Movie Night In The Park Was So Much Fun!
What do you think... should we do another Movie in the Park??? It was sooooo much fun being surrounded by so many great people in the community while we played a movie in St.Vital Park.
Your Weekly Market Update For River Park South
Dive into your comprehensive weekly market update for the vibrant River Park South community. This update is your one-stop source for all the latest real estate trends, property valuations, and community happenings in your neighbourhood. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our detailed analysis. What's making headlines this week?
9 Details That Are Easily Ignored, But So Important When Selling Your Home
When showing homes these are some of the things that buyers look at,👀 make comments on, and might change their minds about purchasing👈️ your home:
1️⃣ Burnt-out lightbulbs - it seems simple, and not something catastrophic that would change someone's mind, but you would be surprised what people can say about lightbulbs.
2️⃣ Dusty light fixtures - when you look up at that light fixture and it is covered in dust it is an instant turn off
3️⃣ Dusty Vents - almost always missed by sellers but noticed by buyers, these things can get GROSS, so make sure to clean them off.
4️⃣ Bathroom vents - buyer will turn these on to make sure they are working, then look up at them. If it is all covered in dust it is just one more thing that is dirty in the house and needs to be done
5️⃣ Squeaky doors - make sure they all close quietly and well
6️⃣ Dirty windows - dirt can be mistaken for a window with a broken seal. Make sure the buyer has a beautiful clear view of their yard from inside the house
7️⃣ Dirty sliding door jam - I don't like cleaning this any more than you do, but make sure that it is all clear of gunk and sliding perfectly
8️⃣ Dusty ceiling fans - again, buyers look up, they are admiring those fans, so make sure they aren't coated in dust
9️⃣ Dirty walls - the best thing here might even be a coat of paint, but start with giving them a good clean. So many times I have seen filthy walls around light switches and doors where hands often are and it is an instant turn-off.
All of this you can do yourself and doesn't add any extra expenses to selling your home, but it has a huge impact on the buyer's thoughts when they go into your home.😃
Navigating the Real Estate Seas in High Interest Times!
The tide has shifted, and interest rates are riding high these days. While it might seem like a challenge, it's all about perspective. High-interest rates definitely add a layer of complexity to the real estate game, but they also bring unique opportunities for those ready to strategize and seize the moment.
As interest rates climb, there's a lot to consider, whether you're looking to buy your first home, upgrade, or invest. The real estate market remains a realm of potential, and the key is to adapt your plans to the changing conditions.
Higher interest rates can mean adjusting budgets and expectations, but they can also lead to a market where motivated sellers are looking to make deals. It's a dance between balancing your financial aspirations and finding that perfect property to call home.
So, if you're like me and excited by the challenges that high-interest rates bring, let's start this journey together. Let's share ideas, discuss strategies, and inspire each other to navigate this landscape.
There's no doubt that with the right mindset and knowledge, we can turn these high-interest times into opportunities for growth and success.
Attention Homeowners Selling with Pets: Top Tips for a Smooth Sale!
Are you a pet owner looking to sell your home? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some handy tips to ensure a successful sale while keeping your furry friends happy:
1️⃣ Stage Wisely: When showcasing your home, aim for a clean and decluttered space. Tidy up pet toys, bedding, and food bowls to create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.
2️⃣ Repair and Refresh: Any signs of pet-related damage, such as scratches or stains, should be addressed. Consider repainting walls, refinishing floors, or deep cleaning carpets to eliminate odours and make your home more appealing to buyers.
3️⃣ Furry Friend Retreat: During showings or open houses, arrange for a safe and comfortable space for your pets away from the property. This way, they won't get stressed or interfere with potential buyers' experiences.
4️⃣ Eliminate Odours: Pet odours can be a turn-off for buyers. Regularly clean litter boxes, wash bedding, and vacuum or steam-clean carpets to keep your home smelling fresh.
5️⃣ Pet Photography: Highlight the positive side of having pets by including photos of your furry friends in your listing. This can create an emotional connection and show potential buyers how pets can thrive in the space.
6️⃣ Secure the Yard: Ensure that your backyard is properly fenced and secure to give buyers confidence that their own pets will be safe in the new home. Fix any broken gates, secure loose fences, and remove any potential hazards.
7️⃣ Minimize Distractions: Arrange to have your pets temporarily elsewhere during important events like inspections or appraisals. This helps minimize distractions and allows potential buyers to focus on the property's features.
8️⃣ Communicate Clearly: Let us know any potential pet-related information we may need to know. Are there rules in your building (think condo) or are pets allowed
9️⃣ Professional Cleaning: Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to thoroughly deep clean your home. They can target areas that may have accumulated pet hair, dander, or allergens over time. A clean and fresh-smelling home will leave a positive impression on potential buyers.
🔟 Remove Traces of Pet Presence: Before showings or open houses, thoroughly clean your home to remove any visible signs of pets. Vacuum carpets, mop floors, and wipe down surfaces to eliminate pet hair and dander. Additionally, hide away pet supplies like leashes, litter boxes, and feeding bowls to create a neutral and clutter-free environment.
Remember, selling a home with pets might require a bit of extra effort, but it's definitely manageable!
Reach out to us if you are thinking of selling and have a furry friend. We would love to meet them and help you navigate the sale.
Your Weekly Market Update For River Park South
Welcome to the River Park South Market Update. This week, the real estate landscape continues to present challenges, making it a complex terrain to navigate. Whether you're considering selling your current property or on the hunt for a new home, I'm here to guide you through the process. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need expert advice. I'm committed to helping you make informed decisions in this fluctuating market.
Reflecting on Home Sweet Home
Amid the hustle and bustle of life, let's take a moment to gaze into the mirror of real estate. What do you see? More than just walls and roofs – it's a canvas of dreams, aspirations, and lasting memories.
As we stand before the mirror of a property, we're not just witnessing a structure, but envisioning a future. A place where stories unfold, families grow, and laughter echoes through the rooms.
Let's embrace every unique feature, every corner that holds potential, and every detail that shapes a house into a home. Remember, it's not just about bricks and mortar; it's about creating a sanctuary that reflects your style and dreams.
So here's to the mirrors of real estate, reflecting the journey of finding that perfect space to call your own. Tag someone who's on the hunt for their dream home. Let's make those real estate dreams a reality!
House Hack, Here’s What To Do
A lot of people get confused about the "2nd home at 20%" part, it isn't if your picking up and moving your family that you have to pay 20% down, it is when you are buying a rental property. But what if you could also get a rental property at 5% down?
Here is what you do...
You keep your current home as the rental, and buy your next family home at 5% down, and do that a few more times.
Maybe you buy that starter home at 5% down, then you keep it and move up. Then you keep that move up and move up again, and each time you move up it is only 5% down. This way you are acquiring rental properties as you go, as you move up in the real estate world, and doing it all with the least amount down which helps to free up your cash!
Reach out to talk to us if this is something you may be interested in. We can help you determine if your current home would be a great rental property for you.
Your Weekly Market Update For River Park South
Explore the current dynamics of the River Park South real estate market with us. In this market, a well-crafted strategy is crucial for selling your home successfully. We're here to provide expert guidance and navigate you through the process. Don't hesitate to connect with us for a comprehensive understanding of the market trends and personalized advice tailored to your needs.
WINNIPEG, August 9, 2023 – July MLS® sales decreased from June, last July and the 5-year average. Active MLS® listings rose from last month, last July and to slightly above the 5-year average.
“The last 3 Julys were the top three Julys on record but when taking the 5-year average of Julys from 2015 to 2019 before the pandemic began, we see July 2023 MLS® sales tracking similarly," said Rena Prefontaine, 2023-2024 President of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board. “The depleted housing availability seen over the last 3 years has balanced out with gains to active listings that are encouraging to see. A healthy housing inventory that spans all different price ranges is important for a balanced market."
Read MoreIncrease The Value Of Your Home When Time Is Limited
Want to increase the value of your home but don't have a lot of time?
Clean... get in there, lots of elbow grease and clean the place up. Get into every corner, every vent, every everything to make it sparkly and shiny
Paint ... paint is money in a can, freshen up the space, make it bright and airy
Landscape .... add some nice touches so that the curb appeal shines
Clean more .... power wash the driveway, and make sure your exterior is clean
It is as simple as that if you want to have your home present better, make more buyers excited and in turn increase the value of your home.
Lenders Are Getting Super Picky
Lenders are getting SUPER picky right now. For 2 years they let nearly anything fly through the approval process and now they have each and every deal under a microscope and it seems I am constantly saying "I have never had a lender care about that before!" all too often.
If you are buying right now be prepared for the lender to pick you and the house apart. If you are a seller, know that it might take a little extra patience to put it all together as the lender picks away and make sure that they are happy. And as always if you have questions let us know, we are here to help.
Do You Need Title Insurance?
You bought the house, you jump for joy, then your lawyer sends you a welcome package and in there is questions about title insurance, and which package do you want?
This is the time when I get the text "do we have to get title insurance?? is it worth it?" So... sometimes (most of the time) you don't have a choice, the lender makes it mandatory in your mortgage conditions that you must get title insurance.
And if you do have the option, it is still a great idea to get it. This is what helps to keep you protected from things you didn't know about. I have seen people who had discovered frozen pipes in the wall that the seller didn't disclose and have it covered.
Where a flip didn't do things to code title insurance may pay to have it fixed. Like any other insurance it can feel like a waste/extra up front, but when you need it you will be so very thankful that you have it.
Divorcing & Selling Your House?
Divorce.
It’s a hard word to say.
It’s a hard emotion to feel.
It sucks, to put it plainly.
We’ve recently helped several clients who are going through a divorce or separation navigate the home sale process.
We know that divorce is already a difficult and emotional time, and we want to do everything we can to make the sale of the home as stress-free and smooth as possible.
We’ve learned a lot about how to navigate a home sale in the midst of a divorce and we’ve found that communication and amicability between both parties is key.
We work closely with it’s our sellers to ensure everyone is on the same page and that the sale is handled in a way that feels fair and equitable to everyone involved.
We have "rules" in place on how we communicate and do things with a divorce to ensure everyone is involved, listened to, and a part of the process.
If you or someone you know is going through a divorce and needs help selling their home, we’re here to support you.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for questions or to just talk more about the process from start to finish.
Things Are Looking Pretty Normal
Did you know that when we look at data from pre-pandemic we are pretty darn normal right now?
It feels off, it feels so different after the crazy that we had for 2 years, but most of what is happening in our market is quite normal.
So, whether you are buying or selling, keep your cool, we are here for you to guide you through the intricacies of the market and what to expect.
Selling Your Home With Pets
Pets and selling your home.🐾
It is a tricky and annoying thing to deal with, but what you have to remember is that it is all about the future buyer of your home and them envisioning themself in your space..... and their vision may not include pets. They may hate pets, they may have allergies, and so much more.
At the end of the day, it is all about neutral, in every way, and that includes pets. We are talking a lot about it this month, so hang around, make sure you have all the tips on selling your home with pets.
Paying Your Mortgage Faster
5 tips for paying your mortgage faster:
Make biweekly payments instead of monthly. This will help pay off an extra month's worth of payments each year
Round up your payment. Every little bit counts and this can add up over time.
Make extra principal payments whenever you an/ This will reduce the overall amount of interest you pay.
When interest rates drop, refinance to gran a lower rate
Consider a shorter loan term. This may mean higher monthly payments, but you will pay it off faster and save interest.
And then, live mortgage free!
