Monthly Archives: April 2015

Five common mistakes home buyers make to watch out

Buyers are often so focused on finding the desired property within their budget that they make unnecessary and costly mistakes.  Here are five common mistakes home buyers make to watch out for:

1. Not Hiring a Qualified Home Inspector

Just like any other profession – no two Home Inspectors are created equal.  Always be sure to research a variety of professionals.  Find out how they report back results and determine their level of knowledge with the type of home they are inspecting.  You want someone who will take detailed notes and pictures, provide guidance, and take the time to explain the various concerns/benefits of the home.

2. Ignoring the Value of the Neighbourhood

The neighbourhood in which a home is located in is often ignored.  The focus is usually on the features of the home, but what about access to transit, schools, shops, and highways?  How do the other homeowners maintain their properties?  Is the area in a state of growth, stability, or decline?  Does the house conform to the general area?  Is it the worst or best house on the street?  All of these factors can impact not only the current market value but its anticipated future value.

3. Getting Caught up in Multiple-Offer Situations

A number of local real estate markets across Canada are experiencing high buyer demand with relative lack of active listings.  Typically, this trend will push home prices upwards.  This is often compounded by homes that are being priced below market value, and sellers not accepting offers until a specific date.  The purpose of these selling strategies in a hot sellers’ market is to encourage multiple-offer situations.  All too often, the end result is a buyer paying too much for a home.  As a homebuyer, be prepared to walk away from such a situation.  Allowing your emotions to rule your thinking may end up costing you more money than you should be otherwise paying for a home.

4. Having Search Criteria that is too Broad

Home buying should involve the process of elimination, not addition.  It’s normal to begin the process with a fairly broad set of criteria in terms of home features, location and cost.  Once you’ve had the chance to view a couple of homes and build your knowledge base, then it’s time to make some decisions.  The more focused and efficient your search is, the more you’re likely to find the home you actually want.  When search criteria are too broad, we tend to get overwhelmed and have difficulty making meaningful decisions.

5. Not Hiring a Professional REALTOR®

As in the case with every professional service provider, not all REALTORS® are made the same.  Do your homework.  Review REALTOR® websites, ask friends and family and interview multiple Real Estate Sales, Professionals.  A referral to a reputable REALTOR® can be a great source, but just because your good friend has a parent in the business doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for you.

 

Keep these five common mistakes home buyers make in mind when you are looking for your next home.

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Market Update

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 853 residential properties in February 2015 through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 868 in February 2014, a decrease of 1.7%. In this February 2015 market update, the five-year average for February sales is 914.

“Even though we had one of the coldest months on record, resales for the month of February are only slightly down from last year. Looking at residential properties alone, 13 more properties were sold this February over last February – a 1.9% increase; while the condo market, on the other hand, has been a little slower to gain momentum. That being said, both residential and condo sales are up a total of 226 combined units since January.” – David Oikle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board

February’s market update noted 168 sales in the condominium property class and 685 in the residential property class. The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in February in the Ottawa area was $358,206, an increase of 1.3% over February 2014. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $267,880, an increase of 3.8% over February 2014. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $380,358, a decrease of 0.3% over February 2014.

The hottest segments of the Ottawa market update in February were sales between $300,000 to $400,000, followed by the $200,000 to $300,000 range, and $400,000 to $500,000 range. These price ranges continue to have the highest concentration of properties sold, while residential two-storey homes and bungalows continue to have the highest concentration of buyers.

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The Do's and Don'ts of Selling Your Home

Now that the Spring selling season is fast approaching it is important to consider these do’s and don’ts when selling your home.  First impressions are everything when it comes to selling your home. Most people make up their mind on whether or not they like a house within mere minutes of stepping foot inside. That is why it is crucial to make sure that you, and your home, put your best foot forward.

Don’t overdo it on the heat

People tend to overcompensate when they know that potential buyers are coming to look at their home in the winter time. They crank up the heat to make the place warm and welcoming – but that can backfire. The air will be dry and stale, plus buyers will probably be too warm, as they will be bundled up in coats. To solve this problem, keep the heat at a reasonable setting and have your humidifier set between 40-60 percent.

Do consider curb appeal

Curb appeal is a huge draw for buyers, even in February and March.  Consider creating a winter planter with cold-weather plants like winterberry, holly or noble fir. At the very least, invest in a new doormat and keep the driveway clear of ice and snow. Warm lights glowing in the window will also be welcoming.

Don’t expect people to use their imagination

If you have a crazy colour choice in one or more of your rooms, you might think that people will look past this, but that can prove difficult for buyers. Bright paint and wacky décor choices will make them uneasy, no matter how beautiful your home. Paint over wild colours and put away any crazy items that might garner a laugh or a raised eyebrow.

Do invest in updates that matter

People will pay top dollar for homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms. If you can make even the barest improvements to these rooms, you will see a huge return. Update the yellowing tile in the bathroom or invest in new cabinetry. At the very least, purchase new shower curtains, bath rugs, and the like.

Do keep it bright

Open all curtains and turn on all the lights, even if it is the afternoon. Replace all dead light bulbs. Crack open doors to the pantry or laundry room so people won’t be afraid to peek inside. And tidy up in forgotten places like inside the fridge or oven.  People will be looking in there, and if they see mould or burnt food, they will be very turned off.

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