What to take with you when home shopping

You will want to make the process of shopping for a home as productive and enjoyable as possible. After all, you'll be on a quest to find your next dream home. That's why it's important to take the right things with you:

• A digital camera, so you can take pictures of the features you like in the properties you see.
• A notepad, so you can take notes.
• Measurements of your largest pieces of furniture, so you can confirm they'll fit in the rooms of properties you like.
• A measuring tape.
• Some healthy snacks and beverages, (especially important if you're taking the kids along).
• A map of the area, so you can check out local parks and other neighbourhood features.
• Clear driving directions to each of the properties you want to see.

One of the best ways to shop for a home, and actually enjoy the experience, is to work with a great REALTOR®.

Need help finding that perfect home?  Give me a call.

How to Find a Reputable Contractor

There are so many horror stories about disreputable or incompetent home improvement contactors that television shows have been made about them. Unless you want to be a guest on one of those programs, take steps to ensure you find a good contractor. 

Here are some tips that will help: 

• Ask for references. Speak to the references. 
• Get a detailed written estimate of the work to be done, and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. 
• Be wary of contractors who insist on large payments upfront. The payment plan should be reasonable and tied to work as completed. 
• Ask if the contractor is a member of any professional associations. 
• Don't deal with a contractor who offers you a no-tax, cash-only deal. 
• Ask the contractor to get the appropriate permits before starting your project. 

These tips won't guarantee you'll hire a reputable contractor, but they will increase the chances that you do.

How to Discourage Buyers from Buying Your Home

If you're listing your home for sale, then of course you’ll want to make the best impression possible on potential home buyers. But, just to have a little fun, say you don't want to sell your property. What could you do to discourage those who view your home?

Well, you could have your pets in the home during viewings. That will certainly make it uncomfortable for some buyers – especially those with pet allergies.

You could also leave personal items around, such as family pictures and trophies. That will make it more difficult for a buyer to imagine himself and his family living there. It might even make him feel a bit like an intruder!

Clutter in bedrooms, closets and other areas of the home will make those spaces feel less spacious than they really are, as well as make visitors feel uncomfortable.

If you really want to turn off a buyer, then put off doing any minor repairs. A dripping tap, flickering light, dent in the wall, or other maintenance issues are certain to gain a buyer's attention. 

If all that doesn't shoo away a buyer from your home, then stick around during a viewing and follow him and his family from room to room. That will certainly make him feel uneasy.

Of course, we're just having a bit of fun here. When you put your home on the market, you want to sell it.

It’s easy to avoid all the pitfalls described above and ensure potential buyers appreciate the full value of your home.

So when you’re preparing for a showing, think of ways you can make your property appear its best, and make the buyer feel welcomed and comfortable viewing it.

Want more ideas on how to sell your home quickly and for the best price? Message me via Contact Form at side of Blog.

How a Home Inspection Helps You

Whether you're considering buying a particular home, selling your current property – or both – a home inspection can help.

A home inspection is an inspection by a qualified professional who takes a close look at every aspect of a home – structure, wiring, plumbing, and more – and identifies issues you may not have noticed yourself.

For example, a home inspection can reveal that a furnace will need to be replaced soon, or that there is a water leak into the basement that needs to be fixed.

You'll definitely want to get a professional home inspection before you buy a particular property. That's why most offers to purchase a home are conditional upon passing a home inspection. (The last thing you want is to buy your dream home only to discover that the wiring needs to be updated!)

You may also want to get a home inspection on your own home before you list it for sale. A certificate from a qualified professional that states that your home passed inspection will make your property more attractive to buyers.

Many reputable home inspectors are members of a professional industry association.

In Canada:

·         Canada Association of Home & Property Inspectors. (http://www.cahpi.ca)

·         Professional Home and Property Inspectors of Canada. (http://www.phpic.ca)

·         National Home Inspectors Certification Council. (http://www.nationalhomeinspector.org)

It's important to note that certification or licensing is not a requirement in many jurisdictions. So select a home inspector carefully.

Need to find a reputable home inspector? Message me via Contact Form at side of Blog.