Is Your Home In “Move In” Condition?

When buyers view your home, they ask themselves whether they like it. Assuming that the answer is “yes”, they try to determine how much work would be required before they could move in.

It’s not uncommon for a buyer to be interested in a property but be turned off by the perceived amount of work required. In fact, this can sometimes discourage a buyer from even making an offer.

That’s why ensuring your home is in as “move in” condition as possible is so advantageous. It will help sell your home faster and, often, for a better price.

So what does “move in” condition mean? It means that there are no repairs or maintenance issues that need to be addressed immediately. Buyers can be discouraged by seemingly minor issues, such as a loose closet shelf or a lightly dripping shower head. So it’s important to get those little repairs done before showing your home.

Buyers will also likely want to know the age of your furnace, water heater and other appliances, in order to anticipate when they will need to be repaired or replaced. If you have transferrable warranties for any of these items, be sure to keep this all together.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the best investments you can make in preparing your home for sale. More than any other repair or renovation, a coat of paint can make just about any room look almost new and move-in ready.

Buyers are sometimes worried about having to purchase new window coverings. If your window coverings will stay with the home, make that clear.  If you are taking certain window coverings make that clear too.

Generally, the more you can do to make your home seem ready to move in, the better.

Want more tips on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call me today!

Whether you love your current home or have had your eye on upgrading for years, making the decision to move to a bigger or better house isn’t easy. You have a lot to consider, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Before you embark on the journey toward a housing upgrade, take a step back. First, think about creating a specific list of what you want to accomplish by moving.

Then start talking about what’s really required to move up. That’s where I come in. I can help you sort through everything.

I’m always available to talk. Let’s work together to find the house that fits.

There’s no doubt that things change in a home when it’s put on the market. Those changes can cause stress for the entire family.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce that stress considerably. With a little bit of planning, you can even make the home selling process a relatively pleasant experience for everyone.

The first step is to talk candidly with your family, especially kids, about their feelings and concerns regarding selling your home and moving. Their worries may include:
•Losing connections with friends.
•Finding a new job.
•Starting a new school.
•Disruptions in the home during viewings.
•Work involved in preparing the home for sale.
•Keeping the home clean and tidy for viewings.

The more you’re aware of how your family feels about the process, the better you can deal with those issues.

Keeping the home clean for viewings and open houses is usually one of the major stressors. It may feel like you’re tidying up for a special guest several times a week! A solution worth considering is hiring a maid service on a short-term basis. That help can save you a lot of time and stress, especially if you’re also searching for a new home.

During viewings, it’s best for you and your family to be out of the home. So, consider planning little adventures. You can visit a museum, eat at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try for months, or take the gang to a recreation centre. These ideas will go a long way toward alleviating the sense of being “kicked out” of your own home!

Value of a REALTOR®

Forget the roller coaster stock market ride. For most Canadians, a home is a solid, familiar investment. Over time, your home will increase in value at a steady, safe rate.

Some renovations can help to improve the value of your home. Whether you are updating that 40’s style kitchen, removing green shag carpeting from the bedroom, or adding exterior curb appeal by applying attractive, maintenance-free siding, you will increase the market value of your home.

When renovating your home, here are few things to consider.

If you are financing an improvement, consider your budget. Keep your monthly payments within your limit.

Consider the type of renovation. You could overdo a good thing if you spend too much on less favorable items. Perhaps you are planning to move in a few years and hoping to recover the costs. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggests the following as a payback range of typical renovations:

– Kitchen 68-74%

– Bathroom 64-71%

– Interior painting 62-66%

– Exterior painting 62%

– Main floor family room 49-56%

– Finished basement 50-52%

– Upgraded heating system 48-50%

– Landscaping 45-49%

– In-law or rental suite 40-42%

– Central air conditioning 38-43%

– Energy-efficient upgrades 33-39%

If you are considering a renovation let me know, We have a list of professionals for your consideration.

The new down payment rules are in full effect. Those purchasing homes above $500,000 will be required to put 10% down on any additional amount above $500,000. Home buyers who purchase homes below $500,000 will see no change. Homes above $1,000,000 require 20% down payment. This is a much better solution than the minimum 10% down payment to $1,000,000 that was under consideration.

While this might sound like a significant change, less than 1 in 10 first time homebuyers in Canada purchase a home valued at more than $500,000 and a substantial amount of those buyers put more than 5% down.

So who does it affect? It’s targeted at buyers in larger Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Our government appears to be trying to slow down the real estate market in larger cities and manage their risk regarding CMHC insured mortgages. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) confirmed that real estate prices across the country have risen 18% year over year but if Vancouver and Toronto were removed, the increase is at a more sustainable rate of 5.4%.

Lenders are gearing up for the spring market with competitive rates and real estate inventory is beginning to grow in Calgary.

This is a great time to make a change and move up in Calgary, after 26 years of selling real estate in Calgary what I do know is this market is not permanent and times will change.

Now is a great time to move up!

Life is exciting for the bold.

Call or email me today.

Brian Currey

brian@calgaryhomesales.com

www.calgaryhomesales.com

Re/Max Realty Professionals

#10 6020 1a Street SW

T2H 0G3

Phone: 403-259-4141

Ifax: 403-592-6617