November 23, 2011
Enhance your Home’s Appeal to the Green Market
Did you know that environmentally-friendly updates can make your home appealing to a growing ‘green’ segment? Start with easy low-cost changes that target energy savings, water conservation and quality, and clean air. Cut energy consumption with motion-sensor switches that turn lights on and off when people come and go. Reduce water usage with low-flow bathroom faucets and showerheads, and dual-flush toilets. Improve water quality with a filtration unit to stop the need for bottled water while enhancing water quality and taste. To improve air quality, use paints with low or no volatile organic compounds.
November 16, 2011
Royal LePage Launches Mobile Site
Did you know Royal LePage has launched a new mobile website to provide information on listings as well as neighbourhood information? In addition to property searching, the mobile website will use GPS to locate nearby open houses as well as schools, banks, stores, restaurants etc. The site helps buyers contact listing agents or find a nearby Royal LePage office. “The future is mobile and we’re pleased to offer homebuyers and sellers the ability to access valuable real estate information right from their mobile devices,” said Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage. To access the site go to http://m.royallepage.ca/mobile
May 15, 2011
Curb Appeal Adds Value
Did you know you can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home with a few simple touches? Tidy up flower beds with sharp edges and mulch, and plant some cheerful annuals. Fertilize and topdress your lawn, and keep it watered and cut. Repair or upgrade walkways and driveways, and install pathway lighting. Paint the front door and garage door if needed, and shine all the hardware. Wash the windows inside and out. Place a “greeting urn” with seasonal plants beside the front door, and arrange a chair or bench beside it for a very welcoming touch.
May 3, 2011
Search Real Estate Listings on the Go
Did you know realtor.ca is a free app offered by the Canadian Real Estate Association? It allows users to search for homes across Canada and connect with a realtor for more information. The app takes advantage of iPhone features such as GPS to show listings in your location, whether you’re walking your neighbourhood or comparison shopping in a new part of town. Newly listed properties, open houses with photos, realtor contact information and driving directions are all at your fingertips.
March 17, 2011
Small Improvements Have Big Payoff
Did you know that simple improvements can boost your home’s appeal to prospective buyers? Crown moulding and fresh, neutral paint will enhance principal rooms. Restored wood floors will add an element of traditional elegance. New light fixtures, door knobs, switches and curtain rods will complete the transformation. In kitchens and bathrooms, you can paint cabinets and install new handles for a fresher look. To finish the project, paint the front door, clean up the yard and put out a brand new welcome mat!
January 4, 2011
Selling in Winter?
Did you know that selling and showing your home in the winter requires attention to a unique set of details? For example, you should take down your holiday decorations relatively quickly to minimize clutter and maintain a sense of spaciousness. Clear snow and ice from driveways and walkways daily. Consider placing some potted winter greens or plants near your front door or along the path to give a sense of the living landscape. Leave summer photographs of your yards, gardens and patio in a prominent place so potential buyers can see the property at its best. Set the thermostat at a warm temperature and consider leaving the fireplace on. “Potential buyers are trying to envision how they would spend their day-to-day lives in the home,” advises Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage.
August 25, 2010
Strategies for Changing Market Conditions
Did you know that shifting conditions in the real estate market can create opportunities? For example, sellers who adapt their prices to changes in the market can capture demand while others sit on the sidelines. Some experts say that this fall could be a great time for buyers to acquire well-priced properties. The market should be fairly balanced for both buyers and sellers. Professor John Andrew, a real estate expert at Queen’s University, is bullish on long-term home ownership. When prices rise, the gain on a principal residence is tax-sheltered and the principal residence is also a great destination for forced savings.
August 23, 2010
Consider Wall-Mounted TVs When Buying or Selling
Did you know that the fate of a wall-mounted flat-screen television is open to interpretation when an offer to purchase a house is being made? Because the TV is affixed to a wall, the seller should specify whether it is included in the sale or whether it is excluded. Similarly the buyer should indicate whether they want the TV, and/or the wall-mounting system. It should also be clear who is responsible for repairing the wall if everything is removed. Some buyers want the wall-mounting systems so they can save hardware and installation costs later. And some sellers keep it simple - they include the wall-mounted TV as a selling bonus.
February 22, 2010
The Internet is Important in Home Search Process
Did you know that the Internet is a critical information source among buyers looking for a home? The most recent survey by the U.S. National Association of Realtors found that buyers use a variety of resources in searching for a home: 87% use the Internet, 85% use a real estate agent, 62% rely on yard signs, 48% attend open houses and 47% consult print ads. The vast majority starts the search process online, and then works with an agent to narrow the search, select and view properties, and negotiate the transaction. If you want your listing to be seen early and often, by the greatest number of buyers, choose a listing agent with a well-designed, high-ranking web site.
January 8, 2009
How to Show Your Home in Winter
Did you know that you can show your home to its best advantage during the winter months? Here are a few tips from Royal LePage: (1) Fake a garden: Place frost resistant potted plants such as flowering kale or miniature trees in the walkway and garden, to create a sense of landscape. (2) Let it snow: Snow looks lovely on the trees, but driveways and walkways (front and back) must be carefully cleared. (3) Stay cozy: Set the heat at a comfortably warm temperature for showings. Fireplaces should be lit when possible. For a winter welcome, simmer cider with cinnamon. (4) A house for all seasons: Display photos of the home’s yards, gardens and patios in spring, summer and autumn.
November 19, 2008
Prepare your Home for Sale the Professional Way
Did you know that home preparation – sometimes called staging – can help your home show to its greatest advantage? Whether or not you use a professional advisor, here are some of the goals of staging your home: First, you want to make the home more generic looking, so its appeals to a wider audience. One of the easiest ways to do this is to tone a strong paint palette down into a more neutral zone. You want to move “décor,” which is personal, to the background and “architecture,” which is universal, to the foreground. Remove knick-knacks, extraneous furniture and personal memorabilia. And to make the house feel more spacious, continue the same flooring treatments from room to room. Following these simple rules can broaden the appeal of your home and help to sell it faster. Well worth the effort!
March 10, 2008
More Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale
Did you know that your home’s first impression on buyers is critical? Last time we looked at how to make the outdoors and entranceway look their best. You can extend a great first impression throughout the house. The condition of your kitchen is a make-it-or-break-it scenario. Update hardware, refresh cabinets with paint and put away 90% of what sits on counters. Freshen up bathrooms with new paint and store toiletries neatly away. Bedrooms should reflect one purpose – sleeping – so remove computers, desks and exercise equipment. Put personal photos and collections away so the prospective buyers can visualize this as their own home. You must remove your clutter AND keep attics, basements and garages looking clean and organized, so consider renting an offsite storage space if necessary.
