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.

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

There are several reasons why you may need to sell your home quickly. For example, a job change may require a speedy relocation to another city, or you may have purchased another property and don't want to be stuck too long with two mortgages.

Here are some tips that can help get the sold sign on your front lawn sooner.

•Be realistic with price. If you set the listing price higher than the current market value of your home, then you're not going to get many, if any, viewers. You want the list price to be attractive, which means listing at the current market value.

•Get things fixed. You probably don't have time for a major renovation. So just make sure everything in your home is in good working order. Deal with any obvious maintenance issues, such as a leaking faucet or a gate hanging precariously on one hinge.

•Ensure your home shows well, inside and outside. Eliminate clutter. Trim hedges. Make sure every room has adequate lighting, especially the basement. Imagine that a special guest is visiting your home, then clean up and prepare accordingly.

•Be flexible with viewing times. You want as many potential buyers as possible to see your home. So don't restrict viewing times to just Saturdays. Make sure your home is as "available" as possible for showings. This may cause you and your family some inconvenience, but the reward will be selling your property sooner.

•Work with a good REALTOR®. Find an agent who understands the area and the local market well. He or she will be able to recommend a variety of strategies that will help sell your home faster, and for a good price.

Of course, there's no way to guarantee that you'll sell your home within the time frame you want. But these tips will certainly increase the chances that you will.

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.

How to Be a Savvy Home Viewer

If you're planning on finding your next dream home, then you're probably going to view several homes on the market that meet your criteria. You will want to make the right purchasing decision for you and your family.

So, it's wise to be savvy when viewing properties for sale. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

•Bring a notepad. Take notes, not only of the home's characteristics, but also of how you feel. For example, can you imagine yourself happily cooking up a storm in the kitchen? Do you see yourself entertaining family on the back deck?

•Bring a measuring tape. Will the furniture you plan to bring fit? Your dining room suite? Your home fitness equipment?

•Ask about maintenance. Is the property in a good state of repair? Will anything need to be replaced soon, such as the windows?

•Bring a camera. Take lots of pictures of the home's exterior features. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll remember how everything looked.

•Check out the area. Do other homeowners take good care of their properties? This shows pride of ownership. How is the noise level? Is there a playground, or another area feature nearby?

•Make a list of compromises. For example, are there only two bathrooms instead of three and, if so, can you live with that?

•Make a list of bonuses. What features does the home have that are

not a necessity but would be nice to have? For example, an entertainment bar in the basement recreation room.

•Remember your budget. Is the price within your range? Can you afford to buy this home?

The more savvy you are when viewing properties on the market, the more likely you will be to find your next dream home.

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.

Magnificent Makeovers on a Budget

Have you ever watched those TV shows where some lucky homeowner gets a room redecorated by a professional? To have something similar done in your own home you would have to make a serious investment, or become a TV show guest!

However, there are ways to re-decorate a room and make it look great – even spectacular – on a budget.

Say, for example, you want a living room makeover. If your sofa is worn you can buy a fitted sofa cover that will make it look almost new. Tablecloths on worn end-tables and other surfaces can have a similar affect.

Don't forget the most economical redecorating trick of them all: Paint! A fresh coat of paint can bring a room to life! Hanging a few new pictures can also have a dramatic impact on the look of a room. You don't have to buy a Rembrandt. Attractive, simply framed pictures will also add interest and colour.

With a little imagination, it's amazing how much you can improve a room on a little or even no budget.

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.