5 Things Neighbours' Houses Can Tell You

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: richardthyssen@kw.com
www.thyssengroup.com

You don't notice it - but most buyers will

Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door
and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and
like what you see.

Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You
realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell
it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just
moments earlier.

The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't
even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.

So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about
the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to
notice.  Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given
off by some house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.

An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property.  Pay particular attention to garbage bins
(which can smell even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes and closets.

The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its
odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.

Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.

Need more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?

Call us at 519-495-1541 today.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: richard@thyssengroup.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Invite Nature into your Home

What do you love most about nature and the outdoors? Is it the first sign of spring blooms, the colorful autumn foliage, or maybe the smell of fresh cut grass on a warm summer day? Do you enjoy the soothing sound of a trickling creek or a bright blue sky on a sunny day?

Incorporate these organic elements into your décor and invite nature into your home.

Don't Block Natural Views

One of the easiest ways to invite nature into your home is to ensure a direct connection through glass doors and windows. Leave them undressed to welcome in sunlight and enjoy unobstructed views of the outdoors. When safety and privacy are concerns, dress windows in airy, natural fibers that allow daylight indoors and can be easily opened. Ensure that windows are operable so that you can enjoy fresh air and relaxing breezes.

What Is Your Natural Color?

Choose a natural color palette for your home interior that represents your connection to the outdoors. Warm browns or hues of gold will evoke a hotter, arid climate. Shades of blue or green will remind you of the sky, water, tree foliage and grasses.

Incorporate Natural Elements

It is important to pull in natural elements for capturing an organic look and feel in your home design. Varieties of stone can work well for counter tops and flooring. A stone hearth would make a fantastic addition, and consider incorporating an entire accent wall of stone or simply adding detail to archways.

Wood is another natural material that can provide a direct connection to the outdoors. Wood makes an excellent flooring option and is also durable and easy to maintain. Plan early to incorporate wood beams into your design, and leave rafters exposed for a rugged, organic look.

Nature-Inspired Décor

Another easy way to invite nature into your home is through natural décor. Consider furniture, window treatments, pillows and throws made from natural materials and fibers such as wood, cotton, wool, rattan or natural grasses. Stick to an earthy color palette.

Display items that are found in nature such as sea shell varieties, birdhouses made from bark, or hurricane vases filled partially with river rock and topped with candles. Add beloved animal figurines and photos exhibiting some of your favorite outdoor scenes or personal memories.

The easiest way to add a touch of nature to your home is with houseplants and flowers. They also improve air quality, so be generous and add them throughout your home. Decorative terrariums in beautiful glass containers are an elegant option. For an eclectic look, create vases using glass jars and bottles in varying sizes, shapes and colors, and use them to hold seasonal flowers or even sprigs of ivy.

Stimulate your senses by adding scented candles to mimic your favorite natural scents, such as lavender, basil or pine. Consider purchasing or constructing a water feature if you enjoy the sound of a trickling creek or a rushing waterfall.

To bring your relationship with nature into your home, create an indoor environment that represents your most beloved outdoor experiences.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

What is October without a scare!

Celebrated on October 31st,  Halloween is a day to mark the single night in the year when, according to old Celtic beliefs, spirits and the dead can cross over into the world of the living.  See more interesting Halloween facts.

With Halloween approaching you may find yourself  scrambling to find costumes for your kids or maybe yourself, the right pumpkin and the all important candy!

Or you may prefer to take in a few scary events.  See Tourism London for a list of the events happening in the next few days.

However you choose to celebrate the fun, watch out for
ghosts and goblins and have a safe night!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: richard@thyssengroup.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Selling your home doesn't have to be overwhelming

When some people think about selling their home, they imagine all the
things they will have to do: paint the kitchen, clean closets, prepare for
viewings, find another home, arrange financing, start packing, etc.
It can all seem very overwhelming very quickly.

In fact, the long to-do list you imagine you’ll have to deal with may dissuade you from making a move!

Selling your home doesn't have to be overwhelming!

There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another relatively simple and easy.

Of course, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your property
so that it looks appealing to potential buyers – cleaning, decluttering, doing
some repairs, etc.   You will also need to view some properties for
sale in order to find your next dream home.

These activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had
imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience –
and see it as an adventure.

The trick is to work with the right REALTOR®, someone who can guide you
through the process, show you the shortcuts, and generally make things
easier for you.

It's a little like baking your first cake from scratch. The task seems daunting,
unless you have a master baker by your side to guide you step-by-step
through the process. Then it's a lot easier, and even fun!

 Call us today and let us  take the "overwhelming" out of your next sale and/or purchase.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Office: 519-438-8000
Email: richard@thyssengroup.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Avoid these first-time Home Buyer mistakes

When it comes to counseling first-time home buyers, the real estate agent is a tremendous resource to help overcome knowledge deficiency.
That home buyers lack knowledge about the process only makes sense when you understand that shopping for a home may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some.  The process is foreign and the pitfalls are hidden. This is why it's so important to find the right real estate agent to assist you along the way.
Let's take a look at how to avoid these common first-time Home Buyer mistakes.

Not Being Clear About Money

Going into a home purchase with your eyes closed to your finances is probably one of the biggest mistakes you can make during the process. Nobody likes unpleasant surprises, yet that's what you open yourself up to when you are ignorant about where you stand financially.
See a lender to determine exactly how much you can borrow for a home.
Finally, when you have that figure, don't be tempted to shop for homes priced at the limit. Give your post-purchase budget some monthly wiggle room by purchasing at the middle of the price range, or a bit more.

Not Being Clear About Your Wants and Needs

While you may not get everything on a wish list, it's a good idea to compile one – especially if more than one person will be living in the home.
Understand that your wish list isn't set in stone and you can plan on it changing once you start viewing homes. During the home-shopping process, you will get a better idea of which items are feasible with your budget and which will have to be struck from the list. Knowing what you want and need in a home is vital to your long-term satisfaction, so it's worth the time it takes to sit down and make a list.
Don't neglect the neighborhood wish list either. Do you need to be close to public transportation? If you'd like a family neighborhood with lots of kids for yours to play with, put that on the list.
The bonus to getting clear on your wants and needs is that when you share the list with your real estate agent, your time won't be wasted by viewing homes that don't fit your criteria.

Making Big Changes

The best part of the home-purchase process is that point during the transaction when inspections are complete, all the conditions have been removed, and it feels like smooth sailing to the close.
Unfortunately, this is a danger zone for rookie home buyers. This is typically when they start picturing themselves actually living in the home and the urge may be overwhelming to shop for furniture, appliances and other big-ticket items.
Any big changes you make, such as large purchases or getting a new job, may effect your financial position going in to a new home mortgage.
Keep your pocketbook closed and remain on your current job until you walk away from the closing table.

Waiving the Home Inspection

Although foregoing a home inspection was unthinkable a few years ago, in a seller's market where multiple offers are common, it's tempting to agree to waive the home inspection as an incentive for the seller to pick your offer. It's also not very wise.
A professional inspection,  may be the only way you'll know whether you're buying a lemon or a plum - a money pit or a smart investment.
When you forego a professional home inspection, you're essentially buying the home "as is." Without the inspection condition, the buyer waives his right to ask for repairs or money to make the repairs.
Waiving the home inspection is never worth the risk.

Knowing how much home you can afford is paramount to a successful home purchase. Making the decision to remain within a certain budget, doing all you can to clean up your credit to get the lowest interest rate possible, and becoming clear on your desires and expectations all help to make the home-buying process as error-free as possible.

Call and let us assist you buy your new home!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

How to Clean and Maintain Your Eavestroughs

Your eavestroughs take care of your house, but who's taking care of them?
Cleaning and maintaining your eavestroughs is just as important as changing the oil in your car.

Why Eavestroughs Need Cleaning

When your eaves get clogged, you'll see waterfalls pouring from their edges in warmer weather, and icicles glittering along the bottom in winter. That's not the worst of it. Improperly cleaned and maintained eaves can lead to:
Water leaks inside your ceiling and adjoining walls: Water exerts a tremendous amount of pressure. Like most things, it will find the path of least resistance. For some homeowners, this spells water damage inside the ceiling and walls (which leads to further problems).
Siding issues: Invading water can lead to mold and rotting wood – not what you want inside your home's walls. Unfortunately, by the time the damage becomes obvious, it's typically too late.
Damaged or detached eaves: The weight of waterlogged debris can cause detached eaves to give away.
Basement and foundation damage: Water is relentless. If it doesn't drain away from your house properly, it can seep into the basement or crack the foundation. It won't get better without repair.

Tips for Cleaning Your Eavestroughs

Most homeowners need to clean their eaves twice a year. First, in October, or when the trees are almost done shedding their leaves. Late spring is another good time, if a second cleaning is needed. If they haven't been cleaned for a very long time, the job may be more difficult.
Keep these tips in mind:
Wear leather gloves and long sleeves while to protect your hands and arms. You may encounter sharp edges, hidden screw ends, or other hazards.
Spread plastic sheeting over shrubs and decorations you do not want exposed to the cleaning.
Position a wheelbarrow, trash bin, tarp or plastic sheeting on the ground under your work area. Throw the debris onto the tarp instead of carrying a garbage bag up the ladder with you.
Set up your ladder on a stable area near a corner of the house (close to a downspout). Never reach more than a couple of feet to the sides to prevent falling.
Avoid resting the ladder against the eaves.
Starting at the corner downspout, work away from it, scooping out any leaves, dirt and debris.
Scrub inside the eaves, if needed, with a soft- or wire-bristled brush.
Flush, using a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle in order to create water pressure. Move the water through the eaves and out the downspouts.
Snake any downspout that appears clogged.
Clean the outside using hot, soapy water, and wash away any splatter or spills on the siding.

Eavestrough Maintenance and Repair

Slow down the debris accumulation in your eaves to make maintenance and cleaning easier. Some repair and maintenance tasks you may be able to perform yourself include the following:

Adjust the slope if water doesn't flow readily and the downspouts are clear. Eavestroughs should run downhill toward the downspouts.
Install mesh screens or a leaf-catching system. If you decide to buy one of these systems, be sure to get a type that can be easily removed when it's time to clean.
Check your system every time you clean it. Look for rust, leaks, or loose connections.
To fix small holes, leaks or loose connections, use silicone caulk or sealant as directed.
If your house is taller than two stories, consider hiring a professional. Get estimates from three companies before choosing the one you want to work with.

Proper maintenance will keep your eavestroughs working effectively for many years.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com