Say you’re trying to sell a used car. imagine that it’s a desirable make and model. the mileage is low. overall, it’s in great condition... except, that is, for the body. unfortunately, there are a few areas where the paint is scratched and there are a couple of dents and rust spots too.

Are you going to have trouble selling that car? Probably. many potential buyers will have trouble seeing past the condition of the body and appreciating the true value of the vehicle.

The same thing can happen when you’re trying to sell your home.

Everything about it could be wonderful, but if the paint on the walls is faded in spots, and there are dents, scuffs and holes, buyers may notice those things more than the other more important features of your property.

So it’s a good idea to inspect your walls to make sure they look great. There are numerous products available at your local home improvement centre for repairing gouges and holes. it’s a relatively easy do-it-yourself job.

Want more tips on how to sell your home quickly? Call today.

When you put your property up for sale, you want to make sure that potential buyers get all the information they need on the features of your home and its surrounding area. If, for example, a buyer doesn’t realize there is a great school just a couple of blocks away, he might cross your property off his shortlist. An effective way to make sure something like that doesn’t happen is to create three lists.

#1: The “I’ll miss it” list. Chances are, there are things about your home that you’re really going to miss when you move. It may be the spacious living room, ideal for entertaining or the nearby park with scenic trails, perfect for walking and biking. Whatever you’ll miss, put it on the list! Chances are, those are features that will also interest buyers.

#2: The “Just the facts” list. What are the facts about your property that a buyer needs to know in order to consider purchasing it? This may be a very long list including such items as total square footage, number of bedrooms, number of washrooms, property taxes, size of yard, and more.

#3: The “repairs and improvements” list. Buyers are interested in the state of repair of your home, and in any improvements you have made to it. On this list, include all repairs you have done during the past three years and, if possible, attach receipts. It’s especially important to include anything that has been replaced, such as a furnace or roof shingles.

Call today for a complimentary, no obligation Real Estate Check-up. We’ll review up-to-date market trends in your immediate area, the current resale value of your home, and tips on improving the value of your home.

If you’re thinking about making a move in the coming year (or you’re just mildly curious about the possibility), you could be well-served by being prepared in advance. Here are a few basic steps you can follow, in order to put yourself in a more advantageous position to respond when opportunity knocks.

1. Minimize household clutter on an ongoing basis so your home will be organized and ready to list on the market without hesitation.

2. Take care of your current real estate investment by completing necessary maintenance repairs and renovation improvements.

3. Keep up with national trends, local market conditions and available opportunities.

4. Secure a pre-approved mortgage.

You don’t have to try to figure this stuff out on your own! Even if you’re just at the “thinking about it” stage, I recommend getting the information you need now. That way, you’ll be prepared to make the best decision when you’re ready.

Call today for a complimentary, no obligation Real Estate Check-up. We’ll review up-to-date market trends in your immediate area, the current resale value of your home, and tips on improving the value of your home.

Residential sales fell 0.3 per cent short of last year’s sales, while sales in the commercial sector – farms, vacant land, businesses and multi-residential properties – were 17.2 per cent higher than the previous year, contributing to the push past last year’s sales.

Total dollar volume of all transactions was $8.344 Billion – a 13.2 per cent increase over the previous year.

“2016 continued the very hot market from the previous year,” noted RAHB CEO George O’Neill. “It was the combination of having lots of buyers for fewer listings which gave us higher sale prices and that big increase in total dollar volume.”

In the residential market, listings were down 9.1 per cent from the previous year, with the median sale price up 14 per cent and the average price up 12.4 per cent.

The median sale price in the freehold market was up 14.1 per cent, while the median for condominium properties was up 12 per cent.

The average prices for freehold and condominium were up 12.3 per cent and 11.3 per cent respectively.

Average days on market dropped significantly in the residential sector in 2016: from 34 days to 26 days in the freehold market and from 34 to 27 for condos.

“There was a very brisk pace to the market through the year, which again shows the strength of the seller’s market that persists,” added O’Neill. “Of course, markets differ from community to community, and the average days on market is also different in each area. For instance, the average for residential properties for Hamilton West was 27 days; in Caledonia it was 17 days and in Burlington it was 21 days. There can be wide variations from area to area.”

O’Neill also pointed out that the averages – whether they be for days on the market or sale price – should not be taken as indicators of what a particular property is worth or how long it will take to sell. “All real estate is local, and REALTORS® have the experience in local marketplaces to properly advise buyers and sellers about the sale or purchase or their home.”