If you're not quite ready but think you might move in a few years, there are things you can do now to prepare your home for when you are ready to list.
*Upgrade. In a balanced market where you are competing with many other properties for sale. Buyers pay attention to homes with unique value-adds, such as upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, so focus on those eye catching projects as you prepare your home for sale. *Look for ways to save energy. Todays buyers are interested in money saving, energy...
For the majority of homebuyers, finding the right property to buy is often the most difficult step of the home buying process, more difficult than saving for a down payment or getting a mortgage. Before you start you search, consider these four important factors. The average buyer visited or considering 10 homes before buying.
-How much house can I afford? Knowing what you can afford will help you narrow your search to homes within your budget. Make a list of expenses you’ll have when...
Whether you’re selling your first or fourth home, buying an existing property of building a new home, there’s one thing you need: a reputable agent. While some may say you can buy or sell your home on your own, if you’re not familiar with the process, it may lead to more frustration and aggravation than its worth. Why go it along when you can have an experienced professional by your side to help you every step of the way?
An Agent will represent you. When you buy a home, you may...
Selling a home is an emotional process for many sellers, especially first-time sellers and those who have lived in their homes for a long time. People sell for many reasons; whatever yours is, here’s how to handle it.
The first time you sell a home, you may be anxious about the process. After all you don’t know what to expect. However, with the market always changing, even experienced sellers may encounter uncertainty. To help make the process worry free, follow these tips and be...
With the market softening and starting to favour buyers, Sellers will once again need to pay attention to condition of the home. When you’re in selling mode its wise to take care of the small details before going to market. Many home inspectors offer pre-sale inspections in order to assist home sellers repair or replace damaged or missing items. Check that:
BRING THE DOGS! The best location 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom condo in West Central Maple Ridge. Magnolia Gate is located in a quiet, pet friendly residential neighbourhood, walking distance to buses, schools, transit. A large corner, ground level unit with a sunny, south facing FENCED YARD and your own private entrance and gate access, it feels more like townhouse living. Features stainless steel appliances, master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet, a laundry room with plenty of storage...
Superb, single family, detached home in YORKSON CRESCENT, a family friendly neighbourhood with room for the whole family. Walking distance to Lynn Fripps Elementary School. The main floor is open-concept, perfect for entertaining.The home features engineered hardwood flooring, air conditioning, triple glazed windows, built-in vacuum, gas fireplace, renovated kitchen with soft close cabinets, oversized quartz island, walk in pantry, upgraded stainless Steel appliances, built-in dinning buffet. Enjoy...
Few modern homes can beat the charm and character of Canada’s homes built before the twentieth century. Natural wood beams and trim, built-in cabinets and cozy bedroom alcoves are only a few of the features that make older homes special and attractive to many home buyers. Yet along with their appealing style and atmosphere, many of these houses also possess an array of ailments and conditions specifically because of their age. The Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors...
Here are 7 ways to keep the garage door working better & longer. -Clean and wax – A clean door means grime and salt won’t scratch the door or erode the seals between sections. A coat of wax helps protect the door too. -Lubricate garage door mechanics – keeping hinges, bearings and rollers operating smoothly will prevent corrosion and extend the life of the unit. - Check Rollers - look for worn-out ball bearings, flattened rollers, or crooked rods. - Examine tracks – check for...
With Spring here let’s re-focus our attention on the importance of curb appeal when selling! The yard is often times the first thing potential buyers notices about your home. If the landscaping hasn't been taken care of it can look like an overwhelming amount of work to a prospective buyer and they'll likely take that first impression with them through the rest of the home. If you have a high maintenance yard, make sure it's well taken care of before showings
Staging helps sell your home faster and it doesn't have to be expensive. - Clear all surfaces of clutter. Less is more. Minimal decor is best, to allow buyers to see more of the space and less of your stuff. - Remove all clues that you own a pet. Freshen up the air to get rid of all the pet odours. Our little furry friend runs the house now, but when we're listed, we don't want anyone to know she lives there! When buyers see any pet items, they immediately smell your pets (even if the...
SOURCE: Insurance Brokers Association of BC The majority of strata Annual General Meetings are coming up over the next few months presenting an ideal opportunity for strata lot owners to verify that their home owner insurance policy water deductible coverage matches that of the strata corporation's master building policy and if not advise their insurance broker immediately.
The BC Strata Property Act requires that any AGM Notice includes a copy of the strata...
When you’re shopping for a home in Sellers market, you may become interested in a property for sale that several other buyers are interested in. What should you do if you really love that home? Obviously, you’ll need to move quickly and make some fast decisions. Start by making certain the property fits within your price range. The last thing you want is to have an offer accepted and find out it is beyond your budget. That’s why it’s a good idea to arrange for financing...
There’s an increased risk of moisture within a home’s attic space in the Winter months.
If given a route, warm air finds its way into the attic and condenses before it’s able to vent. The cold temperatures then turn this condensation into frost and when weather warms up, it melts and can cause serious damage to the sheathing, roof framing, insulation and living space below.
As a homeowner, it’s also wise to perform your own visual inspection each winter. A ladder and flashlight...
Being a homeowner can be richly rewarding; providing security and a place to create memories.
Homeownership also comes with its share of headaches or features that we come to loathe. Here are five good resolutions for all homeowners to consider -- even if you already have your dream home.
1 Catch up on home maintenance projects
Deferring home projects can cost you even more in the long run if you keep putting them off. Catch up on our home maintenance projects by this summer, its a smart resolution...
What’s that old saying? The early bird gets the worm! In this case, by starting the process this month, you’ll be in excellent shape when you’re ready to list in the spring.
Here are just a few examples of what you can do in December to get the process started:
-Walk your property and note any maintenance issues that need attention. -Decide which items to stow or sell to declutter your home. -Determine what improvements you’ll need to make in order for your home to look...
Selling your home is a complex process that can be stressful and time-consuming. An experienced Realtor has the knowledge, skills, and connections to help you through the process every step of the way. Consider the following benefits of working with a Realtor:
Professional Experience: With knowledge and training in marketing strategy, negotiation tactics, and the workings of the current real estate market, a Realtor will be able to guide you through the steps of the home-selling process and be able...
Chances are, you know that you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year — even if you suspect the batteries are still good. But that isn't the only fire safety check you should do annually. Here are some other recommended tips to help keep you and your family safe.
Clean your stove burners and oven regularly. Hard grease build-up can become combustible.
Check your cupboard for cleaning products, paints and other liquids that are flammable. Read each label carefully....
It’s official: you’ve signed the papers, dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s—you own a new home! You’ve almost reached the end of your journey. However, now, faced with the daunting task of moving, it may seem as though the journey has just begun. Moving can be a time-consuming and stressful experience if you let yourself be overwhelmed by the job. Remember, though, having a successful move means taking care of the details, one by one. If you break the process...
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