Source: http://www.remonline.com/6-things-to-consider-when-renting-property/

There are many factors to take into consideration when renting out a spare room or an unoccupied residence. Landlords and property managers want to attract respectful and dependable tenants, but in order to do so, they must go beyond just listing their property and hoping for the best.

Before they begin screening tenants or even setting up their listing, there are several steps your clients must take to avoid legal issues or nightmare tenants.

1. Get proper insurance

After deciding to rent out your property, notify your insurance company and receive proper insurance. Landlord’s insurance will protect you against damage to your property or any liabilities.

Should the property be damaged in a fire or storm, the insurance company will cover the cost of the repairs. However, many insurance claims do not cover damages caused by the tenant. Be sure to clarify in your claim with your insurance agent or inquire about adding on tenant insurance.

2. Be competitive about your pricing

Research the average pricing of rental properties in the market and set a competitive price. Avoid listing your property at the lowest rental price to attract more tenants; it will likely backfire because it will attract tenants who are only focused on price and who will leave in search of the next lower priced unit.

3. Understand landlord’s rights

It’s important that landlords know their rights and their tenants’ rights to avoid any lawsuits or legal issues. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. lists extensive information for each province on what landlords can and cannot do, including information on rent, pets and when a landlord can enter a unit when occupied by a tenant. Landlords should also consider joining a landlord’s association to stay up to date on changes to bylaws and regulations.

4. Photography goes a long way

The photos you select to post with your property’s listing can make a huge difference. Poorly lit photographs, whether they are too dark or over-exposed, can make a space look unappealing and unwelcoming. Photos that are blurry, grainy or low resolution can be difficult to make out and fail to properly showcase your space.

While a little bit of editing can make a photograph look more professional, over-editing can misrepresent your property. Prospective tenants won’t be pleased if they think your walls are snow white when they’re in fact light blue.

5. Maintain the rental property

If the rental property requires any repairs or is in need of a touch-up, be sure that they are conducted before viewings start. Prospective tenants are not going to be interested if the floorboards are dirty and damaged, or if the walls are in desperate need of painting. They also won’t be pleased if they rent out your property only to discover the heating is broken or the pipes need replacing. Create a space that is clean and comfortable; if you’re not comfortable living there, tenants won’t be either. After a tenant has moved in, be responsive and timely when they contact you should an issue arise.

6. Understand tax laws

Canada Revenue Agency requires that rental income is reported on your annual tax return, so it is important to know what can and cannot be deducted. Any reasonable expense – repairs or renovations, for example – incurred to earn your rental income can be deducted, but you cannot deduct the value of your own labour if you do the repairs or renovations yourself. If you’re unsure, the CRA provides a full list of expenses you can deduct, both current and capital, and what you cannot deduct.
 

Article courtesy of Pillar to Post e-Newsletter, May 6, 2016.

Summer will be here before you know it, and we’re definitely glad about that. And now is a great time to get your home in top shape for the months ahead. Whatever your weather, caring for your home now will help ensure a worry-free, comfortable summer. Follow a few of these tips each week and you’ll be done in no time.

OUTDOORS

– Inspect siding for cracks and make any needed repairs
– If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint now to limit damage to the underlying materials.
– Remove window screens and clean them with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse well and allow them to dry in the sun. Repair any holes or tears, or replace the screen material before reinstalling. It’s a fairly easy DIY job to replace the screening, or you can check to see if your local hardware store offers this service.
– Have your air conditioning unit serviced to ensure good operation. Promote air circulation around the unit by keeping surrounding shrubs and plants trimmed.
– Clear debris from gutters and eaves to allow rainwater to drain properly.
– Seal cracks in the driveway and keep walkaways clear of debris and overgrown plants.
– Test irrigation and sprinkler systems and replace any broken sprinkler heads or emitters. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
– Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate.

INDOORS

– Vacuum or brush off refrigerator coils to help maintain energy efficiency. Depending on your model, the coils will be located on either the bottom or the back of the appliance.
– Empty dehumidifier pans and clean hoses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
– If possible, take area rugs outside and hang them over a deck or porch rail to air out.
– Adjust ceiling fans for proper balance and change the rotation to the summer setting. While you’re at it, give the unit a good dusting to avoid blowing dust around the room.
– Switch out heavy bedding for lightweight summer fabrics. Have the winter bedding cleaned before storing it away for the season.
– Close the chimney flue to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in during the months ahead.
– Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.
– Check door and cabinet hinges and lubricate any that stick or squeak.
– Open windows even on cooler days to get fresh air flowing throughout the home.
 

2015 by the Numbers

These were some ads for homes from a 1934 Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogue!

1934 Modern Home

1934 Home

Exterior Front

Looking for a second home in the sun? This 2 bedroom + 2 bathroom condo is located in a quiet gated community just a few minutes away from Cabarete beach in the Dominican Republic! This condo is 1044 square feet, and is designed so that one bedroom and one bathroom can be locked off if you’d like to rent it out. The complex features a swimming pool and a tropical garden, and is just minutes away from many amenities, including the local supermarket, restaurants, shops, and the ocean! Listed at $90,000 USD.

For more information, please contact Don Cholak at 780-718-8400 or email Don at don@doncholak.com.

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Second Bedroom

Bathroom

Terrace

Tropical Garden

Pool

The Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) reports that a total of 2,277 residential unit sales were recorded through the MLS® Systems of real estate Boards/Associations in Alberta in January, down 13.8 per cent from the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price decreased 2.7 per cent from January 2015 to $371,620.

Three of Alberta’s ten real estate Boards/Associations saw an increase in monthly residential average prices from year-ago levels:

The seven remaining Boards/Associations saw the monthly residential average price decrease to varying degrees from January 2015:

Note: The data above is national data and may not perfectly reflect the data reported by a Board/Association. The numbers represented are for the full Board/Association region, rather than city/town proper areas that may be reflected in a board’s name.

The value of all home sales in the province totalled $846 million for the month, falling 16.1 per cent from January 2015.

There were 9.8 months of inventory at the end of January 2016, up from 7.4 months at the same time one year ago. 

New listings on the MLS® Systems of real estate boards in Alberta numbered 8,559 units in January, a decrease of 8.5 per cent from a year earlier, while active residential listings numbered 22,362 units at the end of January, up 15.1 per cent from one year earlier.

Source: AREA

Cabarete will again be the center of the toughest water sports event in the Caribbean, the challenging Master of the Ocean, now in its 14th year.
Some 60 competitors from 12 countries have registered to compete in the event, which takes place between 23 and 28 February 2016 at Encuentro Beach in Cabarete, Puerto Plata. The winner of the event is the best athlete in the combination of windsurfing, surfing, stand up paddle-boarding (SUP) and kite-surfing.
Competitors are coming from Israel, Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Germany and host Dominican Republic.
The event, which is organized by Marcus Bohm, also has the backing of the Ministry of Tourism.
Bohm says it is the only event held around the world where the athletes compete in four disciplines at the same beach.
The organizers are promising five days of competition, free-style expression sessions and a full program of musical events in and around Cabarete.

Source: DR1 Travel News Feb 9
 

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton released their annual housing forecast today at a seminar at the Northlands Expo Centre attended by 700 REALTORS® and business leaders. Chair Steve Sedgwick forecast that sales of residential homes in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area will remain relatively stable. A decline of about 2.3% from 2015 sales levels will result in less than 17,000 sales in 2016.

Edmonton CMA had a good year last year with all residential sales at 17,298. That is down 9% from 2014 but up over 1% from 2013. Sedgwick expects another solid year in sales of single family homes in the Edmonton area but with a small decrease of about 2.5%, as economic uncertainty continues. “The continuation of low oil prices and economic decline have made buyers cautious. While much of the decline is offset by record low lending rates, we don’t expect sales to pick up without a boost in our overall economy. That said, Edmonton has fared much better than many other places in Alberta. We expect continued growth and development in our city to continue to keep interest in our housing market strong.” explains Sedgwick.

Condo sales are expected to decline by a modest 2.7% throughout the region as the rental market eases up and migration slows down. The popular duplex/rowhouse category was strong in 2015 and looks to remain so through 2016 as more inventory comes available in this category. Duplex/rowhouses offer both affordability and an ownership model that appeals to many first time buyers.

Prices, as usual, will fluctuate through the year but the 12-month average price for a single family detached property is anticipated to decrease modestly about 2.7% as inventory grows. Condominium property average prices are projected to decrease at the same rate with many higher priced options keeping the average price inflated.

Sedgwick’s forecast was supported by four other speakers at the seminar including Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist, ATB Financial; John Rose, Chief Economist, City of Edmonton; Bruce Edgelow, VP of Strategic Initiatives, ATB Financial; and Christina Butchart, Senior Marketing Analyst Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

There are 3,300 REALTORS® operating in the greater Edmonton area which extends as far as Cold Lake, Wetaskiwin, Drayton Valley, Vegreville and Westlock.

A recent article in the Edmonton Journal stated that “Edmonton resale home prices will soften and sales will slide rufther in 2016 – but not as much as other places in Alberta battered by a faltering economy, says a forecast by the Realtors Association of Edmonton. ‘Edmonton and area has not felt the same effects of oil prices as the rest of Alberta has,’ Steve Sedgwick said Wednesday. ‘There’s a lot of exciting growth happening in Edmonton and we remain conservatively optimistic when it comes to our housing market.’

It’s an assessment backed by prominent economists, who say that Edmonton’s economy will slow in 2016, but not as much as other Alberta municipalities.

‘While you’re going to continue to see some very negative numbers and some very negative commentary about the province as a whole, people have to bear in mind that Edmonton is a bit of an island in the storm,’ said John Rose, chief economist for the City of Edmonton. Rose predicts a growth of 0.5 to one per cent for 2016 for the city and a slightly lower rate for the region.

Todd Hirsch, chief economist for ATB Financial, agreed Edmonton’s real estate market will endure an economic slowdown better than other Alberta markets because of its more diversified economy.

‘I do see the Edmonton real estate market faring generally in better shape than Calgary or Fort McMurray this year,’ Hirsch said. ‘It’s the centre of government, health care and education – broader sectors that support employment growth in Edmonton. I don’t see the downturn in the real estate market in Edmonton to be as severe as it will be in other parts of the province.’

Christina Butchart, senior marketing analyst for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, said the situation has shifted from a market that slightly favored sellers to a buyers’ market because of larger inventory and fewer sales.

Meanwhile, despite Alberta’s economic slowdown, the assessed value of the average Edmonton house has still gone up this year, said municipal officials this week. The typical single-family detached home is now worth $408,000, up 1.7 per cent from last year. The average value of condos, townhouses and duplexes went up 4.8 per cent.”

After reviewing the REA annual housing forecast, Don Cholak recommends selling sooner rather than later. “If selling in the next year, with a negative forecast in place, the sooner you sell, the better price you will receive. If you are planning on moving up in 2016, you stand to gain the most in this type of market. Lower price homes will not be impacted as much as the upper end market will be in 2016.”
 

FACT #1: When the current owner of a condominium home wants to
sell they will be required to provide documents to the prospective
buyer.
FACT #2: Many lawyers and lenders will not allow the sale to proceed
without the documents being provided being compliant with the
condominium legislation and the information contained in these
documents being current.
FACT #3: Many sales are lost due to condominium documents not
available in a timely manner to complete the sale.
FACT #4: Condominium legislation is different for the sale of a unit by
the developer to one sold by a current owner.
FACT #5: These facts apply to all condominiums from 2 unit style homes
to commercial bay condos, professional and self-managed. No condo is
excluded in today’s market conditions.

Source: Condo Check January 2016 Brochure
 

I am proud to be the #8 Producer with RE/MAX Professionals for 2015, and I am grateful to all of my clients for making my first full year at RE/MAX a great one!
 

Sales of residential property through the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System in 2015 in the Edmonton CMA were down 9% from 2014 but up over 1% from 2013. This decrease was reflected across all property types except duplex and rowhouse sales which were up 6%. Single family homes were down 9% over last year and condos were down 13%. There were 17,298 residential sales reported in 2015 as compared to 18,991 in 2014.

Although sales were down, prices are up year over year, with single family homes finishing the year over 1% higher relative to last year at an average price of $437,569. For 2015, the average price of a condo was $252,954 (up 0.4% from 2014) and the average price of all residential properties was $372,511 (up 1.5% from 2014).

“2015 was a steady year for real estate in Edmonton. Edmonton and the surrounding areas experienced a decline in sales due to economic uncertainty, but we saw a slight increase in price that demonstrated that the market remained relatively stable. This began to cool in the fall months as inventory remained higher than normal.” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Chair Geneva Tetreault. “We continued to see home buyers take advantage of low mortgage rates. An influx of listings at the beginning of the year, meant that buyers had a larger selection of homes and were able to take more time selecting properties than in previous years. We continue to see a tight market in the popular $400,000 price range for single family homes.”

The all-year sales-to-listing ratio was 54% (down 16% from 2014) with average days-on-market at 51 days (up from 47 last year). An increase of listings was highlighted by a year-end inventory of 5,088 properties, up dramatically from the end of 2014 where only 3,059 properties were available on the MLS® System.

As is seasonally normal, December all residential prices dropped slightly by 0.9% from November. The price of a single family detached property dropped from $432,862 in November to $424,629 in December. Condo prices dropped 1.8% in December to $248,956 while duplex/row house prices increased by 10% from November to $374,217.

Source: http://www.ereb.com/News&Events/LatestMarketStatistics.html
 

Residential fires take their toll every day, every year, in lost lives, injuries, and destroyed property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds in the U.S. in 2014. The fact is that many conditions that cause house fires can be avoided or prevented by homeowners. Taking the time for some simple precautions, preventive inspections, and concrete planning can help prevent fire in the home – and can save property and lives should disaster strike.

• All electrical devices including lamps, appliances, and electronics should be checked for frayed cords, loose or broken plugs, and exposed wiring. Never run electrical wires, including extension cords, under carpet or rugs as this creates a fire hazard.
• Fireplaces should be checked by a professional chimney sweep each year and cleaned if necessary to prevent a dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause a flash fire in the chimney. Cracks in masonry chimneys should be repaired, and spark arresters inspected to ensure they are in good condition and free of debris.
• When using space heaters, keep them away from beds and bedding, curtains, papers – anything flammable. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Space heaters should not be left unattended or where a child or pet could knock them over.
• Use smoke detectors with fresh batteries unless they are hard-wired to your home’s electrical system. Smoke detectors should be installed high on walls or on ceilings on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside every sleeping area. Statistics show that nearly 60% of home fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Most municipalities now require the use of working smoke detectors in both single and multi-family residences.
• Children should not have access to or be allowed to play with matches, lighters, or candles. Flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, or propane should always be stored outside of and away from the house.
• Kitchen fires know no season. Grease spills, items left unattended on the stove or in the oven, and food left in toasters or toaster ovens can catch fire quickly. Don’t wear loose fitting clothing, especially with long sleeves, around the stove. Handles of pots and pans should be turned away from the front of the stove to prevent accidental contact. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher within easy reach. Extinguishers specifically formulated for grease and cooking fuel fires are available and can supplement an all-purpose extinguisher.
• Have an escape plan. This is one of the most important measures to prevent death in a fire. Visit ready.gov for detailed information on how to make a plan. Local fire departments can also provide recommendations on escape planning and preparedness. In addition, all family members should know how to dial 911 in case of a fire or other emergency.
• Live Christmas trees should be kept in a water-filled stand and checked daily for dehydration. Needles should not easily break off a freshly-cut tree. Brown needles or lots of fallen needles indicate a dangerously dried-out tree which should be discarded immediately. Always use nonflammable decorations in the home, and never use lights on a dried-out tree.
• Candles add a festive feeling, and should be placed in stable holders and located away from curtains, drafts, pets, and children. Never leave candles unattended, even for a short time.
• Holiday lights should be checked for fraying or broken wires and plugs. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when joining two or more strands together, as a fire hazard could result from overload. Enjoy indoor holiday lighting only while someone is home, and turn them off before going to bed at night.

Source: Pillar to Post e-Newsletter

Roof leaks are one of the leading causes of preventable property damage. A leaking roof can be disruptive and costly, and can eventually cause mold, damage to interior finishes, and even structural damage.

While it’s true that older roofs or those in disrepair are at greater risk for leaks, one of the most common causes of roof failure is poor workmanship during installation. This is not always readily apparent because it often takes a few years for a poor installation to manifest itself as a leak. Using a licensed, qualified roofing contractor for any installations or repairs is always recommended.

Let’s take a look at some of the factors that affect how a roof handles water and what they can mean when it comes to water leaks.

Pitched/sloped roofs: Pitched or sloped roofs are designed to shed water from one shingle to the next down to the roof edge, where the gutters and downspouts will carry the water away. Many people are surprised to learn that sloped roofs are not actually waterproof but instead rely on gravity and engineering to quickly move water off of the home.

Flat roofs: The most common type of flat roof is the built-up, or tar-and-gravel, roof. Flat roofs are designed to be waterproof and use a membrane such as roofing felt or specially-engineered foam to seal the surface. These roofs will have just enough slope to conduct water to a drain, which will funnel water down and off the roof surface. It’s critical to keep drains on flat roof clear of debris so water won’t back up and damage the integrity of the roof.

What causes leaks? Most roof leaks can be traced to poorly installed or worn flashing. Flashing usually consists of pieces of metal that cover gaps between the roofing material and items that penetrate through the roof such as chimneys, skylights, dormers, and roof/wall intersections. Wind and rain in just the wrong combination can cause a pitched roof to leak by compromising its water-shedding capabilities. In cold climates, ice can cause a perfectly good roof surface to leak. Ice can block the flow of water to the edge of the roof or to the drain. The water can then back up under the shingles and leak into the house.

Water leaks can have interior causes as well. Condensation in the attic due to leaking household air, or heating and/or air conditioning ducts can cause damage to the roof decking and structural framing. In severe cases it can cause water to drip back into the house. This can lead to mold and even structural damage if not corrected.

Proper installation and maintenance of roofs are key to preventing problems down the road. Homeowners should monitor their roof and attic, and contact a qualified roofing contractor at the first sign of any problems.

Source: Pillar to Post e-Newsletter
 

What do the policies cover and who do they protect?

When purchasing a property, the term “insurance” comes up a LOT. After the second or third time, the different insurance policies available may start to blend together but it’s good to understand the differences in all the different types of insurance, and it’s especially important to know who the insurance policies protect.

Mortgage Default Insurance (commonly referred to as Mortgage Insurance)

In Canada, Mortgage Default Insurance is required federally if a Buyer has a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of the home. This insurance protects the Lender in case of default by guaranteeing the full amount of the mortgage. It also allows Borrowers with limited savings to purchase a home sooner. This insurance premium can be paid in a lump sum at closing or, more commonly, blended in with your mortgage loan payments. The premium decreases with the more down payment you have.

Title Insurance

Many Lenders are now requiring that buyers purchase Title Insurance, which transfers risks related to title (ie: title fraud, un-discharged liens, encroachments, zoning issues, property tax arrears, survey problems, etc) from the homebuyer to the Title Insurance Provider. There are actually TWO types of Title Insurance:
1. Homeowner Policies – Protects the Homeowner (you), lasts as long as you own the property, and is priced based on the value of your property.
2. Lender Policies – Protects the Lender’s interest in your mortgage, lasts as long as you have your mortgage, and is priced based on the size of your mortgage.
Basically, Homeowner Policies protects you against claims about rightful ownership of a piece of property and Lender Policies protect the Lender to ensure the enforceability of the Title.

Mortgage Life/Disability Insurance

All Mortgage lenders in Canada are required to offer mortgage life and disability insurance. Premiums on Mortgage Life Insurance stay the same throughout the lifetime of your mortgage but the payout, if there is one, decreases with the mortgage. In the event of your demise, all funds are directed to your Lender to cover any remaining mortgage balance only. With the Mortgage Disability Insurance, if you become disabled and qualifies for benefits, monthly payments will be made directly to your Lender on your behalf. The amount paid is based on our actual mortgage payment at the time of your claim. This is not mandatory coverage. You can choose to apply or waive.

Life/Disability Insurance

Insurance providers offer other options to protect you and your family from your mortgage debt. Most commonly, they offer term and life and disability insurance. With Term Life Insurance, the payout, if there is one, never changes. Funds are released directly to your Estate and any remaining mortgage balance can be paid out by your Executor. If you have an existing policy, coverage can be increased to include your mortgage debt. Disability Insurance provides you coverage should an accident or disease prevent you from working. Depending on the type of policy you purchased, you should receive a monthly payout that will be enough to cover your monthly bills, including mortgage payments. (NOTE: When calculating what coverage you may need, keep in mind that payments from private disability insurance providers are tax-free whereas the payout from most corporate plans is taxable.)

Fire/Home Insurance

Fire/Home Insurance protects you, the Homeowner, against loss of use of your home or the personal belongings contained in your home due to fire or other accidents. It also gives your Lender the protection they need against the risks to your property that could compromise its value. Unless you pay cash for your home, proof of Fire Insurance must always be provided before closing to the lawyer so he/she can verify that the Lender has been noted as the first loss payable.

Source: e-Newsletter from Eva Neufeld, mortgage advisor with Mortgage Tailors
 

Fact 1
The condominium legislation in Alberta requires a condominium corporation to insure the common property and the unit for the perils listed in the condo Regulation. These perils include water loss which is one of the largest causes for damage to occur.

Fact 2
Well drafted Bylaws require the owner to be responsible for the deducible in the case of claim where the claim resulted when through an act, or omission to repair a component within their units damage occurred to their unit or neighboring units.

Fact 3
Insurance premiums and deductibles are impacted by the number of claims and the number of water damage issues. It is not uncommon to have a deductible of greater than $50,000.

Fact 4
Owners need to be aware of the amount of deductible in the condominium insurance policy, the requirements of the bylaws in regards to their responsibilities to repair and maintain components within their unit and to paying the insurance deductible.

Owner Insurance
Each owner, even those who rent out their units, should carry coverage for their contents and liability coverage.

Ask your Insurance Broker about the riders available for condominium owner policies.

Report any water escape issues immediately to the manager to reduce damages.

Dishwashers, laundry hoses, toilet seals, leaky shower heads and taps and garburators are leading causes of water
damage. Keep yours maintained.

Source: Condo Check September 2015 Brochure
 

The days are getting shorter, and maybe there’s a nip in the air – autumn is here at last. Now is the perfect time to get your home in shape before winter starts to take its toll, and while the weather is still pleasant enough to spend time outdoors.

Seal it up: Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and may eventually cause structural damage and mold problems.

Look up: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Upcoming winter weather can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. It’s best to have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, but you can do a preliminary survey from the ground using binoculars.

Clear it out: Clear gutters and eaves troughs of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Consider installing leaf guards if your gutters can accommodate them – they are real time savers and can prevent damage from clogged gutters. Check the joints between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments to tighten them.

No hose: In climates with freezing weather, drain garden hoses and store indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing leaks and water damage.

Warm up time: Have the furnace inspected to ensure it’s safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide no-cost inspections, but there can often be a long waiting list come fall and winter. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving you money and energy.

Light that fire: If you enjoy the crackle of the fireplace on a chilly fall evening, have the firebox and chimney cleaned before using it this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.

Source: Pillar to Post e-Newsletter
 

Source: REM Online

1. Don’t get personal

Whether working with a professional stager or going it alone, cut all emotional ties. Visit each room, remember the memories and then pack the sentimentality away. It clouds judgement. Don’t look at your house from the perspective of it being yours, or this is who we are – buyers aren’t interested. Remove and store as many personal items as possible including all family photos, certificates, diplomas and medicine.

2. Pack and store/dispose of two-thirds of every closet and cupboard

It is a great time to start deciding what you want to keep/donate/discard. Organized storage space is one of the most frequently requested interior features.

3. First impressions are the only ones that count

Buyers have choices. They make decisions about a property within a blink of an eye. Wherever the eye rests the sale begins.

4. Understand staging is about condition more than décor

Sure the house has to look and feel good, but remember buyers are savvy – they will deduct from the offer (if they make an offer) their own perceived value for deferred maintenance. So repair anything that needs it, replace any fixtures more than eight years old and then clean like your life depends on it (your equity will). Pack and store (off property) anything you won’t use in the next two or three months. Remember, buyers are buying their new house, not your old one.

5. Update the kitchen

This is the most important room in the house. If buyers fall in love here they will compromise anything on their “must have” list when the kitchen exceeds expectations.

6. Keep all bedrooms gender-neutral

Including kids’ rooms and the master. Don’t think, “Oh, they can make the mental shift.” They can’t, won’t and don’t. You have a three-minute opportunity to get this house sold – why would you jeopardize a single second?

7. Bathrooms are the second most important room in the house

So if you have money, upgrade what you can, at least in the main bath. Change the old cabinet-style sink for a pedestal or furniture sink and remember storage is vital. In the extra space gleaned, consider installing an organised linen closet with deep pull-out drawers.

8. Odour and allergens alert!

During the past 50 years, the rise in prevalence of allergic diseases has increased. Worldwide, sensitization rates to one or more common allergens are approaching 50 per cent. You don’t know whether the future buyer is one of them. So, know when you live in your house you will not be able to smell what others do. Assume the worst and prepare. The best option is no smells at all. Open windows, don’t use household or garden chemical products. If you have pets, remove them from the property for the duration of the sales process (spa, friend, family).

9. Lighting

Make sure every light bulb is energy efficient and at the highest wattage the fixture will take. Clean all the fixtures for maximum sparkle.

10. Seventy-four per cent of prospective buyers will drive by your property

Before they even think about viewing it and half of them will do it at night. What that means to you is considerable thought going into curb appeal. Never underestimate its power. Curb appeal done well is like gift wrapping on a present. The National Association of Realtors says, “Great curb appeal sells more than half of all houses that go on the market.”

Outdoor lighting is vital. Light up the porch and be sure the numbers of the house are illuminated and visible from the street. Consider lighting pathways and spotlighting a feature of the property – a dramatic tree or the front façade. Landscape experts agree there is 100 per cent ROI for money invested in front, back and side yards. Curb appeal wraps around to resort/lifestyle living in the backyard too. It is one of the most undervalued aspects of market preparedness that can actually add dollars to your bottom line. Ninety five per cent of people surveyed said outdoor living amenities are vital. Outdoor allure also extends to balconies, decks and patios.

Give people what they least expect; they don’t know they want it but when they see it they can’t resist. The more you can accommodate that, the easier it is to sell.

Are you ready to put Don’s 35 years of business and sales experience to work for you? Simply click on the appropriate red button below:

Source: Pillar to Post e-Newsletter

Gearing up for summer? Now is a great time to get your home in top shape for the months ahead. Whatever your weather, caring for your home now will help to ensure a worry-free, comfortable summer. Follow a few of these tips each week and you’ll be done in no time.

OUTDOORS

• Inspect siding for cracks and make any needed repairs.
• If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint now to limit damage to the underlying materials.
• Remove window screens and clean with a soft brush and soapy water. Repair any holes or tears or replace the screen material before reinstalling.
• Have air conditioning units serviced to ensure good operation. Promote air circulation around the unit by keeping surrounding shrubs and plants trimmed.
• Clear debris from gutters and eaves to allow rainwater to drain properly.
• Seal cracks in the driveway and keep walkways clear of debris and overgrown plants.
• Test irrigation/sprinkler systems and replace any broken sprinkler heads or emitters. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
• Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate.

INDOORS

• Vacuum or brush off refrigerator coils to help maintain energy efficiency.
• Empty dehumidifier pans and clean hoses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If possible, take area rugs outside and hang them over a deck or porch rail to air out.
• Adjust ceiling fans for proper balance and change the rotation to the summer setting. While you’re at it, give the unit a good dusting.
• Switch heavy bedding out for lightweight summer fabrics. Have the winter bedding cleaned before storing it away for the season.
• Close the chimney flue to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in.
• Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.
• Check door and cabinet hinges and lubricate any that stick or squeak.

Open windows on cooler days to keep fresh air flowing throughout the home.

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Source: stalbert.ca

MoneySense Magazine has just released its rankings for 2015 and has named St. Albert as the Best Place in Canada to Raise a Family.

“St. Albert is a family focused community, with safe neighbourhoods, great schools and outstanding recreational opportunities. We are pleased MoneySense Magazine has recognized the high quality of life families enjoy in our city.” – Mayor Nolan Crouse

St. Albert was also ranked the Fourth Best Place to Live in Canada, down from its first place ranking in 2014. “We are one of the top five places to live in the entire country, which is quite a distinction for St. Albert and worth celebrating,” adds Mayor Crouse.

Are you ready to put Don’s 35 years of business and sales experience to work for you? Simply click on the appropriate red button below: