Guelph Real Estate Blog Updates - Guelph Real Estate Agents

Should You Move or Renovate

February 13, 2019

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Determining whether you should buy a new home or fix up your current one isn’t easy. In fact, the decision can be steeped in so much drama, they make reality TV shows about it!

So, if you’re wondering whether to move or improve, here are three things to consider:

1. Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property?

If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, given the layout of your house, it might not be possible to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spacious rec room with a cozy fireplace, then a renovation could make that happen.

Of course, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you may only be able to get by moving.

2. How much will a renovation cost? How does that compare to the cost of moving to a new home?

It’s important to get accurate estimates of both the cost to renovate, and the cost of a new home, so you can make an informed decision.

Renovations often have a habit of costing more than you originally anticipated. Remember, the final result should be a home you want to stay in for quite some time.

3. Beware of compromising versus settling.

Whichever decision you make – to renovate or to sell – you can expect to have to make at least some compromises. That’s normal.

For example, consider the impact of adding an extension to your house. It would be a major renovation. Is it the ideal way to get the extra room you want? Do the benefits of renovating outweigh the benefits of finding a new larger home that already includes the space you need?

It can be a tough decision. If you’re in the midst of making it, call today to get the facts you need to make the best choice when it comes to your Guelph Real Estate.

Light Your Way to a Faster Sale

January 25, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Remember the last time you visited an upscale furniture showroom? The furniture and fixtures on display probably looked great. The colours and textures jumped out at you. It was a feast for the eyes!

There is a good reason why: Lighting.

Of course, the quality of the products has a lot to do with how appealing they look when on display. But smart retailers know that proper lighting is key to making those products look their best. In fact, some retailers even hire lighting consultants!

What does this have to do with selling your home quickly, and for the best price?

Obviously, when showing your property to potential buyers, you want your home to look it’s very best. Proper lighting can be a big help.

When preparing your home for sale, review the lighting in each room and make sure the space is sufficiently well lit. You want the lighting to be strong enough to prevent dark or shadowy areas, yet not so strong that it’s uncomfortable for the eyes.

Pay particular attention to traditionally dark areas, such as the garage and closets. Make sure those areas are bright too.

If you have a viewing scheduled during the day, take advantage of natural light through windows. Open the curtains!

Finally, one of the most important areas is the foyer. Always make sure the entrance has sufficient lighting.

Want more Guelph Realtor tips for preparing your home for sale? Call today.

4 Ways to Make the Home Hunting Process Easier

January 11, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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4 Ways to Make the Home Hunting Process Easier – Straight from a Guelph Realtor

Shopping for a new home can be intimidating. With so many things to do and think about, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some good tips for making the home hunting process a lot easier and much less stressful.

1. Get your mortgage arranged in advance.
You don’t want to find the ideal home on the market, only to face problems arranging a suitable mortgage. You might end up losing the opportunity. So, make mortgage arrangements in advance by getting “pre-approved”. With that pre-approval, you can shop for a new home with confidence.

2. Clearly define the kind of home you want, and the neighbourhood you want to live in.
You can’t view every home that’s on the market. If you try, you’ll burn yourself out! So, write down a clear description of the kind of home you want. How many bedrooms? Big kitchen? Pool?

Don’t forget to include the neighbourhood. Upscale? Close to downtown? Lots of trees and parks? Urban and close to shopping and theatres?

With this information, we can quickly create a shortlist of properties that meet your criteria.

3. Take good notes.
After viewing a few homes, you may easily start to forget the details. Was it the first property that had the large elm tree in the backyard or was that the fourth property you saw? If you take good notes, you’ll be better able to make decisions later on about which homes to shortlist.

4. Take care of yourself, and your family.
Eat right. Pace yourself. Don’t try to view too many homes in one evening or on one Saturday afternoon.

Want more ideas for finding the perfect home? Call your trusted Guelph Realtor today!

Affordable Staging Ideas

January 3, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Affordable Staging Ideas

Remember the last time you walked through a furniture showroom? You probably noticed that the sofa, chairs, tables and other furnishings were arranged – or staged – to make them look more appealing. You might have seen an attractive lamp on a sofa end table, or an appetizing bowl of fruit on a dining room buffet.

When preparing your home for sale, you should do much the same thing. Stage each room to make it look its best. Studies prove this will help sell your home faster and for a better price.

In fact, there are professional stagers who provide consulting and installation for home staging. As your real estate agent, I can also provide you with practical ideas to get your home prepared for sale.

Here are some simple, affordable staging tips:

Make each room look as spacious as possible. This may mean putting some items, and even some furniture, into storage.
Remove unnecessary items from countertops, tables, and shelves.
Keep decorative objects on shelves, tables, and even sofas, in odd number groupings. According to Barb Schwartz, the originator of staging, this combination works best. So, put three pillows on a sofa, not two or four.
Make an older-looking piece of furniture look quaint and stylish by adding a throw cover.
Add life and good looks to just about any living space by adding flowers or a flowering plant.
Have the table set with your best china. It makes the buyer want to move in and sit down for dinner!
Consider replacing the sink, faucets, and toilet to make an older bathroom look much better. It’s relatively quick and inexpensive.

Professional stagers look at your home through the eyes of the buyer. Do the same and you’ll be able to see what changes need to be made.

For more tips and tricks for selling your home, contact your trusted Guelph Realtors today! We are always here to help with your Guelph real estate needs and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Characteristics of a Desirable Street

November 29, 2018

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Sometimes you know a desirable street when you see one. For example, it’s obvious that a home on a cul-de-sac is enticing mainly because there isn’t any through traffic.

What are the other characteristics of a desirable street that may not be as obvious? Here are just a few:

Sidewalks. A sidewalk in front of your home is not only handy, it also adds to the property’s curb appeal. In addition, if you have kids, a sidewalk makes it easier – and safer – for them to play and visit neighbourhood friends.

Mature trees. Trees lining the street add depth and beauty. Most homeowners value front yard trees and would miss them if they were gone.

Safety. Unfortunately, some streets are more prone to crime and other issues requiring police intervention than others. Clearly, homeowners appreciate a street that’s known for being safe and located in a neighbourhood with a low crime rate.

Pride-of-ownership. When considering buying a home, take a walk along the street. Do homeowners take good care of their properties? If so, that sign of pride-of-ownership indicates it’s a great place to own a home.

Location. Where the street is located is just as important as its characteristics. Are things you want, such as parks, schools, shopping, etc. nearby? Is the street in a desirable area overall?

Noise. This is a characteristic that can be invisible to the home buyer. If the street is in a flight path, or near a busy highway used by rush-hour commuters, you want to know!

A great street can dramatically add to the enjoyment of a home. As your real estate agent, I can answer your questions about the characteristics of streets you’re considering and the surrounding area.

5 Tips to Help Sell Your House

March 29, 2018

by aowd

in Uncategorised

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If the time has come for you to sell your home, we have a few helpful strategies that should make this process run as smoothly as possible. A seller’s worst nightmare is to have their home listed forever and never make a deal. As your local Guelph real estate agent, I can provide 5 tips to help you quickly sell your home and prevent that fear from becoming a reality.

1. Curb Appeal

Whoever said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” was clearly not talking about a house. A home’s curb appeal could be the first and only impression it makes on a potential homebuyer. Therefore, it is important that you make the home look as presentable as possible. This could be done by installing a new roof, fixing any chipped paint or removing dead flowers from the yard. The more appealing your home looks the more likely a buyer will stop and look around.

2. Stage Appropriately

When your house is being viewed, stage it appropriately so the buyers can envision themselves living there. In many cases, this may mean depersonalising your home to some extent. Most homebuyers do not want to see your family photos or personalised items in their potential home; remove all unnecessary items so they can picture their family there instead. In addition, make sure all the furniture is in an appropriate place, and that the whole house has been deep cleaned. Nothing will turn away a buyer faster than having an unorganised, dirty home.

3. Price Right

The real estate in Guelph is competitive so be reasonable with your listing price. Homebuyers are aware of the current market trends so don’t try and oversell. If you do not price your home appropriately from the start, home buyers could avoid viewing your home and you could risk the chance of making a sale. As experienced Guelph real estate agents, we are experts on the market and at pricing homes. We can help you get the most money for your home, in the shortest amount of time.

4. Online Listings

When selling, make sure your home is listed on all the major online sites. The more popular the website, the more viewings your home will get. Make sure all your photos online are of good quality because presentation is everything. One blurry photo could deter a buyer from wanting to see more. It will also be in your best interest to go above and beyond by adding helpful information about the neighborhood. This way buyers cannot only see what it would be like to live in your home, but to live in the community as well. We can help you make sure your home is marketed properly to the right audience!

5. Be Flexible

It is important to be flexible with your schedule. If you have someone who is interested in your home but can only view it at a certain time, be as readily available as possible. Having to constantly reschedule will discourage a buyer from wanting to make the effort of seeing your home and might look elsewhere. We understand that it can be difficult to always keep your home clean or have it available for potential buyers to view, but this will help make the process moving along much faster!

Working with a real estate agent in Guelph can provide more insightful tips on selling your home. So don’t wait, reach out to Ann O’Garr today at 519-831-7447 or aogarr@remax.net or Wolfgang Dobrowolski at 519-831-7447 or wolfgangd@remax.net.

Guelph Realtor – Reasons Your Home is Not Selling

February 14, 2018

by aowd

in Uncategorised

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Whether you need to relocate for work or you are purchasing a home closer to family or an excellent school, you have listed your home with the intention of selling it. Everyone hopes to sell their home in as little time as possible, and when that doesn’t happen, it can leave you wondering what is going wrong.

While problems selling your home are definitely unwanted, there may still be some good news! In many cases, there are steps you can take to remedy whatever problem is preventing your home from selling..

The most common reason for homes not to sell as quickly as they should is an issue with the price. There is a great deal that goes into pricing a home accurately and that is for good reason. If you start out too high, even in a seller’s market, your home can sit on the market without any traffic. As Guelph realtors, we understand many people want to price their homes higher in the beginning as a way to “leave room” for negotiation. Our experience in the industry has shown us that this method of pricing a home just leads to longer time on the market and possibly even a lower selling price.

By pricing your home correctly from the beginning, you are more likely to sell your home at a price that works well for you. If your home is currently priced too high, that could factor into why your home has not yet been sold.

The condition of your home, especially in relation to price, will also have an important role in how quickly your home sells. If your home is priced according to the homes being sold in your local area, but it hasn’t been looked after in the way the other homes have, it isn’t going to sell.

In situations where a seller’s home could use some “TLC” we recommend taking care of the more inexpensive jobs and adjusting your price to accommodate for anything that has not been taken care of. This will give buyers more of an incentive to purchase a home that they know will involve additional time and money on their part.

How your home is being marketed to buyers is another thing you should take a look at if your home isn’t selling fast enough. Your Guelph realtor should be helping you stage, photograph and market your home to appeal to the largest number of buyers.

While we may not be able to help you with issues involving your title or other things of that nature, we can definitely help you sell your home if price, condition or marketing are your issues.

If your home hasn’t sold yet, it’s time for a change. For help selling your home, give us a call today!

Guelph Real Estate – Real Estate Terms

January 11, 2018

by aowd

in Uncategorised

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When it comes to real estate, whether you are buying or selling, there are a lot of terms that may be associated with each transaction.

Throughout our experience working in the real estate industry, we have come across each of these terms countless times. This has helped us obtain a firm grasp of the meaning of each aspect of the process and allows us to better assist our clients as they find the perfect home or buyer in the Ontario region.

We understand that, while it is crucial to work with an experienced real estate professional, many of our clients also feel more confident when they understand the process themselves.

There are many common, and not so common, real estate terms whose meanings may not be as familiar as they should be. Below, you will find a list of a few of these words, along with a brief definition, to help you better understand each term.

Amendment: An amendment is a document that states a change that has been made to a contract. This may include a correction, clarification, addition or deletion of a certain section or term of the contract. The contract must have been previously agreed to for it to need an amendment. If the contract has not yet been agreed to, changes may be made to it by either party and these changes, once agreed upon, will just be part of the contract itself.

Appraisal: An appraisal is a formal, unbiased estimation of property’s value. It is most often issued in writing and must be evidenced by criteria relating to relevant property data.

Chattels: Chattels are all the removable possessions that are not secured to or considered part of the real property. These possessions may include furniture, décor, and appliances. A common term that is often associated with this lesser known term is personal property.

Closing: The process of closing on the purchase or sale of a property refers to the finalizing of the real estate transaction. During this process, all documentation is signed by all required parties, funds are properly distributed and keys are exchanged.

Surveying: Surveying refers to the process of accurately measuring the boundaries and elevations of a certain piece of land or structure. A survey is taken during the home buying process to ensure that all parties are aware of the exact measurements of the property before the sale is finalized.

Valuation: The process of valuation occurs when the value of a certain real estate property is determined. Unlike an appraisal, the process of valuation can be done through many different means, and is not necessarily a formal declaration of value, although it may still be helpful for things like pricing your home when you list it for sale.

These terms represent only a fraction of the information that is involved with each real estate transaction, which is why we always recommend working with a real estate professional who is experienced and educated on each and every aspect of the process.

As Guelph real estate professionals, we are always happy to help people on the move! Give us a call today for more information or to get the process of buying or selling your home started now!

Guelph Real Estate Agents – Things to Consider Before Selling Your Home

August 7, 2017

by aowd

in Uncategorised

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Whether you are relocating for work, moving to an area with more options for your children’s education, or downsizing as you enter retirement, there will come a time when you are ready to sell your home.

As trusted Guelph real estate agents, we want to help you understand the importance of preparing both yourself and your home before you put your house up for sale.

The most important thing to consider when you make the decision to sell your home is who you will be working with throughout the selling process. Aside from deciding to sell your home, deciding on who you want to work with is the most important choice you will make because it can affect everything else!

The right Guelph real estate agent will help you price your home, market your home and sell your home.

Whether you choose to work with an expert or try to make a go of selling your home on your own, there are many factors that will need to be taken into consideration before you can accurately price your home.

You and your agent or realtor will need to conduct research on the local housing market to see what the homes in your area with similar characteristics to your home are selling for. This will not only help you set a realistic asking price right from the start but will also give you an idea as to how long most homes in your area and price range are taking to sell.

The process of selling will vary from home to home, but this relevant market data should give you a great starting point for your own process.

It is important to remember not to overprice your home when you first list it on the market, as this can drag out the process which could have a large impact if you have time limitations due to work or other scheduling obligations.

Once your house is “market ready” and you and your agent or realtor have conducted the necessary research and accurately priced your home, it will be time to list your house!

From the moment your agent lists your home for sale, you will be responsible for keeping your house clean at all times. If you and your agent have done a good job of pricing your home, you should be getting regular calls from other agents with potential buyers. You will often be given very short notice when buyers want to view your home, so you should make sure your home is ready to be shown at any time.

As experienced Guelph real estate agent, we can help you prep, price and sell your home with ease! We have been helping people on the move for years and we can’t wait to do the same for you!

Give us a call today for more information!

Sources: http://bit.ly/2udrdlR, http://bit.ly/1EjUFru, http://bit.ly/1mTjiWS

Open House Prep Tips

July 21, 2017

by aowd

in Uncategorised

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In our previous post, we discussed the logistics of hosting an open house – choosing the right date, advertising properly, etc. Once your open house has been properly planned and scheduled, it is time to tackle the project of preparing your home.

The best place to start is where potential buyers will start. The first thing they will see when they come to your open house is the outside. This is where their first impression will be made, so it is important to make that a good one.

There are many quick and easy updates that can be made to the front of your house to boost this first impression or curb appeal as it is often called, but these are not always necessary. You do, however, need to make sure that your lawn is properly maintained, all debris is cleaned up, and your garbage cans and recycling bins are put away.

The next place visitors of your open house will see is your entry way. Remove all unnecessary items, including jackets, coats, shoes and dog leashes to make this space as tidy and inviting as possible. If you have a small closet in this area, don’t over pack it with these items. Instead, put them away in larger closets, in storage bins if possible, to make this space appear larger.

This tip can work throughout your entire house! Clear out as much clutter as possible to make your home feel as open and welcoming as possible. Potential buyers who visit your open house will appreciate the chance to get a better idea of how their own belongings will fit into this new space.

As guests begin to walk through your home, they will be considering more than just the way your home looks. Smells are also something that can impact the way an open house visitor feels about your home. Clean your home and neutralize any odors with scented sprays. Baking sweets and lighting scented candles are also great ways to improve the scent of your home to make sure potential buyers leave with a lasting, positive impression.

The best tip for when you are getting your home ready for an open house is to try to look at your home from the perspective of a potential buyer. Is the house clean enough, lit well enough, and deodorized?

For a more detailed list of ways you can prepare your home for an open house, contact us today! We are more than happy to help you hold a successful open house, from planning and preparing to hosting.

We have been helping people on the move for years and can’t wait to help you too!

Source: http://blog.comfree.com/2015/02/16/10-tips-host-best-open-house-ever/#.WTAMxhPyuL0