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

High-Tech Options for Homeowners

High-Tech Options for Homeowners Powered by convenience, More and more homeowners are adding high-tech features to their homes for the latest in contemporary living. Which features are the most coveted? Here are three of the most popular trends. Enhanced security. Traditional home security systems often come with lots of sensors and an external monitoring service. With these systems, not only do you have to make sure to arm and disarm your security features, you often have to pay a costly monthly bill to your provider. With new technology options, homeowners can take control of their own security. Most new security systems come with wireless cameras that can be accessed by the homeowner on their desktop or smartphone - from anywhere in the world!. It's an improvement that offers added peace of mind for a fraction of the lifetime cost. Lighten up. LED lights are another great way for homeowners to add convenience and energy-saving technology to their home. Not only are these new bulbs extremely efficient, many companies have even created lighting control systems that allow a homeowner to control their lights directly from a smartphone. Now there's no need to argue about who left the light on or whose turn it is to get up to turn it off. Control the kitchen. A number of appliance manufacturers have joined the wireless trend by providing apps that allow for wireless control. Need to get dinner started, but you're stuck in traffic? Why not start and pre-heat the oven right from your car! Another recently announced technology can even check the contents of the refrigerator while the homeowner is still at the grocery store.

Credit-Confused? You're Not Alone. Most of us have trouble understanding the impact some actions may have on our credit scores. According to a recent survey, these are the facts that tripped up consumers the most: Marital status is NOT a factor in the calculation of your credit score. Almost half of survey respondents incorrectly believed that marital status played a role. A low credit score can increase the cost of a loan. Only one-fifth of survey participants knew this. Credit scores can be used in applications that are not related to being offered credit - for example, your utility company may factor in your credit score when requesting a deposit for service. Insurance companies and landlords also can use these scores when deciding to work with you. This was unknown by over half of those surveyed. If you're worried about your credit score and how it could be impacting your finances, just follow these basic guidelines: make all loan payments consistently and on time, check your credit reports on a regular basis to make sure all of the information is accurate, and keep credit card balances low.

QUESTIONS? VISIT MY WEBSITE AT www.thyssengroup.com or call direct 519-495-1541

This is a busy month!

This is a busy month in many households. Summer is over. The kids are back in school. It’s time to prepare for the change in seasons. If you're trying to find someone to help finish any lingering yard work or home repairs, give me a call. I can recommend professionals in almost any home related field – like contractors, designers, landscape companies, junk removal services, handy people, and more. Of course, if you, a friend or neighbour wants real estate help, please call me for the professional advice you need. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative    (direct) 519-495-1541 richardthyssen@kw.com www.thyssengroup.com

What Buyers Notice Most When Viewing a Home

Do you remember the last time you viewed a home for sale? What do you recall about that property? You likely remember the features and characteristics that stood out, such as the gorgeous hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen with the long island, or... the faucet that was dripping in the main floor washroom! Obviously, you want potential buyers to notice the great features of your home rather than those things that are less appealing. So, when preparing your home for sale, pay particular attention to what a buyer is likely to notice and remember. Say, for example, you have a small unused bedroom that has become the unofficial storage room. If something doesn’t go anywhere else, it gets put in that room! Now it’s a cluttered space. What will buyers remember about that room after a viewing? Will they see the potential for a home office or comfy reading room? Most likely, they will just remember a small, cluttered, potentially unusable space. Buyers will also notice a dripping faucet, a scuff in the wall, or the lingering odour of spicy cooking in the kitchen. They will remember all the things that stand out, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. So, when you list your property, make sure that what stands out for potential buyers are the desirable features of your property. If you have a wonderful sitting room with large windows and a great view, make sure that space is clean and comfortable. You may even want to “stage” it a little, perhaps with some fresh flowers and a good book sitting on the end table. We can help you determine the most marketable features of your property and how to ensure buyers notice – and remember – them.

Make a “Great Things” List

What’s great about your home? Is it the spacious foyer and generous main floor closet space? Is it the beautiful washroom? Is it the playground that is only a short walking distance away? Although some properties may look similar at first glance, every home is unique – with features and characteristics that make it special. If you’re considering putting your home on the market, make a list of all the great things about your property that potential buyers will want to know. Start by thinking about what you think are the desirable features of your home. Write down what you really love about the house and the surrounding area. Next, think about what friends and other visitors to your home think is great about it. Have you ever heard anyone say something like, “I really love your kitchen!” or, “This is such a quiet street”? Those are indications that potential buyers will like those features and characteristics too. Finally, talk to us.  We can help you determine all the great things about your home and area, and how to market them.

Can You Afford the Home You Want?

Can you afford to purchase the home you really want? Here are some things to consider:. What kind of home do you want?  What kind of neighbourhood do you want to live in? What features and characteristics do you need in a home? (Three bedrooms? A large livingroom for entertaining? A backyard big enough for a garden?) What homes currently on the market match that criteria? Are there some properties for sale that are close to what you’re looking for? What are their listing prices? How much, realistically, will it cost to buy one of those homes? How much, realistically, can you expect to get for the sale of your current property? How much of a mortgage will you need? How does that compare to the mortgage you qualify for? What additional costs will you incur in selling your current property and purchasing your new home? (For example, moving, home inspection, repairs and renovations, closing costs, etc.) Chances are, there’s a home on the market that you can afford – and is right for you.  Call us and we can discuss the possibilities.

notable, quotable... quotes!     “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J. K. Rowling   “Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.” Abraham Lincoln   “People always call it luck when you’ve acted more sensibly than they have.” Anne Tyler

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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