Pets are often considered members of the family. But when selling a home, our four-legged family members can cause additional challenges. Here are the top things pet owners should keep in mind when attempting to sell their home. Limit the impact Pets tend to leave a mark; however, by limiting their impact, you can make your space appealing to any buyer. Dogs should be removed from the home, or kenneled, during showings. Cats should also be removed, if possible. Bird and reptile … [Read more...] about Top 4 home selling tips for pet owners
7 ways to update your kitchen for less than $1,000
You’ve finally made the decision to sell, but as you sit in your kitchen and look around, you realize the space could use a little love to attract the kind of buyer you’re hoping for. Here’s how to get top dollar for your place without spending a penny over $1,000. Replace countertops While everyone swoons over marble countertops, quartz alternatives can produce the same pleasing aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Clocking in at around $75 per square foot (including installation), if you … [Read more...] about 7 ways to update your kitchen for less than $1,000
7 ways to help your kids transition into a new home
Let’s face it, moving is hard for everyone — big moves bring up all sorts of feelings, from stress to uncertainty, and excitement. Luckily, there are a few actions you can take before the big day to help mitigate the negative reactions from the youngest members of your family. Little People, Big Dreams Whether you’re hoping to stay in the same neighbourhood or move right across the country, inviting your kids into the house-selection process from the get-go can help. Ask them what they’d … [Read more...] about 7 ways to help your kids transition into a new home
5 projects to tackle this spring break
March (hopefully) means the weather is warming up. If you don't have a trip planned to an exotic locale, take some time to get ahead on home maintenance projects. Here are a few projects you can complete during a spring fling of home repair. 1. Fun with water Power washing your home's exterior not only adds to its sparkle factor, but also blasts away any potentially damaging mold and mildew. Rent a machine at your local home improvement store and tackle your siding, deck and driveway. 2. … [Read more...] about 5 projects to tackle this spring break
Staging your home yourself
Staging your house is incredibly important! After all, you wouldn’t sell your car without making sure it looked its best. So, why wouldn’t you make sure your house is in tip-top shape before you put it on the market? Staging is one of the best ways to add value to your home for very little money. So what should you focus on first? Decluttering! Everywhere. From counters to walls to floors, you want potential buyers to see the house, not your knickknacks. Scrub everything from tile … [Read more...] about Staging your home yourself
Reasons why staging makes a difference
We’ve been told not to judge a book by its cover, but first impressions usually impact our decision-making, whether we care to admit it or not. Therefore, a well-staged home typically has a better chance of selling at a higher price than one that hasn’t been staged. We reached out to our RE/MAX Influencers—a panel consisting of RE/MAX Sales Associates from throughout Canada—to discover why sellers shouldn’t have “stage fright” when it comes to selling their home. Faster sale, higher … [Read more...] about Reasons why staging makes a difference
Metro Vancouver property assessments
Property owners received their 2017 assessment notices the first week of January. In Metro Vancouver, increases of 30 to 50 per cent are typical for detached homes in Vancouver, the North Shore, Squamish, Burnaby, Tri-Cities, Richmond, and Surrey. Property owners with a significant increase received a warning assessment in early December 2016. Commercial and industrial properties will likely see increases in the 15-40% range, according to Jason Grant, regional assessor, … [Read more...] about Metro Vancouver property assessments
Why moving in the winter is actually awesome
It might seem counter-intuitive, but moving in the winter—from house-hunting to getting all your worldly belongings from point A to point B—can actually be easier, cheaper and more convenient than any other time of the year. Here’s why it pays to move during the colder months. It’s a buyer’s market Spring has always been considered the best time to put a house on the market; warmer weather inspires buyers to get out and hit the open house circuit, while gardens and outdoor areas tend to show … [Read more...] about Why moving in the winter is actually awesome
Features that date your home
Raise your hand if features in the interior of your home are a tribute to the 80s or 90s. Whether we care to admit it or not, many houses are dated with features and accessories that were popular 20 years ago. But when you put your home on the market, you want to put your best foot forward. If you are thinking about selling, there are some features of your home that can date it and make it less appealing to buyers. Learn what they are so you can ensure they are fixed before … [Read more...] about Features that date your home