Should you move or renovate?

Three Things to Consider;

Determining if you should buy a new home or fix up your current one isn’t

easy.  In fact, the decision can be steeped in so much drama they make

reality TV shows about it!

So if you’re considering whether to move or improve, here are three things

to consider.

1.  Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property?

If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, it might not be possible, given
the layout, to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a
spacious family room with a cozy fireplace then a renovation could make that
happen.

However, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your

house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you
may only be able to get by moving.

2. How much will a renovation cost? How does that compare to the

cost of moving to a new home?

It’s important to get accurate estimates of each so you can make a smart

decision.

Keep in mind that renovations have a habit of costing more than you

originally anticipate. As mentioned earlier, the final result should be a home
you want to stay in for quite some time.

3. Beware of compromising versus settling.

Whichever decision you make — renovate or sell — you can expect to have

to make at least some compromises.
For example, consider adding an extension to your house. That’s a major
renovation. Is it the ideal way to get the extra room you want? Do the
benefits of renovating outweigh the benefits of finding a new larger home
designed to include the space you need?

It can be a tough decision. If you’re in the midst of making it, call today, to

get the facts you need to make the best choice for you.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set a high listing price?

One of the most important decisions you make when selling your home is setting the listing price.

 

That can be tricky. After all, if you price your property too low, you leave money on the table — perhaps thousands of dollars. On the other hand, if you price your home too high, many buyers

won’t even bother to see it, believing it is too expensive.

 

Even with that reality, there are some sellers who contemplate setting a high listing price in the hopes of a windfall. They want some unsuspecting buyer to fall in love with the home and buy it — even though it’s overpriced.

 

That rarely, if ever, happens.

 

Instead, the listing often languishes on the market because its listing price is conspicuously much higher than its market value.

 

Think about it.

 

If two similar homes, side-by-side, are for sale, and one is priced $40,000 higher than the other, wouldn’t you wonder what was going on? That’s exactly what the market thinks. “Why is that home priced so high?”

 

Of course, many buyers, who might otherwise be interested in the property, won’t even consider seeing it, simply because it’s outside their price range.

 

It gets worse.

 

When an overpriced home sits on the market with no offers for several weeks, the price will often need to be adjusted down. That helps the situation a little. However, you’ve lost the excitement created by a “new listing.” Yours is now an old listing struggling to get attention.

 

There’s a better way…

 

Setting your list price at or near the market value is much more likely to generate interest from qualified buyers and maximize how much you make on your home.

 

That market value may even be higher than you think!

 

Interested in finding out how much? Call us anytime!

 

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

Direct 519-495-1541

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com

www.thyssengroup.com

 

 

 

 

The Evolution of Real Estate

Much has changed in the real estate world.  If you have owned your home for many years and are entertaining the idea of buying or selling these are some of the changes you may encounter.

Buyers and sellers have easy access to info.  Online information is readily available for all facets of Real Estate, from information and advice to staging a home.  Buyers have access to the online Multiple Listing Service where homes for sale make home hunting more convenient even before they speak to a Realtor.

With this in mind, we have a mobile app that is easy to use and has the same capabilities and more than any online search.  If you are driving in an area and see a house for sale you can access the app to see all nearby properties, prices, open houses and pictures.  Get the app here http://app.kw.com/KW2N5CGOW

Real estate professionals are more accessible. Cell phones and mobile technologies have made brokers and salespersons easier to reach. Technology is at your fingertips with text and email.  Quick responses from Realtors are now the norm.

Electronic Contracts. Transactions now often take place electronically. Listing agreements and offers to purchase can be signed with electronic signatures, submitted via email, and deposit money can be transferred electronically.

Technology may be making significant moves into the business sector, however, if you prefer the personal touch of speaking to and getting good advice from an experienced Realtor who has your best interest in mind, we are always available.

Call us anytime!

 

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

How to Deal with a Low-Ball Offer

If you take care to price your home correctly — that is, at a price that is in

line with what similar properties in the area have sold for recently — then
you have a good chance of selling it at or near your asking price.
That doesn’t mean you won’t get a low-ball offer. You might. So what do you
do when that happens?

First, understand that the buyer may not necessarily be trying to steal away your home at a bargain-basement price. He might simply be mistaken about its true market value. Of course, he might also be coming in at a low price in the hopes he’ll get lucky.

You will never actually know the buyer’s motives. So it would be a mistake to get angry or dismiss the offer out-of-hand. That low-ball offer might end up being the beginning of a negotiation that results in you selling your home at a good price.

Your first step is to work with us to determine:

• How serious the buyer is.

• How qualified the buyer is. (For example, does he have a pre approved
mortgage?)
• How amenable the buyer is to a counter-offer that reflects the true
market value of your home.
• What that counter-offer should be.

This isn’t an easy process. It takes knowledge and experience to get it right.

That’s why working with us is essential.  We have the knowledge and experience to get you the best possible price for you home with the least amount of stress!

Call today and let's get your home sold!

 

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

Direct: 519-495-1541

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com

www.thyssengroup.com

 

 

 

 

810 Maitland Street Unit 34, London N5Y 5K3, Ontario - Virtual Tour

Do You Have Recalled Products in Your Home?

Do You Have “Recalled” Products in Your Home?

You’ve no doubt noticed the occasional news report about a product being

recalled for safety reasons. For example, a car model with a brake problem,

or a children’s toy that, under some circumstances, may cause injury.

You may not know that these news reports are merely the tip of the iceberg.

For each product recall you hear about in the media, there are dozens that

get little, if any, publicity.

That means there may be products in your home that have been recalled —

and you don’t even know about it. It’s a scary thought.

How do you find out about recalled products that may affect you? Here are

two tips.

1. Always complete the registration that comes with many products.

This is typically done by mailing in a registration card or filling out an

online form. When you register, you’ll be alerted by the manufacturer

if the product is recalled for any reason.

2. Both Canada and the United States have agencies that list recalled

products on their websites. In Canada it’s the Healthy Canadians

website at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca. In the United States it’s the

Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.CPSP.gov.  It’s a good habit 

to check these sites every season.

If you discover that a product in your home has been recalled, contact the

manufacturer immediately. Never assume that the reason for the recall

won't apply to you.

Always put the safety of you and your family first!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

Direct 519-495-1541

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com

www.thyssengroup.com