RENEW YOUR MORTGAGE OR REFINANCE.

Much to consider.  Make informed decisions!

At renewal time, take a close look at your current financial situation, and the costs related to some other current debt you may be carrying, such as credit cards.

Do you need to consolidate some existing debts to reduce overall payments,  taking advantage of the current low interest rates. 

Would you like to take some equity out of your home to purchase another property. 

Would you like to renovate.

Do you have added children expenses to cover.

Are you happy to renew your mortgage and continue to pay down your mortgage at the current balance. 

Think about speaking to your existing Lender to see if they are able to offer you a better interest rate than what is currently posted by the banking institution.  Chances are they would like to keep you as a client, and will do their best to give you the best possible rate they have to offer.    This too could potentially save you some added costs. 

Do some reach with other Lenders to see what rates they have to offer.   Have a conversation with a Mortgage Broker, who would have access to more than one lending institution.  

Take the time to investigate and ask questions, the extra effort may potentially save you money.  

Never Underestimate the Value of Cleanliness when Selling Your Home!

You may feel overwhelmed with everything when it comes to selling your home.  

One very important item, which can often be overlooked, is the importance of house “detailing”. 

Everything from the front to the backyard should provide potential Buyers a sense of zen.  It is often the untidiness that Buyers cannot see beyond, or items left behind in the basement that could add to clutter, and it can reflect onto you the Sellers, as to how you valued your home.   Remember, people are looking to your home to be their comfort zone.   Take the extra steps, 

-       Power wash the front and back yards

-       Clean windows

-       Clear away front walkway and front door entrance

-       Remove any cluttered items and personal belongings

-       Donate items not being used 

A tip to seeing it through the eyes of a lens, take pictures of your home, and then take a look at what the pictures look like, which can highlight things that may need to be taken care of.  

As it is said, “Cleanliness is next to impossible”, so if this becomes overwhelming, consider hiring a window cleaner, a landscaper to trim bushes and clear out flower beds, a cleaning service to help with the interior cleaning.  

RENOVATE OR NOT TO RENOVATE PRIOR TO SELLING 

The idea of spending on items you may not completely enjoy yourself for a long time may be difficult, but may be the best decision to capitalize on a selling price.  

Most potential Buyers value move-in ready homes, unless you are that handyman wanting a project.

For  many, it is a difficult decision to put a large amount of money to renovate prior to selling.   It has been proven to show positivity in your selling price. 

Things to consider prior to this expenditure would be, 

1. Location of your home
2. The current market conditions in your area
3. How extensive your renovation will be to give that added value 

A qualified Realtor and an expert Contractor would give you sound advice.   Always ask questions before you proceed. 

TO STAGE OR NOT TO STAGE

Staging has become a cost familiar to the contemporary Seller, and has actually proven to increase the value of your home in the eyes of potential Buyers.  You may wonder why your sophisticated taste can’t eliminate the need for this seemingly expensive item.  

The truth is there are trends you may not be aware of, and professional stagers on top of their game, made it worth every cent, translating to more dollars to you. 

The costs for staging are based on what is needed to showcase your home to its best, and the length of time to sell your home. There are options for every budget,  a qualified home stager would give you sound advice on what would work well with your home.