Improving Curb Appeal

When your home is for sale, the outside is what all prospective buyers see first.  Whether they are driving by and see the sign out front or are brought by a realtor, it is important that your home makes a great first impression.

If you can’t tell what needs improving consider asking a friend or neighbour for an objective opinion of what needs to be done.  In addition, ask your realtor®.  They will be able to tell you what prospective buyers want to see and what will help your home sell quicker and for a higher price.

For starters, consider the following:

1. Remove all clutter - let’s face it, whether we have kids, a pet, or are just plain messy, we all have too much clutter in our homes.  Make sure any toys or tools are put away in their proper location so that they are out of sight when buyers arrive.
2. Make your lawn look manicured and well taken care of.  Repair any bumpy spots in your drive way.  Make sure any walkway surfaces are clear and slip free.  What about your lawn?  Does it need a top dressing?  Consider having your trees and shrubs pruned to remove all of the dead wood and buying some flower filled planters to brighten the place up and increase appeal.
3. Take a look at your house.  Are your windows clean and cobweb free?  Is your front door clean or does it need a new coat of paint?  Is your gate squeak free and easy to open?  Are your eaves and downspouts clean?  Does your deck look good or could it use a new coat of paint or stain.  Is your entrance easy to access?
4. Make sure your home looks bright and inviting.  Ensure all outside lights are working and are clean and clear of dirt.  Is it still dark? Consider increasing the lighting or trimming the bushes.  You want your home to look as bright and welcoming as possible.

Although this will take some time, you will be happy you did it.  Curb appeal is what makes people decide whether to stop at an open house, pick up a feature sheet, and call an agent to go see it.  Its importance should not be overlooked when you decide it is time to put your house up on the market for sale and will set you above the other homes on the market.

If you are thinking about listing you home for sale, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Home Inspections - Why they should always be made a MUST when buying or selling a home

Home inspections can be requested by sellers and buyers alike.  A home inspection is a thorough and in comprehensive examination of the condition of a house.  Home inspections are done on-site (at the house) and assess any issues or problems that the structure of the home may have.  An inspection will make the sellers and buyers aware of any repairs that need to be done on the home.

Home inspectors will typically check the following elements of a home:

•          The foundation
•          Windows and doors
•          Roof
•          Exterior walls
•          Attic
•          Plumbing
•          Electrical systems
•          Insulation
•          Ventilation systems
•          Drainage systems
•          Structural integrity

I always recommend that the buyers and sellers attend the inspection while it is in progress so that they can ask any questions they may have about the phone.  However, if you are unable to attend, your realtor® will.  Also, the home inspector will complete a report detailing their findings about the property’s condition and any repairs that need to be done at the time of examination.

A Home inspection generally costs between $350 and $600, but this can vary depending on the inspector and company and the size and condition of the house.  Although this may seem high, it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run and may help you negotiate a lower price on the home.

In Ontario, Home Inspectors are not required to be licenced or have any qualifications.  Therefore, you must be sure that the home inspector you hire is experienced, knowledgeable, and professional.  Ask for quotes and references from a couple different inspectors and check their references. You can also ask your realtor which inspectors they have had good experiences with.  Most inspectors have experience in similar fields such as engineering, architecture, or construction.  Ask them about this to be sure you find one that knows exactly what they are doing and what to look for to give you the best possible detailed report.

If you are looking at purchasing or selling real estate, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.  I have a number of different home inspectors that I use and that do great jobs and reports.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Buying a Home that has been a Rental Property

Most of the homes that are for sale are occupied by the owners, but a fair amount of them are occupied by tenants.  This can happen if it was used as an investment property or if the owners had to move before their home sold.  Although it doesn’t really matter who was living in the home before you, renters are often harder on the home they are living in than the owners are and therefore you should keep in mind the following points and tips.

Check the condition of the home

Some rental properties have amazing tenants and are in perfect shape.  The tenants have kept up with the maintenance and maybe have even made some improvements on the place.  Other rental properties have bad tenants and are hard on a house creating additional wear and tear and not keeping up with the maintenance.  Also, keep in mind, if the tenant does not want to move, they may make the place look bad during the showing.  Try to keep in mind that you are looking at the house…not its contents.

Make sure to get a Home Inspection

No matter what kind of house you buy, tenant occupied or other, it is always important to get a home inspection.  The home inspector will be able to tell you exactly what shape the home is in and any repairs that need to be done now or in the future.  This can help you in negotiations.  If there was an unexpected problem with the house, you can often offer a lower price for the home.

Think Money

Sometimes a home is both owner and tenant occupied.  This can sometimes be a great aspect, especially if you are trying to make some money.  Renting out a part of your home (most often the basement) is a great way to make additional income.  If the tenant staying there looks like they have taken good care of the place and pays their rent on time, consider renting it to them after you have bought the place.  This lets you not have to worry or look for more tenants.

If you are ready to start looking for a home, don’t hesitate to contact me and I am happy to assist you.

Sincerely, 

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service