The "Second Season" of Real Estate

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative    Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc. Phone: (519) 438-8000 Direct: (519) 495-1541 Email: richardthyssen@kw.com Website: www.thyssengroup.com

Real Estate often enjoys a “second season” in many markets during the late summer and early fall, when there is often renewed interest in certain communities and specific types of properties. This trend is brought about by families shifting their focus for the balance of the year, as they evaluate their family and job needs and real estate prospects for the fall and winter. Maybe you know someone who wants to relocate elsewhere, or you might even be curious to know if your property is the type that would be appreciated by those looking to move into your neighborhood. Either way, there’s plenty of reason to call during this “second season”. If you think you’d like to participate in something new, or just understand the value of your current property, please give me a call! Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record richardthyssen@kw.com (Direct) 519-495-1541    How To Be A Smart Home Viewer Viewing new homes on the market can be a very exciting and a fast-paced experience — especially if you’re also selling your current property. You see a home you like, you fall in love with some of its key features and, before you know it, you’re making an offer. But, if you haven’t taken the time to consider some of the details, you may wind up discovering that upon closer inspection, the home doesn’t truly meet your needs. That’s a recipe for disaster. Of course, you have to act quickly when you find a property that matches your criteria. You just need to make sure that the home really is a good fit, and that you’re not being swayed by first impressions. When you’re viewing a potential new home, or checking out a property during a weekend “open house”, what should you look for beyond the obvious? Here are some suggestions: Will the property require a lot of immediate repairs and upgrades? Is it in a neighbourhood that supports your family’s needs and activities. (Consider commuting time to work, playgrounds for the kids, local shopping, etc.) Is the yard big enough? Is the driveway and garage space okay for all your vehicles? Are there enough bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and storage space? (Think about your current AND future needs.) Avoid the temptation to focus on only the major features of a home, such as the large kitchen. Get down to the nitty-gritty details. After all, it’s a major purchase. You want to get it right! Need more tips on finding a home that has everything you need and want? Call today. Prepare For Window Shoppers Retailers know that if they dress up their window displays and other outside features to make them look as attractive and enticing as possible, they bring in more shoppers. Of course, having more shoppers means more potential sales. The same holds true when selling your home. The more appealing your property looks from the outside – from the sidewalk right up to your windows – the more likely buyers are to become interested in your home and want to schedule a viewing. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on new landscaping and window dressings. In fact, there are many simple, low-cost things you can do to make your property look significantly more inviting to home shoppers. Mow the lawn. Trim the hedges. Plant some flowers. Place potted plants near the entrance way. Make sure the walkway is clear and swept clean. Paint the front entrance door. (If needed.) Clean the windows, inside and out. Make sure window coverings, and all other items that can been seen from the street, look great. Make your property look better from the outside, and more buyers will say, “Yes, I want to view that home!” Healthy Lighting For Your Home Recently, researchers have discovered that lighting in the home has a much greater impact on health and well-being than originally thought. Better lighting can boost your energy, help you sleep better, and even enhance healing. So it pays to make sure the lighting in your home is healthy. Start by enhancing sources of natural light, such as windows and sunroofs. Study each room of your home and replace as much of the artificial light as possible with sunlight. For example, reposition a favourite reading chair next to a window. Consider dimming the lighting in your home during the evenings. If your home is very bright when it’s dark outside, it can affect your body’s natural rhythms, resulting in disturbed sleep. Avoid over-lighting, which is common in rooms where there are few windows. Over time, excessive light can cause headaches and even mood changes. Lighting that is sufficient to see everything clearly is all you need. notable, quotable... quotes! “The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.” Unknown “It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well.” Rene Descartes “Life undergoes a change when we undergo a change in attitude.” Katherine Mansfield