What are the benefits of using a REALTOR®? 

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to understand from the outset how professional representation can help you at every step of the process.

Buying or selling a home is a major financial (and emotional) undertaking and

your REALTOR® is more than just a "salesperson".....we act on your behalf as your advocate, providing you with professional advice and guidance.

While the Internet has opened up a world of information not previously available to consumers, the data on listings available for sale, while interesting, is only relevant in context in our local market.  In a competitive market, whether you are buying or selling, you need the most current information about what has sold or is currently for sale, any pertinent changes in pricing, as well as any additional information we have about specific properties beyond the listing details.

The way to ensure you have that information is by enlisting the help of a REALTOR®.

Buying a Home:

As a buyer, there are many advantages to having a REALTOR® work with you:

• We simplify the process of finding you the perfect place by matching up properties that fit with your criteria & arrange all property showings. As buying or selling your home is a very personal transaction, many people tend to feel more comfortable using an agent as a liaison rather than having to deal face to face with potential buyers or sellers. The best part is it doesn't cost you, the buyer, anything to have a REALTOR® work on your behalf as buyer’s agent is compensated via a percentage of the seller’s brokerage commission.

• Once we find the right property for you, we will develop a negotiation strategy based on our industry knowledge and experience, facilitate all the contracts and paperwork, as well as negotiate the purchase on your behalf including price, possession, inclusions & any conditions to the purchase.

  
  

• We can recommend industry professionals, such as mortgage brokers, certified home inspectors, real estate lawyers, insurance agents, movers, & even proven contractors for any projects that need to be addressed. We will be with you through your home inspection and will help guide you through that process as well.

• We also work closely with all parties involved in your home purchase & ensure that all documents are provided to your Lender & Lawyer. 

Selling a Home:

• When you're selling your home, you gain access to the most qualified buyers by being listed on the Multiple Listing Service. Whether you are buying or selling a home, MLS® is your best tool. By having your listing as part of the MLS® system you instantly have all of the REALTORS® in the city considering your property for their qualified buyers as well as national exposure to potential buyers relocating to the Regina area.

• That is really the key....getting it in front of the highest number of people who are actively looking for a property with the same characteristics as yours, in your price range and neighbourhood.

• We are your liaison with other local real estate agents to help promote your property & to work together to help affect a great end result for you!

• One of the most important things we do is to help you price your home correctly through our experience and understanding of the market & comparable sales.

• Great marketing of your property starts with professional photos & video tours. We will arrange that for you and we will help to advise you & give you our recommendations to ensure that your home & yard are photo ready and engaging to potential to buyers.

Because today's home buyers and sellers are so much better informed than in the past, our expertise and ability to communicate that, are becoming much more important. Our profession and the service we provide is evolving and we are becoming as much a "guide" through the process as a "salesperson".

We are your personal representative when you are buying or selling a home and we will be with you every step of the way! 

We look forward to working with you & if you have questions about anything real estate, we are here to help!  Email us at info@w2realtyteam.com

Happy House Hunting! 
Karin & Jen

We know there a million things to do as you prepare your home for sale so we are starting with just a few projects to tackle before the snow comes & Winter is here to stay!  This post covers outdoor projects but we also take on the indoor list of to-do's in our blog "Guide to Prepare Your Home for Sale"!

If you're not sure where to start this Fall, here is some inspiration:

Focus on the Front Yard 

Curb appeal is everything and will significantly impact a potential Buyer’s first impression of your home. Stand out on the street and take an objective look, or even better a photo, of your house & yard….What do you see that could be improved? 

At a minimum, clean the scuff marks off the front door and touch-up the paint… or give it a fresh coat if weather permits! And if your front door has seen better days, consider investing in a new one….that is a Buyer’s first view to what is inside and it sets those expectations!

If you have a front porch, make it look inviting (not just a place to store your stuff) 

Invest in a cute new door mat & some seasonal evergreens to put in planters at your front door or add a welcoming wreath.  Of course at this time of year, Fall inspiration is everywhere! 

Make sure to clean up your lawn, planters & garden areas of leaves & debris.

If you are planning a move before Spring next year, remove anything you will want to take with you before it gets frozen into the ground....for example your fire pit, outdoor furniture, play structures etc. 

As our days are now growing shorter, many Buyers will see your home at night, so make sure that your outdoor lighting is highlighting your home. Pathway lighting is always a great idea as well and can be accomplished inexpensively with solar lights.

Be sure to replace bulbs & clean your outdoor light fixtures, or update them if necessary. 

Have the Windows Cleaned

We know, you probably don’t even think about cleaning your windows at this time of year, but weather & wind can really make your windows dirty!  We don't always notice those things when we live in our homes every day but trust us, buyers will notice and we want them to focus on your great house not on dirty windows! We like companies like Boys Next Door or Men in Kilts for affordable window cleaning.

Don’t Overlook Your Backyard 

What you can accomplish in the back yard will of course depend on weather, but before we get snow that stays make sure you do one last lawn mowing, clean up leaves & blow out your sprinklers if you have an in-ground system.   

Now is the time to put away or cover your patio furniture, BBQ, plant pots & garden utensils and do what you can to make the back yard presentable for Winter!

If you have a garage now is the time to tidy it up and get rid of clutter before Winter sets in!  If your garage door or operator need updating, then consider replacing those in preparation for listing your home for sale.

If you have questions about the market ....when is the right time to sell, what is my home worth in the current market and where do we start....we are here to help you navigate the process from beginning to end!  Feel free to contact us with your questions.

We look forward to working with you!

 - Karin & Jen 

2021 New Year …..New Home?

Here’s How to Get started! 

Now that 2020 is done and you have had time to reflect on the year that was, you’re likely thinking about what 2021 holds for you! 

If making a move is in your plans, there are a few things you may want to do before you start the process of house hunting. 

3 Things To-Do Right Now:

1. Meet with your lender or mortgage broker to discuss your plans and determine your budget & price range and get that pre-approval in place!  And while interest rates are so favourable you may want to get yours locked in now! 

Also, if you own a home currently you will need to know if a purchase is conditional on the sale of your home or if you can bridge finance for a period of time. 

2. Start thinking about your “must haves’ and your priorities in a new home.

-Is it location….because of proximity to work schools, daycare or near friends & family? 

-Or is the layout o the home because you are both working at home now and have kids homeschooling so you all need your own space?  Or do you have small children and need 4 bedrooms all on the same level? 

-Or is it the yard and the ability to create an outdoor oasis because you may not be travelling as much? 

-Is a 3 car garage a must because you have a car fanatic in the family…or because you have teenagers who will be driving soon? 

Whatever it is, that’s the jumping off point when we start our list of great options for you to view! 

3. If you have a home currently that you will need to sell, start tackling the list of to-do’s now so you are you prepared to list when the time comes. 

It may be as simple as decluttering & touching up some paint …or there may be some bigger things that need to be attended to before the space is “show ready”! 

If you’re not sure where to start check out our Two Part Blog on Preparing your Home for Sale …..or just ask us, we’re here to help! 

Preparing Your Home For Sale - Part One

Preparing Your Home For Sale - Part Two

Happy New Year & Happy House Hunting! 

~ Karin & Jen 

2021 New Year …..New Home?

Here’s How to Get started! 

Now that 2020 is done and you have had time to reflect on the year that was, you’re likely thinking about what 2021 holds for you! 

If making a move is in your plans, there are a few things you may want to do before you start the process of house hunting. 

3 Things To-Do Right Now:

1. Meet with your lender or mortgage broker to discuss your plans and determine your budget & price range and get that pre-approval in place!  And while interest rates are so favourable you may want to get yours locked in now! 

Also, if you own a home currently you will need to know if a purchase is conditional on the sale of your home or if you can bridge finance for a period of time. 

2. Start thinking about your “must haves’ and your priorities in a new home.

-Is it location….because of proximity to work schools, daycare or near friends & family? 

-Or is the layout o the home because you are both working at home now and have kids homeschooling so you all need your own space?  Or do you have small children and need 4 bedrooms all on the same level? 

-Or is it the yard and the ability to create an outdoor oasis because you may not be travelling as much? 

-Is a 3 car garage a must because you have a car fanatic in the family…or because you have teenagers who will be driving soon? 

Whatever it is, that’s the jumping off point when we start our list of great options for you to view! 

3. If you have a home currently that you will need to sell, start tackling the list of to-do’s now so you are you prepared to list when the time comes. 

It may be as simple as decluttering & touching up some paint …or there may be some bigger things that need to be attended to before the space is “show ready”! 

If you’re not sure where to start check out our Two Part Blog on Preparing your Home for Sale …..or just ask us, we’re here to help! 

Preparing Your Home For Sale - Part One

Preparing Your Home For Sale - Part Two

Happy New Year & Happy House Hunting! 

~ Karin & Jen 

If you’re buying a house and trying to decide if you should have a home inspection done, we can make it really easy for you – the short answer is YES….in almost every single situation.

In some cases, a buyer will forgo a home inspection in order to make their offer more appealing to the seller, but that is a big gamble. You might get the house, but you might also end up with unexpected costly issues to deal with.

When you don’t have a home inspection you’re relying on the seller to disclose everything that may be wrong with the house and that’s risky because some sellers just won’t do it, while others genuinely may not know. 

Having an impartial expert come in and evaluate the house is the best way to get an honest, informed opinion.

And having said that, getting a home inspection is not a guarantee that you’ll uncover every single problem. 

1.  What a Home Inspection IS:

When you request a home inspection as a buyer, there are 3 things you’re hoping to accomplish:

1. Identify any major problems with the house and get an idea of what’s involved in remedying those major issues. In all likelihood you are not buying a new house…..you’re buying a house that may have been built a half century ago and renovated periodically over time. Very few homes are in perfect condition and you need to know what to anticipate in the future.
2. This is an introduction to your future home so that you know how to maintain it. If you’re a First Time Home Buyer this will be especially important for you – owning a house can be a lot of work and properly maintaining it is the best way to protect your investment.  
3. One of the biggest benefits of a home inspection is that it prepares you for the house – what needs to be fixed immediately, in 2 years, in 5 years, etc. Most home inspectors spend the time to give you important maintenance tips (like telling you where the water main shut off valve is located). Your home inspector will provide you a written summary of their inspection & a guide full of useful information about caring for your home. 

2.  What a Home Inspection IS NOT:

Home inspectors conduct visual inspections – they don’t look behind the walls and under the floors (and yes, sometimes strange things are happening there). They are generally specialists in all areas and often recommend further inspections, when they suspect there could other issues. Home inspectors are not generally looking for compliance with the building codes beyond obvious things like electrical or proper railings, etc. 

The Home Inspection Process

A home inspection for most houses takes about 3 hours, depending on the size, age and condition of the home.  The inspector will go through the house on their own, room by room ,and look for major issues; they will also assess the attic, the roof and the home’s exterior too. They’ll take photos along the way which will form part of the written report you will receive after the inspection.

What Happens if you Uncover Some issues?

Sometimes, home inspections uncover unexpected stuff – for example, shingles that needs replacing, electrical wiring that needs to updated or a sewer line that requires cleaning. …or worse occasionally. You may need to decide if you want to take on the major fixes or walk away from the house. And we may need to revisit the price accepted on your offer. In most cases, the big issues are already known and have been factored into the asking price, but in some situations, you may need to go back to the Seller and re-negotiate the price based on what you now know. Although a home inspection should not be used as a tool for renegotiating price or to nickel and dime the little stuff that you uncover.  

As REALTORS®, our job his to help you navigate that process! 

Just a final note on the process! Home inspection companies will generally require homebuyers to sign a waiver of liability, in their standard contracts, clearly indicating the limitations of the inspection. If something is missed, generally the only remedy is a refund of the cost of the inspection. 

We work regularly with a number of great qualified home inspectors in Regina and can refer you to one that is right for you! 

Here is a list of certified home inspectors in the YQR area:

INTERNACHI Certified Home Inspectors

Of course if you have any questions about the process of buying a home, feel free to reach out to us.  We’re here to help! 

~ Karin & Jen

Questions about the YQR market? Here’s what you need to know now!

Mounting job losses and concern about how a COVID-19 world is going to affect the economy has many wondering if property values will drop – along with their net worth. 

It is reasonable to assume that demand for homes may be reduced in the short term as buyers are concerned about their employment status and financial stability, although there is also a segment of buyers whose jobs are secure and salaries are protected so their plans to move forward with a purchase are relatively unchanged.  

We are still seeing activity in the Regina from both buyers & sellers although fo rthe most part those sales & purchases are necessary rather than discretionary. 

So what will the effects of all of this really be? That is still yet to be determined and we will be watching and updating you with market activity and stats. 

One thing we can count on is that the housing sector likely won’t see the typical spring bounce we would normally expect.

So what does this all mean to you?  As a homeowner... or as a buyer, what should you be doing now?

• First of all, Don't Panic. Like any asset, the only time you should be concerned about the current valuation of your home is if you want to sell it. 

• If you are considering buying a property in the near future & are employed you can start the process of mortgage pre-approval and get a budget set out for your house hunting process. Once that is done you are set to hit ground running! 

• If you are looking to purchase new or to refinance your current property, ask your employer for verification of your job status. Lenders are more likely to support your situation in both a future purchase and also in discussing refinancing options, if they know that a steady stream of income is expected. 

Lenders are busy working as homeowners explore financial options to offer themselves some breathing room during this period of uncertainty.  

These are stressful times, and managing your financial situation comes down to what is right for you. There’s no one solution for all, so explore your options. 

If you have questions about the market and how it will you affect you specifically, we are here to help!   Feel free to reach out at  info@w2realtyteam.com

Stay safe & healthy!

~ Karin & Jen 

Here’s What You Can Do Now! 

Whether your plan was to buy your first home or sell your old one, those plans will have been put on hold by coronavirus unless it’s a necessary move, leaving you with the feeling that there’s nothing you can do except sit and wait…

However, now that you have time on your hands you can take some practical steps now that will save time and give you a jump on the process when life returns to something closer to normal — and when your time to tackle those projects is once again in short supply.

Top tips for buyers:

1. Go Virtual

You may not be able to easily view homes physically right now but an online search is valuable research! 

Most listings have great professional photos or video tours that will allow to view the home virtually to decide whether it is a possibility or an absolute No! 

Check out our App where you can browse properties and mark & save your favourites ….and we can see what you’re liking as well so we can also send you recommendations based on your favourites! 

2. Prepare your mortgage pre-approval

Your mortgage broker can help you virtually to get your pre-approval done now and get your mortgage rate locked in for 120 days ….so when things normalize you are ready to hit the ground running! 

Top tips for sellers:

1. Finish any DIY jobs

Home improvement stores like Home Depot are still open so you can pick up supplies for those small projects that you can tackle now like: 

Replace broken tiles or touching up grout, paint touch-ups, touch-up watermarks on ceilings, fix or replace that leaky tap, replace bath & shower caulking, etc. 

2. Neaten up your Yard

Once the weather warms up a bit you can start cleaning up your shed, garage, and those pots that didn’t all quite get cleaned up before the snow fell last year! 

Box up or bin the contents of the garage or garden shed so you can get a jump on that process before you get your hime on the market. 

3. Tackle those exterior projects

First impressions count and an easy way to amp up curb appeal is to give your front door a fresh coat of paint. When weather permits take on those exterior tasks including:

clearing your eaves, cleaning your windows(by the way there are window cleaning companies still working), and spray down your driveway to remove all of that winter dust & dirt. 

Those projects all take time  — and right now that’s the one you thing have more of!  

We’re here to help you and answer any questions you may have about the market and how that may affect you whether you are buying or selling.  

So feel free to reach out …we’re happy to help! 

~ Karin & Jen 

 Can we talk about this renovation!?!?⁣
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It took awhile for us to find these amazing clients the right home, in the right area, for their family ...and that would allow them the opportunity to renovate and make it their own. ⁣
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But we did….and they did ….and it looks fantastic! ⁣
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This is a spacious bungalow in SE Regina that had a fairly typical design from the early 2000’s ….a front to back plan where the kitchen/dining area opened up onto the back yard/deck but was separated from the large living area by a full wall. ⁣
So how do you open up the space to create open concept living and still have a great functional kitchen after you eliminate a wall of cabinets? Well ….this is how ⁣

We LOVE this kitchen and everything about it…the white cabinets with brass pulls, clean white quartz countertops with waterfall island with tons of extra cabinets … and that range hood!! Not to mention, the cool lighting from Richardson Lighting - Regina …and those beautiful stools from Hunters Furniture! ⁣ 

The flooring was replaced with a lighter hardwood throughout to provide one seamless surface through the living areas! ⁣
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Updating all of the former oak window & door trim and baseboards with white trim is a simple way to modernize and brighten up the space! What a difference that made ⁣

Thanks to our great clients for sharing this with us & kudos to Citizen Design Co. for the design inspiration! ⁣

If you are thinking of buying a home for the first time or if you have been out of the market for awhile, there are a lot of things to consider before you start home shopping!

Here is our list of to-do’s to get the process started:

Get pre-approved and decide on budget!

Book an appointment with your lender or mortgage broker to discuss your plans before you even start seriously viewing properties. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a house only to find out that it doesn’t fit your budget. 

Knowing the price point of properties you are pre-approved for helps us to narrow the search so we are showing you homes that will fall into the right range. 

Your lender will need your employment/salary info and the full picture of your financial situation so they can best advise you as far as price range. Having all of the paper work done in advance will save you time & make the final approval process run more smoothly when it comes time for an offer.  They will also guide you as far as the amount of your down payment and what is required for your mortgage. 

Know the Costs Involved

There is more to consider than just the purchase price of a home. You need to factor in property taxes, utilities, and condo fees where applicable. Your monthly costs are important to know to determine not just how much you can afford, meaning your pre-approved budget, but how much you are comfortable allocating to home expenses. 

There are also costs that go along with making the purchase including your home inspections, legal fees, and land titles transfer fees and the deposit portion of your down payment.  With the possible exception of property taxes depending on how you pay those, these expenses are all out of pocket, meaning you have to have the cash accessible as they can’t be rolled into your mortgage. 

There are a number of great apps that can help you calculate those expenses so you have an idea of the numbers in advance. 

Create your “wants & needs” list

Make a list of what things you want in your next home and what areas appeal to you. Do you love entertaining and the space must have a gourmet kitchen & open concept living spaces?  Do you have school age children and the school district is of the utmost importance?  Do you have pets and a fenced yard or access to park space/walking paths is a must? Is it number of bedrooms/bathrooms that are most important….or a master bedroom with separate ensuite bath perhaps?  Do you want to be able to walk or bike to work so proximity is a priority?  Whatever the things are that matter to you most are the starting point for the house hunting process and that all helps us to choose the best possibilities to begin with. Your time is valuable so we ant to be sure that we are choosing the best houses to fit your wants and needs. Of course some compromise is inevitable but we want to help you find the home that checks off the most boxes!

Why Hire a Realtor®? 

Because we understand the local market and have the tools and knowledge to guide you through the process, from the first home viewing to the day you take possession of your new home. We negotiate with the sellers agent on your behalf and liaison with your lender, lawyer, home inspectors, appraisers etc and make your home purchase as seamless as possible for you. Simply put we are your advocate!

If you are ready to start looking for your first home, your dream home or even just looking to make a change we are here to help you make the right move.

If you have questions about anything real estate, whether it’s buying, selling or looking to build a new home we have answers!

Happy Home Shopping! 

Karin & Jen

Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team

Hawkstone Village is a 2 storey townhouse condominium complex  located in Regina's NW development, Hawkstone, close to schools, shopping and services. Hawkstone Village, is a partnership project with Varsity & Gilroy Homes and has the benefit of a builder/developer team with over 30 years’ experience in custom home building in Regina. They have a solid reputation for the quality of their product, and it shows in this project!  We, the W2 Team, are happy to represent this project.

The 1023 sq ft 2 storey townhouses, with undeveloped basement space, are now starting at $240,000 (including GST). You can customize your own unit with a choice of preset colour combination & upgrade options based on your personal taste and budget, and If you require a quick possession we have designed some great units that are move-in ready!

You can check out the available move-in ready listings linked below:

Our Hawkstone Village Listings

The 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath units have great standard finishes including carpet & linoleum (upgrade options for laminate & tile), shaker style cabinets in 3 colours, 2 choices of lighting packages, blinds package included,a $3200 appliance credit so ou can choose your own, as well as upgrade options for central air conditioning & granite countertops.

One electrified parking stall is included with the option to purchase a 2nd stall.

The Hawkstone Village show suite is located at 3469 Elgaard Drive, facing Rochdale Boulevard, weekends 1-5PM or you can call to schedule an appointment for viewing!  

For more information contact us at:

info@W2realtyteam.com

Follow us on Facebook:

Hawkstone Village Townhouses

You can also check out more details & the unit floorplan at:

HawkstoneVillage.com

Happy home shopping!

Karin & Jen

Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team

Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for sale: 

Setting the right price and making a great first impression are essential in attracting buyers, but what else should you be doing to prepare for selling your home? Here are some great tips to give you the best chance at selling more quickly and with the best result!

1.     Decide on a listing date and make a plan of attack:

Decide when you would like to have your house on the market and then make a list of things that need to be done prior to listing (we have listed some of those items below). Then set a reasonable time to complete those tasks!  Let your REALTOR® know what your goal date is and they can help keep you on track by checking in on progress!

2.     Have a second set of eyes & an objective opinion:

You know that project that has never been quite completed….the paint that was never touched up? We have a tendency to overlook imperfections in our own homes because we are so used to seeing them every day.

However, prospective buyers will see every little thing that needs to be done! Invite a friend or your REALTOR® over and have them give you honest & objective feedback about your house – inside and out. They may notice things you've never even thought of.  Those items will become your to-do list before listing your house.

Remember, you want buyers to focus on all the great features of your home and not the little things that are un-done.  

3.    Treat your home like an asset:

Selling your home can be a very emotional process and you need to be fully committed to selling. Once you’ve decided you’re all in, start thinking of your home as an asset....a business transaction. 

We understand how important your home is to you, and we are here to make sure you stay on track with your goal!

Part of the business of selling also means working to accommodate showings. We know, it's not always convenient to show your home, but you will want to work around the schedule of potential buyers, as much as possible. 

Remember, the ultimate goal is to have as few showings as possible! In a perfect world, one of those first prospective buyers will put in an offer so you sell quickly. All of the work and preparation you do in advance of listing & showings, will pay off!

4.     Declutter:

Have you seen those pictures of living rooms in magazines…..they look fantastic, don't they? There's a couch, a chair, a couple of tables, window treatments, and just minimal décor items on tables and the walls. 

Now take a look around your home. It might be your living room or your bedroom… how much stuff does your space have in it compared to the picture in the magazine?  We recommend taking photos on your phone and seeing what you see theough that persepective …we get so used to living in our space we don’t realize what it really looks like to others.

We’re not saying your home needs to look like a show home, but rather the premise is to simplify. You want to showcase your house, not your stuff.  

For every piece of furniture, ask yourself if it adds to the overall feeling over your home or not. If it doesn't, eliminate it if possible. Think of it as pre-move purging....everything in your home is being removed at some point anyway, so you're really just getting a head start.

Now is the time to consider a garage sale or any of the online apps that can help you sell those items before listing your home!

5.     To Stage or not to Stage:

There's a good chance that your furniture has been arranged the same way for a long time. And that's fine – it could absolutely be the best way to showcase your home. But there might be a different way to style your house that you've never thought of.  

If you have rooms that don’t seem to have a defined purpose, give them one….home office, home gym etc.  There are lots of great local professionals who can come in a for a few hours and give you a plan using your own things, and eliminating those items that don’t service a purpose.

When it comes to "staging" for showings, think of fresh white towels and throw rugs in your bathrooms. Keep them in the closet, and when you have a showing throw your old ones in the hamper and put the new ones out. Consider putting fresh flowers out as well.  We know people aren’t buying your things but a home that shows well makes a difference to a potential buyer….it really does!! 

6.     Paint:

Freshly painted rooms look fresh & clean. Every little mark or scratch that have added up over the years will disappear, and your walls will once again look like new. Stick to neutral colors that have mass appeal!

Do you have kids who have their bedrooms painted with bold crazy colors? Yes, unfortunately it’s time for those colours to go.  

Remember this is not just your home anymore, it's an asset… and even though paint is the easiest thing to change, potential buyers are mentally keeping track of the things they will need to do when they move in, and sometimes they just can’t look past peacock blue….no matter how much you love it! 

Also – while you're painting, consider different window treatments in some of the main rooms. They don't need to be expensive, even nice 2″ white blinds will go a long way to freshen up a room.

7.     Curb Appeal Matters:

You only get one shot at a first impression! Have you ever been excited to see a home based on photos but the reality when you pull up in front is completely different? The lawn doesn’t look great, the paint on the trim is peeling, siding is missing etc. That first impression sets the tone for what is beyond the front door, so it really does matter! Take the time to touch up the trim, paint the front door, garage door and stain the deck & fence if necessary, replace sod, add flowers to the front step, get fresh mulch for flower beds, and wash the windows…the view from the inside out matters as well.  It’s worth taking the time on a couple of weekends to take care of the details outside because that’s what creates interest to see the inside! Like it or not people really do judge a book by its’ cover.

8.     Plan for showing requests:

When that text comes for a showing, we know it is both exciting and anxiety causing! It seems like the timing is always terrible….your house is a mess, and you only have an hour to make it presentable and get the family out.  We get it! This is why you need to have a plan!  At this point, hopefully you've already de-cluttered and everything should have a place to get it out of site. For you own sanity, furniture and decor should be kept staged as much as possible at all times now…we know sometimes that is easier said than done but having a goal is a good thing!  So now what is left to do?  Before you go to bed at night or leave for work in the morning…….

- Clean all dishes and put them away, or at least in the dishwasher!

- Make your beds…and throw those cute toss cushions on for effect 

- Put all clothes in dressers, on hangers or in covered hampers. Try not to have clothes in the washer or dryer, those strangers in your house are likely to open the washer and dryer.

- Vacuum or swiffer your floors.

- Wipe down all counters, sinks and appliances.

- Have clean unused linens on hand. Keep them folded up in a chest or dresser, and pull them out to place in the kitchen and bathrooms when you have a showing scheduled.

- Make sure your home smells great always...it really has an impact on buyers!

- Turn on nice ambient music if you are home prior to showings.

- Tuck everything that isn’t pretty on the counters into a basket and under the sink in the kitchen and baths. 10.   Plan to be out of the house about 30 minutes before the requested showing time ...and take Fido with you if possible! If an appointment is scheduled for 11:00am for example, prepare for them to be running 15 minutes ahead, or behind, and schedule accordingly. Allow 30 minutes for showings when planning your schedule.

Note: Just before listing, consider hiring professional cleaners to come in and do a complete deep clean and then you just have to do daily maintenance while the home is listed.

9.     Price right from the start!:

When a house is first listed, it will have its highest level of interest during those first few weeks so it’s important to price strategically. Sellers often think they should start high and reduce if it doesn’t sell, but that can result in a slower sale, and sometimes for a lower price.  Pricing too high can send a signal that you are not serious about selling. 

When your home is new on the market you want to generate as much buzz and enthusiasm as possible.

If you follow the steps above, have great photos, and price appropriately, you will definitely get that buzz!

One last note:

Try to be flexible with showings and do your best to prepare for them and make them work! We know it’s not always convenient but remember the goal is to sell your home sooner than later. 

If you have questions about the value of your home or the selling process in general, we are here to help! Contact us for more information at  info@w2realtyteam.com 

Karin & Jen  

Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team 

The New Year brings thoughts of change and whether you are purchasing a new home that requires extensive renovations or you just have a room in your existing home that could use an update, good planning helps to keep you focused and may also help you avoid costly mistakes.  Yes we have all likely purchased that piece of furniture because it was fabulous and we had to have it….only to find it was not really comfortable or really didn’t fit in the room!  Oops ;-)

This article from Houzz has some great tips to help you in the process and might just inspire you to action! 

9 Planning Musts Before You Start a Makeover:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21684880?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u918&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery19

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in the Regina area and have questions, we are here to help you make the right move!  

Happy Shopping!

Karin & Jen

We are your Proven Regina Real Estate Team