Feb 16, 2018 | Homeowners
Watch any TV cooking show, and you’ll notice that a chef’s kitchen looks quite a bit different than what you’d find in most homes. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have one just like it in your home! With a little remodeling, and splurging on some new items, you too can have a kitchen worthy of Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver, or Rachel Ray.
Chefs love counter space. So, when remodeling, plan to create as much as possible. If you have an existing island, for example, you can replace the countertop with a larger one. Just adding eight inches in both directions will make a big difference.
Most chefs have more than one oven. If that’s impractical for you, consider buying a double-oven stove. Also, chefs prefer gas burners for quicker heat-up times and exacting control of cooking temperature.
One thing you’ll notice about chefs is they love stainless steel. That’s because it’s easy-to-clean, hygienic and durable (assuming you take care of it).
Finally, because chefs spend so much time in the kitchen, they want the space to be attractive and comfortable. So, when remodeling, keep decor in mind.
Even if you’re just an amateur chef, creating a chef-worthy kitchen will make the foodie in you smile.
Feb 12, 2018 | Real Estate 101
As with any investment, it’s a good idea to always be mindful of the value of your property. Essentially, that means keeping an eye on market trends. Using available statistics, we can help identify desirable home features and trends. Staying in touch with those trends will help you understand the value of your home and the types of projects worth potential investment.
For example, millennials are emerging as the largest demographic of buyers, and they often identify “smart technology” such as newer security systems and smart appliances and fixtures as important features. Ecofriendly and energy-saving features will also increase buyer interest in today’s market, especially as electric car chargers become more common, and as climate extremes increase demand for more efficient HVAC systems. Of course, today’s buyers are still seeking long-time desirables such as upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.
So, whether you’re looking to attract a certain type of buyer, deciding whether to invest in a specific home improvement, or simply reviewing the value of your investments, let’s discuss today’s trends and how they might impact your home’s value.
Email Beth for more information
Feb 9, 2018 | Real Estate 101
Sometimes the reason for putting your home on the market is crystal clear. For example, you might have a job relocation and need to move. Or, you might have decided to downsize because the kids have left the nest.
However, there are many other motivations to list your home that are not as obvious, and yet are still good reasons to make a move. Here are just a few examples…
- You’re bored with your home and are looking for a change.
- There’s something you’ve always wanted in a home that your current property doesn’t have, such as a wooded backyard.
- You want to be closer to work, or to activities you enjoy, such as golf.
- You want to be closer to family.
- The neighbourhood is changing in a way that no longer fits the lifestyle you want.
- There’s another neighbourhood you’ve always dreamed of living in.
- Your tastes have changed and you want to live in a different type of home.
None of these reasons makes it an absolute necessity to list your property and find a new home. Yet, they’re all worth considering, especially if moving will make you and your family happier, and provide you with a more desirable lifestyle. Want to talk about the possibilities? Call today!
Email Beth to discuss your possibilities!
Feb 7, 2018 | Real Estate 101
Your neighbourhood has a lot of features that can help sell your home faster. Unfortunately, buyers don’t usually notice those features just by driving around. So, you need to make sure they get all the information they need about your neighbourhood.
For example, say homes don’t go on the market often in your area. That’s an indication that the quality of life in the neighbourhood is so good that no one wants to leave! In real estate we measure the area’s “turnover rate”, and it’s handy data to have when listing your home.
Another bit of data that buyers can’t simply see is the local crime rate. But, most police departments keep those statistics. If your neighbourhood has a low crime rate, that’s an obvious plus to sellers.
Demographic data can also be helpful when selling your property. If your neighbourhood has a lot of families, for example, that’s going to be appealing to buyers with kids.
Even local development plans can play a role in making your home more attractive to buyers. If a new ramp to a major highway is in the works nearby, getting to work is going to be easier. That’s a big benefit to commuters.
Other types of data that can help sell your home include:
- Planned local construction.
- Proposals for neighbourhood improvements. (For example, a new playground.)
- Rates at which local property values are increasing.
- Any information that shows the advantages of living in your area is going to be useful when selling.
By the way, this is the kind of information I put together to provide to prospective buyers when selling your home.
Email Beth for more information
Feb 6, 2018 | Real Estate 101
It’s a big decision. There are many pros and cons to consider.
On the pro side, renting can provide you with additional income. An extra few hundred dollars a month can go a long way towards paying down your mortgage or splurging on an exotic summer vacation.
Creating rentable living space in your home — for example, an “in-law suite” featuring a kitchenette and bathroom — may also increase your property’s market value.
On the con side, you’ll have more costs and responsibilities as a landlord. For example, you might need to purchase extra insurance because basic home insurance policies typically do not cover rental units, even if you’re just renting out a room. You’ll also be responsible for dealing with repairs – sometimes in the middle of the night.
Also, if you’re not careful about the renter you choose, you might end up with a “problem tenant”. For example, you could have a tenant who is consistently late on rent payments or simply stops paying. That can be stressful.
If you’re deciding whether or not to rent, be sure to check local laws and regulations. Many jurisdictions have very strict rules regarding renting out space in a residential property, and those rules change frequently. Make sure you get the latest information.
Email Beth for more information
