No matter what you think of snakes, you must agree that they have a unique way of dealing with worn-out skin. When the time comes, they simply shed it — like an old jacket — revealing a fresh new skin underneath.

Your home's roof doesn't have that advantage! So, when the shingles wear out or become damaged, you need to have them replaced.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to determine whether your shingles need replacement right away, or whether you can hold off for another year. Assuming your home has the most common type of shingles — asphalt — here's what to look for:

• Corners upturned on some shingles.

• Missing shingles.

• Shingles lifting during high winds and not settling back into place (flat) within a day or two.

• Heavy accumulation of shingle debris (particles) in the gutters.

• Shingle bits and pieces found on the ground around your home.

• Spots on your roof that still look wet a day or two after a rainfall. (This could be a sign of water infiltration into the felt or even the roof deck.)

If you have any of these signs, be sure to have a roofing contractor take a closer look.

Before investing in a new roof, be sure to check with the retailer or contractor who supplied the original materials. Your shingles might still be under warranty.

Bottomline: Don't delay. You don't want to wait until you hear drip drip drip before taking action!

Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria. 

What do you do? You have a few good options. 

First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want? 

Often, buying a home that's close to perfect is perfect enough. 

Second, consider what features you might be able to add to a home later, by way of a renovation or other improvement. If a property doesn't have a finished basement, for example, you might be able to get that done down the road. Indeed, there are probably many features you can add later to an otherwise desirable property. 

Finally, consider the current level of activity in the local real estate market. Is it likely that a lot of new homes will be coming on the market soon? If so, your perfect home may come up on the market within the next few weeks. 

Maybe even tomorrow! 

In that situation, make sure you arrange to get immediate alerts for newly listed homes that meet your criteria. You'll want to jump on each new opportunity before other buyers learn of the listing. 

The good news is, in most cases you should be able to find and buy a great home, with most — if not all — of the features you want. 

As you've probably noticed, credit card companies regularly offer bonuses to get you to apply for their cards. For example, one such card company offers opportunities to buy tickets to concerts and other events ahead of everyone else. It's their "front of the line" service. 

When you’re searching for a new home, wouldn't it be great if you could get to the front of the line on desirable properties – before other buyers get the chance? 
Well, in a way, you can. 

The first thing you need to do is create a profile for the specific type of home you're looking to buy. That profile will need to include the basics, such as type of home (e.g. detached), size and rooms (e.g. 2000-2,500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths), and your target neighbourhoods. 

You'll also want to add any additional features you're looking for, such as a finished basement or in-ground pool. 

Next, you want to work with a real estate agent like me who understands the local market and can arrange for you to receive immediate alerts for newly listed homes that meet your criteria. 

It's not uncommon for homes to become available for sale before the listing information gets published on the MLS. In fact, in some circumstances, it could take a couple of days before such listings become available online. 

So, if you get an alert soon after a listing comes on the market, you get a head-start on seeing that home and making an offer. And, you don't need to apply for a special credit card to make that happen! Just give me a call. I can help you find the right home for you. 

If you're thinking of listing your property, one thing that might be holding you back is concern about preparing your home for sale. You may be wondering how much work there will be. Is it going to take a couple of months? A couple of weeks? A few days?
That, of course, depends on the state of your property.

However, regardless of how close your home is to “show time” ready, there is plenty you can do to reduce how long that preparation takes. Consider these ideas:

• Sell stuff online. The less cluttered your home seems to buyers, the better it will show. So, make a list of items you want to sell, and then list them on one of the many local online market websites. Price items fairly and, chances are, you'll get rid of everything in a day or two.

• Have a repair day. Go through your home and make a list of everything that needs to be fixed. Then, schedule repair people to all come on the same day. Voila! In one day, all needed repairs (or, at least, most of them) are done.

• Get staging advice. Instead of guessing at what changes you need to make around your home to make it look its best, get expert staging advice. You’ll find out exactly what the experts suggest you do, and you'll save a lot of time and money. (By the way, I can provide you with that advice too.)

• Ask before making big improvements. Are you planning to convert a wood burning fireplace into a gas unit to help sell your home? Before doing any big improvements or renovations like that, talk to me. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on an unnecessary project.

• Hire help. You don't have to do everything on your own. Get the help you need. For example, hire a painter, a cleaner, and/or a junk removal service. Those will significantly shorten the time it takes to prepare your home for sale and save you a lot of work. Also, the costs of those professionals may be off-set by the increase in the sale price of your home.

Bottomline: Preparing your home doesn't need to be overwhelming and time- consuming. Contact me for more ideas to help get your home ready for sale.

“How is the market doing and how are you doing things during the pandemic?" Those are questions I have had a number of times and everyone is different, but this is how our team is doing it.
 
To add some context, based on the numbers from week to week in Waterdown & Burlington, it seems that about 30% of the Buyers are still out there and did purchase, compared to the same time frame last year. Most of these Buyers likely needed somewhere to live and were midway in the Sell/Buy process. As a result, their purchase was a necessity, versus just getting started with the buying process. 
 
The showings have been greatly minimized; in some cases, the home does not get shown at all, other than via our video walkthroughs, interactive tours, photos, floor plans and online video calls or until an offer is entertained...and that only happens with safe viewing practices such as:
 

• A health questionnaire gets filled out within 24 hours of the requested viewing time and signed by everyone viewing;

• Anyone with any of the 5 symptoms or who has recently travelled DOES NOT view the home;

• Appointment is confirmed ONLY after signed questionnaire received;

• Number of people is minimized i.e. just the Buyers and their agent; no friends or family along for extra support;

• Buying agent is gloved and the only one that touches anything, everyone else keeps their hands in their pockets;

• No appointments overlap;

• Light switch operation and use of washroom is not permitted.

These are uncommon times and uncommon measures must be taken to adapt to meet just the need and keep folks safe at the same time. Stay safe and don't hesitate to let us know how we can be of help!

Remember the last time you had a family discussion about what movie to watch? Chances are, there were some disagreements! In fact, it might have been agonizing trying to get everyone to settle on the same one. Now imagine getting everyone to agree on what type of home to buy in a multigenerational scenario!
 
Obviously, you want family members to be in harmony when looking for a new home. The more everyone is on the same page, the smoother the process will be.
 
Here are some tips worth trying:
 
Make a list. Have everyone list the top three features they want in a new home. You might find that family members are closer to agreement than you thought. Also, family members will likely not be disappointed if they get two out of the three features they want.
 
Have a family meeting. Set a goal to have a clear profile of the kind of home you want by the end of the meeting. Be prepared for some lively discussion, but also be firm that a decision needs to be made.
 
Be understanding. If a family member insists on a particular feature, ask why. It might be trivial, such as having a shopping mall within walking distance, when driving is relatively easy. On the other hand, the desired feature might be something truly important and worth considering.
 
Manage expectations. Explain that not everyone will get everything they want and that you (or you and your significant other) will do your best to accommodate everyone’s wishes.
 
There’s no perfect solution. Depending on your family, it might be difficult to make sure everyone is happy with the home you end up buying. However, by using these tips you can ensure that everyone will at least feel they’ve been heard. Then, once you start building memories in your new place, everyone will start to feel like it’s home!

I hope this message finds you and your family well!  Finances, health, job change, divorce, estate sale are only a few of the reasons someone might have to sell or buy a home. Our goal, during this crucial time, is to provide you with the tools you need to limit your exposure, and to continue to provide the 5-star service we are known to give. Here is how we do it:
 
Virtual Home Consultation
We communicate via video conference & screen sharing to answer all of your home sale questions
 
Virtual Staging
We integrate highly realistic furniture, decor and accent pieces into an image of a vacant room.
 
Virtual Reality Home Tour
Using advanced 3D cameras & pre-recorded video tours, we provide buyers with an interactive way of viewing your home online.
 
Digital Marketing Material
We provide digital feature sheets & floor plans.
 
Showing Precautions
Instructing agents to wear gloves and buyers to keep their hands in their pockets, having everyone fill out a COVID-19 pre-showing questionnaire.
 
Electronic Signatures
Using a highly secure & user-friendly application that allows you to sign agreements from wherever you are and with any of your electronic devices.

Our top priotiry is your safety. I'm happy to go over our process in more details. Call to find out more.

You've heard of the term "curb appeal". It refers to the initial impression people get when they first see your property from the street. If the impression is a good one, it sets the right tone for the rest of the house.
How do you boost curb appeal? Here are some proven ideas that you can get done in an hour or so:

• Wash both the inside and outside of the front windows. You'll be amazed at the difference that can make.

• Sweep the walkway leading up to the front entrance. Add a new welcome mat and wash down the front door.

• Mow the lawn. Lightly trim the hedges. Weed flower beds.

• Remove anything from the inside window sills that may look unsightly from the outside. Try putting a couple of flowering plants there instead.

• Place any trash bins out-of-sight. For example, put them in the garage or neatly at the side of the house.

• If the entrance door hardware is old and worn, change it. New hardware can make a bigger difference than you might think.

• Make sure the outdoor lights are working.

• Add some flowering plants to flower beds, or buy a couple of portable potted plants and place them strategically.

• Clean your mailbox. If it’s rusted, replace it.

• If you have a power washer, give the walkway and driveway a quick blast. Just be sure it will be dry before the buyers arrive.

These one-hour improvements may seem minor, but anything that helps people form a more positive first impression of your home is worth the effort!

With the uncertainty that we are currently facing, a lot of people are wondering if they should defer some of their monthly payments. The very best way to figure that out is to know exactly where your money will be coming from in the next few months and where it will be going. 
 
How can you achieve this? 
 
The answer is simple: make a budget.  Knowing exactly where every dollar will be going BEFORE the month begins will put you in control of every dollar that you will earn or spend and will also alleviate some of the financial stress you might be experiencing.

We have found that a good way to start is by looking at the last 6 months of expenses to figure out what the next 6 months might look like.
 
Step 1: Write down your expected total income for the next 6 months
Do it for each and every month. This includes your after-tax income from all sources of income (employment income, EI benefits, spousal support, investment income, etc.)
 
Step 2: List all your expenses for the last 6 months and categorize them
Most banks offer online tools to quickly download your bank statements into an Excel spreadsheet. Let us know if you need help with this!
 
Step 3: Transfer your total monthly spendings into this year’s budget spreadsheet
Make any required adjustments to your income and expenses going forward. We are happy to email you our cash flow/budget templates if it helps.  Just email us at philip@philiphollett.com to get your copy.

Step 4: Split your expenses between FIXED or VARIABLE
This will make it easier for you to know which expenses are a must and which ones might need to be adjusted.
 
Step 5: Subtract expenses from income
If you have a surplus, you’re in good shape and need to put the extra money under SAVINGS to achieve a ZERO balance. If you’re short, you need to decide where you can make some changes in your variable expenses. If you still can’t get to ZERO, you might want to consider making arrangements with your creditors to defer some of your monthly payments.
 
TIPS:
-           If there are things you will need to spend money on less routinely, you should set money aside for those monthly instead of trying to figure out how you’re going to come up with a lump sum within a single month.
 
-           Whenever you need to accumulate money for a specific buy, it might be easier to have a separate savings account for that money. When it comes time to use the money, you transfer it back to your regular account to pay the bill.
 
If you think you won’t be able to make your monthly payments over the next 6 months, it is important that you take immediate action.  Contact your bank or service providers before you miss a payment.

We're here to help, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don't like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside.

You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider:

1.    Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won't give you the "brand new" look of repaving, but it's close — and significantly less expensive.

2.    Exterior window washing. Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning. There are window washing products that connect to your hose to make this job easier. Check your home improvement retailer.

3.    Maintaining shrubs, hedges and flower beds. Trimming the hedges, shrubs and other evergreens can make a big difference in how your property looks from the street. It's like giving them all a haircut! Flowering plants can also brighten up the look.

4.    Front door painting. From the curb, a buyer's eye is naturally drawn to your front door. If your entry system looks old and worn, consider a fresh coat of paint. It can make the entrance look almost new.

5.    Garage door painting. This is abigger project that can take a day or two, but the effort might be worth it. For many homes, the garage door is the biggest item in the curb appeal panorama. Making it look better will have a big impact.

6.    Removing unsightly items. Look at your home from the street. Are there items in your field of vision that take away from the curb appeal? For example, are there garbage cans and other items stowed along the side of the property and visible from the road? If so, move them.

If you have a home that is overdue for a renovation, you might be worried that it will be difficult to sell as a "fixer-upper". In fact, you might delay listing your property for that reason.

The good news is, you don’t need to fix up everything in your home to prepare it for sale. You can be selective and choose only those projects that are most likely to help your home show well and sell quickly.

Here are some projects to consider:

·       Repairs. Few things stand out more during a viewing than something in obvious need of repair. That includes minor issues, like a dripping bathroom faucet, as well as major concerns, such as the central air conditioning unit not working. Get these repairs done.

·       Painting. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable DIY projects you can do. Yet the impact it can have on your home is stunning. Some rooms are completely transformed by a fresh coat of paint.

·       Light fixtures.  A quick and affordable way to add flair and ambiance to a room is by updating the light fixtures. With all that is available on-line today, it is easy to find budget-friendly options that will completely transform the feel & look of your home.

·       Kitchens & Bathrooms. Buyers love to see great looking kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, there are even magazines devoted just to those rooms! You don't necessarily need to do a major renovation of these spaces, but a makeover can be a good idea. Consider replacing sinks, countertops, and/or cabinet hardware.

·       Floors. If the floors in any of your rooms have become worn and unsightly, look at options for refreshing them. Consider replacing carpeting, refinishing hardwood, and/or getting tiles professionally cleaned and polished.

·       Outdoors. Sometimes you can compensate (a little) for a less-than-ideal interior by sprucing up the outdoor space. Explore ways to improve your deck or patio, walkways, and landscaping.

Even if your home is older, you can make it more attractive to buyers with any one of these projects.

Want more ideas for finding eager buyers for your home? Call today.

Two of the biggest stressors for DIYers are projects that cost too much or take too long. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to guarantee that one or the other (or both) won’t happen. But there is a lot you can do to minimize the probability.

When budgeting, a big mistake DIYers make is not considering the little things. For example, you might budget for drywall panels but neglect to include the cost of nails, tape and plaster. It's easy to overlook these small items thinking they won't add up to much of an expense. But often they do. In fact, for many renovation projects, the little things account for up to 20% of the cost.

Another expense that is often overlooked is taxes. When you find a bathtub you like for $399, be sure to budget for what you'll actually pay out-of-pocket. Also, don't forget possible delivery expenses.
A budgeting tip many experts recommend is to price everything you need and then add 10%. That gives you a buffer.

Regarding scheduling, consider whether or not you've done this type of project before. If you're laying hardwood floors for the first time, there's a learning curve. You'll likely take two or three times longer than you would if you were more experienced.

Even if you have experience with the type of project you’re undertaking, it's human nature to underestimate how long it will take. So, if you feel confident you can install that sink in an hour, give yourself two.

A lot of this, of course, is common sense. But if you take a common sense — rather than an optimistic — approach to budgeting and scheduling, you'll stand a much better chance of your DIY project going smoothly.

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!

Want to make your bathroom look fantastic without having to do a major renovation? There are a lot of projects you can do yourself. In fact, there are some improvements you can get done in less than a day that will transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Check out these ideas:

·       Update the sink. If you have some basic plumbing knowledge, this is a project you should be able to do on your own. A new sink can make the entire vanity look like new.

·       Buy new decor. New shower curtains, towels, window coverings, mats, etc. can transform the look of a bathroom.

·       Install new hardware. Replacing cabinet hardware may not seem like much of a change. However, it can have a surprisingly big impact. Shiny new hardware is like jewelry. It stands out.

·       Replace the vanity mirror. Even if there are no scratches, an older mirror is like an old pair of glasses. It can become foggy. No amount of cleaning will make it any clearer. When ordering a replacement mirror, be sure that your measurements are exact.

·       Paint. There's no doubt about it. A fresh coat of paint makes any room look better.

These bathroom improvement projects can make a huge impact on the look of your bathroom. And, they can all be done affordably and in just a day or two.

Ideally, when you sell your home, you want the process to go smoothly and relatively stress-free. While things may happen that are outside your control, there is a lot you can do to ensure that the selling experience is a good one.

Consider these four steps to reduce worry and stress when listing your home:

Step 1: Learn the selling process.

Find out what to expect when the FOR SALE sign goes up. How will viewings be scheduled? Will an Open House be needed? What happens when there is an offer? The more you know, the less mysterious—and, therefore, less stressful—the experience will be.

Step 2: Schedule wisely.

Use a calendar to block out times for viewings and other selling-related activities. Be sure to schedule plenty of time to clean and declutter your home before a viewing or Open House. Try not to have a tight schedule during the sales period.

Step 3: Anticipate issues.

The more problems you can foresee, the better you'll be prepared to deal with them as they arise. For example, if you know you're going to have a busy week at work, start making plans now to deal with viewings and related matters during those days.

Step 4: Make decisions.

Things can move quickly in the real estate market. There might be a few days when there are no enquiries at all, and then suddenly two offers will come in.

Be prepared to make some quick decisions. Fortunately, with sound advice from me as your real estate agent, making those decisions will be a lot easier.

So, follow these simple steps. They'll help make your sale less worrisome and even enjoyable!