Sometimes the reason for putting your home on the market is crystal clear. For example, you might have a job relocation and need to move. Or, you might have decided to downsize because the kids have left the nest. However, there are many other motivations to list your home that are not as obvious, and yet are still good reasons to make a move. Here are just a few examples...

• You’re bored with your home and are looking for a change.
• There’s something you’ve always wanted in a home that your current property doesn’t have, such as a wooded backyard.
• You want to be closer to work, or to activities you enjoy, such as golf.
• You want to be closer to family.
• The neighbourhood is changing in a way that no longer fits the lifestyle you want.
• There’s…

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Your neighbourhood has a lot of features that can help sell your home faster. Unfortunately, buyers don’t usually notice those features just by driving around. So, you need to make sure they get all the information they need about your neighbourhood.

 
For example, say homes don’t go on the market often in your area. That’s an indication that the quality of life in the neighbourhood is so good that no one wants to leave! In real estate we measure the area’s “turnover rate”, and it’s handy data to have when listing your home.

 

Another bit of data that buyers can’t simply see is the local crime rate. But, most police departments keep those statistics. If your neighbourhood has a low crime rate, that’s an obvious plus to sellers.


Demographic data…

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 Just under 3800 sq ft of dev living space in this modern custom home w/SE, in-floor heated walkout & 3 car heated garage. Open concept, family rm w/gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, formal dining rm, kitchen w/custom cabinets, SS appliances, granite counters, walk through pantry, spacious nook & 3 good sized bdrms on the main. Master has large walk in closet, 5...x6 tiled steam shower, tub & double sinks. Bsmnt-9ft ceilings, fully dev, full wet bar w/2 bar fridges, dishwasher, sink, family rm, office/gym rm, theatre rm, laundry rm w/lots of cabinets & sink, a wine/storage rm, full bath & 2 more bdrms w/walk in closets. Exterior upgraded to Hardie plank siding w/1 1/2" Styrofoam+newer shingles. Sound system throughout, network ready, central R/O & softener,…

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Have you ever considered renting out a room to a student or renovating your basement into a self-contained rental apartment? 

It’s a big decision. There are many pros and cons to consider. 

On the pro side, renting can provide you with additional income. An extra few hundred dollars a month can go a long way towards paying down your mortgage or splurging on an exotic summer vacation. 

Creating rentable living space in your home — for example, an “in-law suite” featuring a kitchenette and bathroom — may also increase your property’s market value. 

On the con side, you’ll have more costs and responsibilities as a landlord. For example, you might need to purchase extra insurance because basic home insurance policies typically do not cover rental…

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Hopefully, this will never happen to you. But, there are circumstances – a fire, for example – when you and your family would need to exit through a window.

It pays to be prepared for that eventuality.

Your first step is to determine which windows are safe to use as an exit. There should be at least one on each level.

The windows you select will need to provide enough space for a person to climb through (at least a 20 inch opening). Make sure everyone knows which windows are “safe exit” windows, and how to open them. Keep in mind that windows may have screens, so ensure everyone knows how to remove those as well.

For a second floor window, consider purchasing a portable escape ladder. These are compact and easily stowed in a closet or under a…

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