May 2, 2012
Home Staging Made Simple
Did you know there are very simple and inexpensive ways to show your home to its best advantage? You don’t always have to paint and renovate. In the kitchen – deep clean your counters, floors and appliances; remove fridge magnets; and consider new handles on cabinets. In the bathroom – deep clean all surfaces; put out fresh, matching towels; and store personal toiletries and medicines away. Tidy and streamline all living areas. If possible, put a table or shelf with a mirror in the entranceway.
February 24, 2012
Many Say the Time to Buy Is Now
Did you know there may be compelling reasons to buy a home right now? (1) Mortgage rates are at historic lows and likely won’t go lower. In fact this could be a good time to lock in your mortgage rate. (2) Canada is a draw for wealthy immigrants who buy homes and support the market. (3) Very few Canadians default on their mortgages which means lenders are not forced to dump houses. In the U.S., foreclosures put downward pressure on prices. (4) Canada appeals to the world as a safe haven for investment. Some of these funds go into the real estate market. If you’ve been thinking about buying, this could be the time!
February 24, 2012
Should You Sell Your House “As Is?”
Did you know that it sometimes makes sense to list a house for sale without ‘fixing it up’ first? Let’s say you inherit an older home in ‘original condition’… You must make all obvious repairs, but if the home merely appears outdated, you may want to sell it as is. Most buyers who are planning to renovate prefer to start from scratch. In fact some might be put off by ‘quick fixes’ because they really don’t want to undo or redo someone else’s work. Leave the house in its original state, and let the buyer make their own renovation decisions.
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.
