Spruce Up Your Kitchen

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Home is where the heart is, and everyone knows the heart of a home is the kitchen. It should come as no surprise the kitchen is one of the most important considerations prospective buyers have in mind when evaluating a new home.

Lighten Up Older homes frequently suffer from low-light conditions, outdated or just plain ugly light fixtures, and power-hungry appliances. Replace unappealing bulbs and fixtures with energy-efficient bulbs and modern fixtures for an instant update that looks great and saves money. Invest in up-to-date appliances that improve performance and save money with energy-efficient settings, antibacterial wash modes, and enhanced water filtration.

Counter-Offer Replacing countertops and re-facing cabinets can be a relatively low-cost (compared to a complete kitchen overhaul) way to update your kitchen. If you don’t want to go that far, many hardwood cabinets can be easily restored with a coat of paint or a quick clean and varnish. Combine this with new countertops and you can achieve a totally refreshed appearance without the high price of a total kitchen renovation. Add some stylish knobs, pulls, and hinges to complete the look.

Don’t Throw Money Down The Drain Here’s a quick and easy do-it-yourself job that just about anyone can tackle. Replace that outdated and worn-out faucet with a shiny new fixture to instantly update your kitchen. It takes very little time, ensures a sleek new look, and eliminates drips, leaks, and other water-wasting problems.

Can You See Me Now? You shouldn’t be able to see your reflection staring back at you while you’re standing in your kitchen on a bright sunny day; that is unless of course you have tinted windows. Cleaning the inside and outside of your windows will let the natural light pour into your kitchen while improving the overall cleanliness and appearance of the room. Don’t forget to clean out the tracks and sills and vacuum the screens while you’re at it.

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Storage Ideas For A Less Stressful Move

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Few things are more dreaded than moving day, but new storage solutions can ease some of the stress.

Flexible Timeline If you have a flexible schedule for your next move, a POD (or portable on-demand storage) might be the perfect choice for you. PODs are large shipping-like containers that allow you to pack and unpack at your own pace.  The company will drop the container on your driveway, you load it, and they will pick it up and deliver it to your next location, or store it until you’re ready. PODs are closer to the ground – often at ground level – so they tend to be easier to load and unload than traditional storage methods like moving vans or trailers.

Storage As An Option If you are relocating for a job, downsizing, or planning to move into your new home after vacating your previous home, longer-term on-site storage might make the most sense. Shop around for a local self-storage facility within a short distance of your new home. You may have to ‘move twice’, but it’s a great way to clear the clutter without sacrificing cost.

Ask About Insurance Don’t assume your homeowner’s insurance policy covers belongings in storage. Verify it in advance and/ or inquire about available insurance riders to cover your belongings while they are in storage.
Evaluate Security Always verify the security measures in place at a facility before making a decision on where to store your belongings. Cheaper isn’t always better. Are there security gates that control access to the facility? Are there security cameras? Will anyone else have access to your storage area?

Climate Control If you intend to store valuable antiques, expensive electronics, or other items that may be sensitive to humidity or temperature extremes, consider opting for a climate-controlled unit. It may cost a little more, but do you really want to replace your items after you move?

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Make Buyers ‘Belong’ In Your Home

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

It’s only natural for your home to reflect your personal style, but when it comes time to sell, what makes a house your home can become a major hindrance. Depersonalizing your home can often help you obtain the best price and make buyers feel as though your house could become their home.

Go Neutral Unless your favourite colour scheme is already completely neutral, it’s time to get out the paint and restore the colours of your home to something less noticeable. Eggshell, white tones, and beige are good options. Don’t forget the other senses – in addition to colour, make sure the smell of your home is also neutral. Never assume what you find pleasant smelling will appeal to others. Consider having your home professionally cleaned using an enzymatic treatment that neutralizes all odours, including heavy perfumes and deodorizers.

Minimize Eliminate all unnecessary furniture, belongings, and clutter as much as possible prior to photographing and showing your home. Not only does it allow people to see the property more clearly, it allows prospective buyers to begin seeing your house as their future home.

Highlight Your Home Never showcase personal belongings such as artwork or an antique piece of furniture. Instead, highlight the features of the home itself. Tour your house room by room and rediscover the essence of each area. Create a beautiful view, ambient lighting, or other inviting scenario that attracts visitors without overwhelming them. As much as possible (and reasonable), try to eliminate distractions that identify the home as belonging to you. Remember, it is still your home so you don’t have to denude your home of all belongings, but if you have a ‘family wall’ of photographs dating back three generations you should consider taking some of the photos off the wall.

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Hidden Value In A Home Today

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Changing demographics combined with the economic downturn is creating a trend of getting back to the basics in today’s real estate market. For those seeking maximum value at a minimum price, keep these essentials in mind.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Bigger spaces are associated with higher utility bills, increased property taxes, more expensive insurance, and greater maintenance costs. Instead of picking the largest house you can afford, search for the one with the amenities your family will truly use.

Good Neighbours & Neighbourhoods
Friends, family, and great neighbourhoods are major attractions. Research shows that homes located in top-rated school districts routinely fetch 10% or more than similar-sized homes in less-desirable districts. Homes in family-oriented neighbourhoods with parks and other amenities are always popular and tend to maintain their value.

Fruit Trees & Gardens
Throughout Canada, high-maintenance lawns are giving way to eco-friendly (and budget-happy) gardens, fruit trees, and other down-to-earth activities. Less grass means less water, fertilizer, and time to keep it green.

Going Green Is Big
From energy-efficient appliances to environmentally friendly building materials, green is not only “in” but bigger than ever. Save thousands of dollars by searching for homes that have already implemented energy efficiency upgrades like LED lighting, high-efficiency furnaces, and hot water systems.

Entertaining
As economic uncertainty/ recovery persists, people are interested in entertaining, exercising, and eating at home more than ever. Focus on properties that support your interests and lifestyle for today and tomorrow.

Remember, on average people will remain in a home for seven years, so make the right choices today and ensure your next house truly feels like home.

 

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Should You Buy A Home?

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

How do you know if you’re ready to buy a home? Start by doing your research. From there, make a plan and prepare a budget. Here are some questions to consider in making your decision.

“You” Considerations How long do you plan to live in your next home? Does your job or lifestyle require frequent moves? What are your reasons for buying? Do you wish to be a homeowner or are you thinking of ‘trying it out’ as an investment? Remember that home values increase more over the long term so if you’re moving more often than every few years, you may not see significant gains when you sell your home. You will however gain equity in your home as you pay down your mortgage – rent money is gone for good.

Financial Considerations How healthy are your finances? Do you have money for your down payment, closing costs, insurance, property taxes, and a buffer for unexpected expenses that can occur when you own a home? If not, speak with a mortgage broker and/ or your financial advisor to determine the steps you should take to put yourself in the best situation to purchase a home.

Real Estate Market Considerations What is the real estate market doing in the area? What are the current mortgage rates? What kinds of homes are available in your price range? Are they located in neighbourhoods that suit your lifestyle? If you are not able to buy a home as desirable to you as the ones you could rent then consider your willingness to live in a ‘not-quite-my-dream-home’ for a time. The equity you’ll gain can help you upgrade sooner than you could if you continued renting and tried to save the additional money. A licensed REALTOR® can provide you with valuable market information and help you evaluate your options.

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Tips For Choosing The Right Neighbourhood

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Are you thinking of moving but not sure how to go about picking the right neighbourhood? Once you’ve narrowed down where you think you’d like to put down your roots for the next little while, consider these factors before actually purchasing:

Schools Are there good local schools in the neighbourhood? Whether you have children or not, proximity to good schools tends to increase property values.

Services Does the neighbourhood you’re considering have easy access to the most common services? Consider the location relative to hospitals, public transportation, shopping, parks, recreational facilities, and cultural sites. Extra green space, trails, and walkways are also a benefit.

Crime & Safety How safe is the neighbourhood? Check with police, the local Neighbourhood Watch Program, or go online and review crime statistics for the neighbourhood (EPS Neighbourhood Crime Mapping).

Interaction Are people outside their homes chatting, working in their yards, or walking their dogs? Neighbours who interact with one another create a safer and more pleasant environment.

Popularity Is the area popular? Have prices gone up, down, or stayed the same? Though list price is often a good indicator, ask your REALTOR® and keep an eye out for the number of “For Sale” and “Sold” signs.

Visual Appeal How do the other homes look? Manicured lawns and an obvious sense of care and attention to the landscaping and the maintenance of the other homes in the neighbourhood is often a good indicator this is a good place to live.

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A Great Opportunity For First-Time Buyers

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

While lower real estate prices and interest rates might be bad news for the economy, now might just be the best buying opportunity of a lifetime for first-time home buyers.

Establish A Realistic BudgetOwning a home involves more costs than most expect. In addition to mortgage, taxes, and insurance, wise home buyers set aside money for routine maintenance and unexpected emergency repairs.
Buy What You Need While real estate is typically an excellent investment, it’s important to purchase as much home as you need – bigger isn’t always better. Buying bigger usually just means more expense; higher taxes, bigger insurance bills, and more maintenance costs. So buy what you need unless you’re planning ahead.

Plan For Growth First-time buyers can also be too modest when it comes to purchasing their first home. If you intend to begin a family, plan for growth to ensure you will be as happy in the home tomorrow as you are today.

Understand Appreciation Although you don’t want to base the purchase of your home solely upon appreciation, it’s important to recognize that the future value of your home is likely to impact your ability to move up later in life. When the time comes to move up, a home with long-term appreciation provides greater buying options later. Search for neighbourhoods and homes expected to rise in value over time.

Work With A Reputable Agent A great REALTOR® is often worth their weight in gold, which is why most investors never fly solo. Many first-time buyers are under the mistaken impression they can save money by helping the seller eliminate or reduce the commission. Research shows this is rarely the case. A good REALTOR® will help you make the right choice, negotiate on your behalf, and eliminate missteps and oversights that may cost you more in the long run.

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Easy Touch-Ups To Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Spruce up your yard and the exterior of your home in time for summer entertainment with these quick and affordable fixes for the most common curb appeal complaints.

Pressure Wash And Spray Start at the roof and work your way down to remove stains and dirt from walkways, driveways, and even fences. Whiten and brighten the concrete, crevices, and other corners of your home and yard to brighten up the entire area. Don’t forget to pull weeds from your driveway and sidewalk expansion joints.

Clear The Clutter Trim low branches and remove excess clutter to create the look and feel of clear, open space. Consider purchasing plastic partitions or other low-maintenance storage units to hide trash cans and other unsightly items that add to the perception of clutter and detract from the beauty of your home.
Touch Up The Paint Shutters, doors, awnings, and other wooden trim items are prone to excessive wear and tear over the winter months. Make a point of touching up the paint but make sure you take the time to complete proper surface preparations first (e.g. clean, scrape old paint). It’s an easy and affordable way to revitalize the look of your home.

Add A Touch Of Colour Bring in fresh mulch, plant some annuals, and add potted plants and other enhancements throughout the yard. This will brighten up your yard while helping hide those tough trouble spots.

Create A Focal Point The most successful landscapes incorporate a central element that serves as the focal point for the entire area. Use the same strategy in your own yard. Begin with something affordable and small like a garden bench, bird bath, fountain, or other water feature to add elegance and appeal.

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Areas Where You May Be Able To Add Value To A Home

Here’s another post taken from my ‘News You Can Use’ Preferred Client publication.

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Deferred Maintenance Small repairs and the general neglect of a home can make it seem less appealing than it really is. Don’t lose potential buyers – or equity on resale – by deferring maintenance. Instead, perform an inspection to eliminate the risk of serious problems, then fix or repair those ‘little things’. Now you will be able to use the great condition of the home as a negotiating tool.

First Impressions More than one home has suffered from a bad first impression. Overgrown shrubs, faded paint, lack of shutters, and stained concrete walkways make any home look tired and dull. Fortunately, improving first impressions are often fast and affordable projects. Landscaping, pressure washing, and a new doorknob quickly turn a tired entrance into an inviting space.

Lights And Appliances Upgrading lights and appliances might be one of the best ways to add value to any home. Not only do they look better, energy-efficient appliances are quieter, easier to operate, and more dependable than older models. Up-to-date lighting fixtures are a cost-effective way to provide a modern appearance without breaking the bank.

Cosmetically Challenged Some homes simply suffer from poor taste. Dated carpets and shocking personalized paint choices may have been the pride and joy of the original owner but generally don’t translate well for the average buyer. Rather than succumbing to the ’shock and awe’ when encountering a cosmetically challenged home, focus on the structure and surroundings instead. Cosmetic fixes often result in the largest ‘bang for the buck’ when it comes to adding value to the price of a home.

Remember, don’t spend money for the sake of spending money. Not all ‘upgrades’ will necessarily net a return for you – some may just get the home to ‘where it belongs’ in order to warrant a list price that reflects fair market value.

[Side bar: The images above are just good before and after photos of a renovated home and are for illustrative purposes only. I am not suggesting you should undertake the same level of renovations as the owners of this home...]

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