Friday 12 June 2015
Thursday 11 June 2015
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Friday 1 May 2015
Thursday 16 April 2015
How to Help Sell Your Home Quickly
How to Help Sell Your Home Quickly
Usually when you list your home, you would prefer to sell it quickly. It’s like being the first one served at a crowded ice cream parlour. It’s satisfying.
However, sometimes there’s more to it than that. There may be a truly urgent reason why you need to find a buyer for your property as soon as possible, such as a sudden job relocation.
If that’s the case, it’s important to explain your situation to your REALTOR®, who will be able to put together an action plan for selling your home quickly and for the best price possible.
During that conversation, ask what you can do to help the process along. For example, you may be able to:
• Spread the word to your friends and other connections on Facebook.
• Decluder and tidy up your home to make it appear more spacious.
• Stage your home so that it’s more attractive to prospective buyers.
When it comes to price, be prepared to be flexible. That doesn’t mean you must settle for a price far below your home’s market value. However, you do need to be prepared to accept a good offer rather than try to hold out for a over market value great one.
Also be open to as many viewings and open houses as possible. Having many prospective buyers come through your home within a short period of time may be a little inconvenient, but the payoff might be an offer!
Finally, work with your REALTOR®. A good REALTOR® will know the local market well and have many ideas for selling your property fast.
Looking for a good REALTOR® like that? Call today.
Team Metherall
905-830-8611
Usually when you list your home, you would prefer to sell it quickly. It’s like being the first one served at a crowded ice cream parlour. It’s satisfying.
However, sometimes there’s more to it than that. There may be a truly urgent reason why you need to find a buyer for your property as soon as possible, such as a sudden job relocation.
If that’s the case, it’s important to explain your situation to your REALTOR®, who will be able to put together an action plan for selling your home quickly and for the best price possible.
During that conversation, ask what you can do to help the process along. For example, you may be able to:
• Spread the word to your friends and other connections on Facebook.
• Decluder and tidy up your home to make it appear more spacious.
• Stage your home so that it’s more attractive to prospective buyers.
When it comes to price, be prepared to be flexible. That doesn’t mean you must settle for a price far below your home’s market value. However, you do need to be prepared to accept a good offer rather than try to hold out for a over market value great one.
Also be open to as many viewings and open houses as possible. Having many prospective buyers come through your home within a short period of time may be a little inconvenient, but the payoff might be an offer!
Finally, work with your REALTOR®. A good REALTOR® will know the local market well and have many ideas for selling your property fast.
Looking for a good REALTOR® like that? Call today.
Team Metherall
905-830-8611
Avoiding moisture problems in the home
Avoiding moisture problems in the home
There are many hidden sources of moisture in your home that can lead to serious problems, such as mould. To keep moisture levels in check, consider these tips:
• Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build-up. Contractor and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going for at least a half hour after a shower.
• Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as well as other intakes into the home, such as dryer vents and cable wiring.
• Determine the humidity level in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30-60%. (Keep in mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room.)
• Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers. Even a tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor, causing damage you may not notice for months.
• Clean up wet spills as soon as possible. On hardwood floors especially, water can seep through and become trapped.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes immediately. A drip can quickly become a shower.
Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair bills later on.
There are many hidden sources of moisture in your home that can lead to serious problems, such as mould. To keep moisture levels in check, consider these tips:
• Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build-up. Contractor and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going for at least a half hour after a shower.
• Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as well as other intakes into the home, such as dryer vents and cable wiring.
• Determine the humidity level in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30-60%. (Keep in mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room.)
• Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers. Even a tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor, causing damage you may not notice for months.
• Clean up wet spills as soon as possible. On hardwood floors especially, water can seep through and become trapped.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes immediately. A drip can quickly become a shower.
Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair bills later on.
How Much of a New Home Can You Afford?
How Much of a New Home Can You Afford?
If you’re thinking of shopping for a new home, one of the first considerations is price range. You want to know what you can reasonably afford.
How do you figure that out?
First of all, you need to determine the initial out-of-pocket costs you will need to cover. There are often more costs associated with purchasing a home than its actual price. You need to take into account such additional expenses as moving costs, legal fees, and a home inspection, not to mention the costs of prepping your current property for sale.
Experts say you should budget 5-10% above the purchase price for these items. So if you can afford to spend $470K on a new home, you should be shopping in the $425-445K range.
Another factor to consider are the potential proceeds from the sale of your current home. Your REALTOR® can help you determine how much your property will likely sell for in today’s market. Any existing mortgage will need to be subtracted from that amount to determine how much cash will be left.
Of course, you should speak to a mortgage broker or lender who can compute how much of a mortgage you qualify for. Remember, qualifying for a big mortgage doesn’t necessarily mean you should have one. You also need to consider your personal finances and desired lifestyle – and whether or not having a large mortgage is a good idea for you.
Once you have gathered all of your information, you can add any potential sale proceeds to the amount of mortgage you qualify for, add other sources of cash available for this purpose and subtract 5-10% for initial expenses, and you’ll have an idea of the price range you should be considering.
Finally, it’s important to take the time to decide what kind of home you want. Do you want a large backyard with trees? A quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood? Four bedrooms and a finished basement? Once you decide what you want most in a new home, it becomes much easier to find one that’s in your price range.
Need help deciding how much you can afford when shopping for a new home? Call today.
Team Metherall
905-830-8611
RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc. Brokerage
Keswick Ontario
If you’re thinking of shopping for a new home, one of the first considerations is price range. You want to know what you can reasonably afford.
How do you figure that out?
First of all, you need to determine the initial out-of-pocket costs you will need to cover. There are often more costs associated with purchasing a home than its actual price. You need to take into account such additional expenses as moving costs, legal fees, and a home inspection, not to mention the costs of prepping your current property for sale.
Experts say you should budget 5-10% above the purchase price for these items. So if you can afford to spend $470K on a new home, you should be shopping in the $425-445K range.
Another factor to consider are the potential proceeds from the sale of your current home. Your REALTOR® can help you determine how much your property will likely sell for in today’s market. Any existing mortgage will need to be subtracted from that amount to determine how much cash will be left.
Of course, you should speak to a mortgage broker or lender who can compute how much of a mortgage you qualify for. Remember, qualifying for a big mortgage doesn’t necessarily mean you should have one. You also need to consider your personal finances and desired lifestyle – and whether or not having a large mortgage is a good idea for you.
Once you have gathered all of your information, you can add any potential sale proceeds to the amount of mortgage you qualify for, add other sources of cash available for this purpose and subtract 5-10% for initial expenses, and you’ll have an idea of the price range you should be considering.
Finally, it’s important to take the time to decide what kind of home you want. Do you want a large backyard with trees? A quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood? Four bedrooms and a finished basement? Once you decide what you want most in a new home, it becomes much easier to find one that’s in your price range.
Need help deciding how much you can afford when shopping for a new home? Call today.
Team Metherall
905-830-8611
RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc. Brokerage
Keswick Ontario
Deciding on the discretionary move
Deciding on the discretionary move.
Sometimes we don't have much choice about selling our home and buying another. Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may have made that choice for us.
However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes people move simply because they think it's a good idea. They feel that "now" is the right time to find their next dream home.
So how do you make that kind of decision?
There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually, those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want.
You may need to find a new home, for example, because you've outgrown your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more space. Maybe you're doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous and you need to move to a place that's closer.
Those "needs" may motivate you to move, but sometimes a "want" plays an important role, too.
For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a change.
If you're thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision easier.
Looking for expert help? Call today 905-830-8611.
Team Metherall
Sometimes we don't have much choice about selling our home and buying another. Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may have made that choice for us.
However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes people move simply because they think it's a good idea. They feel that "now" is the right time to find their next dream home.
So how do you make that kind of decision?
There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually, those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want.
You may need to find a new home, for example, because you've outgrown your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more space. Maybe you're doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous and you need to move to a place that's closer.
Those "needs" may motivate you to move, but sometimes a "want" plays an important role, too.
For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a change.
If you're thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision easier.
Looking for expert help? Call today 905-830-8611.
Team Metherall
Wednesday 21 January 2015
#1 Brand = Top Producers!*
RE/MAX All-Stars ( Keswick, Ontario Office ) Placed #1 for offices Located in Georgina, Ontario, selling over $92 million in real estate, placing 6 RE/MAX All-Stars agents in the top 10.*Congratulations to all our fellow agents, lets have a good year in 2015!
*Statistics based on R E Stats Inc., total units sold Jan. 01, 2014 - Dec. 31, 2014, only offices located in postal code starting with L4P.
#REMAX #RealEstate #Georgina #Keswick #Ontario
Thursday 8 January 2015
Saturday 3 January 2015
What home buyers love to see
What home buyers love to see.
Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see?
One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small spaces in your home seem more spacious.
Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can make each room, the better.
One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as much as possible, get things fixed or updated.
In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more likely a buyer is to make an offer.
Don't forget the surrounding neighbourhood either. A buyer may not take the time to explore the area, so be sure to make a list of the most appealing features. You might want to take a picture of the brand new playground just down the street or print off a local map showing nearby shopping, theatre and other points of interest.
It's not about creating a false impression. Rather, it's about making your home look its best and drawing attention to its most enticing features.
Want more home selling tips? Call today.
Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see?
One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small spaces in your home seem more spacious.
Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can make each room, the better.
One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as much as possible, get things fixed or updated.
In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more likely a buyer is to make an offer.
Don't forget the surrounding neighbourhood either. A buyer may not take the time to explore the area, so be sure to make a list of the most appealing features. You might want to take a picture of the brand new playground just down the street or print off a local map showing nearby shopping, theatre and other points of interest.
It's not about creating a false impression. Rather, it's about making your home look its best and drawing attention to its most enticing features.
Want more home selling tips? Call today.
Friday 2 January 2015
Selling your home doesn't have to be overwhelming
Selling your home doesn't have to be overwhelming
When some people think about selling their home, they imagine all the things they will have to do: paint the kitchen, clean closets, prepare for viewings, find another home, arrange financing, start packing, etc. It can all seem very overwhelming very quickly.
In fact, the long to-do list you imagine you’ll have to deal with may dissuade you from making a move!
It doesn't have to be that way.
There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another relatively simple and easy.
Sure, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your property so that it looks appealing to potential buyers – cleaning, decluttering, doing some repairs, etc. Of course, you will also need to view some properties for sale in order to find your next dream home.
But those activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience – and see it as an adventure.
The trick is to work with the right REALTOR®, someone who can guide you through the process, show you the shortcuts, and generally make things easier for you.
It's a little like baking your first cake from scratch. The task seems daunting, unless you have a master baker by your side to guide you step-by-step through the process. Then it's a lot easier, and even fun!
That's what a good REALTOR® can do for you. Looking for one? Call Team Metherall today 905-830-8611.
When some people think about selling their home, they imagine all the things they will have to do: paint the kitchen, clean closets, prepare for viewings, find another home, arrange financing, start packing, etc. It can all seem very overwhelming very quickly.
In fact, the long to-do list you imagine you’ll have to deal with may dissuade you from making a move!
It doesn't have to be that way.
There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another relatively simple and easy.
Sure, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your property so that it looks appealing to potential buyers – cleaning, decluttering, doing some repairs, etc. Of course, you will also need to view some properties for sale in order to find your next dream home.
But those activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience – and see it as an adventure.
The trick is to work with the right REALTOR®, someone who can guide you through the process, show you the shortcuts, and generally make things easier for you.
It's a little like baking your first cake from scratch. The task seems daunting, unless you have a master baker by your side to guide you step-by-step through the process. Then it's a lot easier, and even fun!
That's what a good REALTOR® can do for you. Looking for one? Call Team Metherall today 905-830-8611.
You don't notice it – but most buyers will.
You don't notice it – but most buyers will.
Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and like what you see.
Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just moments earlier.
The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.
So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice. Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.
An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.
The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.
Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.
Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today
Wally Metherall
905-830-8611
Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and like what you see.
Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just moments earlier.
The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.
So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice. Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.
An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.
The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.
Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.
Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today
Wally Metherall
905-830-8611
5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas
5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas
"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:
Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call today.
"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:
- Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eye-catching. You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred dollars.
- New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers.
- Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.
- New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances make the whole kitchen look brand new.
- Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should be only that.
Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call today.
Avoiding unwelcome guests
Avoiding unwelcome guests
There are unwelcome guests that most homeowners dread. They come into your house, eat, sleep, make a mess, and never leave willingly. Each one has at least six legs and sometimes flies.
They are, of course, insects. They’ve been freeloading in homes since homes were invented. Here are some practical ways to keep these unwelcome guests out:
- Find out how they got in. Look for gaps around windows and doors, and cracks in the basement. If you find a spider web, there's likely an insect entryway nearby.
- Watch out for standing water near the foundation of your home. Make sure rain gutters drain water well away.
- Eliminate clutter. Insects love warm, cluttered, moist areas.
- Check the seal around dryer vents and other vents, pipes and cable wires going through the wall. Reseal if necessary.
- Rinse recyclables before putting them into a bag or bin. Few things are more tempting to a bug than the dark, moist, sweet insides of an un-rinsed pop can.
If you do end up with a serious insect problem, call a professional exterminator.
Your home at a glance
Your home at a glance
Have you ever driven up to a restaurant and your first impression was
disappointing? Perhaps the windows looked dark and gloomy, the façade
was worn and unattractive or for some other reason it just didn't look like a tempting place to eat.
It could still be a fantastic restaurant a real gem. But, your first impression
has soured your anticipation. If you still walk through the front door, it will
likely be with the expectation of being disappointed.
This scenario often plays out in the real estate market as well.
A buyer drives up to a home for sale and quickly forms an impression based on what he sees "from the curb". That's why you'll hear real estate experts talk about the importance of "curb appeal". It's one of the most important selling points of a property.
If you plan to put your home on the market, you obviously want your home to look as attractive as possible from the street. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to improve curb appeal.
For example, you can trim shrubs and hedges, plant flowers, clean the
walkway and driveway, paint the front door and garage door, and clean the exteriors of the windows. All these projects are relatively easy and inexpensive. Yet, each can make a dramatic improvement to how your home looks at first glance.
Don't be like the great restaurant that’s hidden behind an unkept façade.
Make sure your curb appeal reflects the overall value of your property.
Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today.
Best Time To List Your Home?
It is the BEST TIME to receive top dollar for your home! The reason is, there are less homes on the market this time of year, which is an advantage for sellers. The “age old“ scenario of supply and demand, so don’t miss out!
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