Making “Neighbourhood Targeting” Work for You

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 neighbourhood you’d love to live in someday. You can target it, learn what homes typically cost in that area, and keep your eye on that market in case a property becomes available that meets your criteria.

By focusing on a specific neighbourhood, you increase your chances of someday living there, simply because you’re focusing on it.

Of course, neighbourhood targeting isn’t as simple as aiming to own a specific car someday. That’s why you need a great REALTOR® who can keep an eye on that neighbourhood on your behalf and alert you to opportunities that become available.

Then, when there is a listing that’s a good fit, you can decide whether or not to make a move.

Is there a dream neighbourhood you’d like to live in some day? Call today to start making it happen.

Thinking of moving to a new neighbourhood in Toronto? Need to sell your current home? Liked your vacation spot so much you now want to move there?

Talk with the Toronto area REALTOR who can sell, or find you a property fast. Contact Carmel Kidd today!

The “3 Up” Strategy for Selling Your Home Quickly

There are many reasons why you may need to sell your home quickly: a sudden job relocation; a change in family situation; or perhaps an opportunity to purchase a new home that you just can’t pass up. Whatever the reason, this strategy will help when you need to sell fast.

It’s called the “3 Up” strategy.

• Fix it up.
• Clean it up.
• Spruce it up.

First, you need to fix it up. That simply means getting things repaired around your property, such as a broken floor tile in the kitchen or a sticking patio door that’s difficult to open and close. Maintenance issues like these distract buyers from the appealing qualities of your home. Fortunately, repairs can usually be done quickly.

Second, clean it up. Obviously, when your home is clean and tidy it’s going to look its best. You also want to eliminate as much clutter as possible. You don’t need to make every room look like a magazine cover — but that’s a good attitude to have when prepping your home for a quick sale!

Finally, spruce it up. That means making any quick improvements that are going to make your home even more appealing. It might mean replacing the kitchen counters or giving the main rooms a fresh coat of paint.

Of course, the number one strategy for getting that SOLD sign on your front yard is to select a great REALTOR®.

Looking for a great REALTOR®? Thinking of moving to a neighbourhood where you won’t be as concerned about a possible home break in? Liked your vacation spot so much you now want to move there? Talk with the Toronto area REALTOR who can sell your property fast. Contact Carmel Kidd today!

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.

Finally, work with Carmel Kidd. 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? Talk with the Toronto area REALTOR® who can sell your property fast. Contact Carmel Kidd today!

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 and LinkedIn.

·         Canvass your neighbours and tell them about your listing.

·         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 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 Carmel Kidd. 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? Talk with the Toronto area REALTOR® who can sell your property fast. Contact Carmel Kidd today!

You Don’t Notice It, But Most Buyers Will

Having you ever walked into a store, gotten into a car, or maybe even stepped into a friend's home and immediately picked up on an odor? Once you noticed it, do you remember how it took your focus away from everything else? Then, after a few minutes, you got used to as though it never existed in the first place.

Now let's apply this same experience to potential homebuyers. They're searching Toronto homes for sale and come across your lovely home. You've staged to perfection, priced within the market, cleaned and decluttered - but there's one thing you didn't notice that buyers will. You've guessed it: an odor.

So how do you know if your home has an odor if you can't smell it?

First, think of what's in your house. Do you have pets? Does anyone in the household smoke? Do you cook with strong spices, like curry? Do you use mothballs? Have you had any water leaks? If you answered yes to any of these, there's a very strong chance your home has some degree of odor.

Even if you answered no to everything above, you're still not in the clear. Truthfully, the only way to know for sure is to ask someone who will be honest.

So what can you do if you discover your home has a smell?

There's no shortage of deodorizing and fragrance-generating products on the market - but be careful. That last thing you want is a blend of bad smells with good ones. That's a surefire way to give everyone a headache. Try eliminating the odor first and/or using odor absorbers.

If the culprit is a kitty litter box, make sure it's cleaned regularly and stored in a closed area (like a closet or bathroom) with an odor absorber nearby. If it's pet dander, sprinkle a baking soda based deodorizer on the carpet and let it sit. If the smell still lingers after doing this a few times, it's time to call a professional carpet cleaner. Mothballs? Get rid of them. Strong spices, like curry? Don't cook with them if you expect showings, and when you do, open those windows! And finally, if the problem is cigarette smoke, then folks will just have to step outside when smoking.

Now that you have eliminated the odor, try one these delightful Simmering Pot recipes during your next open house or before a showing. Thinking of selling a home? Contact me for a free comparative market analysis.

How A Home Inspector Helps You

Whether you're considering buying a particular home, selling your current property – or both – a home inspection can help.

A home inspection is an inspection by a qualified professional who takes a close look at every aspect of a home – structure, wiring, plumbing, and more – and identifies issues you may not have noticed yourself.

For example, a home inspection can reveal that a furnace will need to be replaced soon, or that there is a water leak into the basement that needs to be fixed.

You'll definitely want to get a professional home inspection before you buy a particular property. That's why most offers to purchase a home are conditional upon passing a home inspection. (The last thing you want is to buy your dream home only to discover that the wiring needs to be updated!)

You may also want to get a home inspection on your own home before you list it for sale. A certificate from a qualified professional that states that your home passed inspection will make your property more attractive to buyers.

Many reputable home inspectors are members of a professional industry association.

In Canada:

•Canada Association of Home & Property Inspectors. (http://www.cahpi.ca)

•Professional Home and Property Inspectors of Canada. (http://www.phpic.ca)

•National Home Inspectors Certification Council. (http://www.nationalhomeinspector.org)

In the U.S.

•American Society of Home Inspectors. (http://www.ashi.org)

•National Association of Home Inspectors. (http://www.nahi.org)

•American Institute of Inspectors. (http://www.inspection.org)

It's important to note that certification or licensing is not a requirement in many jurisdictions. So select a home inspector carefully.

Need to find a reputable home inspector? Call today. - 416-505-7513. I will discuss many aspects of home improvements, buying, selling and moving in upcoming weeks but in the meantime, if you have any questions please email me at ckidd@trebnet.com.

Take a Walk on the Boardwalk (or Sidewalk)

If you've played the game Monopoly then you've probably picked up the Chance card that reads, "Take a walk on the Boardwalk. If you pass Go..." That's good advice when shopping for a new home. When you see a property you like and you’re thinking of making an offer, spend some time walking around the neighbourhood. This will give you a better sense of what it's going to be like to live there.  After all, the last thing you want is to buy a dream home only to find out later that there are issues with the area that make living there

not to your liking.

If you have kids, see how far it is to walk to local parks, playgrounds, schools and community centres.

If you commute, you might also check out the route from the neighbourhood

to your place of work. Is there a left turn that is likely to get backed up in the mornings?

Also check out how well the neighbours take care of their properties. Homeowners tend to keep their homes looking good.

As you walk, listen. Are there noises from nearby high schools, industrial areas, or highways that are going to be unpleasant for you? Find out if the neighbourhood is near an airport flight path, or if there is a railway in the area. Your REALTOR® can find that out for you.

If you get a chance, talk to some of the neighbours. Ask what they like most about living in the area. You're likely to get some candid –and useful –answers.

Finally, spend some time visualizing living in the area. Can you see yourself enjoying what the neighbourhood has to offer? If so, then buying a home in that area will likely be a good choice for you.

Looking for a good REALTOR® who knows the area well? I will discuss many aspects of home improvements, buying, selling and moving in upcoming weeks but in the meantime, if you have any questions please email me at ckidd@trebnet.com or call 416-505-7513.