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Here is your HRM update from Mark-it-SOLD
A slow start to the real estate market has made for a busy June into July.
Over 3000 properties for sale with a “days on market” (DOM) of 74 but in many areas that can be measured in hours: Old Dartmouth, West/North End Halifax, Crichton Park. At 97% List to Sale ratio on $$ we are seeing many homes going well over the list price with multiple competing offers.
WHY? Simply because people have discovered that Halifax/Dartmouth is a great place to live! Less people are leaving and the weary house poor of other provinces are flocking here to seek debt relief and value for their dollar.
Which makes it a great time to get into the market as values climb and savvy sellers are doing the right things before listing: declutter, renovate what matters and choosing a Realtor® who is dedicated to getting your property sold.
That’s me by the way. So if you are moving up, moving away or moving out call me to start the conversation.
Have a wonderful summer!
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5 Things Buyers Hate to See
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When you show your home to prospective buyers, there is probably a long list of things you’re hoping they’ll notice. For example, you’ll want them to see the beautiful chandelier in the foyer or the spacious backyard and large deck, or the kitchen with the island big enough for a whole family to sit down for breakfast.
Ask Kondo
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| As I always say “you got to Kondo that condo” but it applies for all homes. And don’t forget your basement, garage, shed, backyard. First impression is the curb appeal but see your home in the eyes of a Buyer as they would walk throughout your property.
Every home has some features that are less than enticing to the typical buyer. You may not be able to do much about a small kitchen or a home backing onto a noisy main street.
However, there are several things buyers don’t want to see that you can change. Here are five of the most common:
- Clutter. Closets stuffed full of clothes or rooms crammed with too much furniture are distractions. Clutter of any kind makes buyers feel uneasy – and gets in the way of showcasing the wonderful features of your home. Consider a storage unit, get busy on Kijiji or rent a PODS to clean up. You are planning to move, right?
- Maintenance issues. Buyers definitely don’t want to see a lot of things that need repairs or replacement, such as dripping faucets, damaged walls, foggy windows, dirty carpets or overgrown lawns and shrubbery.
- Smells. Of course, you can’t see smells. But buyers will notice the lingering aroma of exotic cooking, cigarette smoke, and pets. These smells may even limit the amount of time they want to spend exploring the home. Cleaning carpets and furniture will help.
- Personal items. Buyers will understand that a family is living in the home they’re viewing. However, constant reminders – in the form of vacation pictures, trophies, or scattered children’s toys – can make a buyer feel like an intruder.
- You. It’s nothing personal, but buyers prefer to view your home without you in it.
Fortunately, all these things can be easily dealt with before you show your home.
Looking for more ideas on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call me today. |
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Preventing Burglaries Requires More Than Locks and Alarms
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There’s no doubt about it. If you want to keep your home safe from break-ins, you should have good locks on all doors and windows and ideally have an alarm system in place…or get a dog! Good boy Gus.
But home security doesn’t end with locks and alarms. There are other less obvious ways to keep your home safe. For example: |
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- Install exterior lights with a motion detection feature. A light suddenly going on will almost always send a potential intruder away.
- Look for – and, if possible, eliminate – potential hiding spots around your property.
- Always leave some lights on in your home when you’re away for an evening.
- Never announce that you’re on vacation or otherwise away from your home on social media sites. (Ask your kids not to do this either!)
- Don’t leave tempting valuables where they can be easily seen through a window
- Ask your neighbour to keep an eye, clear mail or newspaper, put away your garbage/recycling bins
In addition to good locking systems on doors and windows, simple precautions like these will significantly lower the risk of a break-in. |
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How a Home Inspection Helps You
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Whether you’re considering buying a particular home, selling your current property – or doing both – a home inspection is a must.
This inspection is conducted by a qualified professional who takes a close look at every aspect of a home – structure, wiring, plumbing, and more – and identifies issues you may not have noticed yourself. |
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| For example, a home inspector can determine that a furnace will need to be replaced soon, or that there is a water leak that needs to be fixed.
And don’t forget the sewer connection, the septic tank or the well!
You’ll definitely want to get a professional home inspection before you buy a particular property. That’s why most offers to purchase a home are conditional upon passing a home inspection. (The last thing you want is to buy your dream home only to discover that the wiring needs to be updated!)
You may also want to get a home inspection on your own home before you list it for sale. A certificate from a qualified professional that states that your home passed inspection will make your property more attractive to buyers.
Many reputable home inspectors are members of a professional industry association. However, it’s important to note that certification or licensing is not a requirement in many jurisdictions. So, select a home inspector carefully.
Need to find the home inspector? Call me today for a recommendation. |
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