Guelph Real Estate Blog Updates - Guelph Real Estate Agents

Four Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Current Home

August 7, 2019

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It’s not uncommon for couples with growing families to trade in their compact cars for something roomier, like a mini-van. The same thing happens with homes. Sometimes families simply outgrow them.

How can you tell if that’s happening with your property? Here are some sure-fire signs:

You need more space.
This is the most common reason people upgrade to a new home. They need more room. For any number of reasons, you might want an extra bedroom, a larger living room, a bigger backyard, or a more spacious kitchen. Rather than put up with feeling cramped, consider exploring the extra space a new home can provide.
A renovation won’t fix it.
Sometimes, when a property doesn’t fit its owners’ needs anymore, they consider a renovation. For example, if they need more space for a home office, they convert a spare room. However, a renovation doesn’t always fix the problem. For example, building a double, rather than single driveway and garage, may not be possible given the constraints of your property. Only a new home can solve that problem.
You’re interested in a new neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood may have been perfect for you at one time. But needs evolve. You may now be looking for something the area doesn’t provide – like closer access to a recreational activity your family enjoys, or a more convenient commute to work. If that’s the case, it might be time to look at other neighbourhoods you’d like to consider, and see what types of homes are currently available there.
It’s time for a change.
Sometimes you simply feel it’s time for a change. There’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t feel you need a practical reason to sell and find a new home. If this feels like the right time for you and your family to move, go for it.

If you are thinking you’ve outgrown your Guelph real estate, let us know! We are happy to help you sell your home by finding the perfect buyer!

5 Things Buyers Hate to See

July 8, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate, Uncategorised

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5 Things Buyers Hate to See

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.

But what about those things you’re hoping buyers will not notice?

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.
Maintenance issues. Buyers definitely don’t want to see a lot of things that need repairs or replacement, such as dripping faucets, faded or chipped walls, 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.
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 us today – Guelph Real Estate Agents – Ann O’Garr and Wolfgang Dobrowolski.

Should You Buy the “Less Than Perfect” Home?

May 17, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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When you’re shopping for a new home, you want to find a property that has all the features and characteristics you want. Perhaps you’re looking for a large deck surrounded by picturesque landscaping, a beautiful kitchen with gleaming marble countertops, or a cozy living room with a fireplace.

You should be looking for the ideal home. You deserve it! But some home buyers become fixated on finding the “perfect” property, and pass too quickly on those homes that don’t quite measure up.
That can be a mistake, because some of those less-than-perfect properties have the potential to become your next dream home.
First, a home that is lacking some desirable features will probably cost less. Those savings may be more than enough to cover any needed upgrades or renovations.
Secondly, if you look at a home in terms of its potential, rather than the features it happens to have now, there will be more properties available on the market for you to consider.
If you’re determined to have a large wrap-around deck for entertaining, for example, don’t cross homes off your list that don’t have this feature. At least not yet. Instead, view these properties with an eye on potential. Is the backyard big enough to accommodate a large deck? How would that deck look if it were added to this particular property? How much would such a renovation cost?
There’s no doubt about it. You want to find a home that has the features and characteristics you want. If you work with me, there is a good chance you’ll find a property that has most, if not all of them.
But, keep an open mind. Sometimes a “diamond in the rough” can – with an upgrade or renovation – become a home you’ll treasure for years.

Give us, your trusted Guelph Realtors, a call today if you are interested in viewing some homes in your area!

Bringing Fitness Home

May 2, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Bringing Fitness Home

Are you thinking about purchasing home fitness equipment? Owning your own treadmill, exercise bike, or rowing machine can save you a lot of time and money compared to joining a fitness club. However, selecting the right equipment can be a challenge. Here are some tips:

Try it first. Ask your home fitness equipment dealer to let you do a few minutes of exercise on the machine you’re considering. Most will agree. Be suspicious if they don’t.
Ask around. Staff at local fitness clubs know the best equipment. Ask them for recommendations. Also, ask friends and colleagues.
Read online reviews. Type the name and model of the fitness machine you’re considering into Google along with the word “reviews”. Chances are you’ll find several websites that contain candid customer comments, complaints and testimonials.
Make sure it fits. Home fitness equipment can take up a lot of space. Make sure the one you select fits in the room you have in mind. Pay particular attention to the ceiling height. You don’t want to hit your head while working out on your stair climber!

Contact your local Guelph Realtors today with any questions regarding your home!

Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers

April 23, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers

What’s one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations buyers often give for not making an offer is, “I liked the house, but I wasn’t too keen on the kitchen.”

That doesn’t mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.

Here are some ideas:

First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible.

If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles, and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – but will only cost a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HGTV.com. “The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware.”

Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but may be worthwhile if the current counters are old and worn.

Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it’s clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets, so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front labels facing forward.

There are many other ways to make the most important rooms in your home look great to potential buyers. Call your local Guelph Realtors today for more ideas.

Your Home at a Glance

April 8, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Your Home at a Glance

Have you ever driven up to a restaurant and been disappointed by your first impression? Perhaps the windows looked dark and gloomy, the façade was worn and unattractive or for some other reason, it just didn’t look like a tempting place to eat.

It could still be a fantastic restaurant – a real gem. But, your first impression has soured your anticipation. If you still walk through the front door, it will likely be with much lower expectations.

This scenario often plays out in the real estate market as well.

Buyers drive up to a home for sale and quickly form an impression based on what they see “from the curb”. That’s why you’ll hear real estate experts talk about the importance of “curb appeal”. It’s one of the most important selling points of a property.

If you plan to put your home on the market, you want your home to look as attractive as possible from the street. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to improve curb appeal.

For example, you can trim shrubs and hedges, plant flowers, clean the walkway and driveway, paint the front door and garage door, and clean the exteriors of the windows. All these projects are relatively easy and inexpensive. Yet, each can have a dramatic impact on a buyer’s first impression.

Don’t be like the great restaurant that’s hidden behind an unkept façade. Make sure your curb appeal reflects the overall value of your property.

Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call your trusted Guelph realtors today.

A Bird’s Eye View of Selling Your Home

March 29, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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A Bird’s Eye View of Selling Your Home

If you haven’t sold a home before, the process can seem complex and even intimidating. It really isn’t. In fact, the steps to selling your property – quickly and for the best price – are straightforward, although not necessarily easy.

Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the steps to expect:

Determine what your property will likely sell for on today’s market. This is referred to as the Current Market Value.
Decide on a list price. Doing this properly is crucial. If you set the price too high, you’ll discourage buyers from seeing your home. On the other hand, if the price is too low, you may be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Prepare your home for sale. This involves cleaning, de-cluttering, fixing and staging so that your property wows potential buyers.
Market and promote the property to the marketplace. This needs to be done effectively to maximize the number of qualified buyers who find out about and become interested in your listing.
Show your property to buyers interested in seeing it.
Negotiate offers effectively so that you sell your property for the best price and conditions.
Make a deal and begin the transaction paperwork!

Of course, you don’t have to do it all alone! As your Guelph real estate sales associate, I will do most of the heavy-lifting for you. I’ll be by your side throughout the process, helping ensure your home sale is trouble-free and successful.

Ann O’Garr
519 820 9183
Helping People on the Move!!

Guelph Realtors – Doorways to Better Living Spaces

March 21, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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When people renovate or remodel a room, they almost always overlook the door. However, changing the style of an interior door, or adding a new one, can dramatically change the look of a living space – often for the better.

Although the most common type of door is the traditional solid 6-panel door, there are many other choices available. Want to add light and a greater sense of space to a room? Consider a door with glass panels. Do you have an interior door that gets in the way when opened? Change it to a bi-fold door, which cuts the distance of the swing in half.

There are also specialty doors that are designed to block noise, and sliding doors that tuck neatly into the wall when opened.

Interior doors are typically much less expensive than their exterior counterparts. So, making the decision to upgrade or add a door to a room is an affordable design option.

Visit a door showroom and explore the possibilities.

For more real estate tips (for both buyers and sellers) contact trusted Guelph Realtors, Ann O’Garr and Wolfgang Dobrowolski.

Prep Time: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Condo to Sell

February 14, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Whether you are simply upgrading your family home, you are a flipper, or you are finally letting go of a rental property, selling a condo takes work – and a lot of it. Especially if you want the condo snatched up quickly and at asking price.

Lucky for you, we have just the tips to help you.

By following the tips we’ve listed below and properly preparing your condo for sale, you should have a quick, easy, and stress-free sale.

Choosing the Best Time to Sell

Summer is the season of fun in the sun, autumn brings us pumpkin spice everything, winter has Christmas (winner, winner), and spring is… the king of real estate?

You heard it – spring is, usually, the busiest time of year for the world of real estate. This may sound silly, but there are actually a number of logical reasons why spring may be the best time to sell your condo.

Of course, the real estate market is still active at all times of the year, so if spring doesn’t work for you, don’t panic! List your house at the time that works best for you.

Time to Get Packing

As much as it might hurt to hear, potential buyers don’t want to see your things throughout the house. They don’t want to see your children’s artwork all over the fridge, your extensive shoe closet, or your collection of antique clocks – no matter how much these things mean to you.

Buyer’s want to be able to envision themselves, their things, and their families in this space – they want to see the potential it has to become their home.

Have most of your personal items – aside from things you need for daily living – packed away before showing the home.

To Stage or Not to Stage?

“Staging”, in real estate, refers to having a professional set the rooms of your home with stylish furniture and accessories in order to give the home the highest level of aesthetic appeal to potential buyers.

Staging doesn’t cover the home’s flaws, if it has any, but instead enhances the best parts of the home.

It has been proven through studies that staging does, in fact, contribute to houses selling faster, but not necessarily at higher prices.

The cost of staging ranges widely, based on factors such as the size of the house and the price and quality of the pieces being used.

Gather the Necessary Paperwork

Selling real estate is a legal transaction, and that can only mean one thing: there’s going to be a lot of paperwork involved.

Gathering as much of the necessary paperwork beforehand as you can be your saving grace throughout the process. It won’t just save you time, but will also help save your sanity.

Bonus Tip: Refresh Your Memory

The condo itself isn’t the only thing that needs to be properly prepared in order for your listing to be successful – you need to be prepared as well.

Potential buyers are going to have questions about the condo – and you need to be able to answer them.

Refresh your memory on the condos amenities, association/HOA fees, how the insurance policies work, etc.

Sell That Condo!

Now that we’ve shared all of our best tips on how to prepare your condo, you’re ready to hit the market!

Get that listing up, have an open house or two, and just watch the offers flood in! You’ll be on your way to a successful sale – and a new home – in no time!

Should You Move or Renovate

February 13, 2019

by aowd

in Guelph Real Estate

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Determining whether you should buy a new home or fix up your current one isn’t easy. In fact, the decision can be steeped in so much drama, they make reality TV shows about it!

So, if you’re wondering whether to move or improve, here are three things to consider:

1. Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property?

If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, given the layout of your house, it might not be possible to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spacious rec room with a cozy fireplace, then a renovation could make that happen.

Of course, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you may only be able to get by moving.

2. How much will a renovation cost? How does that compare to the cost of moving to a new home?

It’s important to get accurate estimates of both the cost to renovate, and the cost of a new home, so you can make an informed decision.

Renovations often have a habit of costing more than you originally anticipated. Remember, the final result should be a home you want to stay in for quite some time.

3. Beware of compromising versus settling.

Whichever decision you make – to renovate or to sell – you can expect to have to make at least some compromises. That’s normal.

For example, consider the impact of adding an extension to your house. It would be a major renovation. Is it the ideal way to get the extra room you want? Do the benefits of renovating outweigh the benefits of finding a new larger home that already includes the space you need?

It can be a tough decision. If you’re in the midst of making it, call today to get the facts you need to make the best choice when it comes to your Guelph Real Estate.