Setting the right list price for a home is a mystery for many sellers. How do you begin to determine what buyers are likely to pay for your property? After all, no two homes are exactly alike. Yet, setting the right price is crucial.

You need to avoid the two price “tipping points” that, if crossed, can cause you a lot of problems.

The first tipping point is a price that’s low enough for buyers to begin thinking something is wrong. They wonder, “Why is your price so low? What are you not telling us about your property?” But that’s not even the worst problem with this tipping point. If you do get offers at that low price, you’ll have a bigger issue – leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

The other tipping point is setting your price so high…

3999 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Next to a major kitchen renovation, replacing appliances is the most expensive way to upgrade the space. So if you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you want to make wise purchasing decisions. 

The most important consideration is how the appliances will look in the kitchen. Ideally, they should match in colour and style. They should also be the right size for the space. The last thing you want is a fridge that’s so large it dominates the room, or a stove that’s a completely different style and looks out-of-place. Appearance is important, but so are the features.

Buyers viewing your home will scrutinize the appliances. They’ll notice if the fridge has a cold water and ice…

3928 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

When is the best time to meet with a REALTOR® like us? Chances are, you would say, “When I’m thinking of buying or selling a home.” You’d be right, of course! 

 However, there are many other good reasons to meet with us. Here are just a few:

  • You want a professional opinion as to the current value of your property, so you know what it would likely sell for in today’s market.
  • You notice a home listed for sale in a desirable neighbourhood, and you’re interested in learning more — even if you’re unsure you want to make a move.
  • You’re thinking of moving within the next couple of years, and you want to find a REALTOR®'s like us, that you can get to know and trust.
  • You want some recommendations for preparing your home for sale and especially…

3830 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Comedian George Carlin’s most memorable routine was, “A place for my stuff.” In it, he talked about dealing with the increasing quantity of items we accumulate throughout life. George was funny. The problem is not. Here are some low-cost ideas for quickly creating storage space for your stuff.

  • Attach a cloth pouch or thin plastic basket to the inside of cupboard doors. This is a great way to store Tupperware lids, cosmetics, etc. 
  • Install hooks inside the foyer closet for loose items such as hats and scarfs.
  • Use egg cartons to make effective storage inserts in drawers.
  • Fashion stores often put purchases in stiff, high-quality boxes. Placed on their sides, these make effective storage compartments. (Especially shoeboxes.)
  • Consider using…

3731 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Imagine if you dreamed of owning a special limited edition vehicle. What would you do to ensure that your dream vehicle would someday be parked in your driveway — with your name on the ownership papers? You would probably start by doing some research. You’d find out how much that vehicle would cost, what features are available, and so forth. You would likely visit a local dealership and take a test drive if a model is available on site. You would keep an eye on the market for any that come up and let the dealer know you’re looking for just that car. If you did, then, some day, you’d probably be the proud owner of the limited edition car of your dreams. What does this have to do with real estate?

 Well, you can take the same approach when there’s a…

3770 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

No one wants to deal with a burglary. How do you reduce the chances of one happening?  

 Fortunately, burglaries are a well-studied phenomenon — especially by law enforcement. These studies have identified specific things you can do to cut the risk dramatically. Here are some ideas: 

  • 34% of home break-ins occur through the front door. Experts recommend investing in a door with a top-quality locking mechanism. (The best are those that lock at three points of contact.)  
  • 50% of burglars will be deterred if your home has some sort of video monitoring system. A thief doesn’t want his face on YouTube! 
  • Unfortunately, signs and window stickers warning of an alarm system do not deter thieves. However, 62% of burglars will immediately run away when…

3681 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post