Have you ever considered selling your home and moving out-of-town? One concern that might be holding you back is the uncertainty involved in finding a home in an unfamiliar place. What are the best neighbourhoods? What are homes selling for in that area? What is it like to live there?

There are many ways to find out.

- If possible, spend a day in the area. Walk some of the neighbourhoods. Visit schools and parks. Check out the local shopping and other amenities.

- Talk to someone who lives there. This will give you firsthand insights into the area. You can facilitate this through a Facebook post where you ask to chat with a local resident.

- View current listings in the area online. Most listings include helpful data on safety, demographics and other information.

- Get a handle on home prices by finding out what a home like yours is currently selling for in that area. That will give you a baseline to determine what you can expect to pay.

What’s the bottom line? There’s no need to let uncertainty about finding a home in a different town or city hold you back.

Home insurance seems to be getting costlier every year, with basic premiums continuing to rise as more homes are exposed to added risks attributed to extreme weather events, accidents, vandalism, and outright theft.

This leaves homeowners in a difficult situation, but there are things that can be done to help ease rising costs.

First, examine your current policy and talk to your agent/broker about your coverage and premiums. You might, for example, agree to increase your deductible to decrease premiums. Meanwhile, you may also be eligible for discounts, based on client profiles such as bundled policies (e.g., auto & home), claims history, and payment punctuality.

Other discounts may be available based on steps taken to protect your home from potential damage, such as installing a backflow valve or sump pump. Or, you may qualify for lower insurance rates if you have recently improved your home’s structural integrity, such as its foundation or roof. Your policy premiums might also benefit from other investments in your home’s infrastructure, like upgrading your heating, wiring or plumbing, or installing a centralized fire and security system. You’ll need to determine whether the cost of these improvements will be offset by lower insurance premiums over a reasonable period of time.

There’s no doubt about it. Preventing mice from entering your home is much easier than evicting them once they’ve moved in. If you take just a few simple precautions, you can avoid the trip to the store to buy traps or the call to the exterminator.

Here’s what the experts recommend:

• Trim back tree branches that are within two feet of the siding or roof. Mice can jump horizontally as far as 15 inches.

• Make sure weather-stripping on doors and windows seal tightly. Mice can easily squeeze through weak spots and gaps, especially where stripping meets at a corner.

• Don’t leave open packages of any type of food — birdseed, apples, etc. — in the garage. That’s like telling the mice, “The buffet’s open!”

• Inspect the outside of your home and look for evidence of mice near walls, doors and windows. Look for mice droppings, which look like black rice.

• If you see a mouse outside your home, don’t shoo it away. Instead, watch where it goes. The mouse might show you how it’s getting in.

Taking these precautions will significantly reduce the chances of mice becoming unwanted guests in your home.

Is there a neighbourhood you drive through occasionally and think, “Wow. I’d love to live here. What a fantastic area”?

Why don’t you take that thought any further? Maybe you think getting into that neighbourhood just isn’t doable – at least, not right now.

Perhaps you’re worried about the home prices or the current lack of homes for sale in that area. Maybe there’s some other reason, such as the possibility of higher mortgage payments.

Of course, those are all valid concerns. But why not find out whether or not they would genuinely hold you back?

For example, if you’re wondering whether you can afford a home in that neighbourhood, you can find that out with a reasonable degree of certainty. You can:

• Get a current market value assessment so you know, approximately, what you’d likely get for your home.

• Find out the average selling price of homes in the target neighbourhood.

• Calculate what you’d be able to put down on a new home.

• Find out how much mortgage you’ll need and what your payments would be.

Once you’ve taken a closer look at the actual numbers, you might discover that a nice home in your desired neighbourhood is within reach.

So, get the facts you need instead of assuming you can’t get into the neighbourhood you want.
The fact might be, you can!

Call today if you’d like to explore that possibility. I can help you get the facts you need.

Imagine you’re viewing a home for sale. You venture to the basement, check out the furnace room, and notice the water heater. Is it owned or rented? As a potential buyer, you’d want to know. 

Now imagine a property you’re viewing has a brand-new gas fireplace. Nice! Is it under warranty? Is that warranty transferrable to you if you buy the home? Again, you’d want to know. 

So, when you’re selling, it’s important to pull together all the necessary records you will need in order to answer these types of buyer questions. After all, if a particular warranty transfers to the new owner, that’s a selling point. 

Take the time to find receipts, warranty certificates, and other documents related to: 

• Renovations (such as a bathroom makeover) 

• Major repairs or replacements (such as a new air conditioner) 

• Service prepayments (such as a lawncare service paid annually) 

• Purchases of major appliances and other items 

Keep in mind that you may have purchased extended warranties or maintenance agreements at the time of purchase. Those may transfer to the new owner. 

Also note that some guarantees or service agreements transfer automatically while others require the new owner to initiate that transfer. 

These documents could potentially add a few more benefits to buying your home. So, it’s worth the time it takes to dig them out! 

Is it really possible to improve your kitchen’s look for about the cost of a gourmet dinner with the family?

Obviously, you’re not going to be able to do anything major, such as replace the cabinets within that budget. But there are many surprisingly low-budget ways to spruce up the kitchen. Here are a few ideas: 

• Do you have old cabinets? You’d be surprised how much newer they can look simply by replacing the knobs and/or handles. Pick a colour that blends, rather than contrasts, with the cabinets. 

• Does your sink have a few stains? That’s not unusual! There are special cleaning products available to get out the toughest stains without damaging or scratching the sink’s finish. 

• Lighting can have an enormous impact on the look and feel of a space, particularly the kitchen. Experiment with new lighting ideas. Try different bulb wattages and choose the right color that is the closest to natural light, like 2700 or 3000 kelvins. Consider a new lighting fixture that looks good and distributes the light more pleasantly. 

• Often you don’t need to upgrade anything – you just need to do a little redecorating. Consider new window coverings like shades that give you privacy but still let the light in. Declutter to create a greater sense of space. Play with such design touches as placing trendy cookbooks on the counter, adding a plant, or putting an attractive fruit basket on the counter. 

Sure, depending on your choices, some of these ideas may cost you more than a few hundred dolars. However, any of these low-budget improvements can make your kitchen look considerably more attractive. 

You’ll notice the difference. And, if you’re selling, so will buyers. 

As you may know, a fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive way to make your home look great to buyers. But, what if you don’t have time to paint the entire place? Here are three areas you should prioritize—and one you can potentially ignore. 

1. Rooms with bold colours 
A red bedroom and orange walk-in closet likely won’t appeal to everyone! Replacing personalized colours with a neutral colour scheme will present buyers with a “blank canvas” to which they can add their own personal touch. 

2. Kitchen 
When buyers view your home they linger in the kitchen, which makes it a key selling point. A new paint job will instantly make the space look cleaner and more inviting. 

3. Interior doors 
These become worn due to being touched multiple times a day, yet are often overlooked when painting. A new coat of paint on key doors, such as those for bedrooms and washrooms, can make a significant impact on the look of your home. 

By the way, you may be able to pass on painting exterior doors. They’re often coated with a durable weather-resistant enamel and don’t usually need more than a good wash. 

If you want to sell an item quickly—say, a couch—you can post it online, stick a super-low price tag on it and, chances are, it will be gone by the end of the day. 

So it’s understandable that some people think the same thing applies when selling a home. Indeed, if you need to sell your property quickly, you might assume that setting a low listing price is the best way to make that happen. 

But that isn’t necessarily true. 

The fact is, the list price is only one of many factors that determine how quickly your home will sell—and for how much. 

For example, if your home is in high demand at the moment—given its characteristics, neighbourhood, move-in readiness, and overall desirability— then it may sell quickly at its current market value or even a little higher. 

On the other hand, if the market is more of a buyer’s market, setting a list price that will attract qualified buyers to your home, and away from comparable listings, may be important. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to low- ball the price. 

Keep in mind there are many other things that can help get your property sold quickly, such as how skillfully your listing is promoted and marketed, how well your home shows to buyers, and how flexible you are with your closing date. 

After your home has been cleaned from top to bottom, it’s natural to want it to stay that way. Don’t you wish you could just wave a magic wand and the place would clean itself? Unfortunately, even Harry Potter can’t manage that! 

However, when you’re preparing your property for sale, you really do need to keep it clean and ready for showings. There are several ways you can make doing that a bit easier. 

Try these tips:  

• The one-minute rule. If a cleaning or tidying task takes you less than a minute, consider doing it right away. For example, keeping the foyer clear of clutter. 

• One room a day. After you’ve cleaned and tidied your home, maintain it by focusing on just one room a day. That’s manageable for most people. 

• Prioritize the floors. If you can keep the floors clean, everything else will tend to fall into place. Consider a routine where you do a quick sweep or vacuum of the floors each evening. 

• Declutter as much as possible. Clutter is the enemy of cleaning! When a room is free of clutter, it’s easier to keep it clean, tidy and looking great. 

• Get extras. Buy an extra mop or broom so other household members can help with the cleaning. Also, be sure to stock up on cleaning supplies so you don’t run short just before a viewing appointment. 

• Hire a cleaning service. Having a professional cleaning service come once a week—or twice a week when you’re showing your property frequently—can take a lot off your shoulders. Think of it as an investment in selling your home. 

Keeping your home looking “guest-ready” makes your home show better and gets more buyers interested. But, the task doesn’t need to be daunting. Try these tips to make it easier! 

As you may know, curb appeal refers to how your property looks from the street, where potential buyers first see it. Your home’s curb appeal can have a big impact on the sale of your property. In fact, it's not uncommon for a buyer to drive by a listing, rather than stop, because they don't like what they see. 

So, how can you improve your home's curb appeal quickly? One way is to do some outside cleaning. 
Start with the main entryway. Wash down the front door and sweep (or power wash) the front steps. It only takes a few minutes but you'd be surprised by the impact it can have. Sweep or power wash your walkway too and you’ll improve the overall look of your home — sometimes dramatically. 

Clean your front windows to brighten the look of your home’s facade. It doesn't have to be an arduous chore. In fact, there are washing products available that attach to your garden hose. You don't even need a ladder! Ask your local home improvement retailer for recommendations. 

If you have hedges and scrubs, give them a trim. To keep your trimming level, use a wide board, or even a piece of cardboard, then cut to the desired height. Pull off any dead leaves or branches. Of course, also mow the lawn! 

Finally, inspect your property from the street. Can you see anything else you can do to quickly improve the look? Do you notice anything that is unsightly or distracting, such as garbage bins that could be relocated? 

One final tip: When a viewing is scheduled, remove your vehicles from the driveway. Buyers like to see an empty driveway because it helps them imagine themselves living there. It also gives them a convenient place to park! 

If you plan to update your home with a significant renovation, be sure you are investing in the right upgrades. There is an assumption that the money you invest in a renovation will be fully returned to you if you sell the property. That is not always the case. Here are 4 tips that can help make your home renovation a success.

#1 - Understand the reasons why you are renovating

Do you want to increase the value of your home or enjoy the renovations for years to come? Or both? 

#2 - Think about your personal needs and wants

How much do you want to spend? How long do you plan to own the home after your renovation project? Will you be doing work yourself? Will you work with a general contractor or hire your own tradespeople? 

How much you spend on improvements should depend, in part, on how long you plan to live in your home. If you are thinking shorter-term, smaller and less-expensive improvements may be your best bet to recover your investment. THINK: fresh coat of paint, updating lighting, improving the curb appeal, decluttering, etc. These items can give your home an updated feel with a limited budget. For the highest return on your investment, ensure the workmanship is of good quality and the materials are consistent with other homes in the area. 

It’s important to keep in mind the present condition of the item you are renovating. For example, if you are replacing the builder quality maple cabinets in your 10 year old home with custom designed cabinets with an antique finish (because that is your personal style), the changes may not increase the value of your home at all. To appeal to a wider number of prospective purchasers, ensure the renovation blends in with the overall style and design of your home. 

#3 - Hire trusted professionals with references

An interior designer, architect and/or contractor should be consulted before you start your renovation project. They can draw up a plan and assist with renovation advice or construction. Don’t forget to build these costs into your project budget! This investment can go a long way to prevent cost over-runs and change-fees later on. 

#4 - Engage a real estate professional to increase your awareness of over- improvement and unique features 

Over-improvement:
Consider your neighbourhood and the expectations of buyers in the area when planning your renovation project. Depending on the particular market and/ or neighbourhood in which you reside, expensive projects that over-improve your home may only be partially recognized by prospective purchasers. For example, in a particular market, renovating the basement of your home at a cost of $65,000 in an area where homes generally do not exceed $200,000, may not provide the best financial return on your investment. 

Unique features 
Unique designs or improvements that are uncommon for a particular market may impact the re-saleability of a home. For example, a custom designed climate controlled wine room can cost many thousands of dollars. If you are a wine collector extraordinaire and cost is not a concern, then creating a wine room can be personally gratifying. However, if you wish to recover even a portion of your investment, a potential purchaser would need to share your passion. 

Before renovating, consider the value the improvement may add to the overall value of your property. This is where the expert advice of a real estate professional can provide an objective perspective. 

Renovations take time, patience and planning, but can be appreciated for many years. Work with an expert! 

Source: Appraisal Institute of Canada

When you decide it’s time to install or replace a deck surface, you may find there are more choices than you had expected. There are many new materials and installation options that have come to the market over just the past few years.

For example, in addition to traditional wood decking, there are contemporary synthetic and composite materials that possess properties that are remarkably similar to natural wood species – in terms of texture, appearance, density and workability. However, these materials offer superior durability in tough weather conditions and a wider range of colours than natural surfaces.

In addition, manufactured decking surfaces provide barefoot comfort without worry of splinters, as well as water-shedding properties that help improve traction after a rainstorm.

Synthetic materials are also very popular when it comes to railings and steps thanks to innovative installation systems that are easy enough for most industrious homeowners to tackle. Many offer pre-cut and/or interlocking pieces. As well, certain aluminium installations are enjoying renewed popularity thanks to new options that are clad in vinyl for extended protection and reduced maintenance.

With that being said, our personal preference is an exotic natural wood. Our feet first came into contact with it while at an outdoor spa and from that moment on, we knew we had to have it.   It's called red balau. Aside from being  extremely comfortable & durable, red balau is also unique in color. It's reddish-brown color will turn into a silverish-gray if you allow weathering. It is a durable hardwood that is often compared to teak though it comes in at a cheaper price. 

Like most homeowners, you probably don’t think of your property as just a building with rooms and a backyard. To you, it’s much more than that. It’s a home.

When you walk into your dining room, for example, you don’t merely see the table and chairs. You see memories. You recall laughter with family and friends. It’s emotional.

That’s what a home is all about.

However, buyers don’t want to buy your “home”. What they really want to buy is a property that has the potential to become their home.

While you see memories of family dinners, they see room dimensions and what the dining room may look like with their furniture in it.

That’s why, when you’re selling your property, you need to keep emotions at bay as much as possible.
In fact, the best mindset is to think of your property as a product. The more attractively you present that product to prospective buyers, the more likely you are to get good offers.

That’s why cleaning, depersonalizing, and staging are so important.

It’s also why setting a price that aligns with your home’s current market value is important. You may have put your heart and soul — and many weekends — into landscaping the backyard to make it a summer oasis. It may, in fact, be a strong selling point of your property. But that improvement will only add to the selling price an amount that the market, not your emotions, dictates.

So keep emotions out of the selling process as much as possible. Save that energy for turning your next property into your dream home.

Want more tips on selling your property for the best price possible? Call today.

If you own a stock, you can probably go online and quickly look up its current value.

What about your home? That, too, is an important investment and probably your most valuable one. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could “look up” its current value in just a few minutes?

Well, despite all the real estate data available on the internet these days, there is no site that will calculate your home’s true market value – at least not accurately. So, if you were to put your home up for sale tomorrow, how would you determine what it would likely sell for?

Your home’s probable selling price is influenced by the following factors:

• The type and style of your home.

• The condition of your home. (Is it “move in” ready?)

• How well your home shows? (Is it staged?)

• The desirability of the neighbourhood.

• Recent selling prices of similar homes in the area.

• The current demand for a home like yours.

All these factors, especially recent solds in the area, need to be considered in order to come up with the price range within which your property will likely sell.

Why is this information important? If you plan on listing soon, the benefits of knowing the probable selling price is obvious. But even if your plans to move are far down the road, it’s still a good idea to know what your home is worth – today. That information enables you to plan ahead and make better decisions. It’s something worth thinking about.

As more and more people have to work from home, the planning of home offices has become increasingly significant. There are many ways of creating office space and realizing a space that is a pleasure to use.

Perhaps one of the first points to consider is where to place your office. Your work may require privacy and your home office might get in the way of family living, especially now that kids are at home too.

Make sure you’re not working off your couch all day as it will negatively affect your productivity and may potentially affect your posture and hurt your back.  Choose an area well away from the hub of family life, like a seldom-used guest bedroom, loft or basement space. It may be worth converting a garage or outbuilding to achieve a comfortable home office environment. 

A proper desk and some adequate storage are also essential if working from home is to be a success.  When you are seated, the computer screen should align with your eye-level and the keyboard should sit at a slightly lower level so that your hands are at right angles to your elbows.  Office items often create a “busy” effect so for a sense of calm and order, having your space well organized with shelving, cabinets and(or) drawers is key. 

List every piece of essential equipment that you will be using in the dedicated home office and decide how near or far each item is to be stored in relation to your desk for maximum efficiency.

A comfortable chair that provides good support is essential.  The chair should be adjustable and on wheels, for greater mobility. Consider a standing desk, especially if your work demands that you sit for long periods in front of a computer. Otherwise, make sure you get up and move / stretch every 20 minutes. 

Good lighting is also important. Desk lighting should fall without creating shadows or glare.  A desktop lamp on a flexible arm is much easier to control than a desk lamp with a fixed head. Same thing for natural lighting: make sure your desk is facing the window or sideways to avoid glare on your computer screen.

If space permits, try to add a comfortable area for relaxation with a small coffee table for setting down a glass of water and a book or magazine.  But don’t make it so cozy that all you’ll want to do all day is nap.

Working from home can give you some flexibility but keep in mind that you still have to plan your day with time slots for getting work done.  

• Determine the start and the end of your workday then make a schedule that include proper lunch break and stick to it.  

• Get dressed for work even if you’re not going out. Getting out of your pj, showering and getting into comfortable clothes can help get you into work mode and be ready for any impromptu video conference with your clients or colleagues.  

• Reduce distractions that don’t require your immediate attention, like television and household chores. You can do those during your lunch break or after work hours.

With a little work, you can quickly create a home office space that is comfortable, functional and enjoyable. It sure beats the dining room!