If you’re like me, you like your smartphone, and you use it for a variety of tasks. When it comes to real estate, people are using the internet, especially their phones and tablets, more than ever!

In fact, a recent American study found that over 75% of all buyers found their home on a mobile device. Here in Canada, we like our technology too. And we use it. All. The. Time.

Your realtor is still your go-to for information about the community, the local real estate market, and the buying process, but have a go with some of these apps. They’ll get you started on the real estate journey.

Useful Real Estate Apps

These helpful apps will support you in all the stages of getting ready to buy a home, from budgeting, to finding your dream home, to signing the papers, to making your house a home.

All these apps are available in the Google and Apple stores, for free.

Getting Ready to Buy

• Real Estate Dictionary – Are you a first-time buyer, or has it been a long time since you’ve been through the process? There are so many acronyms and industry-specific terms to know. This app will help you learn some of the terms you’ll see in listings and contracts. This one is American though. If you have any questions, just ask your realtor.

• Bank-Specific Spending Apps – All the Canadian big banks have apps to help you track your spending and analyse your habits. This will help you figure out where your money is going so you can start saving for your down payment. Look in the app store for your bank’s version. For example, TD MySpend, or RBC myFinance Tracker.

• Budgeting Apps – Try You Need a Budget (YNAB), EveryDollar, or Mint, to help you organize your budget. These apps are especially helpful if you’re trying to pay down debts or save for your down payment. If you’re almost ready to buy, remember to include home ownership costs like municipal taxes, utilities, and home maintenance categories.

• Credit Karma – Canada’s two main consumer reporting agencies, Equifax and TransUnion, can give us really important information about our credit history and our credit score, but neither one of them have developed mobile apps. It’s a good idea to send for, or download our reports once or twice a year. That way, you can check the accuracy and prevent identity theft. In the meantime, try apps like Credit Karma, Borrowell, or your own bank’s app, to keep tabs on your credit for free.

Organizing Your Financing

• Canadian Mortgage App – If you are starting to look for houses, it’s really important to talk to your bank or a mortgage broker. They’ll help you get everything you need in place, to get a mortgage. If you’re not quite there yet, the mortgage app can give you an idea of what you can afford. It’ll also tell you how much more you need to earn to buy the house you want, and the current interest rates. Enter the purchase price and your down payment amount, to see how much you need to save for closing costs, mortgage insurance, and land transfer taxes. Fill in the amount of debt you carry to see the debt service ratios lenders will look at when qualifying you for financing. Again, your best option is to get pre-approved by a mortgage professional, before you start looking at houses.

• Clear Scanner – Lenders are asking for more and more information all the time. Chances are, your mortgage pro will request documents to verify your income, employment, taxes and more. Usually, you can send these through email or upload them to a secure digital portal for review. Scanning apps allow you to take photos and covert them to pdf documents (minus the camera shadows).

Finding Your Home

Perhaps the most useful real estate apps are the ones that help you find you new home. Remember, your realtor will get wind of new listings before they become public, so keep in touch, even when you’re searching on your own.

• Realtor.ca – While all the above are useful apps for getting things in order, before purchasing real estate, this one is probably the most fun. Now that you’ve got your budget and financing ducks in a row, you can really start dreaming. With this app, you can search your neighbourhood to see what homes are for sale, contact a realtor (if you haven’t already), and start setting up appointments to view homes. You can track new listings in your area, search for specific features, save houses you like, and email listings to your realtor or family members. There’s even a mortgage calculator to help you see if you can afford it, though hopefully, if you’re at this stage, you’ve already been in touch with a mortgage broker.

• Google Maps or Apple Maps – Almost everyone is familiar with these, as they come pre-loaded on most phones. Use maps to find the property you’re scheduled to view and provide you with info about the neighbourhood and amenities. Using the satellite view, you can even see if there’s a hot tub in the back yard, (and ask if the sellers will leave for you).

• Social Media Apps – I’m thinking Facebook Marketplace here. People often advertise homes for sale, and you’ll find loads of buyers for your stuff as you purge and pack for your move. Of course, Marketplace is a great place to find things to put in your new home too!

• IKEA Room Planner – Maybe this is the best part. While you wait for your transaction to close, you can go to town, planning how you are going to personalize your new home. Your realtor should have room measurements, so you can have a blast, testing your furniture layouts and plan your purchases before you move in.

Your Realtor and Mortgage Professional are Using Apps Too

In our Covid-impacted world, digital transactions have become much more common. That means the professionals you work with are using apps too, from communication tools, to social media, to closing the deal. Your realtor and mortgage pro will likely put these useful real estate apps to use, when you purchase your home:

• Digital Signatures – The professionals you’re dealing with will probably request your e-signatures, using apps like DocuSign or Adobe Sign.

• Virtual Meeting – If you need any help figuring out technology, you need to look at documents together, or you just want to have that face-to-face communication, your pros will be glad to invite you to an online meeting using apps like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet.

Do you have a favourite real estate app that we missed? Toss it in the comment section below.

Resources:

Real Estate in a Digital Age, 2019 Report – National Association of Realtors Research Group

Seller’s Market During the Pandemic

At the beginning of the pandemic, real estate professionals and economists, across Canada predicted dramatic price reductions in real estate markets. While the cities may have seen such dips, we haven’t experienced them here. Prices have remained stable and even increased, in some areas.

Canada-wide, things have picked up throughout the summer. The market is hot, and while buyers are looking at near-normal levels, inventory remains quite low. Here in the Georgian Bay area, we’ve seen a similar pattern.

The number of homes for sale are much lower than they typically are, this time of year, but sales have increased dramatically, since May, after declining quickly during the lock-down period. The magic number seems to be $500,000. In many cases, homes priced under that sell within days, with multiple offers. Home sales in Clearview, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountains, Meaford and Grey Highlands hit record-breaking levels in July. Despite the ongoing pandemic, real estate in this area is alive and well.

New Builds

At the beginning of the pandemic, some new home construction came to a halt, as no new building permits were issued for a period of time. Anything that already had a building permit could continue, but there was a slow-down since inspectors, appraisers and others who needed to enter homes couldn’t do so. Since Phase 2 of the province’s re-opening, new permits are being issued and building seems to be back on track.

What About COVID-19 Safety Measures? 

While our economy re-opens, homeowners are being cautious, and real estate professionals are still taking the pandemic seriously, following Health Canada guidelines to protect our buyers and sellers and minimize anxiety through the process.

We are wearing face masks and encouraging potential buyers to do the same, disinfecting surfaces before and after showings, to protect all parties, and screening visitors with Covid-19 questionnaires. We are collecting contact information, in case a need arises for virus-related contact tracing. To reduce the need for open houses, we are using available technology to provide virtual walk-throughs and interactive floorplan tours.

Good News for Pandemic Real Estate Buyers

While it may be a tough time for buyers trying to get into the market, the good news is that mortgage interest rates still remain low. Prime mortgage lending rates sit around 2% and the Bank of Canada isn’t planning to raise rates in the near future. If you’ve got stable employment and have saved your down payment, this is a great time to buy.

Any Other Good News?

It’s been a strange year, for sure, but there are plenty of good news stories too:

• Many people enjoyed the slower pace that lock-down offered.
• Many families have enjoyed their time together and bonded like never before.
• People have pitched in to help their families and neighbours, in record numbers.
• The housing market is opening up as new builds are getting back on track and sales of existing homes have increased.
• Interest rates are low, and the Bank of Canada is hinting that they will stay there for a while.

EVERYONE needs help sometime. Reach out to others to see if they need help!  And don’t be afraid to ask for help yourself. More good news is we have hope that this year will get better. Nothing can take that away!!

I’m Here to Help, During the Pandemic, and Always

Coronavirus Uncertainties and Real Estate

Typically, spring is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate, but this year, due to Coronavirus concerns, many buyers and sellers put their moving plans on hold. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, April sales volume fell to its lowest level since 1984.

However, while sales have fallen, prices still remain stable. The average home price in April fell just 1.3% from the same month last year. And in many metropolitan areas, prices are still rising. The Teranet–National Bank Composite House Price Index, measured 11 major Canadian markets, and found home prices in April up 5.3% from a year earlier.

But given safety concerns and the current economic climate, is it prudent to jump back into the real estate market amidst Coronavirus concerns?

Before you decide, consider the following:

• where the housing market is headed
• how the real estate process has changed
• your own individual needs and circumstances

What’s Ahead for the Housing Market?

The Bank of Canada slashed interest rates in response to the economic slowdown. That’s good news for home buyers who have struggled to afford a mortgage in the past. Lower mortgage rates mean reduced monthly payments and higher purchasing power, while making it easier to qualify for a loan.

And at a recent press conference, Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz told reporters that interest rates would likely remain low for the foreseeable future. He noted that the country is on track to meet the central bank’s “best-case scenario for recovery” as outlined in April, and didn’t predict damage to the economy would be as “dire” as some have speculated.

Many buyers want to take advantage of low mortgage rates, but some wonder if recessionary pressures will drive home prices down. Economists at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation predict reduced prices over the next 12 months. However, during the pandemic, real estate industry veterans expect supply and demand fundamentals will prevent a drastic drop in home values.

A shortage of affordable homes on the market, for years, has helped prop up prices—even as sales slowed, since supply and demand have fallen at around the same pace. Of course, some market segments fared better than others. For example, demand has softened for urban condos in some areas, and prices have dropped, while supply of single-family homes in many neighbourhoods has dried up, leaving eager buyers to compete for listings.

There are certainly opportunities out in the marketplace for both buyers and sellers. But now more than ever, it’s crucial to have a professional real estate agent who understands your local market dynamics and can help you assess the best time to buy or list your home.

How Has the Real Estate Process Changed?

Safety is our top priority right now — for buyers, sellers, and agents. That’s why we’re utilizing technology to minimize personal contact.

Despite concerns about Coronavirus, real estate transactions can still happen safely. For our listings, we’re holding online open houses, offering virtual viewings, and conducting walk-through video tours. We’re also using phone calls or video chat to qualify interested buyers before we book in-person showings. That means we can promote your property to a broad audience while limiting physical foot traffic to serious buyers.

Likewise, our buyer clients can view properties online and take virtual video tours. This will minimize the number of homes they step inside. Ready to visit a property in person? We’ll ask the seller to turn on all the lights and open doors and cabinets before your scheduled showing, reducing surface contact.

The majority of our “paperwork” is also digital. In fact, many of the legal and financial documents involved in buying and selling a home went online years ago. You can safely view and e-Sign contracts from your smartphone or computer.

While these new ways of conducting business may seem strange at first, keep in mind, many military clients, international buyers, and others have utilized virtual methods to buy and sell homes for years.

Is it the Right Time for Me to Make a Move?

The reality is, there’s no “one size fits all” answer. Everyone’s circumstances are unique. But now that you know the state of the market and what you can expect as you shop for real estate, consider the following questions:

Why do you want or need to move? 

It’s important to consider your reasons for moving. Will your needs shift over the next year. For example, if you need a larger home for your growing family, your space constraints aren’t likely to go away. In fact, they could be amplified as you spend more time at home.

However, if you’re planning a move to be closer to your office, consider whether your commute could change. Some companies are rethinking their office dynamics and may encourage their employees to work remotely on a permanent basis.

How urgently do you need to complete your move?

If you have a new baby on the way or want to be settled before schools open in the fall, we recommend that you begin aggressively searching as soon as possible. With fewer homes on the market, it’s taking longer than usual for clients to find and purchase a home.

However, if your timeline is flexible, you may be well-positioned to score a deal. We’re seeing more highly-incentivized sellers, willing to negotiate on terms and price. Talk to us about setting up a search so we can keep an eye out for any bargains that pop up. And get pre-qualified for a mortgage now so you’ll be ready to act quickly.

If you’re eager to sell this year, now is the time to begin prepping your home for the market. Prices could fluctuate, and experts predict a second wave of infections may necessitate another lockdown. If you wait, you might miss your window of opportunity.

How has your particular market segment been impacted? 

Certain segments will weather this economic downturn better than others. It’s important to understand the market dynamics of your particular area, price point, and housing type. The truth is, broad macroeconomic projections rarely paint an accurate picture of the day-to-day market realities of a given neighbourhood.

How long will you stay in your new home?

During times of market uncertainty, your best bet is to buy a home you can see yourself in for several years. With decreased competition and ultra-low mortgage rates, it might be a great time for you to buy.

Is your income stable?

If there’s a good chance you could lose your job, you may be better off waiting to buy a home, unless you’re planning to downsize. Moving to a less expensive home could allow you to tap into your home equity or cut down on your monthly expenses.

When You’re Ready to Move — I’m Ready to Help

During a pandemic, real estate deals still need to move forward for some individuals. While uncertain market conditions may give pause to some buyers and sellers, they can actually present an opportunity for those who are willing, able, and motivated to make a move.

The spring season is usually a busy time for real estate, but due to Coronavirus, only motivated players are out in the market. That means that if you’re looking to buy, you’re in a better position to negotiate a great price. And today’s low mortgage rates could give a big boost to your purchasing power. In fact, if you’ve been priced out of the market before, this may be the perfect time to look.

If you’re ready to sell, you’ll have fewer listings to compete against in your neighbourhood and price range. But you’ll want to act quickly—a second wave of Coronavirus cases could be coming later this year. Ask yourself how you will feel if you have to face another lockdown in your current home.

Let’s schedule a free virtual consultation to discuss your individual needs and circumstances. We can help you assess your options and create a plan that makes you feel both comfortable and confident during these unprecedented times. Coronavirus needn’t stop you from meeting your real estate goals.

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult a financial professional for advice regarding your individual needs.

Or are you finding it hard to see the potential in the homes you’re viewing?

Sometimes, when you’re searching for real estate, viewing property can be super-frustrating. With professional images, the home looks impeccable online, but when you show up for your viewing, it’s far from it. Photos can be so deceiving! Often, they emphasize the positive and leave out the scary bits.

Never mind that! I can help you look at the property with different goggles.

If you dig a little deeper, and your budget has some wiggle room, you might be able to visualize something different than what you see today. Don’t dismiss a home without trying to see its potential first.

That’s what we do when we buy property. Every home we’ve purchased was pretty run down, at first. Some homes needed new doors and new windows. Others needed new siding. We’ve even bought houses and gutted them, right back to the walls. But we’ve made them into homes that work for our family. Every time!

Small Changes to Help You Personalize Your Home

I get it! Not everyone has the budget for a gut-job, but there might be small updates you can make to increase the value and make your new house feel like home. Here are some ideas to get you thinking of smaller changes that turn any house into a home that’s perfect for you:

• Personalize with paint or stain
• Change the flooring
• Upgrade the front door
• Change the lighting
• Fix electrical issues
• Landscape to improve curb appeal
• Knock out a wall for a more open concept
• Divide or add a room
• Add a bathroom
• Renovate the kitchen
• Add an accessory apartment

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With my design qualifications, decades in the building industry, and personal experience renovating my own homes, I have an eye for detail and a knack for seeing a property’s potential. I’d like to get to know you and your goals and help you plan for the future.

We’ve had a little time to settle in to 2020 and reflect on how much things have changed, in Real Estate, over the past ten years (such as prices $$$). You may find it hard to believe, but in 2010, the average 3-bdrm home in our area was selling for half of what it is today. If we all only knew then . . .

There are so many issues that affect the real estate market, globally, nationally, locally, and in micro markets.

Locally, the greatest factors impacting our market are:

• The lack of homes for sale in general
• The lack of entry level and all-one-level homes
• The sheer lack of homes under 500k

It’s a good time to be a seller. According to the President of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS®, “Strengthening sales in an environment of still low supply suggests 2020 could be another year of strong price growth.” This sounds a little daunting if you are a buyer, but the good news is there was a slight rise in listings in January of this year and stability in low interest rates.

If you are thinking of selling, a professional realtor can provide you with:

• Comparable listings in your neighborhood
• Advice to help you determine the value of your property and a fair listing price
• Recommendations for renovations or updates that will improve the value of your home
• Ideas for staging your home to increase the appeal for potential buyers

If you like numbers and are interested in the specific listing statistics for our area, the Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Association publishes information regularly.

Shari Talbot is a licensed Mortgage Agent, with Select Mortgage Corporation. License # M19000423 Brokerage  # 12908

Looking for a home is exciting! It’s tempting to scour the MLS and find the home of your dreams. When you do, you want to see it right way, right?

But wait . . .

Get Your Ducks in a Row

Have you saved up a down payment?

Is your credit score in order?

Do you know how much money you can afford to borrow?

Whether you plan to visit a bank or enlist the help of a mortgage broker, get in touch with a mortgage pro, before you start pounding the pavement.

Follow these steps, before you start looking seriously for a new home:

• Pull your credit score and review your credit report. In Canada, we have two official consumer reporting agencies; Equifax and TransUnion. Request your reports for free by snail mail, or pay a fee and get them instantly. Newer online services, like Credit Karma and Borrowell, provide them at no charge too. Pulling your credit report won’t hurt your credit, if you do it yourself.

• Make sure all your information and accounts are correct. You might see areas that you can improve. If you’ve had credit issues, you can fix them, but it will take time. Now is the time to pay down debt, save for a larger down payment, and increase your credit score.

• Get Pre-Approved. Once your credit file is in order, and you’ve narrowed your property search, talk to your mortgage professional about pre-approval. They will analyze your financial situation. You’ll provide documents to prove your employment and income, and verify your assets and financial obligations. Then your mortgage agent will send your application to the lender, who will confirm and evaluate your information. Hopefully, they’ll issue a pre-approval (subject to approval of the property), with the amount they are willing to lend, and an interest rate guaranteed for a certain amount of time, usually 30-90 days.

Benefits

It feels tedious to do these things ahead of time, but if you have a pre-approval in hand, you will:

• Find out whether you’re ready to borrow, or if you need to make a plan
• Determine affordability and set your price range
• Set your budget and decide whether updates or renovations will be feasible

More importantly, you won’t miss out because of delays or difficulties with financing.

Occasionally, a pre-approval doesn’t pan out; for example if you can’t provide the necessary documentation before closing, or an appraisal comes in too low.  A bank can refuse even if you were pre-approved, but the chances of getting what you want are higher when you seek pre-approval first.

Questions About Mortgages or Real Estate?

Remember, there are unexpected costs related to purchasing and moving, so, budget accordingly. If you need a check-list, so you are not surprised at closing time, call or email me today.

Are you concerned about selling your home in the winter? It’s discouraging to hear you’ve missed the good market or buyers are hibernating, not out looking at houses.

Not to worry! As someone who has personally bought and sold homes during the winter months several times, I can tell you there IS definitely a winter real estate market.

While it is true that things pick up in the nicer weather, the reality is people look for homes all year long. Life happens! Employment situations change, parents have babies, and people pass on. Individuals and families have many different reasons for house hunting, and those situations won’t always wait for the “Spring Market”.

Benefits of Selling in Winter Months

Many people are convinced they should let their listing expire and try again when warmer weather returns, but this might now always be the best strategy.

Believe it or not, listing your home in the winter might be a great idea:

• Less competition – Fewer listings mean buyers won’t be seeing as many homes as they might in the spring. The chance that yours may stand out is higher.

• Motivated buyers –If folks are braving the colder temperatures and nasty driving conditions, they’re probably more serious about buying. Sure, you might have less traffic through your home in the dreary months, but those that visit will be more likely to make an offer.

• The blessing of snow cover – Late fall and early spring can be a yucky mess, especially if you have a lot of sand and dirt on your property, or if you didn’t quite have enough time to finish raking leaves. Snow can make a property look quite beautiful.

• Realistic pricing – Even with fewer buyers out and about, lower inventory means buyers might come in with an offer closer to asking price in order to get what they want.

Make Your Home Stand Out

Of course, there are some special considerations when selling your home in the winter. Preparing your home for showings can require a little more effort when there is snow on the ground. Use this checklist to make sure your home is in top viewing condition when those buyers do come through.

• Price Competitively

  When you price it well, it will sell. Remember, most people that see your home listed online, will see it when it is first listed. Fewer people will notice when the price is reduced later.

• Take Great Photos

  No doubt about it, winter can be dull. Professional photographers can highlight the strengths of your property even in the dreary weather. If you are a planner, get some great shots to showcase your home in the other seasons too! Your buyers might be impressed by a photo album or a digital photo frame that shows off gardens, pools, ponds, and great landscaping currently covered in snow.

• Consider Safety and Convenience

  When people walk a property in harsher weather, they don’t want to be worried about hazards. Keep your laneways and walkways clear and salted. If there are outbuildings,  clear paths to them as well. Also, watch out for large icicles hanging from the roof and bushes weighed down by snow.

• Emphasize Winter Spaces

  Do you have a heated shop or an indoor fitness area that will be particularly appealing to people in the winter? Make sure these areas are highlighted in your listing material. Fireplaces can also be selling points when buyers view your home in the winter. 

• Turn up the Heat and Lighting

  Grey skies can make a house seem dull and lackluster. Make sure all of your bulbs are working. Most rooms should be well lit during showings, and let in as much natural light as possible. Keeping blinds and curtains open during the day can also prevent frost and mold from developing on and around windows. Keep heat at a moderate temperature. You want guests to be comfortable, but remember they may still be wearing winter clothing during their visit. If the house is vacant, use timers for heat and lights to help make your home more inviting.

• Keep a Neat Front Entrance

  Unfortunately, winter is a messy season. Extra clothing and boots add a tonne of clutter to the front entrance. Be as organized as possible, so visitors feel welcome when they come in the front door. Remember, they will open cupboards and closets too. Place an absorbent mat, a boot tray and a basket of slippers at the front door will to encourage people to remove their boots.

• Keep the Rest of the House Tidy

  When it’s a bit dull outside, make the inside sparkle to make a great first impression. Since winter lighting can highlight dust and dirt, remember to wipe light bulbs, windows, ceiling fans, baseboards, cabinets and tables before potential buyers arrive.

• Eliminate Unwanted Odours

  Many visitors will be turned off by strong pet odours or musty smells. Consider replacing carpets or fabric furniture if they are the culprits, and definitely deal with mold issues. 

• Make it Cozy

  Hopefully, your home is tidy, and you have de-cluttered as much as possible. In the winter though, a few well-placed accessories can make rooms feel cozy and can help potential buyers feel at home. A few examples are area rugs on cold hardwood floors, plush throws on furniture near the fireplace and warm, down-filled linens in the bedrooms.

• Use the Holiday Season to Your Advantage

  Decorations, candles and fresh baked goods can make a home seem warm and inviting, especially through the holidays. Be subtle though, even with scents like cider and cinnamon. Never leave candles unattended and keep in mind that many people have scent allergies. If the smells are strong, people may think you are trying to hide something. Additionally, too many decorations can be overwhelming and leaving them up too long is tacky. You don’t want to be known as the Grizwolds!

Selling your home in the winter doesn’t need to be daunting. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can find the perfect buyer and get the price you deserve.

One of the next most important steps now, is to obtain Home Insurance for your new investment. If you’re getting a mortgage, your lawyer will need to forward proof of insurance to the mortgage company before they will release the funds.

Home Insurance is Confusing

In this article, home insurance refers to coverage that protects your property and/or it’s contents, in case of fire, water damage, theft, etc. If this is your first purchase, your head might be swimming with the different insurances you’ve heard about. Home insurance is different from:

• Mortgage Loan Insurance – If you put less than 20% down on your new home, you need to purchase this coverage through CMHC, Genworth, or Canada Guarantee. This premium is rolled into your mortgage payment
• MPP Insurance – If you’re borrowing money to purchase your home, your mortgage broker will ask you if you want to purchase Mortgage Protection Insurance. This will protect you in the case of illness, job loss, or other circumstances that affect your ability to pay your mortgage. It’s optional, but you should have your own life/critical illness insurance if you’re turning it down.
• Title Insurance – You purchase Title Insurance through your lawyer. It protects you against mortgage fraud and issues that may affect the title or ownership of your property.

Now That We’ve Got That Straight

Prices vary, so shop around for the best coverage and value. Don’t just settle for the most familiar name. Before you make calls, gather as much information as you can about the home and property you are planning to insure. That way, you’ll be able to answer questions accurately, when speaking to an insurance sales rep.

Here are Some Questions Your Insurance Company Might Ask:

• How old is your home?
• How far is your home from the closest fire department?
• If in town, how far away is the nearest hydrant?
• What type of roofing material do you have and approximately how old is it?
• What type of water supply pipes do you have?
• What type of waste plumbing pipes do you have?
• What type of electrical wiring do you have?
• How old is the wiring?
• What size of electrical panel do you have (example: 60/100/200 amp)?
• If your panel is less than 100 amp, it can be hard to get coverage.
• Are there any known structural or environmental issues with the home?
• Has there been any known water damage due to flooding or leakage (example: roof or basement)?
• Are there any outstanding work orders, building permits, bylaw infractions or anything you feel the insurance company should know about?

Be 100 percent up front when getting a quote, if there is anything unusual about your property. You want to make sure you are covered if you ever need to make a claim.

Keep Your Home Insurance Provider in the Loop

Inform your insurance provider, if you do any improvements to the home or property. For example, let them know if you install:

• A new wood stove
• A pool (above or inground)
• A garage or deck
• Renovate a kitchen or bathroom
• Add an addition or an in-law suite
• Finish the basement

This isn’t an exhaustive list. Just remember that keeping your insurance company up-to-date about the condition of your home will ensure your coverage is valid, should you ever need it.

More Questions?

Getting insurance can be confusing and you may not know the answers or understand the questions they have for you. Feel free to contact me, with no obligation. I would be happy to help in any way I can.

This is a great question. Often, people ask, “Won’t I save money if I sell my home on my own?”

The short answer is, if you feel confident enough, go for it! For many people though, reaI estate transactions can be confusing to navigate. They can be time-consuming, the paperwork can be overwhelming and unforeseen circumstances can throw a monkey-wrench into the process. Legal issues, personal conflict and emotions can also add fuel to the fire.

A Realtor Can Help You Navigate the Process

Statistically, private listings take longer to sell and often result less money for the seller. In most cases, a professional realtor can help deal with challenges, make the transition happen more smoothly and get the best price for your home. Here are some things I can do for you, when you choose me as your Real Estate Professional:

• Educate you on the true value of your home
• Do a walk through of your home and property to advise you of low-cost repairs and maintenance to increase you home’s value
• Help you connect with builders, renovators, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, designer/stagers in our network
• Find the sweet spot that will attract buyers, when pricing your home
• Accurately measure and properly photograph your home, so buyers know what they are getting
• Ensure that you have important documents in place to sell
• Qualify buyers before they even come to your home
• Explain the fine print in contracts
• Help you reduce potential risks
• Negotiate on your behalf and increase your chances of selling
• Accurately write and execute all legal contracts on your behalf
• Coordinate all inspections

Best of all, if your home doesn’t sell, you never pay me anything at all! These items may vary as every situation is unique. Do you have questions about selling your home? Call, text or email me today. Let me guide you though the crazy world of Real Estate.

There are many ways to improve your home’s health and help keep your house warm. When your home is breathing in cold air, it runs the risk of meeting the warm air and producing condensation, which then can become mold. You want to avoid that, so let’s take a walk around your home and check for potential cold spots.

At the Front Door

When you first enter your home, look for damaged weather seals around the door and cracks in the caulking where the exterior finish meets the door frame. You may also want to check to make sure the seal in the glass is okay. If it is broken, there will be a hazy look and/or moisture in between the glass panes.

Other Windows and Doors

As you proceed through your home, look at all your windows and doors. One way to detect a leak is to hold a candle to the window or door. If the flame dances, chances are that air is coming in. Keeping your curtains closed at night we help keep the cold out too. Doing so traps the cold air in between the window and the curtain, not letting it cool off the rest of the room. However, it is monumental that you open them up during the day and let the air flow in. This will help dry out any condensation that accumulated through the night and reduce the risk of developing mold on the windows.

Bathrooms and Laundry Room

If possible, check the vent fan and dryer vent to make sure they are insulated. (While you’re at it, check to make sure your dryer vent is clean) They are taking warm air out of your home. At some point, the warm air will meet colder air. The farther out the better. Ensure that you have a good seal around the vent when it goes out of the wall. If you don’t, cold air can enter around it and produce condensation.

Basement and/or Crawlspace

In the lower areas of your home, check all the headers. This is where the floor joists and wall meet. If insulated, there should be at least R22 and a vapor barrier around the insulation. Do the walls have insulation? If you only see bare block or concrete, the cold is coming in. You’ll be able to feel it if you put your hand on the block. There are many ways to insulate a basement wall, but that is another topic. One more thing to check for is water lines. They bring in cold water. Pipe wrap will help you warm the pipe as quickly as you can.

Attic

First, look for lots of insulation around and on top of the access hatch. It should have the same amount of insulation as the rest of the attic. In the attic itself, check to see how much you have. If there is only one baton of R12, it would be a very good idea to top it up, reducing heat loss. Also, check pipes or vents or anything that comes up through the ceiling to make sure they are well sealed. It is amazing how even a tiny hole will allow a large amount of cold air in. Also, have a look at the interior outlets and light fixtures, especially on outside walls.  Put your hand up against the outlet and on the wall around it. If you feel a draft or a difference in temperature, there is cold air coming in. It might not be practical to rip off the drywall and re-insulate, but you could buy an insulating pad to go behind the outlet cover.

House Exterior

Outside, you’ll want to ensure the caulking around each door and window is in good shape and free from gaps or cracks. This will keep the water and cold air out. Make sure anything that sticks out of the wall or roof is well sealed. Ensure that your exterior finishes, such as siding or brick, have no cracks or gaps.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when keeping out the cold. There are many other things that your can do to increase your home’s effectiveness. For more information about preparing your home for winter, or selling your home in the winter, feel free to call me or email me. Always glad to help when I can. Have a great day!

If you are getting ready to sell, you might be wondering how you can improve your home’s value, even when finances are tight. When you list your home for sale, you want to make sure the buyer sees the value and puts their best offer forward. At the same time, you will have moving expenses and selling goals, so you don’t want to spend a fortune.

One service I provide, when listing a home, is to walk through with you, keeping a record of areas that that can be improved. We’ll discuss which improvements will provide the most value and highest return on investment.

Here are some improvements that can add value to your home without breaking the bank. Obviously, this list isn’t exhaustive, but choosing the things you can afford and accomplish quickly can really improve curb appeal and make a great first impression. Buyers will see that you’ve taken pride in your home too.

Small Improvements Can Have a High Return on Investment

• Touch-up blemishes and/or repaint rooms, consider neutral colours
• Check/repair caulking on the exterior of your home
• Check the weather stripping on all doors and windows, for cracks and damage
• Make sure that the flowerbeds are neat, tidy, and well-kept
• Clean your windows and doors
• Reduce outdoor clutter by storing things away inside the shed or garage
• Clean out eaves troughs
• Ensure that all light bulbs are working
• De-clutter the front entrance and make sure it is well-lit
• Clean and de-clutter counter tops
• Remove lime and calcium buildup from sinks
• Check/repair caulking on counter tops
• Make sure all doors and drawers are operating properly
• Replace old, out-of-date light fixtures to change the look of a room dramatically
• Confirm that hand railings are secure and safe to use
• Make sure all flooring and carpets are clean and stain free
• Clean and/or replace window coverings, as necessary, and leave them open for showings to allow natural light into your home
• De-clutter your home and consider putting excess or personal items into storage

It isn’t necessary to stage your home unless you have the money and patience to live that way. If you’re ready to sell, and you want to improve your home’s value, you don’t have to tackle everything on this list, but with these are inexpensive, cost-effective changes, you’ll be well on your way.

When we walk through your home together, we’ll create a checklist of easy steps you can take, right away. If you’re getting ready to sell, call for your Increasing Value Walk-Through, today.