Imagine you view three properties for sale. Each one has at least one desirable feature and is generally the kind of home you’re seeking. However, each property also has something that nags at you.

When you get home, guess what you’re most likely to remember about those properties? Will you remember the desirable features and the “right fit” characteristics?

Unfortunately, no. Chances are, what you’ll recall are the negatives.

According to neuroscientists, our brains are hard-wired to remember and be influenced by negatives more than positives. When it comes to shopping for a home, that phenomenon can rob you of some good opportunities.

A simple way around this is to write down what you like about a home you’re viewing. You can do this on your smartphone. By jotting down what you like about a property, you’re letting your notes remember for you instead of you relying on your memory. That will ultimately help you make the right decision about whether or not to make an offer.

If you’re thinking about selling in the spring, don’t wait until the spring to start planning. In fact, you’ll save yourself a lot of work and get ahead of the game if you start planning now.

What’s that old saying? The early bird gets the worm! In this case, by starting the process this month, you’ll be in excellent shape when you’re ready to list in the spring.

Here are just a few examples of what you can do in January to get the process started:

• Walk your property and note any maintenance issues that need attention.

• Decide which items to stow or sell to declutter your home.

• Determine what improvements you’ll need to make in order for your home to look great to buyers (i.e. painting, updating light fixtures)

• Find out approximately how much your property will likely sell for in the spring market.

• Clarify the kind of new home you’d like to move into, including ideal neighbourhoods.

• Look into your financing options, so you’ll know the price range you’ll be shopping within.

• Connect with any professionals you may need, such as contractors, a mover, and a real estate lawyer.

As you can see, the more prepared you are this month, the more stress-free and successful the home selling process will be for you in the spring.

And one more tip: contact me to get the conversation started about selling your home in the spring. It’s coming fast!

There’s no doubt about it. The more “move in” ready your property is, the more attractive it will be to buyers. That’s because buyers will be able to imagine living in the home without having to make any major repairs or improvements — at least for the short term.

But, does that mean you need to get every big issue dealt with before you sell? Not necessarily.

Say, for example, your flooring needs replacing soon. Some will say sure, that may influence the interest-level some buyers have in your property, yet, homes sell every day with these kinds of issues.

What it comes down to is cost-versus-benefit. Painting, for example, costs little (compared to other types of improvements), yet can make a big difference in how your home appears. So, the benefit is high compared to the cost.

On the other hand, redoing your kitchen is an expensive undertaking. Although you’re likely to add value to your home as a result of the renovation, you might not get your entire investment back when you sell.

So, consider each improvement your thinking of making based on its cost, how much more you’ll get for your home, and how much more quickly you anticipate your property will sell.

If you’re like many people, you’ve spent more time in your home this year than, perhaps, you ever thought you would! In fact, you might have even gained a greater appreciation for how important it is to have the features, style and atmosphere you want in a home.

That’s why, as you set your personal and career goals for 2021, you might also want to consider setting a few “home” goals.

Ask yourself: What do I want in a home? What features are important to me? How do I want my home to look and feel?

Then, set some goals around making that happen.

For example, if you worked from home this year, one goal might be to set up a more comfortable and productive workspace. Perhaps you’ll want to create a fully-equipped home office.

Another goal might be to finally get that home improvement project that you’ve been putting off done.

Of course, you might find that your current property can’t be improved to fit the vision of your “dream home”. In that case, a good “home” goal might be to pay attention to the market and see what’s available.

The point is to make note of your “home” goals so you can achieve them. As goal setting experts often say, when you write down an objective, you double your chances of reaching it.

Want to save money in 2021? There are many money-saving opportunities — including tax savings — that you can realize if you take action before the year ends. Here are just a few examples of what to consider:

Do you own a business? Even if it’s just a side-hustle to make extra money, you can save on taxes if you make planned purchases this month. For example, if you need a new printer, buy it in December. That way, it will be deductible this year.

Check your subscriptions. Many types of subscriptions — publications, online apps, memberships — automatically renew in December. If you subscribe to something you no longer want, cancel it this month. Otherwise, you might be stuck paying the renewal fee.

Review your investments. Sit down with your advisor and go over your investments and other savings. There might be year-end opportunities you can take advantage of. Also check for investments or financial instruments that may be set to automatically renew this month.

Watch for price hikes. It’s common for companies to raise prices at the beginning of a new year. Review your bills for announcements of fee increases. Some of those may be negotiable. You might also want to make other changes to reduce the impact.

Taking time this month to review expenses and investments could save you a bundle in 2021. It’s worth the effort!

How do you find the home of your dreams within a price range you can afford?

Most buyers start by making a “wish list”. But, it’s easy to get frustrated when you have a long wish list and expect you’ll be able to find a home with every one of those features. You might, for example, have “mature backyard tree” as number 23 on your list, and become disappointed when an otherwise ideal property doesn’t have one.

But when you really think about it, your ideal home probably comes down to just three or four core characteristics. For example:

1. Nice, safe, family-oriented neighbourhood.

2. Good-sized backyard.

3. Four bedrooms and two baths.

Sure, there might be other features you were hoping for, such as “move in ready”, or that big tree, but your “big three” are the ones you really can’t do without.

So, when you’re shopping for a new home, yes, definitely make a long list of features and characteristics you desire. After all, there might be properties available on the market that check off most, if not all, of those boxes.

But also circle those three or four characteristics that are at the core of what you want. That will help make your property search much more focused and you’ll be more likely to find your next dream home.

Another advantage of coming up with your big three (or four) is that you’ll be able to quickly discover how much homes with those characteristics are selling for on today’s market. Once you know that price range, you’ll be able to talk with a mortgage advisor to pre-arrange financing. That will make your offer on that dream home even stronger.

Whatever you choose for your “big three”, I can help you find and buy that home. Call me.

Chances are, you know that you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year — even if you suspect the batteries are still good.

But that isn't the only fire safety check you should do annually. Here are some other recommended tips to help keep you and your family safe.

• Clean your stove burners and oven regularly. Hard grease build-up can become combustible.

• Check your cupboard for cleaning products, paints and other liquids that are flammable. Read each label carefully. Use and store each product only as recommended.

• If you keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen — and you should — confirm that it is still good. Extinguishers are like food. They have expiry dates!

• Go over your fire escape plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows exactly what to do if a smoke detector goes off or if there's a fire. (Don't have a fire escape plan? Make one!)

• Check that all windows open easily, especially upper floor windows.

• Check appliances you use often, such as hair dryers, for worn or frayed cords.

• Regularly clear away lint build-up in the clothes dryer. Check the outside dryer vent annually to make sure it's clear and working correctly.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, get it cleaned and inspected by a licensed technician once a year.

Many local fire departments offer homeowners free tips and even in-home advice and inspections at no cost. Contact your fire department and ask about programs available to you.

Why is making a big change in life often so difficult? 

According to psychologists, maintaining the "status quo" is one of the most powerful motivations we have. If things are "okay", even making a change for the better can be difficult. Our brains resist. 

You may have experienced this if you’ve thought about selling your current property and finding your next dream home. Your house may be "good enough" for you now and the neighbourhood might be "okay" too. So, even if your dream is to get into a better home that's more suited to your family and lifestyle, you may be hesitant. 
That's just the way the psychology works. 

One way to get around this psychology is to get your dream out of your head and on to paper. Write down the kind of home you'd love to live in next. For example, you may want a detached home, with 3-bedrooms in a family-oriented neighbourhood. Also jot down the specific features and characteristics of the property and neighbourhood such as a good- sized backyard, family-size kitchen, and an easy commute to work. That will help you see the real possibilities. 

Next, find out whether getting into a home like this is doable for you right now. Avoid making assumptions. Get the facts. Find out what you can expect to get for your current property, and what you'll need to spend for the new home. 

If you discover that moving to your next dream home is something you can swing this year, your hesitancy will likely vanish! 

I can help you get the information you need to make the best decision. Call me. 

If you want to reduce your home energy costs, the easiest way is to turn the thermostat up or down. In fact, you probably won't notice a difference of 2 degrees either way — and the savings can be substantial.

However, if you want to lower your bill even further each month, here are some additional tips that are relatively easy to implement.

• Plug or fix the drafts. Even in newer homes, air filtration can occur at windows and doors. So, check around your home for drafts. Windy or cold days are the best days to check. Then, get any drafts you find repaired or, at least, temporarily plugged.

• Check the attic. Heat rises and can escape through the attic. So, once a year, check the attic insulation for thin or bare spots. The insulation should be even across the space.

• Get smart with your thermostat. Most thermostats these days are programmable. Program yours to reduce the heat at night and when you're away in the winter. In the summer, be easy on the A/C during the day and save the cooling for nighttime.

• Unused rooms? Close the vents to reduce heat or A/C. You might be surprised by how much that will lower your energy bill. (Think about rooms, such as a rec room, that you only use on weekends.)

• Harness the sun. It's free energy! Whenever possible, keep curtains open during cooler seasons to take advantage of this heat source, even on cloudy days. Do the opposite during hot summer days.

Try some of these ideas over the next couple of months. Then, look at the impact they’ve had on your energy costs.

Did you know that 65% of potential buyers will do a drive-by prior to a formal viewing to decide if they like a home?

Curb appeal is key and we take pride in helping our clients prep their home for the market. Check out part one of our video series where we walk you through a soon-to-be-listed home and all the work we're doing with our seller to get it ready.  

Now, let me show you around the inside of this gorgeous ranch style bungalow. We'll first take you through the main floor and then, we'll do a quick tour of the finished lower level.

MAIN FLOOR:

LOWER LEVEL:

Last stop: the backyard! A backyard can be an outdoor sanctuary where people enjoy some R&R or share a great meal with family & friends. When potential buyers step into your backyard, they are looking for an inviting & comfortable outdoor space. Tons of elements can be incorporated in your design in order to create a sanctuary but carving out dedicated space and creating privacy are the first steps into that direction.

And here it is! The finished product. Months of careful planning, energy efficiency considerations, luxury selections and here we are: a home that only a builder could dream up!

Imagine you’ve dreamed of living in a particular neighbourhood, perhaps for years, and then, when you're finally ready to make a move, finding out that the area is competitive and buying there is definitely a challenge.

A disappointment? Not necessarily.

There is a lot you can do to buy into a popular neighbourhood, even in competitive offer situations.

Your first step is to start targeting that area now. Find out about property types, prices and trends. In particular, you’ll need to know what price range you should be thinking about, and making sure that it’s going to fit your budget. To do that, you might need to get a determination of the Fair Market Value of your current home.
Next, begin making preparations so you can get a jump on opportunities in that neighbourhood quickly. You don't want to see a great property come on the market and not be ready to make a move. So, get your current home in order so it’s ready for a quick listing.

If possible, make arrangements to get alerted to new listings as soon as they come on the market. Keep in mind that a new listing may not appear online for a few days. By getting advance notice, you can be among the first buyers to see the home and have an early advantage over other buyers.

If it's likely there's going to be competing offers for the home you want, there are many strategies that can increase your chances of winning. These involve going in at the right price, minimizing conditions to the offer, presenting the offer appropriately, and negotiating effectively.

Is there a neighbourhood you want to get into? I can help make it happen. Call today.

Imagine you have a major project at work, you have to deal with home schooling and you still need to deal with groceries, laundry and dinner. Whoa! That's a busy life.

Can you still find and buy a new home with such a tight schedule? The good news is, you can. In fact, there's plenty you can do to save time.

Consider these tips:

• Get specific about the home you want to buy. Think about property type (for example, "two story, detached"), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, special features, etc.

• Target areas you'd like to live in. That will avoid trips to see listings in areas that aren't a good fit for you.

• Get the financing arranged. You'll be able to shop for a new home with more confidence when you have a pre-arranged mortgage. It will also make your offers stronger.

• Make seeing homes a priority by putting it on your schedule. Look at pictures and watch virtual tours carefully to help narrow down the number of homes you need to visit. Try to block time on the weekend, and ideally one or two evenings a week, to view homes without other distractions.

• Get all the information you need when viewing a property. Take notes. Ask questions. Thoroughly explore the home, yard, and neighbourhood. Get enough information to make a decision without needing to see the home a second time.

While these time-saving tips can help, the best way to find a home on a busy schedule is to work with a good real estate agent.

Want more advice on buying your next dream home? Call today.

If you’re thinking of selling your house, you probably have a lot of questions that need answers. In fact, asking the right questions is key to selling your home successfully and for the best price.

Here are some of the most important questions to ask:

• “How much is our house likely to sell for on today’s market?” “What should the listing price be?” “What are the selling costs?”

• “How long will it take to sell?” “What happens if our house takes longer than expected to sell?”

• “How do we prepare our house for the sale?” “Will we need to make any major improvements?” “Will we need to hire a contractor?”

• “What’s ‘home staging’?” “Will we need to hire a professional stager?” “Can we do some of that staging work ourselves?”

• “What happens when we get an offer?” “What if the offer price is lower than we can accept?” “How does the negotiation process work?”

• “What happens after an offer is accepted?” “What happens on closing day?”

• “How do we find a new home while selling our current one?”

• “Besides a good real estate agent, what other professionals do we need?” “How do we find them?”

• “What can we do to make the selling process easier and less stressful?”

Once you have answers to those questions, you’ll find you’ll be able to go into the selling process with a lot more confidence.

So, if you’re thinking of selling this year, get the answers you need. Then, get the process started!

For many homeowners, selling their current property and finding their next home can seem like a daunting experience. But, it doesn’t need to be. In fact, the process can be smooth and relatively easy, even fun, if you do the right things.

Consider these tips:

1. Create a profile of your next dream home. If possible, get the whole family involved in this exercise. Turn it into a fun game.

2. Learn the steps involved in selling and buying. Don’t be shy about asking questions. The less mysterious the process seems, the more likely you are to enjoy the experience.

3. Visit neighbourhoods you’d like to live in. Explore the area. Go for walks. Imagine living there.

4. Clean out all the clutter and other unwanted items from your home. This not only makes the house more comfortable for you and your family, it also makes it look better to buyers.

5. Don’t do everything on your own. Get help. If you need a repair person, housecleaner, contractor or pet sitter, hire one. Lessen the workload so you can enjoy the adventure.

6. Plan fun things to do away from home during buyer viewing appointments.

7. Keep a “moving calendar” and schedule appointments, tasks and other activities carefully. The more organized you are, the less stress you’ll feel.

Of course, the best way to make moving fun is to work with a good real estate agent – someone who knows how to sell your property successfully and can make the process go smoothly.

Let's face it. Planning events, even exciting ones like an overseas vacation, can be stressful. So, it's not surprising that some homeowners — even those thrilled about moving — can slip into "worry mode" when putting their property up for sale.

Unfortunately, this anxiety can make the process of selling an unpleasant experience. Who wants that? So here are some things you can do to reduce selling stress and enjoy the adventure.

• Understand the selling process. The more you know about the steps involved in selling your home, the less mysterious — and, therefore, less stressful — it will be.

• Give yourself the time you need. Feeling rushed and stressed comes from trying to do too much in too little time. Even if you're selling quickly, it's important to block off sufficient time in your calendar for the things you need to do.

• Take care of yourself. As television psychologist Dr. Phil often points out, you can't give what you don't have. When it comes to selling your home, that means you need to eat well and stay healthy, so you have the energy you need throughout the process.

• Make your home attractive to buyers. That not only means tidying up and doing a little home staging, it also means setting the right listing price. Nothing eliminates the stress of selling more than having flocks of qualified buyers interested in your home.

• Get the help you need. You don't have to do everything on your own. That's why working with me is so advantageous. I take care of the many details for my clients so that they can enjoy the journey.

Sure, there are going to be a few stressful moments. However, the process of listing and selling your property, while looking for your next dream home, can be an exciting experience.

Let me help you. Call today.