LYN HART : Associate Broker | Real Estate Sales : Archived blog posts for : 2008

Eco-Renovation Tips To Help You Save Money!

Posted on September 23, 2008 by Lyn Hart

From quick and easy things you can do today to projects that require the help of a professional, there are many ways to make your home more eco-friendly. The list below will give you some ideas on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save you money.

Tier

Estimated Annual Savings

= $20-50

Install low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water usage and reduce the cost of heating water by up to 50%
Choose energy efficient appliances
Install outdoor motion detector switches
Replace air conditioner and furnace filters regularly

Tier

Estimated Annual Savings

= $50-100

Use power bars to switch off your electronics
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs
Install a programmable thermostat

Tier

Estimated Annual Savings

= $100-250

Caulk all windows and make sure your home is properly insulated
Use ceiling fans year round to help circulate warm and cool air evenly around a room*
Replacing an old refrigerator with an energy efficient one can save enough electricity to light the average home for more than four and a half months

Tier

Estimated Annual Savings

= $250+

Replace your existing windows and doors with energy efficient designs that will reduce your home’s energy use (both heating and cooling).
Replace your existing furnace with a high efficiency furnace. They have increased safety (for newer airtight homes), longevity and there is no need for a chimney.

(Courtesy of RBC)

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How to Sell Your Home

Posted on September 1, 2008 by Lyn Hart

Posted in houses, Housing, market, real estate, real estate market, sales, Vancouver real estate market

A successful sale requires that you concentrate on six considerations: your asking price, your terms of sale, the condition of your house, its location, its accessibility, and the extent of marketing exposure your house receives. While some of these factors are beyond your control, you can compensate by taking advantage of others (like a new paint job) to make your property as attractive to prospective buyers as possible.

When is the best time to list a house for sale?

The "best" time to list your house is actually as soon as you decide to sell it. If you want to get the best price for your house, the key is to give yourself as much time as possible to sell it. More time means more potential buyers will probably see the house. This should result in more offers; it also gives you time to consider more options if the market is slow or initial interest is low.

Is there any seasonality to the market?

Peak selling seasons vary in different areas, and weather has a lot to do with it. Late spring and early fall are the prime listing seasons because houses tend to "show" better in those months than they do in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. And of course, people like to do their house shopping when the weather is pleasant.

But keep in mind that there are also more houses on the market during the prime seasons, so you'll have more competition. So while there is seasonality in the real estate market, it's not something that should dominate your decision on when to sell.

What about market conditions — price trends, interest rates, and the economy in general? Should they have any bearing on when I list? Probably not. Even if you're under no pressure to sell, waiting for better market conditions is not likely to increase your profit potential.

So how long should it take to sell?

Average selling times vary from 10 to 90 days, according to market conditions in a particular region or even neighbourhood, But if it hasn't sold within 30 days of being placed on the market at least one of the six considerations: price, terms, condition, location, accessibility or market exposure must be made more attractive to prospective buyers. Selling in any market is easier if you keep time on your side.

I´ve decided to sell my home...now what?

To list your home, call me and we´ll start with a Market Analysis of your property and your neighbourhood. I can advise you on any improvements that could help in the sale, I´ll develop a marketing strategy just for you and, together, we´ll determine the best price for your home in today´s market .

Once the fine points are decided upon, I´ll go over the listing contract details with you. Then leave the rest to me! I´ll make your home selling experience as easy and worry-free as possible. Call me today to get your home SOLD!

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Associate Broker | Real Estate Sales

Eco-Renovation Tips To Help You Save Money!

How to Sell Your Home

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