Great gift ideas to support local businesses

Christmas will be here soon and with the shopping days dwindling down, here are some great gift ideas to support local businesses.

Who says a gift needs to fit in a box, wrapped in paper?

EVERYONE gets their hair cut.  How about gift certificate from your local hair salon or barber?


Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed?  Small, detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate.

Perhaps you know someone that would be grateful to have his driveway sealed, lawn mowed or driveway plowed. 

How about a game of golf at a local golf course?

Our great city has loads of restaurants -- all offering gift certificates -- or what about breakfast at a local breakfast nook.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle done at a London shop?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom?  Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning

lady for a day.

For the computer geek on your list, how about a computer tune up.

Gym membership?  Appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Looking for something more personal?  Local crafts people make jewelry, pottery, sweaters and scarves.

Plan your holiday outings at a local, owner operated restaurant.  And how about going out to see
a play at our local theatre.

Christmas is about caring.  Supporting local businesses show we care and when we care about
our community, the benefits come back to us.

 

Happy shopping!

 

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

Direct: 519-495-1541

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com

www.thyssengroup.com

 

 

 

 

Why Bargain Hunting is a Bad Idea

  

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc.

Direct: 519-495-1541

Office: 519-438-8000

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com

Web: www.thyssengroup.com

It’s hard to believe that 2016 has almost ended. We hope you’ve had a terrific year, and wish you all the best for 2017. Providing excellent service to our clients is very important to us. In fact, our business is built on repeat business and referrals from satisfied clients. That’s why we do our best to go the extra mile with the help and information we provide – whether it’s during a transaction or during the years in between transactions. Please call us 519-495-1541 if there is anything more we can do for you – even if it’s just to say hello!

Where To Put It All

As you’re probably aware, one of the key steps to preparing your home for sale is to get rid of as much clutter as possible. You want to make every room look spacious and comfortable. But what do you do with the pictures, boxes, clothing, tools, furniture and other stuff you need to take out of your home? For items that you don’t want anymore, you have two options: dispose or donate. You can dispose of items at your local waste depot or recycling centre, (but be sure to call ahead to confirm which items they will accept.) Donations can be made to organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army. These organizations are interested in good furniture, clothing, appliances (that work), bikes and other toys (that don’t need repair), and tools. For items you want to keep, consider renting space at a local self-storage facility. Most offer a variety of storage options from lockers to garages, and typically charge by the month. As for security, most self-storage facilities have fencing, gates that require a pass code, cameras and other security features. You can also lock your own unit. One of the drawbacks of self-storage is that you have to move your stuff twice – first to the storage unit, and then to your new home. An alternative that’s becoming increasingly popular is a Mobile Storage Unit. The unit is placed in your driveway for a few days while you load it with the items you want stored. Then it’s picked up by the mobile storage company and taken to their warehouse. When you move, the company simply drops the unit off at your new home for unloading.

Why Bargain Hunting Is a Bad Idea

It seems like every month there is a new website offering deals on everything from electronics to travel. In fact, the “coupon industry” is booming. This trend has conditioned people, more than ever before, to look for bargains and become determined to pay well below the market price for merchandise. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all want a deal! But when it comes to shopping for a home, bargain hunting can be a bad idea. First of all, the real estate market is competitive. The overwhelming majority of homes sell for a price that is at, or close, to their respective market values. Your chances of finding a property that is listed significantly below its market value is slim to none. Secondly, if you become fixated on finding a bargain, you may not notice all the great properties on the market that are within your price range and meet your criteria. In other words, you may inadvertently pass on what may, in fact, be your next dream home. So, when shopping for a new home, focus on finding the right property at the right price, and not on finding a bargain.

S.M.A.R.T. Get Smart With Your Success Goals

At this time of year, people traditionally set goals for next year. Do you have something you want to achieve over the coming months? If so, then you’ll have a much better chance of reaching your goal if you make it “SMART”. SMART is an acronym that refers to the five ingredients of a successful goal: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.  It is based on the work of famed management guru Peter Drucker, but the technique is equally applicable to personal goals. Here’s how it works: Let’s say your goal is to lose weight. To make this goal SMART, you would need to make it specific – lose 7 pounds; measurable – track your weight every week; achievable – find a good program to follow; realistic – check with your doctor to make sure your weight loss goal is sensible, and time-bound – six weeks. Studies prove that if your goal is SMART you’ll have a much better chance of achieving it. Good luck!

notable, quotable... quotes! “If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” Thomas Edison “Life is a combination lock, your job is to find the right numbers, in the right order, so you can have anything you want.” Brian Tracy “It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined.” Henry James

Want to Sell Your House Faster? Make it Anonymous

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

Direct: 519-495-1541

Office: 519-438-8000

Email:  richardthyssen@kw.com

Website:  www.thyssengroup.com

The year is almost over. I hope you had a great 2016! We don’t know what your plans are for 2017, but if they include the possibility of moving, give us a call. We have several tips we can share with you on how to sell your property during the winter season. Even if you won’t be making a move until the spring or summer, it’s a good idea to start planning now. Just give us a call. We are here to help.

Want to Sell Your House Faster? Make it Anonymous

What do you notice when you visit a model home in a new development? Often, you’ll find wonderfully furnished and decorated rooms that anyone could live in. The operative word here is “anyone”. Sure, there might be a computer screen on a desk in the den, or a child’s Raggedy Ann doll sitting in a corner, but for the most part, all the rooms are anonymous. There is a sense of family, but no specific family… the feeling of personality, but no specific person. The professionals who set up a model home make it anonymous for a reason. They want buyers to view it as their potential home, not someone else’s. And these professionals know — based on decades of experience — that this strategy helps sell houses faster and for a better price. Why not use this same strategy when showing your house or condo? It’s easy. Just put away that soccer trophy, take down the wedding photo, and box those souvenirs from the family vacation at Disneyland. No, you don’t have to completely empty your closets and drawers. Just pack those personal items that can be seen when a potential buyer views a room. Put away toothbrushes, collectibles, even unopened mail. Don’t forget the fridge door, which is often a mosaic of personal items in most family homes. If you have lots of personal items, consider renting a storage unit for the few weeks that your house or condo will be on the market. It’s worth the investment. You wouldn’t think of buying a birthday cake with a stranger’s name on it. The same holds true when you show your house or condo. Make it anonymous! Need more ideas for selling your house or condo faster and for the best price possible? Call today.

Your Really, Really Great List

When buyers shop for a new home, they typically start by viewing properties that meet a specific criteria… four bedrooms, a finished basement, a quiet neighbourhood, etc. But often there is something special about a home that catches a buyer’s eye that can very well tip the scales toward your home. Think about it. How many times have you heard someone who has just purchased a home say something like, “Wow, the recreational room is fantastic!” Or, “The golf course is just a mile up the road!” Or, “There’s a great school just four blocks away.” So when you list your home for sale, think about the special features that might get a similar reaction from buyers. For example, you might have a view out your living room window that’s really, really great. There might be a local playground that’s especially well-equipped and clean. Your home might be located near a local sporting centre which is really convenient for families who have kids involved in sports. So when you create your list of features, highlight those that are really, really great and make sure potential buyers are aware of them. It might just be the one feature that prompts a buyer to make an offer. Is a Low Offer a Good Idea? You’ve spent a couple of weekends viewing homes. You’ve found a few that you like, but none were quite “it”. Then, finally, you visit a property that seems perfect for you. It has most of the features you’re looking for in a new home. You quickly fall in love with it. But it’s not yours yet. You have to make an offer. The amount you offer will play a huge role in whether or not you get the home, and the price you’ll pay. At this point, you might be tempted to put in a really low offer in the hopes that you’ll get a bargain. But that’s usually not a good idea. First, the seller (working with his or her REALTOR®) probably knows the current market value of the property. So your low-ball offer will not make a good impression. Second, there might be another offer that comes in at the same time — one that’s closer to the listing price — and you might risk losing your chance to buy the property.  So be cautious with the low-ball game. Chances are, you’ll lose.  We can help you make the right offer for the property you’re interested in purchasing.

Selling Your House Using the Other Three Senses

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty
Direct:  519-495-1541
Office:  519-438-8000

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com
www.thyssengroup.com

	Do you find the real estate market confusing? If you answered "yes", it's not surprising. Just check inside your weekend paper and you'll find pages upon pages of information on real estate. Visit your local bookstore or library and the shelves are packed with books on buying or selling a home. Type "real estate" or "homes for sale" into Google® and you'll be greeted with tens of thousands of search results. It's information overload! That's where I can help. If you have a question about the local real estate market, give me a call. I can provide you with the answers you need.
Selling Your House Using the Other Three Senses
Most advice on how to prepare your house for sale involves how the property will look to a potential buyer. Appearance is, of course, very important if you want to sell a house quickly and for the best price. But there are three other senses you have to satisfy as well. Hearing. Check for creaks in the floor, a rattling washer or dryer, or any other unpleasant noise. You may no longer notice these sounds, but potential buyers will. Smelling. You might love the aroma of exotic cooking, but visitors may not. Also check for other obvious sources of odours: such as ashtrays, laundry hampers, garbage bins and toilets. Touching. Make sure countertops, door handles, floors and other surfaces are free of dust and dirt. If potential buyers feel the need to wipe their hands after touching something, they won’t leave with a good impression. Appealing to all the senses helps to ensure that your house shows well. Want more proven ideas for making your home show better? Call today.
Using “Conditional Offers” to Your Best Advantage
You find a home that you’re interested in buying. But you have concerns. Is it in a good state of repair? Will you be able to secure the right financing? Can you sell your current home in time? Any of these issues can prevent you from making a prompt offer and, as a result, cause you to lose the opportunity. The solution? Make a conditional offer. A conditional offer means just that. You offer to purchase the home so long as certain conditions, which you specify, are satisfied. Here are the most common example “Subject to financing”. You will buy the home if you’re able to arrange for a suitable mortgage.   “Subject to inspection”. You will buy the home if it passes inspection by a qualified home inspector of your choice. If he or she finds that substantial repairs are required, you can either walk away from the deal or renegotiate.   “Subject to selling my current home”. You will buy the home if you can sell your own home within a set period of time. For example: 45 days. A seller might agree to this if your home is competitively priced.   “Subject to the repair of ____”. You will buy the home if the seller makes certain repairs, at his or her own expense. This can range from something relatively minor, such as fixing a crack in the foundation, to a major repair like replacing the roof shingles. A conditional offer will protect you. However, there is always the risk that the seller will say “No.” If you’re in a competitive situation, for example, and another buyer’s offer is unconditional, you may lose the deal - even if your offer price is higher! So you really need to use conditional offers strategically, in just the right way, under just the right circumstances.
Shopping for a New Neighbourhood
Most people, who want to make a move, shop for a new home. They think about the number of bedrooms they want, the depth of the backyard, the quaintness of the recreation room, and the size of the kitchen. There’s no doubt about it. Making sure that a house has all the features you need is important. But when shopping for a new home, you should also pay close attention to the neighbourhood features. You’ve probably heard the real estate industry phrase: Location, location, location. The neighbourhood you choose has a huge effect on your lifestyle and that of your family. Think about the age of your kids, the schools in the area, the activities your family members are involved in, your commute to work, where you like to shop, etc. Then make sure the neighbourhood you select for your next home supports your family’s lifestyle. Shopping for a neighbourhood should go hand-in-hand with shopping for a new home. After all, you can renovate a kitchen, but you can’t make a nearby playground magically appear!
notable, quotable... quotes!     “…ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Harold Whitman   “…one smile begins a friendship… one candle wipes out darkness… one life can make a difference.” Author Unknown   “Buying a home requires extensive information; the more you know increases the chances that you’ll live there happily ever after.” Alan Perlis

Have you considered Foyer Appeal?

Richard Thyssen Broker of Record 

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc.

Direct: 519-495-1541

Office: 519-438-8000

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com

Website: www.thyssengroup.com

The most important part of my job is helping my clients enjoy their homes. There are many ways I do that. The first, of course, is helping clients find the right home at the right price and working with them to make sure the transaction goes smoothly. Beyond that, I also help by providing ongoing information and recommendations to ensure you’re getting the most out of your home. For example, many clients contact me when they have questions about the real estate market or need a recommendation for a good contractor. That’s why I try my best to always stay in touch. It’s one of the ways I help to ensure your home continues to meet your needs.

Getting a Taste of The Market

While you may not be seriously considering selling your home or looking for a new one, you might still be interested in what’s going on in the marketplace. After all, it’s nice to see “what’s out there” and find out more about some of the homes that are currently listed on the market. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s a good idea. Keeping up with what’s going on in the local market, will help you make better decisions about your own home, especially if you anticipate selling within the next year or so. Many people do this by reviewing listings online, ads in the real estate section of the local paper or dropping in on open houses. While these techniques are helpful, they don’t always give you the best picture of what’s really going on. A better strategy is to talk to me. I will give you the best information about properties available and where the local market is headed. As your Realtor, I can also satisfy your curiosity about how much particular homes have sold for in the area – which will give you a clearer idea of what your own home might get if it was listed today. Speaking of price, I can provide you with a free assessment of your home’s current market value, which will give you an even clearer idea of what you’re likely to get. Clearly, by working with me, you’ll have a source of advice and information that will help you make the best decision when the time comes to consider making a move.

Enhance Your Foyer Appeal

You’ve probably heard the term “curb appeal”. It refers to how your property looks when a potential buyer first sees it from the curb. Curb appeal plays an important role in the first impression a buyer gets of your home. There is another type of appeal you should also be concerned about – “foyer appeal”. Foyer appeal is all about the impression a buyer gets when he or she first walks through your front door. Think about it. What do you do when you enter a particular home for the first time? You probably take a quick look around while you’re removing your jacket or shoes. In fact, a lot of the impression you form about a home comes from the first look you get while standing in the foyer. Home buyers do the same thing. So when preparing your home for sale, it makes sense to make your home look as attractive as possible from the perspective of the foyer. There are many ways you can do that. Make sure the area is clean and uncluttered. Don’t have shoes and boots lying around. Make sure there is nothing obvious and unsightly in the foyer. Fair or not, buyers form lasting impressions from the foyer. So make sure that the first impression is a good one!

How to Decorate a Room on a Shoestring

It would be ideal if you could hire an interior designer and completely remodel your living room. But, let’s face it, that could be very expensive. That doesn’t mean you can’t make your current room look a lot better. Here are some simple, low-cost decorating tips that will accomplish just that. Put a covering over your worn sofa or chair. A simple throw blanket placed at an angle can make a dramatic difference. Plants, real or artificial, make just about any room look better. Just don’t overdo it. Don’t try to hide problem areas. Instead, accent them. For example, if the window sill is worn and aged, place a couple of antique-looking ornaments on it! Re-do the walls. Move pictures around. Consider adding other wall decor, such as plates and mini-shelves. Place your favourite hard-cover books around the room. Add illustrated books in the living room and cookbooks in the kitchen or dining room. Lamps, especially interesting looking ones, can go a long way toward enhancing a room. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Be daring. Sometimes just moving a picture or a piece of furniture can make all the difference.

Home Theatre Systems vs Moving

Richard Thyssen Broker of Record  Colleen Thyssen Sales Representative Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc. Phone: (519) 495-1541 Email: richardthyssen@kw.com Website:  www.thyssengroup.com

Say you’re interested in learning more about home theatre systems, even though you have no specific plans to buy one. Wouldn’t it be nice to talk to an expert – without feeling pressured to make a purchase? Of course it would. That's why I always make myself accessible to my clients. I may not be able to help much in the area of home theatre systems, but I can answer your questions about the local real estate scene. For example, you may be curious about homes currently available for sale in a particular area. You may also be wondering how much your current property would sell for in today’s market. I consider it my job as your Realtor to be the expert you can trust – during moves, and in-between moves. So when you want to talk to your expert, don’t hesitate to give me a call, I'm here to help! Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record  richardthyssen@kw.com (direct) 519-495-1541  Understanding the Costs of Selling a Home If you’re planning on moving, you’re probably focused on how much your new home is going to cost. However, it’s also a good idea to understand the real costs associated with selling your current property. In fact, there are some costs and expenses you may not have anticipated. Here are a few examples: Home inspection. You might think you’ll only need a home inspection for a home on which you’ve made an offer. However, it might also make sense to have a home inspection completed on your current property in order to identify potential issues that might get in the way of a sale. Buyers feel more confident when considering a home that has had a recent professional inspection. Cancellation costs. There may be extra expenses associated with cancelling internet services, newspaper subscriptions, home security systems, and even lawn care services. Repairs. You should budget to get any maintenance issues, such as a broken door handle, dealt with before your home goes on the market. Staging. Tasks like getting rid of clutter, arranging for the carpets to be professionally cleaned, having the hedges trimmed, and doing other things to make the property look attractive to buyers all fall under the umbrella of “staging”. You can do much of this work yourself, or hire a professional. Moving. It’s a good idea to budget for the costs of moving. Even if you’re using a friend’s truck and planning to do most of the packing and hauling yourself, there may still be costs, such as packaging materials, gas, and perhaps even pizza for your crew. The Offer With Strings Attached You put your home up for sale. You work hard to make it look attractive to potential buyers. Then, you finally get an offer. But there’s a catch. The offer comes with a string or two attached… a couple of “conditions”. Should you be worried? First of all, don’t panic. It’s common for offers to come with a condition or two. Sometimes an offer is conditional upon the buyer securing appropriate financing, or your property passing a home inspection. These types of conditions are usually dealt with in just a few days and then the offer becomes firm. (In other words, you’ve likely sold your house!) However, there are some types of offers that can be worrisome. For example, a buyer may make an offer to buy your home “conditional” upon him selling his current home in a specific time period. Of course, there is the concern that the buyer won’t sell his home. Then the deal will fall through and you’ll have to put your home back on the market. As your Realtor, I can help you decide if a particular offer is worth accepting.

Putting a Price on Memories

You visit a garage sale on a sunny Saturday morning and find a bicycle that you think would be perfect for your child. You look at the price tag and it’s about twice as much as you would expect to pay. When you question the owner, he says, “That bike has a lot of sentimental value for me. I couldn’t let it go for less.” Chances are, you’ll pass on the bike. The owner sees the bike and happily remembers teaching his daughter to ride it. What you see is just a bike! You can’t buy someone else’s memories. This scenario sometimes plays itself out in real estate. A homeowner has fond memories of his home. He may have renovated the den himself and is proud of his work. He may delight in memories of family BBQs on the deck. That doesn’t mean the house will sell for more than its market value. So when you put your property on the market, make sure emotions don’t get in the way of pricing it properly. Fortunately, memories will stay with you, even without your house. You’ll be able to happily take them along to your next home.

notable, quotable... quotes! “Do your own thinking. Be the chess player. Not the chess piece.”Ralph Charell “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”Sandara Carey “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” Marie Curie

The Vocabulary of Selling a Home

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record 

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc.

Phone:	(519) 438-8000
Fax:	(519) 438-8004
Email:	Richard@thyssengroup.com
Website:	www.thyssengroup.com

As you may know, I rely on repeat clients and referrals to build my business. That’s why I work so hard to provide the best possible service, information and advice. I want my clients to feel comfortable relying on me for their real estate needs, and recommending my services to their friends and colleagues. It is my job to not only help you sell or find a property, but also help you enjoy your home to its fullest. So when you need advice or recommendations from someone who is well connected to the local “home industry”, give me a call. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record richardthyssen@kw.com (direct) 519-495-1541 The Vocabulary of Selling a Home As in any industry, there are terms and buzzwords that are unique to residential real estate. When you put your home on the market, you should know what those terms mean. Here are definitions for the most common ones: Fair market value: This is an estimate of how much a specific home will sell for in today’s market, taking into account what similar properties in the area have sold for recently. Seller’s Agent: That would be me, the one who is helping you sell your property. I would also assist you in finding and buying your next home. Buyer’s Agent: This is the real estate agent who is representing the buyer of the property you want to sell. Pre-approved Mortgage: This is a statement (often in the form of a certificate) from your bank or other lender that states that you qualify for a mortgage for a particular amount of money. A pre-approved mortgage adds credibility to any offer you make on a new home. Staging: This is a strategy where a home is purposely prepared so that it appeals to potential buyers. Staging may involve cleaning, de-cluttering, rearranging furniture, redecorating, and more. Survey: This is a document that defines the boundaries and measurements of your property and any structures on it. Offer: This is an offer of purchase, in writing, for a particular property. Conditional Offer: This is an offer to purchase, but with conditions – such as “conditional on a satisfactory home inspection” or “conditional on arranging suitable financing”. Engaging the Other Senses When preparing a home for sale, most homeowners focus on pleasing the eyes. In other words, they make their property “look” as attractive as possible. That is, of course, a very important thing to do! However, your home will be even more appealing to buyers if you also engage their other senses. Take smells, for example. Ideally, you don’t want any smells at all in your home during a viewing. So be careful about odours that can linger after cooking. Use the fan. Do not use scented air fresheners or strong perfumes in washrooms prior to viewings. If you or another family member smokes, avoid having the smell come into the home. As for sounds, soft, pleasing music is fine. Just be sure to choose a style that would be acceptable to all. Think elevator music!  In general, anything you can do, even something minor, that will make your home more appealing to all the buyer’s senses is worth the effort. Go Beyond Property Needs and Wants When you shop for a new home, you’ll probably start by thinking about what you need in your next property. Your list might include a spacious kitchen; three bedrooms; and, a mature tree in the backyard. Those are property features and, of course, they’re important. But finding your next dream home involves more than just property features. It also involves getting what you want from the surrounding area. After all, a home isn’t going to be enjoyable if commuting to work from your neighbourhood is long and agonizing. So when you shop for a new home, also think about: Work. How will you get to work? Is public transit nearby? School. Where will your kids go to school? Is transit or bus service available? Will your kids be able to walk to school? Kids. Where will your kids play and hang out? Are there nearby playgrounds and parks? Neighbours. Do the local homeowners seem like the kind of people you’d like as neighbours? Shopping. Where will you do your weekly shopping? Hobbies. How far will you be from golf, theatre, or other hobbies? I can help you answer these questions. When you need advice or recommendations from someone who is well connected to the local "home industry", give me a call. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative 519-495-1541 email: richardthyssen@kw.com www.thyssengroup.com