials, gas, and perhaps even pizza for your crew.

At the end of the day, these costs may turn out to be negligible when compared to the value of your property. As your REALTOR®, I can help you understand all the costs and help make the selling process go smoothly.

You put your home up for sale. You work hard to make it look attractive to potential buyers. Then, you finally get an offer.

But there’s a catch. The offer comes with a string or two attached… a couple of “conditions”. Should you be worried?

First of all, don’t panic. It’s common for offers to come with a condition or two. Sometimes an offer is conditional upon the buyer securing appropriate financing, or your property passing a home inspection.

These types of conditions are usually dealt with in just a few days and then the offer becomes firm. (In other words, you’ve likely sold your house!)

However, there are some types of offers that can be worrisome. For example, a buyer may make an offer to buy your home “conditional” upon him selling his current home for a specific price. Of course, there is the concern that the buyer won’t sell his home. Then the deal will fall through and you’ll have to put your home back on the market.

As your REALTOR®, I can help you decide if a particular offer is worth accepting.

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

Mark Twain

“If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all.”

Robert Allen

“Setting your own standards — and living up to them — is a better way to profit. Not to mention a better way to make your day worth all the effort you put into it.”

Seth Godin

When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great neighbourhood – or, at least, in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing. How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common indicators:

• Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.
• Home improvements. Are people investing in their homes? Are they getting their driveways re-done? Their windows replaced? Are there signs of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that homeowners like the area enough to invest in their properties.
• Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do they sell for a good price? If so, the neighbourhood is probably in demand. If people want to live there, it's a desirable area.
• Business investment. Are businesses investing in the surrounding area? Is there an increase in the number of upscale shops, health clubs, restaurants, and other commercial enterprises that often locate near desirable neighbourhoods?
• Community involvement. Are there signs that the community plays an active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood? Are there neighbourhood picnics, yard sales and other get-togethers? Check Facebook to see if the neighbourhood has a community page.
• City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community centre? Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may improve the neighbourhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home you buy – in the long-term.

If you need help finding this information, call today.

A fresh coat of paint is the fastest and most inexpensive way to make your property more attractive to buyers. It can make just about any room look stylish and new.

The challenge is determining what paint colours and options you should choose out of the hundreds available. Should you be daring and select “designer” colours? Should you consider stippling, ragging and other effects?

Experts say to keep it simple. Stick to just two or three traditional colours for your entire home. The simple consistent tones will make your property appealing to the tastes of more buyers.

When it comes to home security, most homeowners think about door locks and alarms. These are, of course, very important. However, there is also a lot you can do around your property to prevent the possibility of a break-in.

One important part of home security is outdoor lighting. Your home doesn't need to be lit up like a baseball diamond at night, but your exterior lighting should illuminate your yard enough to be a deterrent to burglars.

Some burglars hide around the property and wait for someone to arrive and open the door so they can use that opportunity to force their way into your home.

Security experts suggest that you walk around your property and look for areas where someone could hide, such as behind tall shrubbery or behind a tool shed. Make sure these areas are well lit.

Pay particular attention to lighting around exterior doors, especially the back door.

Experts also recommend that exterior lighting be installed with a timed dimmer. The lights can then be set to cast a bright light in the early evening, and then a dimmer light throughout the rest of the night.

Lights installed with motion detectors can also be effective in certain areas. The sensors will cause the light to turn on or brighten when someone comes onto that part of your property. Generally, thieves will flee as soon as they see a light turn on.

Do you hide a spare key under the front door mat or in a flower pot? You may think you have found a clever spot, but experienced thieves know all the common hiding places. So, if you need to have a spare key available, put it in a small combination lock box and hide the box. Even if a burglar finds the box, he won't be able to open it and access the key.

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”

Albert Einstein

“Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.”

Robert Allen

“The secrets of getting ahead is getting started.”

Mark Twain

If you’re thinking of buying a particular home, you’re probably aware that you should get a qualified home inspector to examine it. In fact, most offers will include a condition that the property be inspected before the sale becomes final.

A good home inspector will go over the property from top to bottom, inside and out. He or she will look for things like cracks in the foundation, out-dated wiring, repairs that need to be done, and aging components (such as the roof and furnace). The inspector will also provide a timeline for the replacement of any of the major components including HVAC windows, roof, etc.

Basically, a home inspector helps you understand the condition of the home and the related expenses you should expect.

But it can also be very beneficial for a seller to hire a home inspector. Getting your current home inspected before you list it for sale can help sell your property faster and for the best price.

Say you put your home on the market. You get an offer. That offer is conditional on a home inspection. What if the inspector uncovers a major issue, like a leak you weren’t aware of, or some problem with the wiring? The buyer could potentially walk away from the deal.

If, however, you got your home inspected first, you would know about those issues in advance and could deal with them appropriately.

So a good home inspector can be more valuable than you think!

When preparing a home for sale, most people focus on making the inside look as appealing as possible. But the outside of your property deserves your attention too. After all, it’s the first thing a potential buyer sees.

You can dramatically improve the appearance of your property by giving it a “wash and haircut”!

Clean the driveway, walkways and deck or patio. A pressure washer — which can be rented from most home improvement centres — works best, although you can do nearly as good a job with a water hose and walkway cleaner.

Trim hedges and shrubs. Mow the lawn. Pull any weeds out of flower beds.

These small measures will help you make the best first impression on buyers.

You’re probably aware that there’s more to the cost of a new home than its purchase price. So to help you make an informed decision, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much do you expect to pay for moving expenses? Don’t forget to include packing materials in your calculations.
• “Closing costs” are the extra charges you will have to pay at closing. How much do you expect your closing costs to be?
• Estimate how much you’ll pay for activating your phone, internet service, cable television, and other utilities at your new home. These little costs can add up.
• Will your new property require painting, repairs, and other preparations once you move in? How much will they likely cost?
• Will you need to purchase new furnishings, decor, and other items for your new home? What’s your budget for those items?

The more aware you are of the true costs of a home you’re interested in buying, the better choices you’ll be able to make about that home. If you decide to buy, you’ll be able to do so with much more confidence.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

James Baldwin

“Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.”

Anonymous

“When you’re through changing, you’re through.”

Bruce Barton

Does your home have a lot of personality?

There’s nothing wrong with that.

In fact, you may have pictures on the fireplace mantle showcasing happy family memories over the years… or trophies and other awards in the kids’ bedrooms that represent achievements that make you proud… or a fridge door covered with notes, a calendar and other items that make it a de facto family bulletin board!

These are all things that help make a house truly a place to call “home”.

But when it comes time to sell, all that personality can work against you. When buyers view your property, they want to visualize themselves living there, not you and your family.

Have you ever noticed how model homes are often furnished and decorated? All the rooms look beautiful and enticing. They draw you in. Why? Because, although all the rooms in the model home look great, they’re also impersonal. There’s no uncomfortable sense that you’re in a stranger’s home. You can easily see yourself living there.

That’s exactly what you should strive for when preparing your house for sale.

You can’t get rid of every personal item. That would be impractical. But there’s a lot you can do to depersonalize your home. For example, you can:

• Take down family pictures
• Clear items from the fridge door
• Store trophies in a box
• Remove personal knick knacks and similar items
• Keep only general titles on a bookshelf and store the rest.

The more easily buyers can see themselves living in your home, the more likely they are to become interested in it and make an offer.

Want more ideas for making your property look even more appealing to potential buyers? Call today.

When you’re shopping for a new home, it’s a good idea to create a checklist of what you want and what you need. It keeps you on track to ultimately find the property that best fits your requirements — and those of your family.

However, there’s a big difference between want and need that is important to understand when house hunting. A ‘need’ refers to a feature that is an absolute must in a new home. A ‘want’, by contrast, is a ‘nice-to-have’.

Some home buyers make the mistake of choosing a ‘want’ at the expense of a ‘need’.

For example, say you ‘need’ four bedrooms in your new home but ‘want’ a golf course located nearby. It can be tempting to fall in love with a property that has a beautiful golf green just a couple of blocks away, even if it has only three bedrooms. You may find yourself signing the offer while dreaming of Saturday morning tee-offs, only to awake to the realization months later that the lack of an extra bedroom has become a serious inconvenience to you and your family.

Of course it is possible to get most, if not all, of what you need and want in a new home. But if it comes down to a choice, it’s usually a good idea not to sacrifice something you really need in order to get something you want.

So when you’re making your house hunting checklist, be clear about what is a need-to-have and what is a nice-to-have.

Don’t forget that some features you want — like a wrap-around backyard deck, for example — can potentially be added to your new home later. Want more tips for getting what you need and want in a new home? Call today.

When a hotel wants to make a room look inviting, they start with the bathroom. They clean it until it sparkles. They place fresh towels everywhere. They make sure the soap bars and shampoos are new. Some hotels even fold the end of the toilet paper into a nice neat triangle!

Why all the fuss?

Hoteliers know that if a customer is impressed with the bathroom, they will likely feel the same way about the rest of the property.

Something to think about when selling your house.

“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, 
but that it is too low and we reach it.”

Michelangelo

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”

Chinese Proverb

“I’m a great believer in luck. And the harder I work, the more I have it.”

Stephan Leacock

If you're thinking of making a move within the next few months, there are two important things you need to know.

The first is the market value of your current property. That's the amount your home will likely sell for in today's market. When you know its market value, you'll have a better idea of how much money will be available to invest in a new home.

The second is an overview of what's available on the market. Which of the homes currently available for sale meet your criteria with respect to the type of home, its special features (such as a big kitchen or pool), the neighbourhood, etc? How much are these homes selling for?

With those two pieces of information, you'll be able to make a better decision.

You’ve shopped around and attended a few select viewings. Now you’ve found the home of your dreams. It’s yours – as long as you make the right offer!

So how do you make the right offer? That’s a very important question to consider.

If your offer is too low, you risk the seller turning you down. You may not get a chance to make a second offer, especially if there are already multiple offers for the property.

If your offer is too high, you’ll leave thousands of dollars on the table... money that could have been used for other important things, like renovations or a family vacation.

So before deciding how much to offer for a home you want, we need to talk.

We will discuss what goes into a good offer and other ways to strengthen your offer, such as getting a pre-approved mortgage certificate.

How do you select the best moving company for your needs?

• Ask for recommendations.
• Beware of fly-by-night operations. They may seem like a bargain, but you get what you pay for.
• Request a written estimate and contract. (Beware of movers that just give you a price over the phone.)
• Confirm they are covered by insurance, and clarify their policy regarding lost or broken items. Make sure you receive a copy of their insurance certificate.

Finally, always ask what circumstances would result in extra charges being applied. The number one complaint received about movers by the Better Business Bureau is unexpected extra charges.

Questions about moving? Call today.

“The road to someday leads to the town of nowhere.”

Tony Robbins

“Learn to listen. Opportunity could be knocking at your door very softly!”

Frank Tyger

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Say you’re a homeowner wanting to sell your two-storey, detached home. You sit down and make a list of things that need to get done to make your property as attractive as possible to buyers.

You consider the backyard. “Hmm,” you think. “Doesn’t our deck need a new finish and our flowerbed need new edging stones?”

Then you think about the living room. “The carpeting is old. We really should replace it."

Then you step into the kitchen and think, “Our kitchen cabinets look worn. We should get a contractor to quote on replacing them. Maybe we should install a brand new shiny sink and faucet too. That should increase the resale value of our home, shouldn’t it?”

Before you know it, you have a long list of updates, repairs and renovations that you think should be done before listing and you haven’t even reached the second floor!

It’s easy to get carried away with a list of repairs and upgrades that need to be done to prepare your home for the market. But, you don't want to end up spending more money than you’ll ever get back from the eventual sale. So, how do you determine what improvements you should be making in order to get your property ready to be listed?

That’s easy. Talk to a good REALTOR®.

A REALTOR® can inspect your property and advise you of the repairs and upgrades you need to make. A REALTOR® will know what buyers are looking for, and will also have a good idea of the return on investment you can expect from a particular improvement.

A REALTOR® may also be able to recommend reputable tradespeople and other professionals to assist you in making those improvements.

So go ahead and make that long list. Then, let's review it, so you can make an informed decision on how to get your property ready for sale.

You’ve heard the term “curb appeal”. It refers to the first impression a buyer gets when he or she first arrives at your home and looks at it from the outside.

That first impression is critical. But there is a “second” impression that is also very important. That’s the impression buyers get when they open your front door and look inside. Make sure that everything looks great from that perspective too — clean, bright, uncluttered and welcoming.

There’s no doubt about it. A completely renovated room – especially a kitchen or bathroom – will really impress home buyers. That room will probably look brand new and very stylish.

But you don’t have to do a full “tear-down-the-walls” type of renovation to upgrade the look of a room. In fact, just a few minor improvements can make a big difference.

For example, upgrading wall plates is an easy and inexpensive way to add a lot more style and personality to a room.

In the kitchen, installing new hardware on existing cabinets can have a dramatic impact. So, look around your house to determine where small improvements could make a big difference.

“You were born to win. But to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”

Zig Ziglar

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”

Tony Robbins

“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”

Michelangelo

Lifestyle is a very important criterion when shopping for a new home. After all, a home and its surrounding neighbourhood are the places where much of your lifestyle is going to be experienced.

So when considering a new home, think about the lifestyle to which the property is going to lend itself. Ask yourself:

• How much entertaining do we do?
• How important is it to have good schools located nearby?
• How long will the commute to work be?
• How big of a backyard do we require?
• Do we need a rec room?
• How easy will it be to get to golfing, dance lessons, baseball practices, movies and other activities my family and I enjoy?
• How important is it to be in a quiet area?
• Do we want a local park nearby for jogging, playing with the kids, and walking the dog?

This list is just an example. Ideally, you’ll create your own list of questions to ask yourself when considering a particular home.

“Staging” is about setting up and decorating each room of your home so that it looks as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Studies show that a property is more likely to sell quickly and for a better price if it is effectively staged.

Even if you haven’t heard of staging before, you probably already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter and making sure everything is clean and “guest ready.”

However, there are some home staging “secrets” by staging professionals that you may not know. Here are a few examples:

Increase horizontal surface space. Make sure desks, countertops, coffee tables, end tables, etc. are as free of items as possible. Give the impression that there’s lots of room available on horizontal surfaces.

Flowers. Fresh flowers or flowering plants placed in a couple of rooms, such as the kitchen and living room, can have a dramatic impact on how inviting that room looks. Just don’t overdo it.

Don’t be daring when you paint. You may love the idea of a bright yellow and green combination in the family room, but not everyone will share your daring sense of style. If you paint, stick to neutral colours.

Less is more. Be brutally honest about the amount of furniture you have in each room – including wall hangings. Is there a desk, side table or other piece you can put away in storage? Think about ways to make each room more spacious. Space is king!

Ultimately, the best staging advice is to use your common sense. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer as you walk through your home. Ask yourself, “What changes will make this room even more attractive?”

Want more staging tips? Call today.

In the nautical world of pleasure boating, there is a specific process to follow to ensure a fun day on the water. Skip one of those steps and you risk having a miserable experience.

The same holds true when buying a new home. There is a process to follow to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are the basics.

Find a good REALTOR®. Preferably someone who knows the area.

Determine what you can afford. Get a pre-approved mortgage.

Make a wish list. What kind of home or neighbourhood are you looking for? View the right properties. Pick those that closely match the criteria on your wish list.

Make an offer. Your REALTOR® can help you make an offer that gets you the home you want at the right price.

Get a home inspection. This is a must.

Get the paperwork done. Your REALTOR®, lawyer and lender will typically handle all the transaction paperwork for you.

Prepare for the move. Find a good mover. Don’t forget to arrange for telephone, internet, change of address and other details.

Follow this process and your move should be smooth sailing.

“The really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

Mark Twain

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”

William Shedd

“We can help others in the world more by making the most of ourselves.”

Earl Nightingale

What do you notice when you visit a model home in a new development? Often, you’ll find wonderfully furnished and decorated rooms that anyone could live in.

The operative word here is “anyone”.

Sure, there might be a computer screen on a desk in the den, or a child’s Raggedy Ann doll sitting in a corner, but for the most part, all the rooms are anonymous. There is a sense of family, but no specific family… the feeling of personality, but no specific person.

The professionals who set up a model home make it anonymous for a reason. They want buyers to view it as their potential home, not someone else’s. And these professionals know — based on decades of experience — that this strategy helps sell houses faster and for a better price.

Why not use this same strategy when showing your house or condo?

It’s easy. Just put away that soccer trophy, take down the wedding photo, and box those souvenirs from the family vacation at Disneyland. No, you don’t have to completely empty your closets and drawers. Just pack those personal items that can be seen when a potential buyer views a room. Put away toothbrushes, collectibles, even unopened mail. Don’t forget the fridge door, which is often a mosaic of personal items in most family homes.

If you have lots of personal items, consider renting a storage unit for the few weeks that your house or condo will be on the market. It’s worth the investment.

You wouldn’t think of buying a birthday cake with a stranger’s name on it. The same holds true when you show your house or condo. Make it anonymous!

Need more ideas for selling your house or condo faster and for the best price possible? Call today.

When buyers shop for a new home, they typically start by viewing properties that meet a specific criteria… four bedrooms, a finished basement, a quiet neighbourhood, etc.

But often there is something special about a home that catches a buyer’s eye that can very well tip the scales toward your home.

Think about it. How many times have you heard someone who has just purchased a home say something like, “Wow, the recreational room is fantastic!” Or, “The golf course is just a mile up the road!” Or, “There’s a great school just four blocks away.”

So when you list your home for sale, think about the special features that might get a similar reaction from buyers.

For example, you might have a view out your living room window that’s really, really great. There might be a local playground that’s especially well-equipped and clean. Your home might be located near a local sporting centre which is really, really convenient for families who have kids involved in sports.

So when you create your list of features, highlight those that are really, really great and make sure potential buyers are aware of them. It might just be the one feature that prompts a buyer to make an offer.

You’ve spent a couple of weekends viewing homes. You’ve found a few that you like, but none were quite “it”. Then, finally, you visit a property that seems perfect for you. It has most of the features you’re looking for in a new home. You quickly fall in love with it.

But it’s not yours yet. You have to make an offer. The amount you offer will play a huge role in whether or not you get the home, and the price you’ll pay.

At this point, you might be tempted to put in a really low offer in the hopes that you’ll get a bargain.

But that’s usually not a good idea.

First, the seller (working with his or her REALTOR®) probably knows the current market value of the property. So your low-ball offer will not make a good impression.

Second, there might be another offer that comes in at the same time — one that’s closer to the listing price — and you might risk losing your chance to buy the property. So be cautious with the low-ball game. Chances are, you’ll lose. A good REALTOR® can help you make the right offer for the property you’re interested in purchasing. Call today.