When to call a REALTOR®

If you're like most people, you go to see a doctor when you're not feeling well or have a health concern. However, you may also visit your doctor for a check-up, or to ask questions about healthy living.
In fact, consulting your doctor for anything health-related is a smart idea.

The same holds true when it comes to real estate.

Many people only call a REALTOR® when they're planning on selling their property or buying a new home, or both. While that's an important reason to speak to a REALTOR®, it's not the only reason.
Indeed, there are many good reasons for you to give a good REALTOR® a call.

For example: 

• If you have a question about the state of the local real estate market. (Remember that it may be very different from what you hear on the news about the national market.)

• If you want to get a sense of what homes are currently selling for in the area.

• If you want to determine the current market value of your property.

• If you want to find out how much homes cost in neighbourhoods you'd like to consider.

• If you're thinking about the possibility of making a move, but you’re not sure if it’s the right time.

 In other words, don't be afraid to contact a good REALTOR® when you have a question or need some advice about the real estate market.

So give us a call with any real estate concerns!

Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers

What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to  selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on the kitchen." That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.

Here are some ideas:

First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible. If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com,

"The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware."

Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be worth it if the current counters are old and worn. Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatlyorganized with the front labels facing forward.

There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home look great to potential buyers.

Call today for more ideas.

How Long Does it Take to Find a New Home?

If you're planning to look for a new home sometime in the future, you may be wondering how long the process will take. How much time should you set aside for viewings? How many of the listed homes should you see? Of course, the process varies from person to person. According to the Department of Housing & Urban Development, home buyers view an average of 15 properties before finally choosing to make an offer on one of them. That number may be a good benchmark for you.

On a Saturday afternoon, you can comfortably look at three or four potential properties. You can see more if you want to make a full day of it. One factor that impacts the home shopping process is how clearly you know what you're looking for. For example, if you're certain you want a three bedroom backsplit, backing onto a wooded area or ravine, in an upscale neighbourhood, then the process is going to be fairly simple. You're just going to view properties that closely meet that criteria. But if you're the kind of person who simply says, "I'll know it when I see it", then you'll need to look at several homes on the market. That means carving out plenty of room in your schedule for viewings. A good REALTOR can help you understand what's available on the market and which homes are worth seeing. He or she can also help you determine how long the process will likely take, and show you ways to make the process go more quickly and smoothly.

Looking for a good REALTOR? Call, tweet, or text us today.

Monte Gannon - 780-975-3918

Cindy Gannon- 780-975-3918