First Impressions Count in Real Estate

Georgina Kasmetis, Broker of Record — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:39:00 GMT

In the world of real estate, curb appeal is everything. Whether you're selling your home, getting ready for some special entertaining, or just sprucing things up for spring... you need to make an impact in a flash. The place doesn't look so good from the street, but it's gorgeous inside? It better be... it takes a lot of work to correct a bad first impression. (And a buyer may not take the time to get as far as the front door.) Take some time this month to re-think your home's first impression. Here's some quick tips to help boost the "wow factor":

Take A Drive Or A Walk

Then come back down the street towards your home as if you are the one seeing it for the first time. Take a notebook and be objective. Is there clutter in the lawn, driveway, or yard? Maybe that pile of discarded garden pots that you've been meaning to recycle? Check out the roof. What about the eaves trough? Anything looking crooked or in need of repair? Any cracked windows or peeling paint? What do you see when you look in the windows? Paraphernalia piled on a window ledge? Tatty curtain liners? Make a note of everything you see.

A Yellow Front Door

Real estate agents have joked that they can sell any house if the front door is painted yellow. Or if the home smells like green apples! What do these anecdotes tell us? Savvy agents know how easy it is to impress buyers with a little spit and polish, and a dash of flair. Your front door is a focal point; make sure it looks fabulous.

Sparkling Windows

Your windows and doors must not only be in excellent repair, but the glazing must be sparkling clean too. If the exterior of your home is well kept, you're sending a signal that everything else is well cared-for, too.

A Pot Of Pansies Is Worth Its Weight In Gold

Make sure you have some lovely pots of flowers flanking the entrance of your home. If you're making an impression in the winter, it's worth beautifying your entryway with two urns of evergreen.

Impressive House Numbers

When matched to your home's look a doorknocker, a kick plate, and sturdy doorknobs say to a buyer: welcome to this solid well-maintained home. And remember that everything must work ... especially the doorbell, the door handle, the swinging screen or storm door, the front porch light, the mailbox slot.... You can't afford to slip up here -- at the very entrance of your home!

Wonderful Walkways

An attractive front pathway will entice buyers into your home. A few twinkling lights sprinkled here and there create a magical mood for late-day visitors. Spotlight a lovely tree or trimmed shrubbery for nighttime curb appeal too.

Enhance And Downplay.

Accentuate the positive, and eliminate the negative. If you have a pleasing curved pathway, edge it, and line it with boxwood shrubbery. If you have an attached garage, paint it out (camouflage it with the colour of your exterior), then make your front door pop by painting it an impactful colour. You'll be pleased by the big impact that just a little effort can make. If you're selling your home, then it's in your very best financial interest to make sure your home has great curb appeal. And even if you're not, imagine how wonderful it will be to welcome family and friends to your own front door!

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BUY REAL ESTATE ?

Georgina Kasmetis, Broker of Record — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:37:00 GMT

As with every market, the real estate sector experiences its fair share of ups and downs. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), annual residential sales activity in 2007 was up 7.6% from 2006 levels. CREA predicts that the average residential property price will increase by a healthy 5.5% in 2008.

Knowing when to enter the market can be a difficult decision in an environment where property prices are rising. However, with mortgage rates continuing to sit at near-20-year lows, now is as good a time as any to jump into the market as a buyer or a seller.

Here are some tips to get your house hunt started:

Know the neighbourhood.

Start studying listings in the area you want to buy to better understand what constitutes fair pricing. Drive around to count “for sale” signs and get a feel for activity levels.

Get pre-approved.

Know what you can afford before you buy and know what terms mortgage lenders are willing to give you. Mortgage brokers can usually secure an interest rate guarantee for up to 120 days from lenders to protect you from fluctuating rates.

Watch the calendar.

Time of year is a major driver of market activity. Buying during seasonal winter and mid-summer slowdowns can give the buyer an advantage.

Consider your timeline.

Are you buying your house as a long-term investment or do you simply want to flip it in a couple of years at a profit? Longer term investors are less sensitive to short-term fluctuations in rates and market activity.