It’s interesting to note how so many things have their “season.” Hockey in the winter. Vacations in the summer. Gardening in the spring. Even retirement reportedly occurs more often in the fall than any other time of year.

To some extent, even real estate seems to have a season. The spring is traditionally an active time for home sales. But, does that mean you should wait until spring to list your home?

Here’s the reality...

Properties sell all year round. There are buyers actively looking for homes at all times of the year. In fact, there are bound to be buyers interested in your home if you were to list it this month. While it’s true that the market may fluctuate throughout the year, with some months featuring higher or lower prices than others, those variations are nearly impossible to predict. So, it doesn’t make much sense to wait for the “perfect” month to sell, because that perfect month is just as likely to be this month!

Here’s something else to think about...

If you try to sell your home during a month when prices are up a little, you may need to buy another home in that same market. So, you’re really not gaining. The same holds true if you sell during a month when prices have softened.

So, if you’re considering selling your home, don’t be concerned about picking the right month or season to list. Focus your efforts, instead, on selling your home for the best price and finding and moving into your next dream home. You can make that happen in any season!

If you love to play golf but your favourite course is over an hour away, it can really impact your enjoyment of the game. The long drive may start to wear on you – unless, of course, you truly like the commute. In fact, how close your home is located relative to all your favourite “hangouts” can play a big role in your lifestyle. If your work, hobbies, and other activities are too far away, getting to them can become a chore. When you consider car or transit expenses, getting to those far-away hangouts can be costly, too.

Your hangouts may include:
• Work 
• School 
• Shopping 
• Recreational activities 
• Medical facilities 
• Family and friends 

Here’s a helpful exercise. Write a list of your most important hangouts. Then, imagine living closer and jot down what your lifestyle would be like as a result. This may give you the clarity you need to decide whether to stay or move.

For example, say you have family across town. You want to see them more often, but the long drive gets in the way. Imagine how things would be different if you moved to that area. Would you enjoy your life more?

One obvious solution, of course, is to move closer to the places you frequent most. If you’re tired of a long commute to work each day, moving even a half-hour closer can make a difference to your overall well-being. You would have an extra hour a day to do other things!

Yes, deciding to move can be an intimidating decision. But, a better lifestyle – closer to your important “hangouts” – may be worth it. It’s certainly worth thinking about...

If you’re working with a landscaping contractor, you want to develop a good working relationship with that professional, so you can avoid delays, stress and other issues. After all, the last thing you want is a tree planted in the wrong spot because of a misunderstanding!

The same holds true when working with a real estate agent. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, you want the process to go smoothly and successfully. Creating an ideal working relationship with your agent is an important step toward making that happen.

How do you do that?

First, ask your agent to go over the process with you. If you’re selling your home, you want to understand the steps the agent is going to take. That way, there will be fewer surprises. In particular, you’ll want to discuss how viewings will be handled. You’ll need to come to an agreement as to when your home will be available for viewings, how short-notice viewings will be handled, and whether or not “lockbox access” will be needed.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you’re worried about seeming to be naive. (You won’t!) You don’t want to have unanswered questions or concerns between you and your agent.

Also, know that misunderstandings and mistakes can happen in any relationship with a professional. So if an issue comes up, discuss it right away. Don’t let it fester.

Finally, remember that your agent should be a professional like me, with expertise in buying and selling in this market. When I make a recommendation regarding pricing, prepping your home, viewings, etc. remember that I am working in your best interest. I want to sell your property, quickly and for a good price, just as much as you do!

Looking for an agent you can trust? Contact me today!

Check out this video to learn more about how the Burlington, Ontario market performed in January 2019!

Check out this video to learn more about the Waterdown, Ontario market performed in January 2019!