Although you’re excited about moving, there are easy ways to reduce the ache you feel when thinking about leaving the old abode. According to this Realtor.com post by Lisa Davis you could throw a going away party with the neighbours who shared your journey over the years. Toast your soon-to-be former residence. Leave a reminder of your presence for future generations like a signature on a rafter in the attic. To read more click here. Source: Blog
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This article from Bob Vila gives eight handy tips to consider when using your basement for storage. The suggestions include taking advantage of vertical space by building up and not out, using open shelves for frequently-used items and built-in cabinets to conceal toys or cleaning supplies, storing off-season gear in sealed bins to protect from moisture and dust, using a pulley-hoist to store heavy or bulky items from the ceiling, protecting tools stored in the open with a coating of machine oil to prevent rust and running a humidifier in the basement to suck moisture from the air and
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If you’ve reached the time of life where you are contemplating downsizing your home, the first question to ask, according to this Realto.com post, is what kind of lifestyle do you want after downsizing? By defining how you want to live, you can narrow your search and focus on housing that will meet those requirements. For example, if you want to escape the bluster of winter and relax on a beach, local climate conditions and geography will drive your hunt. Or, if you like social activities, you would seek active adult communities where you can interact with like-minded
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Inexperience can cause first time home buyers to be confused by the multitude of available options. This post by Caroline James is an excellent introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of five popular property choices: a large detached house on a suburban block, a small home on a sub-divided lot, a townhouse, an apartment in a small block and an apartment in a high rise block. To read more click here. The post What’s the best property type for your first home? appeared first on Team Realty. Source: Blog
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Usually we hear “buyer beware”, but real estate author Michael Corbett advises sellers to beware and gives 8 reasons why in this trulia.com post. Always work with professional help, including a real estate agent. Their expertise, experience, neighbourhood knowledge and resources will help you plot a course through the selling process. Overpricing is a temptation to be avoided since most buyers are savvy and have the advice of an agent. Ensure that you use high quality photos because 90% of buyers shop for home online. Complete repairs like leaky faucets before listing your home to avoid negotiations over
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If you are renovating, you should consider the green strategies suggested in this realestate.com post by Danielle King. For example, add insulation to the roof and external walls and you could save 25% on energy costs. Replace inefficient windows or add window film since up to 40% of your heating can be lost through windows in winter. Energy efficient appliances, LED lighting and solar panels will also contribute savings, while protecting the environment. Implement water collection techniques to use rainwater for toilets and the garden. Include water efficient faucets and showerheads. Add high-flow taps that make baths and
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The Canadian real estate market continues to boom, according to this Financial Post offering. With a year-over-year increase of 8.2%, Canada ranked 4th of the 23 countries studied in Scotiabank’s report Global Real Estate Trends, behind Ireland (13.3%), Sweden (10.5%) and Australia (8.3%). However, the report warns the trend could change if economic uncertainty and high unemployment counterbalance the attraction of low borrowing costs. To read more click here. The post Canadian Home Prices Are Growing At One Of The Fastest Paces In The World appeared first on Team Realty. Source: Blog
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If you want to sell your property quickly, at near the asking price, it is important to know why people are buying. In this post, Realtor.com chief economist, Jonathan Smoke, suggests we pay attention to the five main triggers for home buyers: they have grown tired of their home and want a change, interest rates are exceptionally low, housing prices are favourable in many markets, they need or want more living space and they have the money to spend. To read more click here. The post Here’s What Pushes People to Buy Homes in 2015 appeared first on Team
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We are sometimes enthralled by the presentation of a property, but ignoring the things we cannot see or overlooking obvious problems and risks can lead to disastrous consequences. To the extent possible, put your emotions aside and make buying property a business decision based facts and data. Getting Too Attached To A Property Impulse decisions in real estate can cost major dollars and can have life altering effects. If you fall in love with a house, you may be tempted to waive conditions or pay more than planned in the rush to close the deal. The problem is,
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According to this realtor.com post, the number of real estate appraisers is dropping to the point where parties on both sides of real estate transactions could suffer. Since most residential mortgages need an appraisal before a sale closes, a shortage of appraisers will affect buyers, who rely on accurate valuations to structure their offer, and sellers, who can lose a deal if appraisals come in low. The Appraisal Institute notes the number of appraisers has dropped 20% since 2007 and predicts a 3% annual decline for the next decade. Fewer appraisers means longer waits, which could delay a closing. That
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