4 Home Staging Tips

 Pina and Sarah are professional decorators and have provided useful home staging tips for sellers.

 

Here’s what they had to say.

No knickknacks in sight.

1. Decluttering and Depersonalizing for Successful Home Staging

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Decluttering your home is key to successful home staging. Pina and Sarah could not agree more.
Pina recommended stowing away knickknacks to make spaces feel less cluttered. Sarah suggested taking down family photos to depersonalize the home for potential buyers.

The key is to make your home feel larger and to allow buyers to picture themselves and their families in the space.

White makes spaces feel larger.

2. Neutralize Colors

This, says Sarah, is a key part of staging your home for sale. It’s about depersonalizing, so you want to tone down colors. If your walls are brightly painted, consider repainting them a more neutral color. Stick to beiges, taupes, whites and other soothing, neutrals.
If you don’t have the time to paint, or are unwilli
ng to make the investment, another way to neutralize bright colors is to accessorize with neutral accents. Pina recommends using white throw pillows on brightly colored furniture, or switching colorful drapes for white or beige ones.

Lighter colors make a space feel larger, letting in more light. That can only be advantageous to your home sale!

 

 

3. Speaking of Light…

Eliminate dark corners of your living room or dining room to make your space look bigger. Especially with winter approaching and daylight hours being shorter, maximizing your lighting is vital to showing your home to advantage.
Sarah recommends removing dark and opaque window dressings, and even suggests adding a lamp here or there to make sure rooms are brightly lit and welcoming.

But beware! Bright lighting may reveal some problem areas that need work. If you spot them, Sarah says, deal with them. If anything looks run down, freshen it up so that you won’t be afraid to hit the light switch.

It may tie the room together but it also makes it feel smaller.

 

 

4. Home Staging Isn’t About Cozy

Home staging, Pina says, is probably the opposite of interior decorating. An interior decorator’s job is to make sure that the home and its furnishings reflect the owner and his or her character. Home staging is, as we said, about removing personality and making it easy for buyers to imagine themselves living there.

That’s why Pina suggests removing items that make a room feel cozy, such as large area rugs. Large rugs, to paraphrase the Dude, really tie a room together. But they have the added effect of making a space seem smaller than it is.

So Pina says, take up the rug and show off your beautiful floors.

Contact me today for a Free Home Value Report or Home Buyer's Toolkit!

Terraview-built family home in Clair Hills available now!

Check out the multi-media link http://www.digitalnewmedia.ca/louie/altheim

6 Tips to Help Sell Your Home

Here is a link to a great article on improving your chances of selling your home ... http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/11/15/getting-your-home-ready-sell/#!slide=1570276

Contact me today for up-to-date market information, a home value report or staging advice.

4 Issues That Can Bring Down Your Home Value

 

 

There are a huge number of factors that affect the value of a home; some you can fix, others are more permanent. If you want your home to sell for the price you believe it commands, you need to take action to ensure everything in your power has been done to remedy any issues that are fixable.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at four issues that usually bring down the value of your home and see if there is any way they can be remedied.

1. Physical issues reduce home value

Wear and tear in the home is one of the main considerations potential buyers take into account. While many people like a well lived-in home, they also understand that considerable signs of wear and tear increase the likelihood of repairs and replacements in the near future.

No one wants to buy a new house and then spend large amounts of money on repairs or replacements. Any noticeable damage is likely to come off the value of your home, but taking the time to repair problems before they escalate could prevent this.

2. Faulty appliances

Faulty appliances are another reason homes lose value when viewed. The appliances in the home you are selling don’t have to be particularly modern for a house to hold its value; instead functionality and durability are required.

It is well worth getting appliance repairs specialists into your home to fix any appliances before anyone views the property. Spending a little time and money getting everything ready for buyer visits will save you a considerable amount of money in the future.

3. External factors

External factors are generally something homeowners don’t have a lot of influence over. These can include visual or auditory nuisances such as train lines or telecommunications pylons that are in close proximity to your property.

In these situations, it’s a good idea to make the best of what you have. Strategically grown trees and bushes and cleverly positioned fences can make a big difference and detract attention away from any eyesores.

4. Garden

Even if you don’t use your garden very often, it’s a good idea to have it in good condition when people come to view your home. Although a lot less time is spent in the garden compared to inside the house, potential buyers often place importance on good curb appeal.

You don’t have to create a fantastic floral display that will dazzle buyers. Instead, keep the area well maintained with simple tricks, such as making sure the grass is cut, borders are tidy and any patio space is kept reasonably clean and clear of debris.

Contact me today for a Free Home-Value Report or Home Buyer's Toolkit!

The First 5 Things to Do in Your New Home

1. Pest Proof

Normally, a home inspection should tell you if the house has pest problems. But even if it got a clean bill of health, you can take some measures to prevent any possible pest visits. Look for evidence of possible infestations, including ants around the window sills, cockroach trails, and bed bugs in the carpet. This is the best time to catch the problem before it becomes out of control, since the home is empty and there are less things for bugs and insects to hide behind.

2. Give it a Deep Clean

In the same vein as pest proofing, now’s a great time to do some major deep cleaning around the new place. Even if the previous owners cleaned before leaving, doing it yourself will give you much-needed assurance that it’s done to your standards.

3. Paint the Walls

Now that your house is spotless and pest free it’s time to make it your own. Your home is an extension of yourself, something you can make uniquely yours and right now is the best time to make any aesthetic changes to the walls—be it paint or wall paper. Choose colors that reflect you and your family’s character and that will add warmth to your home.

4. Change the Locks

Change all of the locks immediately. Make sure that you have complete control over who has access to your home. It’s surprising how many people don’t think to do this seemingly obvious thing. Keep in mind previous owners likely gave spare keys to their housekeepers, dog sitters, significant others, etc. Who’s to say one of the previous owner’s associates don’t still have that key? Don’t take any chances.

5. Transfer Utilities and Update your Address

In addition to filing a change of address request with the post office, you’ll need to transfer or set up utilities in your new home promptly after moving in, if not beforehand. Be sure to also update your address with your banks, insurance carriers and credit card companies. These should be a priority due to the sensitive nature of the mail they send you.

Contact me today for a Free Home Value Report or a Home Buyer's Toolkit!

The Ultimate First Time Homebuyer's Guide to Inspecting Their Home

Taking the step from renter to homeowner is one of the most empowering and memorable moments in a person’s life. Before investing savings and committing to a mortgage agreement, however, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the home you want to buy and to understand the extent and cost of renovations it may need.

I always advise my clients to hire a qualified home inspector, but that doesn't preclude them from doing some inspecting of their own.

This resource guide is designed to assist first-time homebuyers through the process of evaluating a home’s condition and understanding some of the most common repairs and renovations a house may require. The guide spans topics that include foundations, roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling and the electrical system.

What to Look For During Your Home Inspection

From the foundation to the roof to the electrical system, understand the basics during your walkthrough.Click Here
1. Is the home structurally secure?


DIY Home Inspector Checklist: 25 things to look for

Before signing a contract, look out for the most common (and costly) problems. Click Here

Six Signs that the Home Could Be a Lemon
Look out for common signs of hidden major problems. Click Here

Signs of Foundation Problems to Look Out For
A home without a solid foundation can be a serious money pit. Click Here

How to Assess the Severity of a Home Foundation Problem
Notice cracks or fissures? Evaluate the extent of the damage before proceeding. Click Here


Identifying Termites and Termite Damage
These pests can be tough to eradicate, and they can literally eat you out of house and home. Click
Here
Look Out for Mold and Moisture
Established mold can affect your family’s health and require extensive renovations. Click Here

How to Inspect Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is affordable and attractive, but can hide damage underneath. Click Here

2. Do You Have a Solid Roof Over Your Head?

Evaluate the Condition of the Roof
From curling shingles to buckling, roof issues may be part of your negotiation process. Click Here

Seven Signs That You Need a New Roof
Look out for these common issues atop your new home. Click Here

How to Find (and Fix) Leaks in a Roof
Don’t be caught off-guard by the first rainstorm in your new home. Click Here

How to Replace a Roof – VIDEO
Understand what it takes to repair and replace your new home’s roof. Click Here

3. Big Ticket Plumbing Issues to Inspect


Home Plumbing Inspection Checklist
Get the big picture of how water flows through the home. Click Here

How to Check for Hidden Leaks in Your Home’s Plumbing System – VIDEO
Are your pipes watertight? Click Here

Warning Signs of a Water Leak In Your Home – VIDEO
Look out for telltale indications of potentially drastic plumbing problems. Click Here

Is There a Clog in Your Main Sewer Line? (Outbound flow of water)
Ensure that your wastewater has a clear path out of the home. Click Here

Is There a Problem With Your Inbound Flow Causing Low Water Pressure?
Nobody likes a shower without enough water pressure. Click Here

Does the Water Heater Need to Be Replaced?
Reliable hot water is a necessity that should come with a home. Click Here

4. Check the Heating System


Heating System – Check for Safety and Performance
What type of heating system does the home have? Click Here

Check That the Furnace Works Properly
Don’t buy a house during summer and be caught in the cold in the winter. Click Here

Furnace Troubleshooting Checklist
Some furnace issues may require only a quick fix — others could affect the sale price. Click Here

Buying an Older Home? How to Troubleshoot a Hot Water and Steam Distribution System
Make sure you have a qualified repairman before purchasing an antiquated system. Click Here

How to Troubleshoot a Forced Air Distribution System
If you have hot air but no flow, the problem may only be the fan. Click Here

5. Check the Cooling System


Check That the HVAC System Works Properly
Replacing an HVAC is expensive — make sure yours will last for years to come. Click Here

Do You Need to Replace the A/C Unit?
Educate yourself to negotiate a new system if the existing one is failing. Click Here

Central Air Conditioning System Inspection
Gauge the condition and lifespan of the existing units. Click Here

Air Conditioning / Heat Pump Repair Guide
Oftentimes a repair can add years to a system’s lifespan. Click Here

6. Check the Home’s Energy Efficiency


Conduct a Home Energy Assessment – VIDEO
How much power will the home require? Click Here

Are the Doors and Windows Tightly Sealed?
Find gaps in your home’s seal before being stuck with a hefty heating and cooling bill. Click Here

Look for Efficient Window Treatments
Is the home designed to maximize energy efficiency? Click Here

Gauge the Home’s Energy Yardstick to Measure the Building’s Energy Efficiency
Get the big picture of what you can expect to spend each year on power. Click Here

7. Is the Electrical System Up to Code and Sufficient for Your Needs?


Conduct a Basic Home Electrical Safety Check
Look for signs of faulty wiring that could lead to a fire. Click Here

How to Conduct a Home Electrical System Inspection – VIDEO
Ensure that the wiring is solid and reliable. Click Here

Is the Electrical System Up to Code?
Don’t buy a house with wiring that doesn’t meet current standards. Click Here

10 Wiring Problems Solved
Many electricity issues can be quickly fixed — others require a major overhaul. Click Here 

Determining the Capacity of a Residential Electric Service
Will the home meet your anticipated power needs? Click Here

Please contact me today for a Free Home Value Report or a Home Buyer's Toolkit!

5 Tips to Successful Winter Grilling

Brrrrrrr. It’s getting awfully chilly out there. Everyone in my neighborhood, myself included, have been dusting off our snow shovels and breaking out the winter gear so we can dig out after each big storm. And as we all dig out our houses, there’s one very important thing that no |BBQ lover should forget: Clear off that grill!

Yep, you heard me. I know many believe that wintertime means grilling time is over, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Grilling is a year-round event and I for one love the ritual and excitement of bundling up and then firing up.

In fact, the latest Weber GrillWatch™ survey reveals that plenty of people share my same passion for winter grilling. More than half of grill owners grill all year round and a whopping 37 percent keep on grilling when the temperature dips below freezing.  I'm grilling pork tenderloins today, actually!

The numbers don’t lie and I know I’m in good company. Therefore, I thought it would be appropriate to share my top five tips for successful winter grilling.

All Clear
Make sure you clear a path to your grill and remove all snow and ice before ignition—the weather alone will lower the temperatures inside the grill, so any additional snow will just add to this problem. Also, make sure there is ample room around the grill for you to move freely and give your grill enough time to pre-heat. In below freezing temperatures, the pre-heating process could take up to twice the time, so plan accordingly.

Cold Temps=More Heat
Charcoal lovers should always be prepared with extra briquettes in cold weather. Grilling time may need to be extended or the grill may need a little extra fuel to reach the right temperature, so add briquettes when necessary. Gas grillers have it a little easier, but just remember to position the grill at a 90 degree to the wind. This will help control the temperature inside the grill even throughout gusty cooking hours.

Patience Pays Off
Through freezing temperatures and high winds, your Weber grill still knows how to get the job done, so be patient even if it’s taking a little longer in cold weather. Winter temperatures aside, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to make sure you food is grilled properly and to perfection.

Never Grill Inside
No matter the weather—snow, rain, sleet, wind—never grill inside your garage or under an overhang. Grilling safely is always the best policy, so be sure your grill is at least five feet away from all combustible materials and in a well ventilated area.

Grill With the Lid Closed
Remember to grill with the lid closed. Grilling when the temperature is below freezing will lead to longer cooking times and the more you open the lid, the longer your food will take.

Bundle Up!
Make sure you’re decked out in all your best cold-weather clothing. I know your grill may be warm, but bundle up, and remember to avoid any scarfs, tassels or other clothing items that could come in contact with the grill during use! Your hands, feet, ears, and face will thank you later.

Single Detached Home Values Increase an Average of 3.6% Over Last Year

While residential property sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in October were down 4.0 percent compared to October of last year, the good news is that single detached homes sold for an average price of $352,807 an increase of 3.6 percent compared to last year.

A total of 481 residential properties were sold compared to 501 the same time last year. Year-to-date sales are up 3.3 percent with 5,620 homes trading hands so far this year. That stands 2.2 percent above the 5-year average and up 3.2 percent from the same time in 2012. Residential sales in September included 313 single detached homes (down 2.8% from last October), 44 semi-detached (down 8.3%), 36 townhomes (up 9.1%) and 85 condominium units (down 7.6%).

"On a monthly basis the number of sales in October was in line with the average of the past 5 years," says Dietmar Sommerfeld, President of KWAR. "Looking at year-to-date figures, homes sales are the highest they’ve been compared to the last five years."

Sommerfeld says he is confident about the local economy and the region’s housing market, pointing to a recent Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) report (Fall 2013) that states steady mortgage rates combined with stable/increasing employment in the Region will continue to keep housing demand strong moving into early 2014.
The average sale price for a condominium was $214,226 a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to October of last year. The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 3.3 percent to $312,785 compared  to October 2012.

Please contact me today for specific market information, a Free Home Value Report or a Home Buyer's toolkit.

Think Ahead if You are Buying a Home in Kitchener - Waterloo Next Year

If you are considering buying a home soon, this time of year can be dangerous!

The top three factors in determining mortgage eligibility are income/debt ratio, credit report and down payment.

With Christmas coming, be  very careful on what credit you apply for and how you spend.  Applying for "don't pay for 6 months" promotions and department store credit cards (which usually carry the maximum interest rates over 25%) will negatively affect your credit rating. 

To see how lenders assess your debt to income ration, click HERE.

I recommend you get your credit report yearly to check for errors and make sure things are as you assume.  Click HERE to see how to access your credit report for free.  You should always get an updated credit report prior to shopping for a house.

Contact me today for a free Home Value Report or Home Buyer's Toolkit!

How to prepare your home for sale and stage it on a budget....

An open house can be the selling point for potential buyers, and most sellers understand the importance of staging a home properly. However, few homeowners want to spend a great of money redecorating their homes. The good news is, there are several ways for sellers to stage their homes beautifully without reaching too deeply into their pockets.

Do some research
For homeowners who are unsure how they should stage their homes, speaking with a REALTOR like me is the right first step. I have hosted and been through hundreds of open houses and have my fingers on the pulse of the current market.  Homeowners themselves may benefit from venturing out to staged model homes or open houses in the area, and examining the techniques other sellers are using.

Sellers should first rely on what they have
Before going out and purchasing a new living room set, sellers should focus on decluttering their homes, cleaning it until it’s spotless and making any necessary repairs or alterations before purchasing new items. They may find that they already have all the items they need to stage their properties. If not, all the legwork will be done and sellers will have a better idea of what they are lacking before they seek out accent pieces, plants and other popular staging products.
In addition, rearranging a room to highlight certain areas or making the room feel more spacious can also have a great effect on a home staging. For example, framing a living room around bay windows and adding a bookcase or two to a home office can make a room look more appealing.

Focus on subtle changes
Homeowners who still feel their home needs sprucing up should explore small changes that may change the look of a room. For example, adding a fresh coat of paint (many suggest a neutral shade), purchasing updated kitchen appliances and putting in new lights, doors or window treatments can have a profound effect on a room. Purchasing small items, such as colorful picture frames, books and lamps may also make a staged home appear more warm and lived-in.

Lastly, homeowners who are staging on a budget may also consider borrowing small accent pieces from friends and family to cut the costs of purchasing new items.

Contact me today for a free home market evaluation or staging advice.