The Role of Energy-Efficient Features when Selling your Home

The Role of Energy-Efficient Features when Selling
your Home

When you’re selling your home, you want to promote those features that will
be of highest interest to prospective buyers. After all, the more reasons a
buyer has to love your property, the more likely they are to make a great offer.

Increasingly, one category of features that buyers are looking for is energyefficiency.
So, if there are specific energy-saving characteristics of your home,
make sure those are highlighted when selling.

When considering the energy-efficient characteristics of your property,
consider the following:

• Appliances: Fridge, stove, washer, dryer.
• HVAC: Furnace, air conditioner.
• Insulation. (Especially in the attic.)
• Home technology. For example, a system that automates heating,
cooling, lighting, etc., to keep energy usage to a minimum.
• Lighting. Have you switched to LED bulbs or fixtures?
• Windows and doors. For example, did you replace windows in recent
years to help lower heating and cooling costs?

If something stands out as particularly energy-efficient, it will be of interest to
many buyers.

And, obviously, if your home has a unique energy-efficient feature, such as
solar panels, you’ll definitely want to point that out in the listing description.

Want more tips on maximizing the appeal of your property? Call today.

What Will your Neighbourhood be Like in Two or Three Years?

What Will your Neighbourhood be Like in Two or Three
Years?

There are many reasons why a homeowner might want to move.

Examples include upsizing, downsizing, work relocation, or simply
desiring a change. However, another popular reason for pulling up
stakes is noticing that the neighbourhood is changing in a way that no
longer fits your lifestyle goals.

For example, say there’s a shopping mall in development nearby. It may
not be impacting you now, but in a couple of years, the increase in
traffic and noise could nudge above your tolerance level especially if
you prefer quiet!

That’s why it’s important to occasionally take a peek into your crystal
ball and see what changes to your neighbourhood you can anticipate
over the next two to three years.

Of course, there’s no actual crystal ball. But there are ways to
determine where your neighbourhood is headed. For example,
information is available on:

• Proposed and planned construction projects, such as a new
condo building or school.
• Scheduled urban development, such as highway widening.
• Changes in city services, such as a new transit route in the area
or a new park.
• Area demographics, such as an increase in young families or
those who rent.

You might discover that some changes are positive — from your point
of view — and that you will look forward to them. However, if you find
that there are changes that will alter the neighbourhood in a way that
decreases the enjoyment of your home, then moving is an option.

There are plenty of opportunities on the market right now for getting into a
great home in a neighbourhood you’ll love.

I can help. Call today.

Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Professionals

When you buy a new home and moving day is looming, it can be tempting to
consider doing the move yourself. After all, by not hiring a moving company,
you’re saving money.

It is true, the DIY approach can lower your moving costs, which is money you
can put towards needed fixes and upgrades to your new property.

But, you’re also adding a lot of work! You’ll need to think about boxes, packing,
truck rental, gas, lifting and lugging, friends who offer to help but bail last
minute, and more.

So, if you’re going to move yourself, plan carefully. Ensure you have all the
boxes and packing supplies (tape, bubble wrap, etc.) you need. Most
importantly, put together a reliable crew who can stick with you the entire day.

In addition to family and friends, it might make sense to hire a worker for the
day.

If that all seems like too much work and hassle, then using a moving company
is a time-saving option. Yes, you’ll pay more. But you’ll get professional
movers, with a truck, who can do much of the lifting and lugging for you. That
will take a lot of the stress out of moving day.

And, keep in mind, you don’t need to get the moving company to do it all.

You can cut costs by having them handle the heavier items, such as
appliances and furniture, while you DIY-move other things, such as easier-tohandle boxes.

Regardless of which option you choose, make your plans well in advance.

When it comes to moving day, you’ll be glad you did!

Want more tips on making buying and selling easier? Call today.

What’s the “Emotional” Return on Investment of a New Home?

Chances are, you’ve heard the expression, “Your home is your biggest
investment.” For most homeowners, that’s true. So, when you’re shopping for
a new home, it’s important to consider the financial ramifications of any
purchase. Ideally, you want a home that is likely to increase in value over time.

In other words, you want a home with a strong potential return on investment.

But dollars aren’t the only type of return you should look for in a new home.

Real estate is unique in that the “emotional” return is just as important as the
financial return — and, in some cases, even more so.

Say, for example, you’re thinking of moving to a neighbourhood that is closer
to work. In fact, you’ll cut your commuting time by an hour each day.

Financially, that return on investment means little beyond some savings on
gas. However, the emotional payoff can be very high, especially when you
consider what you can do with that extra hour each day. Imagine what it would
mean to spend more time with your kids or workout out at the gym more often.

So, considering the emotional return on investment when you’re moving is
essential. It has a huge impact on your lifestyle and your enjoyment of the
property.

How do you factor that in when selling your property and searching for your
next dream home?

When you see a listed home you like, make a list of all the emotional
benefits of living there. That list might include having a park nearby,
living closer to friends or family, having a home office that isn’t the
kitchen table, having more space to accommodate a growing family,
and so forth.

Then, factor that list into your decision of whether or not to buy.

Your Spring Yard Sale Checklist

Thinking of having a yard or garage sale? It’s a great way to dispose of
unwanted items and other clutter, especially if you’re thinking of moving. In
addition, yard sales have a charm that selling items on the internet can’t
match. That’s why they’re still so popular.

If you’re planning a yard or garage sale, here are some helpful tips:

• Two-thirds of garage sale shoppers will find you via signage. So, be
sure to place plenty of signs around the neighbourhood that clearly
point buyers to your location.

• Place in-demand items closer to the street so shoppers can see them
from a distance. (For example, computers, electronic games, bicycles,
exercise equipment, furniture.)

• Buyers don’t want to pay a “fair” price at a garage sale. They want a
bargain basement deal! So, price items accordingly.

• Open early in the day. You’ll find that the biggest shoppers (the deal
hunters) will stop by before 9 a.m. Some will be there before you open!
• Be sure to have some cash on hand to make change.

Of course, you should also be as safe as possible and comply with all
applicable public health guidelines.

If some items don’t sell, consider donating them to a community thrift shop or
dropping them off at a recycling centre.

Good luck with your sale!

How to Make your Home Sale “Smooth Sailing”

When you plan to take a journey somewhere, you hope it will be smooth
sailing all the way. That simply means the trip will be relatively trouble-free,
and without stress or hassles.

Well, selling your property is like a journey. So, how do you ensure that
adventure will be “smooth sailing” for you?

While no one can guarantee there won’t be a challenge or two to overcome on
the road to selling your home, there are proven ways to help ensure everything
goes well.

First of all, preparation goes a long way toward having a successful sale. Start
early. Make a list of what you need to do around your property to get it ready
for buyers. That list will include cleaning and tidying, of course. But, you might
also need to get some minor repairs done, and perhaps even a few upgrades
(such as painting or a new kitchen sink.)

Don’t wait until the last minute if you’ll need a contractor to do those repairs or
upgrades. Find and book a professional now.

Second, take the time to fully understand the selling process and what to
expect. Don’t be shy about asking questions. For example, if it’s been a while
since you last sold a home, you might need to refresh your understanding of
how scheduling works for viewings, what staging is all about, how offers are
received and considered, etc.

The better you understand the selling process, the more comfortable you’ll
feel.

Thirdly, and most importantly, give me a call early in the process. I can offer
the advice and help you need to sell your property quickly and for the best
price. I can also make your selling adventure go smoothly and successfully.

In other words, if you want “smooth sailing”, call me!

Ensuring Fast Delivery when Shopping Online

If you’re like most people, you hope that you’ll receive your online orders within
a few days. Sure, a purchase might occasionally arrive later than expected.
That’s just the reality of online shopping.

But, what if you need an item delivered quickly, without risk of delay?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Check if the product is in stock. That’s usually indicated on the web page,
but you can also phone to confirm. In-stock items usually ship quickly.

• Avoid special orders. Those always take longer to ship.

• If possible, find out if the product is coming from overseas. The longer the
supply chain, the higher the likelihood of delays.

• Find out if in-store pickup is available. Retailers ship to their stores faster
than they do to their customer’s homes.

• Avoid ordering from a “bricks and mortar” store that doesn’t sell very much
online. If online ordering and delivery is merely a sideline for them, delays
will likely be common.

• If possible, order from companies that promise a specific date or date
range for delivery. For example, “Arrives by May 5.”

Getting online orders delivered on time is especially important for items you
need when preparing your home for sale. If that’s the case for you, call today
for more ideas.

Should You Worry about Competing Listings?

Imagine you’ve been waiting for the right moment to sell your home and you’re
finally ready to pull the trigger and list it. But, just as you’re about to put up the
sign, you notice that a few other FOR SALE signs have unexpectedly popped
up in the neighbourhood.

Oh no! Now there are competing listings. Does that mean you should put your
plan to sell your property on hold?

Not necessarily.

Just because comparable homes are for sale in the area doesn’t mean it’s not
a good time to make your move. In fact, even if there is a sharp increase in
local listings, active buyers might still outnumber properties available.

In that scenario, you’d likely get several interested buyers.

And, even in the case of a buyer’s market, now might still be the ideal time to
sell. Don’t forget, your home might have desirable features that some buyers
are eagerly looking for, giving your home the advantage over others on the
market.

In addition, a large part of a successful sale is in how a property is marketed
and promoted. With effective marketing, your home is more likely to be noticed
by the right type of buyers… buyers who are actively looking for a property like
yours.

So, waiting for the perfect moment to sell your home rarely makes sense. In
most cases, the best time to list is now.

That being said, it is helpful to find out exactly what to expect should you list
your property in today’s market. To find that out, call today.

Get your Spring Cleaning Done in Half the Time

Spring cleaning can seem like a great idea until you actually get started. Then
it often turns out to be more work than expected!

The good news is, there are proven techniques to make the job easier so you
can get it done faster.

• Before you begin the project, make sure you have everything you need:
hammer, boxes, tape, garbage bags, etc. Think of the supplies you’ll
need on hand and the tools that will make tasks easier. You don’t want
to have to waste time on frequent trips to the store.

• Consider renting a small moving trolley (AKA hand truck.) That will
make it much easier to move heavy objects, such as furniture, as you’re
cleaning. Most local home improvement centres rent these.

• Plan how you’re going to dispose of waste and unwanted stuff. Find out
where you can donate clothes, toys, furniture, and other items. Note the
location of your local garbage disposal site and its hours of operation.

• Divide tasks into “Heavy work” and “Light work” and then do the heavy
work first, such as moving furniture, reorganizing rooms, etc. Only after
completing the heavy work should you dive into the “light work”, such as
packing boxes and sweeping.

• Consider getting help. There are many services available that will assist
with cleaning, painting, junk removal, repairs, and more. You can even
hire a student to assist you for a weekend.

Spring cleaning can be a big project, but these tips can help make it a lot
easier. And, keep in mind that if you’re thinking of selling this year, getting the
spring cleaning done will be a big plus.

When to Increase your Budget when Shopping for a Home

When you set a budget for a new home, you’re obviously hoping — maybe
even expecting — to find the ideal property within that price range.

But, it doesn’t always work out that way.

In fact, there are many circumstances in which you might have to rethink your
budget and possibly even increase it, to get the home you want.

For example, you might find that properties in neighbourhoods you’re targeting
are selling for more than you expected. In that circumstance, you might have
to look for a home in a different area, or see if you can bump up your budget.

Another scenario that often comes up is changing wish lists. You may view a
few homes for sale and realize that a particular feature is more important to
you than you initially thought. For example, you might have budgeted for a
three-bedroom home, but once you’ve seen a few properties with four, you
think, “Okay, we definitely want four bedrooms!” That might result in a budget
bump.

Finally, you might find that you view a property and fall in love with the place.
It’s perfect. It has everything you need. You’ve got to have that home! But, its
price is outside your budget.

In that case, you’ll need to weigh paying a bit more against getting a home that
will have a significant and positive impact on your lifestyle and happiness.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a home and trying
to stay within a budget.