As the summer season sets in, it’s time to explore the vibrant wonders of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and offering a plethora of recreational opportunities, these areas are brimming with exciting activities for individuals and families alike. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or looking for a cultural experience, this blog post will guide you through some of the fantastic activities you can enjoy during the summer months in this charming region of Alberta, Canada.

1. Explore the Spruce Grove Farmers’ Market:

Kick-start your summer adventure by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Spruce Grove Farmers’ Market. Located in the heart of Spruce Grove, this market showcases an array of fresh produce, artisan crafts, local delicacies, and live entertainment. Stroll through the bustling stalls, interact with local vendors, and savor the flavors of the region.

2. Discover History at the Stony Plain Multicultural Heritage Centre:

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Stony Plain Multicultural Heritage Centre is a must. This living museum offers a captivating glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of the region. Explore the beautifully restored buildings, immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, and learn about the traditions, history, and contributions of the area’s early settlers.

3. Enjoy Outdoor Recreation at Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area:

Escape into nature’s embrace at Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area. This serene oasis, located just west of Stony Plain, boasts picturesque trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Engage in birdwatching, fishing, or picnicking by the lakeside. The tranquil surroundings and lush greenery make it an ideal spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.

4. Dive into Water Fun at TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre:

For a refreshing aquatic experience, head to the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove. This state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, waterslides, and even a wave pool. Take a dip, ride the slides, or simply relax in the leisure pool area—the center provides something for everyone in the family.

5. Attend Festivals and Events:

Summer in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County is synonymous with vibrant festivals and events. Keep an eye on the local event calendars to witness the region come alive with celebrations, music concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals. The lively atmosphere and community spirit are sure to create lasting memories.

6. Embark on a Golfing Adventure:

With numerous golf courses dotting the region, golf enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise. Tee off at the beautiful Stony Plain Golf Course or explore other courses like The Links at Spruce Grove or Sandpiper Golf and Country Club. Immerse yourself in the lush fairways, stunning views, and friendly competition.

7. Discover Elk Island National Park:

While not within Parkland County, Elk Island National Park is just a short drive away and offers an incredible experience for nature lovers. Explore the park’s vast landscapes, spot bison and other wildlife, hike along picturesque trails, or embark on a guided interpretive tour. Elk Island National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure.

The summer months in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County offer an array of engaging and delightful activities for all ages. From exploring vibrant farmers’ markets to immersing yourself in cultural heritage, enjoying outdoor recreation, and attending lively festivals, this region has something to suit every interest. So, pack your sunscreen, gather your loved ones, and embark on a memorable summer adventure in this captivating part of Alberta.

In today’s dynamic real estate market, many individuals find themselves contemplating the decision of whether to rent or own a home. While renting offers its own set of advantages, there are numerous compelling reasons why owning a home can be a wise and rewarding choice. In this blog, we will explore the various benefits of homeownership, shedding light on why it can be an excellent long-term investment and a cornerstone for financial stability and personal growth.

1. Building Equity: One of the most significant advantages of owning a home is the opportunity to build equity. Unlike renting, where monthly payments contribute to someone else’s wealth, homeownership allows individuals to gradually accumulate equity by paying down their mortgage. With each payment made, homeowners increase their ownership stake in the property, creating a valuable asset that can appreciate over time.

2. Long-Term Financial Stability: Owning a home provides a sense of stability and financial security. When you rent, you are subject to potential rent increases imposed by landlords, which can make it challenging to plan for the future. On the other hand, owning a home allows you to lock in a fixed mortgage rate, providing a predictable monthly housing expense. As you pay off your mortgage, your housing costs remain relatively stable, granting you greater control over your budget and long-term financial planning.

3. Tax Benefits: Homeownership comes with several tax advantages that can help reduce your overall tax burden. Mortgage interest and property tax payments are generally tax-deductible, allowing homeowners to lower their taxable income. Additionally, certain home improvements and energy-efficient upgrades may qualify for tax credits, further enhancing the financial benefits of owning a home.

4. Freedom and Personalization: Owning a home offers the freedom to customize your living space according to your preferences and needs. Unlike rental properties where modifications may be limited or require permission, homeowners can make structural changes, renovate, or decorate their homes to reflect their unique style. This freedom not only enhances your enjoyment of the property but also provides an opportunity to increase its value.

5. Sense of Community: Homeownership often fosters a stronger sense of community and belonging. As a homeowner, you are more likely to establish roots in a neighborhood, forming relationships with neighbors and actively participating in local activities. This sense of community can lead to a richer and more fulfilling lifestyle, creating lasting memories and a support network.

6. Investment and Legacy: Owning a home can be a smart investment, as real estate tends to appreciate over time. In addition to building equity, homeowners have the potential to generate wealth through property appreciation. As property values increase, the value of your home investment grows, providing an opportunity for future financial gain or as a legacy to pass down to your loved ones.

While the decision to rent or own a home ultimately depends on individual circumstances, owning a home offers numerous benefits that extend beyond mere shelter. From building equity and financial stability to enjoying personalization and a sense of community, homeownership can be a transformative experience. If you’re looking to establish roots, create a long-term investment, and enjoy the pride of homeownership, consider the many advantages it brings. As a Spruce Grove real estate agent, I’m here to assist you in finding the perfect home that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Building a custom home is hard work that is rewarded when you move into the home of your dreams. The first step is finding the perfect lot to build on. Before you purchase a lot to build on, be aware of these do’s and don’ts.

Do work with an agent to find the land. Your real estate agent can help to research the property and make sure that you are making a safe investment. Buying vacant land is different from buying a home; work with an agent who knows what questions to ask and knows how to negotiate on your behalf.

Do have your finances in order. You will need to have proof of funds for the purchase amount, so make sure you understand what you can afford to spend on your lot.

Do find out what utilities service the area. If you are looking outside of a developed area, you need to know what utility services are available already, or if any infrastructure needs to be added.

Do find out if incentives are available. In areas where natural disasters have occurred, local governments may offer incentives for building where previous homes have been destroyed.

Do visit the tax assessor’s office. The tax assessor will be able to tell you the estimated value of your lot as well as your projected property taxes.

Do price the neighborhood. Your agent can help you with a market analysis of the surrounding homes. You don’t want your home and land cost to be vastly higher than the rest of the neighborhood.

Don’t expect to finance your lot. Lenders often don’t lend money for vacant land, and if they do, they may only lend up to half the land value. This is why it’s so important to talk to your financial advisors before you start looking.

Don’t skip the soil tests. You should have the soil tested to make sure there aren’t pollutants or foreign materials buried beneath the surface. If you will have a septic sewer system, you will need a percolation test to make sure the property is fit for a septic tank. In areas where sinkholes are common, a soil test can tell you if clay layers deep in the soil make your property more susceptible to foundation issues.

Don’t forget to get a survey done. Before you purchase the lot, ask to see a recent survey or have one done to validate property lines and make sure other neighbors aren’t already encroaching on the lot with access roads, fencing, or structures.

Don’t let neighbors know of your plans. Don’t get too friendly just yet. If the land you plan to build on has been enjoyed by nearby property owners for the view, for parking, or for recreation, your plans to build may be met with resistance.

Don’t assume you can have property rezoned. Make sure you know the property zoning regulations for the property. If you are in a rural area and plan to have chickens or horses, make sure that is permitted. Be wary of sellers who tell you that you can subdivide the land or build two homes on one lot, as this may not be the case.

Don’t rely on a drive-by. You need to walk the property, no matter the size or your plans for its use. If you are buying multiple acres, don’t assume that the topography is consistent throughout with no hidden problems. Things to check for include flood-prone areas, environmentally protected-animal dwellings, trash deposits and neighbors that are involved in activities that may affect your enjoyment of the property, such as dog kennels or shooting ranges.

Before you start searching for homes online, it’s important to take the first step to house shopping: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage.

Your pre-approval will tell you what you can afford and what your monthly payment will be, so it’s important to determine this before you start searching for your new home.

Pre-approval is good for about 30-90 days, so once you’re ready, take these first 3 steps to get it done.

1.  Contact me, and I’ll send over a list of lenders I know and trust.

2.  Look over the list, check out online reviews, and ask friends and family for referrals.

3.  Email 2-3 lenders you like or let me introduce you over email.

Once you’ve got your pre-approval letter in hand, it’s time to start the search!

Before we hop into the home search, I like to advise my clients to create a “Needs” list and a “Wants” list. This will help us to really focus on the things that are most important in your future home.

Needs are the non-negotiable features; the features you simply must have in your next home. Wants are the ones you’d like to have, but you can add or change down the road. Remember, you can’t change the lot or the location so make sure you love both.

Once you’ve established what you’re looking for, I will set you up on a search so you can receive an email the second a home that fits your criteria goes live. If you have any questions about a property, send me the information and I will find out for you. Send me listings you like and I can get more information and set up showings on your behalf.

After touring houses and choosing the one you love, it’s time to make an offer. To do this, you’ll need your pre-approval letter or proof of funds. You’ll also need to make a deposit of at least 1-2% of the purchase price. This will go towards your closing costs at closing.

Have more questions about buying a home or what happens after making an offer? Reach out to me today!

Valentine’s Day for many, is the loveliest day of the year. It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. With the day right around the corner means you only have a few days left to plan something special! To help you plan and prepare for your Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a list of fun, easy to do activities that are full of love, for singles, couples and families alike: 

1: Grape and Olive in Spruce Grove – featuring a romantic guitarist, Ted Wright. 

2: Porta Romana in Spruce Grove – with a special Valentine’s Day menu! 

3: Parlour 1919 in Spruce Grove – Leo Martinez and Mandy McMillian Live! $25 tickets available on the Parlour 1919 website. 

4: Central Park in Spruce Grove – grab a warm beverage from Perks Coffee House and enjoy the community fireplace and skating rink! 

5: Olivia Krushell- personal chef to bring a fine dining experience in your own home. Inquires about private dinners: livalittle.creations@gmail.com

The final walk-through on your new home is an exciting event. It means you have successfully maneuvered through negotiations, inspections, and financing approval, and are on the verge of signing your closing papers. Most buyers attend the final walk-through with thoughts of furniture placement and paint colors in their heads. But the walk-through is about more than just making sure your favorite chair will fit by the fireplace. Be sure to do your due diligence to make sure there are no issues that should be resolved before you reach the closing table.  

The purpose of the final walk-through is to ascertain that the home is being conveyed to you in the same condition it was when you agreed to purchase it. Here are a few of the things you should check:  

1) Make sure no damage has occurred to the home that the sellers are responsible for repairing. Weather conditions or careless movers can cause accidental damage, and old and forgotten damage may be uncovered when the sellers’ belongings are removed.  

2) Check that appliances are still in working order and no new plumbing or electrical issues have popped up. While you aren’t doing a complete home inspection, you can visually check for obvious problems that should be repaired before you move in.  

3) Confirm that items contractually conveying are present. If the sellers agreed to leave particular furniture, décor, or equipment, see that it has not been removed.  

4) Make certain the sellers have removed all their belongings. You don’t want to arrive with the moving truck only to find out that the sellers left behind an assortment of unwanted furniture or trash. The sellers should be held responsible for removing everything that doesn’t convey with the sale.

Equity represents the degree of ownership an individual or entity has in an asset after subtracting any debts against the asset. To say someone shares equity in a company means they would share in any assets remaining after all debts are accounted for.

For example, if your business has sold $500,000 worth of product this year, but you have rent, operating expenses, and a business loan payment totaling $400,000 for the year, you have $100,000 of equity in your business. Equity changes as the value of your assets and debts change.

Home equity works the same way. When you take out a mortgage to purchase a home, your home is collateral on the mortgage loan, so the outstanding mortgage principal must be deducted from the value of the home to determine your home equity.

In most cases, you make a down payment when you purchase your home. That down payment is your initial home equity. If you pay a 20% down payment on a $200,000 home, you have $40,000 equity when you close on your purchase.

As time goes on and you continue to pay down your mortgage principal, your equity grows. Usually, the longer you own your home, the more equity you gain because you are paying down your mortgage. However, any debts you take on using your home value as collateral, such as a second mortgage or home equity line of credit, decrease your home equity.

The changing real estate market also influences your equity. If you paid $200,000 for your home, and two years later the homes in your neighborhood start selling in the $400,000 range, your theoretical equity increases. (Theoretical because you don’t realize your home equity until you sell your home and pay off all debts against it.) You can also lose equity if the market takes a dive but be patient and it should recover in time.

Equity also grows if you make improvements on your home that increase its value. Let’s say you add a swimming pool and all new appliances. You have increased the value of the home. Your equity doesn’t increase by the amount you spent on the improvements, but on the value you get upon resale. This is an important point when considering making improvements prior to putting your home on the market, and one that is often misunderstood.

Let’s say Joe spends $50,000 on upgrades to his home. He might tell his neighbor, “I have $50,000 in my home,” but when he goes to sell, the current market dictates how much he will actually get in return. If Joe ends up selling for $40,000 more than he originally paid, his $50,000 investment got him $40,000 in home equity.

Some things you can do to increase your home equity include:

1) Make a large down payment when you purchase your home. The more cash you put down, the more equity you begin with.

2) Make increased or extra payments on your mortgage principal. Adding to the principal portion only on your monthly payments, or making extra payments when you are able, helps chip away at your outstanding debt.

3) Be smart when making home improvements. Not all improvements build equity. Some improvements may be personal preferences that don’t necessarily add value for resale. Improvements such as a new HVAC system, new appliances, or a new roof are usually more reliable investments than a fountain in the front yard or surround sound speakers throughout the house.

4) Don’t borrow against your home equity unless you must. Home equity is often a homeowner’s biggest asset, and can help to build your retirement nest egg, but it can also come in handy if life throws you a curve ball and you need to borrow against it for an unforeseen emergency. Be careful not to borrow against your equity for frivolous purposes, so it will be there if you really need it.

5) Sell when the market is favorable. If you are counting on your home equity to help finance your next home, pay for your children’s education, or add to your retirement funds, try to sell during a seller’s market when inventory is needed in your area.

If you are thinking about listing your home this fall, you might be concerned about showing it, and possibly having to move, over the holiday season. The holidays are already a busy time of year for most families, so you would be right to wonder if you are making a good decision by marketing your home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Some sellers even take their homes off the market temporarily during the holiday season, but, before you make that choice, consider all the pros and cons to selling during this festive time of year.

Pros:

1. Buyers are serious. Buyers looking for a home during the holiday season are usually serious about getting under contract, or else they’d put it off. Often, they are starting a new job at the beginning of the year, or they want to get their children registered in school by the end of the holiday break, or maybe they want the tax break in the current year. Regardless of their reasons, if they are out looking in November or December, they are serious buyers.

2. There are not as many homes on the market. As a seller, you benefit from having fewer homes on the market to compete with. Less inventory combined with serious buyers means sellers get higher offers.

3. You can take advantage of holiday season curb appeal. While it’s recommended that you not over-decorate while showing your home, you can take advantage of the warm and festive vibes that holiday decorations add. Some white twinkle lights, a wreath on the door, and poinsettias lining your porch can add just the right cozy and inviting feel to win over buyers.

4. Cooler weather may invigorate buyers. The only thing worse than house hunting in the dead of summer is moving and unpacking in the dead of summer. On the other hand, the cooler temperatures of the holiday season may fuel buyers’ desire to get out on the hunt.

5. You can use a holiday theme to ramp up an open house. Instead of offering the same old plate of cookies and bottled water, let your prospective buyers feel the warmth of your home with a cup of hot chocolate and warm gingerbread in front of the fireplace, or let them wander through your rooms listening to holiday music and enjoying the scent of pine or cinnamon candles.

Cons:

1. You won’t have as many lookers. We noted that buyers shopping during the holidays are serious ones, but there will definitely be fewer buyers looking than later in the New Year.

2. Showing your home may be more inconvenient. Again, it’s a busy time of year for most families, so do consider the inconvenience of having showings while you are preparing for the holidays or enjoying time off from school or work.

3. Business closings may slow down transactions. Many businesses have shortened hours or holiday closings, which means you or your buyers might have delays with such things as scheduling inspections and appraisals, clearing title or escrow payments, or getting repairs completed.

Are you thinking about investing in real estate in 2021? It may be the perfect year to purchase a rental property, a vacation home, or to flip houses. I would be happy to help you find the perfect investment property, and I’ve put together this list of tips to help you get the best return on your investment.

First, consider what type of investment property is best for you and your family.

If you are thinking about a rental property, such as a vacation condo or rental home, consider how much time will be needed for things like maintenance, managing a website or rental listings, and vetting potential tenants. For rental homes, make sure the areas you are searching are attractive to tenants in terms of proximity to nearby business centers and transportation hubs, and in good school districts for family tenants.

Is a family vacation property more to your liking? Make sure you read any and all rules pertaining to owners and guests, as well as rules on renting your property out when you are not using it, if that is something you plan to do. Also be sure that your vacation property is somewhere you foresee your family wanting to travel to often enough to make it worthwhile.

For new house flippers, you want to find out what return you can expect to get in your market area and talk to contractors and suppliers to get realistic estimates on renovations, both in terms of price and time to completion.

Here are some additional Do’s and Don’ts for investing in real estate:

Do aim for at least a 15% return on investment.
Do look for homes priced in the low end of the median price range.
Do look for 3-bedroom, 2-bath single family homes for rentals or flipping.
Do focus on one neighborhood or area.
Do purchase rental properties close to your home if you plan to manage them yourself.
Do use one real estate agent to help with all your buying and selling needs.

Don’t purchase a second property until the first is earning revenue.
Don’t buy properties that you wouldn’t want to manage, even if you plan to use a property manager.
Don’t buy a home that you cannot afford to carry for several months in case of a slow market.
Don’t buy a home or condo without having inspections performed.
Don’t buy without title insurance.
Don’t buy more properties than you are able to manage.

As I said, I can help you search for investment properties. Sometimes buyers make the mistake of searching on their own and contacting the sellers or listing agents directly. Working with several different people wastes your time and increases the chances that you will miss out on a deal. Also, working with one agent allows that agent to learn your tastes, needs, and parameters, so I can be out looking for the right property while you are busy doing other things.

f you have a home to sell, you’re probably excited to get the process started. There are many things you need to consider when selling your property, and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the task. The good news is we’ve done extensive research about what you need to know about selling your home – and we’ve answered the questions you’re probably wondering:

How will you determine my home’s value?

To determine your home’s value and set a listing price, I will complete a Comparative Market Analysis. The CMA uses recent sales of homes close in geography, age, size, and features to yours. (A CMA is not the same as an appraisal, which a licensed appraiser can perform.)

Is it a good idea to start high?

Many sellers like the idea of “starting high” to see if they get higher offers, but this strategy isn’t usually practical. First, buyers may not see your listing if they use a price filter set to what they expect prices in the area to run. Second, you run the risk of the appraisal coming in lower than your contract price, which will require your contract to be renegotiated or canceled. Third, if your listing price puts your home higher than your neighborhood value, your home will likely sit on the market longer as buyers wait for you to make a reduction. It’s best to set a realistic listing price that will bring you buyers quickly. My goal is always to get you the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time.

What percentage of the listing price can I expect to get?

The list-to-sell ratio is determined by dividing the selling price by the listing price. The ratio is largely market-driven. In a sellers’ market, which is when inventory is low, sellers may get close to 100% or over 100% if the home sells above list price. In a market with a large inventory of homes, a buyers’ market, buyers have more negotiating power, so the list-to-sell ratio may be closer to 90%. My goal is to get you as close to a 100% list-to-sell ratio as the market will bear.

How soon can I get my home on MLS?

Once we agree to work together, I will begin entering your home information on the MLS system. I will also schedule a time for a professional photographer to take photos of the property as well as a professional measurement company to properly measure the property. As soon as all the information and pictures are uploaded, your listing can go live on MLS. This could range from 1-2 weeks.

What do I need to do to get ready to list?

For your part, it’s a good idea to begin cleaning out or organizing storage spaces, closets, and drawers and putting away some of your décor or belongings. You may also want to have the exterior pressure washed, and the landscaping cleaned up. We can talk further about specific things that will help your home show better.

How will showings be conducted?

You and I will agree on the terms you are comfortable with for showings. We want to make the home accessible to buyers without too much disruption to your personal life. We can use a showing schedule, and unless we agree otherwise, I will notify you in advance of showing requests. We typically use electronic lockboxes that only active members of our local Realtors association can access. We can set the lockbox on a schedule, if necessary. Any time the lockbox is accessed, I receive a notification.

How will you market my property?

Marketing your listing is of utmost importance. Most buyers find their properties online through MLS (via their agent), Realtor.ca, or other search engines. Listings in our MLS system automatically show up on these sites within a day or two of becoming active. In addition, I share my listings with the agents in my network, on my website and affiliate websites, and on my social media. We can discuss additional opportunities such as hosting open houses and marketing within your neighborhood.

How long will it take to find a buyer?

Several factors influence the time it takes to find a buyer. These include the market conditions, price range (higher-priced or luxury homes typically take longer to sell,) location (whether your home is in a desirable neighborhood or a unique location,) and the condition of the home (is move-in ready or in need of renovations?) In a balanced market, most houses, when priced accurately and without significant damage or extenuating circumstances, go under contract within thirty days. Homes sell faster in a seller’s market, while buyers take more time to look when inventory is high.

Will you qualify the buyer?

When an offer is received, I will work with the buyer’s agent to vet the buyer. Once you accept an offer, the buyer must put down the agreed upon deposit, schedule any inspections as stipulated in the contract, and, if financing is involved, their lender will initiate the loan approval process. I will stay in close contact with the buyer’s agent to make sure due process is followed.

What are the costs involved?

The seller pays for the real estate agent fees, which are divided between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. The seller also pays their share of the property taxes and HOA dues. If the full annual amount has been paid, the buyer will repay their portion back to the seller at closing. 

Is your commission negotiable?

The commission is not negotiable. Keep in mind that the commission is split between the two sides, and both agents must abide by the structure their brokerage follows. If we were to reduce the commission upfront, buyers’ agents might be less likely to advocate for your property. I will work very hard to represent you honestly with full loyalty and integrity to earn the designated commission. This work is my livelihood, and I often go above and beyond the call of duty to earn my pay and close transactions for my clients.

Will you also represent the buyer?

If I happen to find the buyer for your home, be assured that I am trained and experienced in handling both sides of the transaction fairly. As a professional, I respect the confidentiality and loyalty required in dealing with both parties. On the plus side, communication is easy when I am representing both sides. Working on both sides of the transaction is hard work, but it would not be a problem.

Can I cancel if I find my own buyer?

The listing agreement is a contract between you and me and/or my brokerage. It stipulates the terms for cancellation, which you are encouraged to review. Once we have signed the listing agreement, a prospective buyer that approaches you directly should be redirected to me.

How often will we communicate?

Communication is key to an easy and successful sale. I will keep you apprised of events every step of the way. You are welcome to reach out to me with questions or concerns. When we go over the listing information, we will discuss our preferred means of communication and schedules to make sure we know each other’s availability and boundaries.

Thinking of selling? I’m here to help! Shoot me a message or give me a call today.

Upsize or Downsize: Which is Your Best Move?

Deciding if it is time for your family to upsize or downsize is not always a clear choice. There are factors to consider that might push you to take the leap or stay put for a while longer. Whether you are thinking about upsizing so your family can spread out or purging possessions so you can downsize, here are some questions to ponder.

1. How are you using your current space?

Do your family members feel like they don’t have adequate privacy or space to do their own thing?  Are you tired of working at the dining table and really need an office or workshop? Is having the kids share bedrooms just not working out? Maybe an upsize is warranted. On the other hand, do you have rooms that aren’t being used, or are you tired of paying property taxes on more houses than you need? Check for the downsize column!

2. Have you considered the maintenance costs?

If upsizing is on your mind, consider the added costs for maintaining a larger home and property, whether in money or time. Will you be able to keep up with cleaning, lawn care, and general maintenance issues that come with owning a home? If you are ready to cross maintenance off your to-do list, perhaps you are ready to downsize to a more manageable property or one where the HOA handles part of the job.

3. What are your outdoor space needs?

Are you ready to give up having a yard or garden to downsize to a maintenance-free space? Do you have pets that need outdoor space? Do you need more outdoor space for your children to play or your dog to run around in? The size of the house is one thing, but the property is important also.

4. Have you looked to the future?

What do you expect your needs to be in the next five, ten, or twenty years? Do you want a large home where your children and grandchildren will come for vacations and holidays, or will you be spending those times at their homes? Will you want to entertain groups of friends, or do you foresee going out for your entertainment? What will happen if your spouse passes; will you want to stay in the home on your own?

5. Do the financial implications add up in your favour?

Can you handle the higher costs involved with a larger home, or are you ready to cut costs with a downsize? Consider where you stand on your current mortgage. Are you alright with starting a new mortgage at this point in your life, or are you in a position to purchase in cash? What are the tax implications for your move?  

6. Is it the right market to upsize or downsize?

A seller’s market is hot for those looking to sell a larger home and downsize. Upsizing may be riskier in a big seller’s market, but if your family would be happier in a larger home, it might be worth the leap.

Whatever questions you have about purchasing your next home, I’d be honoured to assist you. So let’s work together to make sure your next move is the right one.

We all want people to love our home as much as we do, but especially when you are trying to sell it! While it’s impossible to please every buyers’ taste, there are several easy things you can do to make your home more appealing without spending a lot of money. Try some of these tricks and see if your showings cause buyers to swoon.

1. Check your curb appeal. Take an honest look from the curbside. What are buyers seeing first? If your home needs to be painted or pressure washed, consider making that investment. Clean up landscaping by trimming trees and bushes, planting some fresh annuals, and laying new mulch. Clean windows, repair sagging soffit, or porch railings, and have any trip hazards on your driveway or front walk repaired. Finally, consider some attractive, yet subtle decorations for your front porch.

2. Create an inviting entryway. When buyers step inside your front door, you want them to feel welcomed. If you have a foyer or front hall, it is easier to make an attractive entryway, but even if your front door opens right into your living room, you can create the feel of an entryway with a couple of simple tricks. Clear the area of clutter things that tend to pile up at the front door, like backpacks, dog leashes, or shoes. Place a small table or bench beside the door with plants, candles, or another simple décor. A small area rug can help define the space as the entryway.

3. Let the light shine in. Take advantage of natural light as much as you can. Trimming any bushes or trees outside your windows can help immensely. Wash your windows inside and out and replace or remove any worn screens. Make sure to open blinds or curtains before all showings.

4. Add some fresh color. Painting is an easy and inexpensive way to make an older home look new and is especially important if your current wall color is dark or outdated. Choose a light neutral color like a warm grey or light beige and use the same color throughout the house. If your home tends to be dark, this will help brighten it up.

5. Let storage spaces speak for themselves. Many sellers make the mistake of waiting until they have a contract to start cleaning out closets. Cleaning out clutter is part of getting ready to show, not just getting ready to move. You want buyers to perceive that there is ample storage in the home, and this doesn’t work if every drawer, cabinet, and closet is stuffed to the gills.

6. Eliminate distractions. Streamline your decorating so your buyers see the house and not your personal belongings. Go ahead and pack up collectibles and family photos and keep decorative touches to the minimum. Too many plants, magazines, or toys distract the buyers from seeing the home as their own.

7. Entice them with outdoor space. The backyard shouldn’t be an empty space of infinite possibility, nor should it be a storage area for neglected toys. Get rid of any eyesores you’ve been avoiding dealing with, spruce up your landscaping, repair irrigation or pool issues, and create an entertaining space with a patio set, or a backyard oasis with some potted plants and a hammock.

8. Make it easy for them. Taking care of minor repairs is another step you can take to help buyers see your home as an easy and comfortable move. You want them to be mentally arranging their furniture as they walk through, not making a list of nicked woodwork, torn window screens, and leaky faucets. The less work involved, the easier it is to fall in love.

Thinking about selling your home? Contact me today for a complimentary market evaluation!