How much do you think you could sell your house for?

How much do you think you could sell your house for if it were put on the market today? How long would it take to sell?   You probably ask yourself these questions from time to time, even if you’re not currently thinking of making a move.   Why not find the answers?   It’s easy. Just give me a call. I’d be happy to drop by for a quick visit so that I can help you understand the market value of your house. Based on my experience and current market statistics, I can provide you with a clear picture of what to expect should you decide to sell.   This is just one of the many ways I help clients enjoy their homes and understand the value of their investments.   On another note, please find below some interesting articles and helpful advice for the home buyer or seller. I hope you enjoy reading them.   Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative Direct 519-495-1541 Email richardthyssen@kw.com www.thyssengroup.com

Assessing a Property's Long-Term Potential

You see a home on the market that you like. Should you buy it? Before you make an offer, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the property’s long-term potential. After all, a property is not just a potential home, it’s also an important investment. Here are some things to look for when viewing homes on the market: Is the area’s average income increasing? The more affluent a neighborhood becomes, the higher the property values. Are employment opportunities growing nearby? If jobs are leaving the area, housing prices will likely decline. Are there any nearby housing or community developments that will enhance the quality of life in the area? If a park with a quiet walking trail, or a prestigious golf course, is being built nearby, the value of the neighborhood will increase. Is the crime rate on the rise or decline? This can have a significant impact on future property values. Are there public transit lines located nearby? Studies show that housing prices increase in areas where public transit is close and convenient. Is the property located in a neighborhood dominated by higher priced homes? Does the property have features that will always be valued by home buyers, such as a large kitchen or spacious backyard. Are there short-term negatives about the area that will eventually disappear, such as loud construction projects? Once those negatives are gone, house prices will often jump.

It's the Little Things That Boost Curb Appeal

"Curb appeal". You've probably heard that term used before. It refers to how valuable and enticing your house looks from the outside, typically from the perspective of a potential buyer “standing on the curb”. Many people focus on preparing the inside of their house for sale, and neglect preparing the outside.  This is a mistake. Studies confirm that curb appeal has a huge influence over how quickly your house will sell, and for how much. How do you improve curb appeal? You don’t need to do a major landscaping renovation! In fact, small improvements often make the biggest difference… improvements you can easily do over a weekend. Here are some suggestions: Clean the outside of front windows. Make them sparkle! Paint the front door for a fresh look. Remove grass, weeds and other unwanted growth between driveway and walkway stones. Prune shrubs and trim trees. Re-sod bare spots on the lawn. Edge the lawn. (A simple task that can have a dramatic visual impact.) Water the flowerbed. (Flowers look brighter and more healthy within one hour of watering.) Sweep the walkway and driveway. Rake the leaves. Remove signs such as “Beware of dog” and “No solicitations”. Check the welcome mat. If it’s worn or dirty, replace it. Also, consider buying some attractive potted flowers to put near the entranceway. They are worth the investment. As you can see, it doesn't take much to boost the curb appeal of your house. Just a little work and a few added details will make a big difference.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Home Inspector

Hiring the right home inspector is important. After all, you want the inspection to leave no stone unturned when determining the condition of the house you are considering purchasing. It pays to ask the right questions before you choose. Here are a few suggestions: “What does your inspection cover?” A home inspector should be able to present you with a detailed list of what is covered in the inspection. Don’t settle for a vague verbal promise like, "We check everything top to bottom." Get it in writing. “What are your qualifications?” As with most professions, experience counts. You want to check how long the inspector has been in the business, and how many homes like yours he has inspected. Also ask about his credentials. What professional training programs has he completed? Does he belong to a recognized home inspection association? “Do you also offer to do home repairs or renovations?” If he does, it’s a conflict of interest. You want an inspector to give you an unbiased report as to the condition of the house, without any expectation of getting some contracting work on the side. “How long will the inspection take?” You'll want to find out if the inspector takes his time and does a thorough job, or rushes things so he can get as many homes done in a day as possible. On average, a typical single family home should take two to three hours to inspect properly. “May I contact some references?” Ask for references from people in the neighborhood you are considering. Then, make sure you call them.

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How can your home make you happier?

www.thyssengroup.com How can your home make you happier? Your home should be your sanctuary, a refuge from the stresses of everyday life, where you can relax, enjoy yourself and spend time with friends and family. If your home isn't bringing you the happiness it should, take a look at the following tips to help put a smile on your face whenever you walk in your front door. Surround yourself with mood-boosting colours. Red, orange and yellow are most often associated with generating positive feelings. If those colours don't make you smile, surround yourself with the colours that you're most drawn to. Try using one of your favourite memories for inspiration. If you took a life-changing trip to Greece a few years ago, why not paint your bedroom the deep blue of the Aegean Sea? Fill the air with blissful scents. Many scents, including jasmine, citrus and freshly baked bread, are reported to be linked to happiness. Scent is also closely linked with memory, so filling your home with a scent tied to happy memories will give your spirits a lift. Create a dedicated space for your favourite hobbies. Spending time on activities that bring you joy is important to your overall happiness. Whether your passion is reading, painting or woodworking, having a space devoted to your favourite hobby will motivate you to spend more time doing what you love. Bring the outdoors in. According to Psychology Today, there is a significant link between time spent enjoying nature and happiness. To bring Mother Nature indoors, fill your home with plants and fresh flowers or just open your curtains to enjoy the view of any nearby gardens or trees. Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.   Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative Direct 519-495-1541 Email: richardthyssen@kw.com www.thyssengroup.com

Keep your home allergy-free with these simple tips

www.thyssengroup.com Keep your home allergy-free with these simple tips.   Allergies are often associated with the arrival of spring, but indoor allergy sufferers will often find themselves sniffing and sneezing year-round. The culprit? Indoor allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet hair and dander. So how do you make sure your home is a respite from both seasonal and interior allergens and create a healthy environment for you and your family?             There are several best practices you can adopt to manage allergens in your home: 1. Keep it clean. Regularly cleaning your home will go far in reducing allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet dander. 2. Redo your floors. Replacing rugs and carpets with wood or vinyl floorings will help minimize dust and other allergens that become embedded in fabric fibers. 3. Groom your furry friends. Regularly bathing and brushing your pets will help reduce the amount of dander and pet hair in your home. 4. Go on mould patrol. Be on the lookout for any leaks or moisture in your home as this can cause mould to thrive. Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home.   Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative Direct 519-495-1541richardthyssen@kw.com www.thyssengroup.com