Neutralize Colours

Neutral colours will allow buyers to project their own ideas into a room. Think of your walls as a blank canvas for a buyer to turn it into the home they dream of.  A fresh coat of paint goes a long way and often is the best return on investment in terms of minimal money spent and overall impact.

Minor Fix-Ups

Buyers formulate a quick first impression as soon as they see your home. Items that show wear and tear should be looked after. This includes squeaky closet doors, loose door handles, leaky faucets etc… Small fixes can go a long way. Remember the goal is to not have the buyer wondering if your home has bigger issues that they need to worry about!

Your Kitchen & Bathrooms

There are minor things that can be done to improve on these rooms. Replace hardware if outdated, apply fresh caulking where needed, update faucets or lighting. Don’t forget to clean your appliances inside and out. These rooms really need to shine!

Your Floors

This can be a tricky one to navigate. Whatever your floors are, make sure they are as clean as can be (carpet vacuumed and in some cases steam cleaned). There are instances where removing carpet will be a good idea. This can sometimes depend on each situation and guidance from a real estate professional will be critical.

Create Space

Start your packing early. Remove anything unneeded and unnecessary from all rooms of the house (knickknacks, extra furniture, personal items). This will create more space and will help allow the buyers to visualize their own furnishings in the different rooms. Don’t forget about your closets, your basement and your garage.

Curb Appeal

When a buyer first sees your house, you want them to be enticed to continue on in. Their very first impression starts outside your front door. Depending on the season you are selling in, snow should be shovelled or grass should be mowed. This is basic stuff, but it is often overlooked. Remember your home needs to look inviting both inside and out!

Count on a Pro!

Selling your home is a big decision! This process should be handled with care and expertise. Being ready to go to market goes beyond a “For Sale” sign on the lawn. Sometimes it takes an experienced eye to help you catch the things you might miss, and make your home look the best!

Would it be a bad idea to have an experienced professional on your side?
You can always give me a call to get the help you need!

Know your Numbers

There is absolutely no sense in home shopping until you know what you can actually afford! Visit with a mortgage professional and get yourself pre-approved. Keep in mind the additional expenses that go along with home ownership such as property taxes, utilities and maintenance costs. There are also various closing charges and legal fees to consider.

Start saving for your down payment and moving expenses.
Bottom Line: check with the professionals and don’t be caught off guard!

Work With An Agent

A good agent will guide you through the home buying process and keep you informed every step of the way. In most cases, the seller pays the real estate commission for both their own agent and the buyer’s agent. This means you have the benefit of expert advice without this additional fee. They will also be a great resource for recommending other industry professionals you will need along the way (mortgage broker, home inspector, lawyer) etc…

Your agent will work with you to find the right home and walk you though the purchase paperwork as well as see you right
through to the finish line!

Keep A Level Head

Many people get caught up in their emotions and stress about paint colours or flooring. This is a big financial purchase so the location, size and layout should be paramount. It is almost never a good idea to skip the home inspection even in a heated market as you don’t want any surprises with major components of the home (roof, plumbing, furnace, hot water tank). You have to balance patience with your ability to be decisive when you find a great home for a good value. Stay calm and be wise!

Stalk The Neighbourhood

The house itself won’t be so perfect if you find out you actually hate the area or that the nearest school doesn’t meet your standards. Drop by the area morning, noon and night. This might paint a clearer picture as to what you can expect while keeping your lifestyle in mind. Where are the closest grocery stores or other key amenities? If possible, try the commute from the neighbourhood to your work
place. The worst thing would be to move in and figure out you really can’t stand the sound of the passing train every 30 minutes. Research and do
your due diligence!

Don’t Try and Time the Market

No one has a crystal ball so don’t obsess about the exact right time to buy. Real estate can be cyclical… it goes up and it goes down and it goes back up again. So, if you try to wait for the perfect time, you’re probably going to miss out. A good time to buy is when you find a suitable house in your desired area that you can realistically afford. Keep an open mind during your house hunt and try to enjoy the
process!

Ask Questions, Get Answers

Do you know about Mortgage Loan Insurance, the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan and the Land Transfer Tax Rebate?  Maybe you are unclear about the legal lingo in your offer. Perhaps you want some guidance on what to expect after your offer has been accepted. There are no stupid questions. Having a knowledgeable real estate professional is invaluable.

Move-In, Enjoy Your New Home

Presumably, you have hired movers, changed your forwarding address and started telling your family and friends about your purchase. After you move in start
maintaining your home, protecting your investment and building great memories!

Count on a Pro!

There is no need to navigate a home purchase on your own. Working with the right professional should save you time, energy and often money. I will even make the process fun!

You can always reach me a call to get the help you need, so let’s get started!