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.

Easy Ways to "Go Green"

These days, most people want to do their bit to help the environment.

Unfortunately, not everyone is willing, or able, to install solar panels on their

roof or implement an in-ground heat recovery system. Luckily, there are many smaller things you can do that can make a big difference. Here are some ideas that can help you "go green" easily and inexpensively.

Get a recycling bin and learn how to use it. Most jurisdictions have a recycling programme. Keep a list of items that can be recycled on your fridge door, so that everyone in the family can participate.

Get a kitchen compost bin.

Did you know that composting can reduce landfill waste by as much as 32%.

Use energy-saving light bulbs.

Low energy light bulbs have come a long way in recent years. Their consistent glow and brightness now rival their incandescent counterparts. By replacing regular 40-watt bulbs with energy-saving 8-watt bulbs, you could save nearly 50% of the electricity you used for lighting. Results may vary by brand.

Shop for local produce.

Many grocery stores and supermarkets offer produce – fruits, vegetables, – that are grown within a 100 mile radius. The short transportation distance, means significantly less fossil fuel is required to get the produce delivered to your local store. Keep in mind that some non-local produce, such as apples in the off- season, often need to be transported thousands of miles.

Let nature do the work.

As an alternative to air conditioning, open windows and block out the passive heat gain from the sun with curtains. Do the opposite in winter. Strategically using curtains and windows can lower your energy bill by as much as 20%.

As you can see, you don't have to do much to have a "greener" home. Just

a few little changes can make a big difference.

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.

The fastest way to lower your energy bill

Did you know that, next to heating and air conditioning, your lights consume most of the energy in your home? In fact, you can lower your electricity bill quickly –and substantially – simply by being smarter about lighting. 

First, consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with the energy - saving variety. You've probably seen these at your local home improvement centre. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, use up to 75% less energy.

Second, lower the wattage in some outlets. Is it necessary to have a 100 watt bulb in the furnace room? Try a 60 watt bulb.

Finally, think before you turn on the lights. Do you really need them on? Perhaps there's an alternative, such as opening a window blind to let in more sunlight.

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.

Recognizing potential major expenses in a new home

 

When you see a new home you like on the market, it's easy to get distracted by all the features you love –the wrap-around backyard deck or the spacious rec room with plenty of space for entertaining. You just need to make sure that in all that excitement you don’t overlook any expensive maintenance issues that could be just around the corner.

Nothing lasts forever. The major components of every home – from the furnace to the roof shingles –need to be replaced eventually. Knowing when such maintenance issues are likely to arise can help you make a smarter decision about the home you're considering.

How do you do that?

When viewing a property, ask for the age of the major components of the home, such as the roof shingles, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and appliances. Roof shingles may look merely weathered in spots –and you might think they have years of service left –when, in fact, they're due to be replaced in a year.

Also pay close attention to the backyard deck, fencing, flooring, and windows. Do any of those components look aged, worn, and in need of repair or replacement sometime soon?
Finally, don't forget to check the kitchen and bathrooms. Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and cabinetry have a life-span of about 10-15 years.

Of course, there are things you can't see, such as wiring, plumbing, venting, and other components of a property that may require maintenance soon. That's why it's so important to make any offer to purchase a home conditional on passing an inspection by a qualified home inspector.

Want more ideas on buying the right home for you? 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.

Hiring The Right Moving Company

 

How do you select the best moving company for your needs?

• Ask for recommendations from friends other professionals in the local real estate industry.
• Beware of fly-by-night operations. They may seem like a bargain, but you get what you pay for.
• Does the company provide you with a written estimate and contract? (Beware of movers that just give you a price over the phone.)
• Ask if they are covered by insurance, and what their policy is regarding lost or broken items. Make sure you receive a copy of their insurance certificate. 
Finally, always ask what circumstances would result in extra charges being applied. The number one complaint received about movers by the Better Business Bureau is unexpected extra charges. 


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