Chris Voigt's April Real Estate e-Newsletter

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to a delightful spring.  Believe it or not, I'm sure the spring weather is right around the corner and we will all be outside soon enjoying it. I consider a big part of my job to be as helpful as I can to all my clients and the people who live in the communities where I live and work. How do I do that? Well, one way is to be the source of information for those who are considering buying or selling a home, or are just curious about the local real estate market. For example, you may be asking yourself – “Are house prices going up or down?”, “What opportunities are available on the market?”, “Is this the right time to make a move?". If you need answers to these questions, please give me a call. I can provide you with the information and advice you need to make an informed decision.  And if you know of anyone in your family, circle of friends, or workplace that is considering buying or selling their house, please have them get in touch with me so I can help them. Two by Fours Some men in a pickup truck drove to a lumber yard. One of the men walked into the office and said, “We need some four-by-twos.” The clerk asked, “You mean two-by-fours, don’t you?” The man said, “I’ll go check,” and went back to the truck. He returned shortly and said, “Yeah, I meant two- by-fours.” “All right. How long do you need them?” The customer paused for a moment and said, “I’d better go check.” After a while, he returned to the office and said, “A long time… we’re gonna build a house!” Have a great April! Follow me on Facebook!   Pretend You’re A Buyer An effective technique to help you sell your property quickly and for the best price is to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. Don’t just visualize this. Actually do it! Drive to your property and imagine that you’re seeing it for the first time. What’s your impression? Is the landscaping attractive? Are the walkways clear? Is the front door welcoming? Now walk up to the front door, open it, and step inside. Does the foyer seem neat and uncluttered? Is there anything unsightly from that vantage point? Take a walk through your home, starting in rooms that a potential buyer would predictably view first: the kitchen, livingroom and bedrooms. Do you notice anything you could change or improve, that would make those areas more appealing? Next, check out the washrooms, closets and basement. Are they clean and tidy? Finally, think about the price you want for the home. As a buyer, would you be enticed to make an offer at that level? Are there any nagging doubts about the property that would hold you back? Understanding the impression your home will make on potential buyers will help you sell it faster. Want more useful tips? Call today. Selecting The Right Neighborhood Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as picking the right home. Perhaps it is even more important. After all, you may be able to renovate a kitchen, but you can't move a nearby bus stop, or make a playground magically appear within walking distance. The neighborhood you choose to live in has a huge effect on your lifestyle and that of your family. So it's important to take as much time shopping for a great location, as it is for a new home. Take a Walk Once you have toured a house that interests you, take a walk. Explore the neighborhood. Get a sense of the atmosphere, community and personality of the surrounding area. Is the street relatively quiet? Or, is it a main throughway for commuters into and out of the neighborhood? Stop and listen. Is there a lot of ambient noise from traffic or other sources? What about local amenities? Find out about parks, playgrounds, community centers, and shopping. These can be very convenient if located nearby. Do you have kids? Then you'll also want to learn about the local schools. Are they within walking distance? If busing is required, where do your kids meet the bus? Ask questions If you see any neighbors while exploring the area, chat with them. You could simply say, "Hello. We're considering buying a home in this area. May we ask you a couple of quick questions about your experience living here?" You'll spend as much time in your neighborhood as you do inside your home. So get to know it, before you decide to make an offer. Redecorating On A Budget Getting bored of the four walls that surround a particular room? Want to redecorate, but worried that you don’t have the budget? Here are some low-cost ideas for revitalizing the look of just about any area of your home. Paint. It’s amazing what a $30 dollar can of paint can do. Changing the color of a wall, or even just the trim and baseboards, can have a dramatic effect on a room. Lighting. How a room is lit has an impact on its overall design. Consider replacing any lamps and ceiling light fixtures. Don’t forget that the brightness and location of the lighting can also make a big difference. Sofas and chairs. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars replacing furniture. If your sofas and chairs are still in good shape, just replace the fabric and pillows. Shelving and other organizers. Stuffed bookshelves and cluttered surface areas can make a room feel uncomfortable. Consider installing extra shelving and using other products available on the market to help you organize your space. One final tip: Take stuff out. People often think of redecorating as changing or adding things. But often just taking some stuff out of a room can significantly improve its look and comfort. When it comes to decorating, less is often more. notable, quotable... quotes! “We don’t see things as they are. We see them as we are.” Anais Nin “Try not to become a person of success, but rather to become a person of value.”  Albert Einstein “Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.” Clare Boothe Luce Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.