Sometimes the reason for putting your home on the market is crystal clear. For example, you might have a job relocation and need to move. Or, you might have decided to downsize because the kids have left the nest. However, there are many other motivations to list your home that are not as obvious, and yet are still good reasons to make a move. Here are just a few examples...

• You’re bored with your home and are looking for a change.

• There’s something you’ve always wanted in a home that your current property doesn’t have, such as a wooded backyard.

• You want to be closer to work, or to activities you enjoy, such as golf.

• You want to be closer to family.

• The neighbourhood is changing in a way that no longer fits the lifestyle you want.

• There’s another neighbourhood you’ve always dreamed of living in.

• Your tastes have changed and you want to live in a different type of home.

None of these reasons makes it an absolute necessity to list your property and find a new home. Yet, they’re all worth considering, especially if moving will make you and your family happier, and provide you with a more desirable lifestyle. Want to talk about the possibilities? Call me today!

The “3 Up” Strategy for Selling Your Home Quickly

There are many reasons why you may need to sell your home quickly: a sudden job relocation; a change in family situation; or perhaps an opportunity to purchase a new home that you just can’t pass up.

Whatever the reason, this strategy will help when you need to sell fast.

It’s called The “3 Up” Strategy.

• Fix it up.
• Clean it up.
• Spruce it up.

First, you need to fix it up...

That simply means getting things repaired around your property, such as a broken floor tile in the kitchen or a sticking patio door that’s difficult to open and close. Maintenance issues like these distract buyers from the appealing qualities of your home. Fortunately, repairs can usually be done quickly.

Second, clean it up...

Obviously, when your home is clean and tidy it’s going to look its best. You also want to eliminate as much clutter as possible. You don’t need to make every room look like a magazine cover — but that’s a good attitude to have when prepping your home for a quick sale!

Finally, spruce it up!

That means making any quick improvements that are going to make your home even more appealing. It might mean replacing the kitchen counters or giving the main rooms a fresh coat of paint.

Of course, the number one strategy for getting that SOLD sign on your front
yard is to select a great REALTOR®...that's ME! Call today & tell me how I can help you!

Sell First Buy Later or Buy First Sell Later?

      When you’re thinking of selling your home and buying another, you face the inevitable question: Should I list my property first or buy my new home first? Let’s take a look at both options.

      If you attempt to buy a property before listing your home, you run into a couple of challenges. First, sellers may not take you seriously as a potential buyer. After all, you haven’t put your own home up for sale. As far as they’re concerned, you might merely be testing the market. Second, your property might not sell as quickly as you thought it would. If there is an early closing date on the home you purchased, you might end up owning, and paying a mortgage on both properties, at least until your home sells.

      If, on the other hand, you list your property before buying a new home, sellers will know you’re serious. That puts you in a competitive position in the event of multiple offers.

      Also, if your home sells quickly, you’ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing exactly how much of a new home you can afford. You’ll be able to shop with confidence.
      Of course, like the first option, there is a chance that the closing dates won’t match and you’ll end up owning two properties for a period of time. However, solutions such as bridge financing are available to help. So, there is no perfect answer. A lot depends on your present circumstance and the state of the local market.
     I can provide you with all the information and options you need to consider and help you decide which is the best move for you. Call today!

Deciding on the Discretionary Move

Sometimes we don’t have much choice about
selling our home and buying another.
Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may
have made that choice for us. However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes people move simply because they think it’s a good idea. They feel that “now” is the right time to find

their next dream home.

So how do you make that kind of decision? 

There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually, those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want. You may need to find a new home, for example, because you’ve outgrown your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more space. Maybe you’re doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous and you need to move to a place that’s closer.

Those “needs” may motivate you to move, but sometimes a “want” plays an important role, too. For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a change.
If you’re thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision easier.

Then, when you've decided, call me to handle the rest. I'll come & take a look at your home, advise you on what to fix up or not fix up, help you decide on the best list price, and work around your schedule to make the whole process as smooth as possible. 

Call today if you have questions...always happy to help!

5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas

"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:

• Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eyecatching. You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred dollars.

• New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers.

• Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.

• New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances make the whole kitchen look brand new.

• Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should be only that.

Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Or need to speak with a home staging professional? Call me today - always happy to help!

Top Five Budget-Smart Renos

Updating your kitchen or bathroom is one of the most popular renovations as you will usually get back most of your investment. However, if you’re thinking of updating your home there are a number of other renos that add value to your home that can be done with less of a budget.

Whether you’re renovating to make your home more comfortable, or you plan to sell it and are looking to get the money back, keep in mind that you don’t want to over-renovate for your area. If you overspend and over-renovate for your area, it will be unlikely that you will see the return that you’re expecting. Plan your renovation and select materials that are going to fit with the neighbourhood. If comparable properties don’t have granite, hardwood floors or high-end carpet, then consider not using them in your renovation.

It’s a good idea to speak with your real estate agent about what buyers are looking for, and what features will add the most value.

1. Modernize kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchen and bathrooms renos are a smart choice as both of these areas are extremely important to most buyers. Look to make the kitchen bright, spacious and modern. Modern doesn’t mean trendy – you want updates that are going to last for years and stand the test of time. Paint or stain your old cabinets and add new door hardware if you can’t afford to change out all the cupboards.

Bathrooms with neutral tones and bold fixtures are a good choice. Remove cabinets and put in pedestals if you need to make a room look larger. Upgrade to better quality plumbing fixtures to create added appeal.

2. Perk it up with paint

Painting is a fast and affordable way to freshen up your home. The key is to pick neutral tones and do a good job. Paint your interior as well as your exterior for a new and updated look.

3. Lay down new flooring

Attractive floors add value. Consider upgrading your flooring to hardwood wherever you can. If you already have hardwood floors, refinish them if they’re looking scuffed and tired. Ceramic tiles are best in bathrooms and the kitchen. Consider staying with a neutral inexpensive tile for the main areas, and then use only a small number of accent tiles for a pop of colour. If budget is a concern, take a look at some of the new laminate flooring that is now available. It’s durable and looks great!

4. Turn to new light fixtures and door hardware

Updating new light fixtures in the right places, such as the kitchen and dining room, will brighten up the space and enhance the ambience. Consider replacing your front and back door as well. It’s amazing how much difference it can make to the overall look of your home.

5. Spruce up your deck and landscaping

Make sure your outdoor BBQ and entertaining area is inviting by power washing your deck and painting or restaining if needed. Add to the curb appeal of your house by repairing fences and leveling any patio stones and steps that may have shifted over the winter. Keep shrubs and trees looking neat and healthy by trimming them properly. Stay on top of the weeding in your lawn and garden so the weeds don’t win out!