Simple Home Improvements To Help Clean Up Before Selling

It simply makes sense to clean up both the interior and exterior of your home before listing it for sale. But that doesn’t mean you have to undertake major home renovation projects in order to sell your home. With a little effort you can increase the perceived value of your home by a great margin.
Here are some simple things to keep in mind that you can do to increase the perceived value of your home and make the perfect first impression.
Exterior of Home

• Keep lawns cut
• Trim hedges and bushes
• Weed and edge gardens
• Clear driveway and clean stains
• Clean out garage
• Power wash home exterior
• Touch up paint
• Plant colorful flowers

 

At The Front Door

• Clean porch and foyer
• Ensure doorbell works
• Repair any broken screens
• Fresh paint or varnish front door
• Repair any damages to the door and/or locks

 

Setting the Right Mood

• Make sure your home smells fresh and clean
• Turn on lights
• Turn on air conditioner/heater
• Open the drapes
• Light the fireplace

 

Maximize Open Space

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter
• Clear kitchen counter and stove top
• Clear closets of unnecessary items
• Remove empty boxes and storage
• Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs

 

Maintenance

• Repair leaking taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and filters
• Tighten door knobs and latches
• Repair cracked plaster
• Apply fresh coat of paint or touch up where necessary
• Clean and repair windows
• Repair seals around tubs and basins
• Replace defective light bulbs
• Oil squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

 

Squeaky Clean

• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean fridge and stove
• Clean around heating vents
• Clean washer and dryer
• Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
• Eliminate pet odors and stains

 

 

Find Your Dream Home with our Help!

Stunning Home in Waterloo…with Home Office and Kids Own Play Room

640 Honeywood Place, Waterloo ON $744,900

 

This beautiful home is located in a great area of Laurelwood and backs onto greenbelt. You will love the great layout and spaciousness of this home. A large front porch gives this home a homey feel and when you walk into the large foyer you will see that this is the home for your family. Down a short hall we find a large kitchen that is bright and open and you won’t believe the amazing view that the adjacent dinette gives you with large windows facing the back yard and green space. The kitchen and dinette are open to the family room and the garden door gives you access to the two tiered deck and the large back yard. The kitchen has a large island with double sinks and also serves as a breakfast bar. The family room also has large windows with view of the back deck and an opulent gas fireplace grounds the room and is a beautiful focus point. From the kitchen we access the formal dining room which is big enough for any family, friends or business function and the formal living room next to it is the place to entertain your guests. On the main floor we also have the 2-pce powder room and the laundry room with secure access to the garage. As we walk up the stairs you will notice the large landing area which could be used for a reading nook or computer area. The large master bedroom is complete with walk in closet and a large 4-pce ensuite with Whirlpool tub and separate shower. On this floor we also find three large bedrooms and a 5-pce bathroom. Down the lower floor is the fully finished basement with a large rec room from which we can access the back yard. We also have an office, a kid friendly playroom, storage, and a 3-pce bath on this floor. This home combines hardwood, carpet and tile floors beautifully. The double car garage and driveway completes the distinction of this home. See the Visual Tour Open House 24/7 at DaleDyer.com

Dream Home Finder

Home Improvement List

Simple Home Improvements that will help you clean up for whatever the occasion

It simply makes sense to clean up both the interior and exterior of your home before listing it for sale or before a big event-like a daughter’s back yard wedding. But that doesn’t mean you have to undertake major home renovation projects. With a little effort you can increase the perceived value and aesthetic of your home by a great margin.
Here are some simple things to keep in mind that you can do to increase the perceived value of your home and make the perfect first impression for your guests. You could call it Cleaning 101.

Exterior of Home

Keep lawns cut

Trim hedges and bushes

Weed and edge gardens

Clear driveway and clean stains

Clean out garage

Power wash home exterior

Touch up paint

Plant colorful flowers

 

At The Front Door

Clean porch and foyer

Ensure doorbell works

Repair any broken screens

Fresh paint or varnish front door

Repair any damages to the door and/or locks

 

Setting the Right Mood

Make sure your home smells fresh and clean

Turn on lights

Turn on air conditioner/heater

Open the drapes

Light the fireplace

 

Maximize Open Space

Clear halls and stairs of clutter

Clear kitchen counter and stove top

Clear closets of unnecessary items

Remove empty boxes and storage

Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs

 

Maintenance

Repair leaking taps and toilets

Clean furnace and filters

Tighten door knobs and latches

Repair cracked plaster

Apply fresh coat of paint or touch up where necessary

Clean and repair windows

Repair seals around tubs and basins

Replace defective light bulbs

Oil squeaking doors

Repair squeaking floor boards

 

Squeaky Clean

Clean and freshen bathrooms

Clean fridge and stove

Clean around heating vents

Clean washer and dryer

Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds

Eliminate pet odors and stains

Have a Safe Open House

It’s that time of year when many folks decide to sell their homes and having an Open House is most likely part of the agent’s marketing plan to attract buyers and a sale of the home. But not every one attending Open House has the intention of buying a home. Find out how to protect yourself and your belongings during an Open House. This video will show you how.

 

 

Looking for a Dream Home? CLICK HERE! to get started!

If you are thinking of Selling your home and are not sure where to start CLICK HERE for the first steps!

Come to the Open House Sunday June 15th, 2-4pm

Click on photo for more details

3 Gees Way, Cambridge ON

This lovely 2 storey home is located on a large fenced corner lot with easy access to the 401, schools and amenities. Starting at the very top we have a large loft that is sure to be a busy place for your family. Whether you make it a media room or family room or even an extra bedroom- it will be super spacious. 

Down one floor we have a huge master bedroom with awesome windows letting in maximum natural light. You have sufficient room to make a sitting area for reading and relaxing. You also have a walk in closet for all your storage and a very impressive ensuite with a whirlpool tub that has ceramic back splash and skirting. There will be no fighting in the morning with the double sinks and a separate shower.

Also on this floor we have two other good size bedrooms, a 5-pce family bath and the most women friendly laundry room with a laundry tub. No more ups and downs to do laundry.  Next we go down the main floor.

The main floor is very open as you would have noticed when you came in. The front foyer has ceramic flooring, a large closet for coats, a man door to the garage and a 2-pce powder room.

Down the short hall is the main living space which is open and bright. The chef will love this kitchen with all of the cupboards, counter top and breakfast bar. Across from the kitchen is a lovely dinette with window to the side yard and access to the rec room.

Next we have the large living room which has patio door access to the large deck and fenced side and back yard. You can easily entertain on this main floor. 

Next we go down to the finished basement for a view of the “L shaped” recreation room.

You have so much options here for the kids or teenagers. Or keep it for hubby for a man cave or fitness room. The choice is there.

 Last but not least is the back and side yards. It’s unusual to have a fenced side yard so this lot gives you the most yard. You have a lovely patio for BBQ and entertaining and a shed for all your summer time storage.

You won’t want to miss the Open House on Sunday for a chance to see it all in person. It will be worth the trip.

For more information or to view the Visual Tour go to www.DaleDyer.com

Thinking of selling your Home? Start Here!

Thinking of buying a Home? Start Here!

Choosing House Colours

When it comes to exterior house painting there are a few things to keep in mind before slathering that first coat on. Picking the perfect colour for the exterior of your home requires a few tips. Your paint choice can transform your home into a dream home or a neighbourhood nightmare. Fortunately there is no shortage of shade from which to choose from. Here’s what you need to know to help you make that choice:

Take the curb appeal test. Walk across the road from your home and then turn around to look at it. Find the colour that is most prevalent that cannot be changed. For example the blue flex on the roof or the red veins in the yellow brick. This will help you in determining a colour scheme that will take these unchangeable shades into account. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box when it comes to colour. You want to accent the architectural character and charm of your home with contrasting colours. Start with your entryway.

Exterior colour trends don’t change very fast for most neighbourhoods. Checking the neighbours and surrounding area first might help you in finding colour choices that fit your home and your area. Canary yellow might bring the attention but it certainly would not gain you brownie points with the neighbours if all the homes around you sport a neutral blend.  You want to freshen the look and update it but you don’t want to stick up like a sore thumb either.

White is always a safe colour but you could experiment with few neutral shades and a small punch of colour to give your home the pizzazz that it needs. Avoid highlighting drab features such as the gutters or the air conditioning unit.  Your window trim and front door could be a great place to start.

Light colours will make your home seem larger and more inviting than dark ones. A home painted green would get lost in a heavily wooded lot and a bright colour one might seem too harsh where landscaping is sparse.

Decide on your colour scheme and what part of the architecture that you will emphasize before you get started. Try sample testing a small amount of your home that is less visible before you embark full throttle. With newer homes having mainly brick and vinyl siding you might not be able to paint too much so pick the right accent.

A few well-chosen colours could be all that is needed to make your home a  dream come true and the envy of the neighbourhood.

Whether you are Selling a Dream Home or Looking to Buy a Dream Home – Click the links and get started right now!

Showcasing to sell your home!

 

Showcasing your home for its most potential is no small task but the rewards are so satisfying.

You have probably heard it said that curb appeal was a priority well pay close attention because it is. If the buyers don’t like what they see on the outside they will probably not want to go inside. Or they will have a preconceived idea that will carry through the rest of the viewing of your home. Even if the rest is well done. The first impression is a make it or break it.

A cluttered, crazed kitchen will kill the buyer’s love in a dash. To most women the kitchen could make the difference between a ‘must have’ or a platonic ”pass’. Mind you that it’s not just women as more and more men look at the kitchen as the room where master chefs are created. So get inspired by home trend magazines and update the kitchen to have the “now in” look. Cut the clutter as this is a number one turn off for buyers. Get inspired by easy but worthy touches such as a bowl of colourful fruits and fresh flowers.

Amazing enough a lot of buyers pay close attention to the master bedroom and en-suite. This is their private sanctuary where they recharge and sleep their troubles away. Make it warm, inviting and cozy. The larger it looks the better so ease off on gargantuan bedroom furniture. Let the light in by pulling open the curtains or the blinds. Present the walk in closet with walk-in space and not packed with clutter on the floor or on the  top shelf. That’s why they are called walk-in closets. Clear away dressers and night stands from piles of personal items and clutter. Clean, simple and minimalist decor works well for the master bedroom. If you have an en-suite give it that spa-like ambiance. Check the magazines and get ideas of what enhances it such as puffy white towels nicely folded, sparkling clean sinks, toilet, tub and shower.  As much as you like the seat cover and matching rug, get rid of them while you’re trying to sell your home as they give buyers the idea that your home is old-fashioned. You might like the cutesy signs and craft toilet paper holder but to most buyers those are distracting. Remember you want a spa like atmosphere and you would not find those items in a spa. Even if  your home is an older home you can still achieve that atmosphere with matching white towel and face cloth and a few pretty soaps or elegant hand lotion bottles. And don’t forget to close the toilet lid for showings.

The next room that you will want to pay close attention to is the living room. You want to show off the living room to buyers that your home is intended for. If your home is perfect for young first time buyers then emphasized the space where they can invite all of their friends.  On the other side, if your home is great for a growing family, make sure you show off important family features like storage.

Overall these are the most important rooms that will influence the sale of your home. Make sure that you are presenting them in the best of light and to accomplish the goal of selling your home in the least amount of time and for the most money.

 

 

Cambridge Market Barometer for April 2014

As the temperature so slowly inches up activity for Sellers and Buyers has come into full swing. Buyers are plentiful and are looking for value with homes ready to move in. Sellers have a great opportunity to sell for the right price in the least amount of time.

 

We have the Dream Homes for you at www.BestBuyHomeFinder.com

Selling your home starts Here! FREE Home Evaluation.

 

Home for Sale in South-End Guelph

From time to time I like to show some of the homes that are for sale in the region. This home in Guelph has made the cut because of the many upgrades, its size and its location. Take a look at the Visual Tour and for a closer look give me a call to view it in person.

 

24 Pine Ridge Dr., Guelph On

Home ownership a good investment

According to the latest poll by RBC more young Canadians believe that owning a home is a very good investment. And based on my 25+ years experience as a Realtor and a home investor I must agree with the finding of the poll. There has never been a better time to invest in Real Estate. Real estate investment has often been referred to as blue chip investment which won’t make you rich overnight but with time, will do well. Where you buy your investment has to be well calculated and you should consider long-term job growth, GDP and economic development into the equation. To know more about Real Estate investment don’t hesitate to give me a call.

The results of the poll released in February also indicated that 86% of folks 25-34 believe owning a house or condo is a solid investment, up from 78 per cent last year. And of those desiring to buy a home, 62% say they will buy with their spouse and 28%  will buy by themselves.

Job stability and manageable debt were key factors considered by those who intend to buy this year.

RBC also mentioned that 4 out of 10 of those surveyed would be first time home buyers. Those with long-term goals to buy are looking at within two years to make that first purchase.

This seems to be the finding across Canada

Young Canadians view home ownership as good investment: RBC poll.

 

Looking for a Dream Home starts here: www.bestbuyhomefinder.com