You have probably heard Realtors(R)  say that the best time to sell a home is “Now“. You have probably also thought, “That’s what ALL Realtors say, because they want my listing!”

While humorous (and partially correct), there are also some pretty compelling reasons for Listing a home in February as opposed to waiting for the winter snow to melt. I personally will be listing my home in February, and here’s why:

1.) The timing is right. You’ve found a great property, interest rates are favorable, so why not?

2.) Less Competition. If you are Selling, there are fewer Sellers to compete with. If you are Buying, the same is also true. This adds to a quicker sale and less pressure when choosing the house you want.

3.) More time to enjoy the warmer months. Let’s face it – Winters in Canada are pretty long. Moving earlier in the year means you can get settled in your new home and enjoy the longer, warmer days ahead. I don’t know about you, but I would rather be packing and unpacking boxes when the weather outside is frightful, than when it is delightful!

4.) Ability to Observe the Home in Winter. Speaking of Winter, its nice to know that the basement is cozy and warm when it is minus 20 outside, and that there are no ice dams on the roof. These things are difficult to discover when it is warm outside.

5.) Less Busy Time – Lawyers, Bankers, Movers, and yes, Realtors(R) are all less busy during the Winter months. Anything from getting a survey done to finding a reputable mover, just may be a little bit easier when the Market isn’t as busy.

Buying and Selling a Home is a tough job ANY time of the year, but in any event, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. Thinking of putting your house on the market before the Spring rush occurs? Great! Give me a call – and while you’re at it, help me pack! 🙂

1.) Never Underestimate the Value of a Good Paint Job.
Did you know that fresh paint can bring the highest Return on Investment (ROI) provided the colors are neutral? Neutral tones appeal to the largest number of buyers. The opposite is true of strong colors, which can polarize buyers – they either love, or hate the color. Greys are very popular right now. Make sure to invest in a professional painter. Don’t forget to refresh the trim and ceiling as well if they need it.

2.) If it’s Broken, Fix it!
Sounds obvious? Think again. Often homeowners overlook the “small” things, like that broken doorbell, the rattling exhaust fan, or the squeaky door. However, those small things add up to big things to the Buyer. It also makes them think, “What else has not been maintained?” Go through every room of your home and make a list – don’t forget the exterior!

3.) The First and Last Impressions Count.
Think about when you bought your last house. What was your first impression? Chances are, both curb appeal and the appearance of the foyer are what often stick in your mind. Make sure you are making the best impression possible!

4.) Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More!
A clean house is both welcoming and shows pride of ownership. On average, a clean home will sell for more than one that is dusty, dirty, and cluttered. Donate or throw away anything that is not needed anymore. It is surprising what people stash away and don’t even remember they have! Consider hiring a professional cleaner and have the carpets professionally steam cleaned as well. If you own pets, try to remove all evidence of the pet if you are able. If you smoke, never smoke in the house. It can quickly depreciate your home, even to smokers! And make sure the home is aired out if vacant. Fresh air is always appealing in a home.

5.) Give Rooms a Function.
Rooms that serve many functions at once are confusing. What is this room supposed to be? Is it an exercise room? A scrapbooking room? A toy room? An Office? Or all of the above? Don’t laugh – most houses have these rooms. But when you are selling, it is a good idea to pick one purpose for a room and focus on that. It brings a sense of calm and organization to the Buyer, even if YOU don’t always feel that way!

Need a fresh set of eyes? I can help! Contact me for honest feedback as part of my Listing Services. I’m here to help!

The NUMBER ONE QUESTION I get asked as a Realtor(R) is, “What is the market going to be like?”

To me, that question translates into “I am thinking of selling my home this year. Is this really a good time to do it?”

While I don’t have a crystal ball ( I wish I had!), and the fact that forecasting the Real Estate Market is a bit like forecasting the weather, 2014 is looking to be a GREAT year to sell or buy a home! Here’s why:

• High Demand.  In 2013, the Edmonton and Sherwood Park regions showed the lowest housing inventory and highest average sale price for the PAST FIVE YEARS, indicating that demand for housing is stronger than ever!

• Robust Economy. The Edmonton and Sherwood Park regions are the FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY IN CANADA, even beating out Toronto and Calgary, and continues its growth at THREE TIMES the NATIONAL AVERAGE!

• Increasing Value. Forecasters are conservatively predicting a 3% increase in the value of Single Family Homes and a 2% increase for Condos.

• Strong Buyer Demand. There are many BUYERS out there right now due to low vacancy rates, higher rents and the ongoing migration of people obtaining full-time employment.

• Great Value. Among the major municipalities in Canada, the Edmonton / Sherwood Park region remains the LOWEST priced, and interest rates have continued to be low.

• Stable Investment. Economic growth is forecasted to continue well into 2017/2018, which provides consumers with confidence in making a solid real estate investment.

Want to talk further?  Want more information on the Edmonton and Sherwood Park market?  I can help! Contact me for specific information on your area so that you can make the Best Decision possible and Get the Service You Deserve!

Thinking of Selling Your Home in Sherwood Park or Edmonton?  Wondering if You Should List Your Home in the Fall?

Most Sellers feel that the best time to sell a property is in the Spring, when the snow has passed and everything is fresh and green. Note that I said “Most”.  If the majority of Sellers are listing in the Spring, shouldn’t you do the opposite to make your home truly stand out?

While Spring is the most popular time to list and sell a property, here are some reasons why Fall is a GREAT time to List:

• Less Competition from Other Sellers. Typically at this time of year, there are fewer listings, which means that as a Seller, you have less properties to compete with. This is very desirable for a Seller, as opposed to listing in the Spring when there are many more properties on the Market.

• Buyers Get a Chance to See Your Home BEFORE the Snow Flies. Very often, the Buyers need to see the front and back yards of a property before it is covered in mountains of snow! The Fall colors are beautiful, and it is a good time to post these pictures on your listing before Winter begins.

• Home Buyers are Still in the Mood to Buy in the Fall. Many Buyers, particularly families, want to move and settle in before the crazy Christmas and holiday season begins. It is also important to remember that there are Buyers at ALL times of the year, due to circumstance, job transfer, etc.

• Houses are Still Selling Rapidly in the Fall Season. That is, if you price your property correctly. At this time of year, it is essential to price your home at or slightly above Market Value. In spite of the lower inventory, Buyers also want value, and if you want TOP DOLLAR for your home, you need to offer the BEST HOME for the BEST PRICE in your geographic area.

Contact me for a Free Market Evaluation to see what your Sherwood Park and Edmonton home could sell for in today’s market!

Learn More About Why you Should Buy in Sherwood Park

Sherwood Park is growing in popularity with more and more families. Here’s why:

• Family – oriented community. This community was ranked as the Number One place to raise kids (MoneySense magazine, 2012) out of a whopping 190 Canadian communities!

• Great recreational opportunities. Sherwood Park has each subdivision linked by the  extensive Heritage Trail system, which is used by runners and walkers alike. Milennium Place is a fantastic Multi-use facility for all ages and includes wave pool, fitness centre, soccer fields and more!  There are numerous fitness centres, parks and Sports Teams for all ages.

• Powerful economy. Sherwood Park ranks 4th in Canada for highest annual income, partly due to the strong oil and gas sector.  Sherwood Park is also home to many self-employed residents, and home to future hospital!

• Robust re-sale market. Because of the above reasons, more and more families are choosing to make Sherwood Park home. Sherwood Park may only be a hamlet, but it provides the spirit and services of a larger center!

Since 1998, I have made Sherwood Park home, and have seen it grow and develop in that short time. It is a great place to raise a family –  small enough to be warm and inviting, yet large enough to provide choices for retail and services.   It is truly the Place to Be!

Thinking of moving to Sherwood Park?  Contact me  today to begin your next real estate adventure!

Thinking of buying in Sherwood Park? Ask about my Free home buyers consultation to get started!

Contact Cheryl Kurek for Service You Deserve!