Sell your home fast!

Richard Thyssen Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative    Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc. Phone: (519) 438-8000 Fax: (519) 438-8004 Email: richardthyssen@kw.com Website: www.thyssengroup.com Have you been wondering what your home would sell for in today’s market? Most homeowners ask themselves that question – especially if they’re thinking of making a move in the not-too-distant future. The market is HOT and inventory is low.  This is a great time to talk to us about getting you moved! If you’re interested in knowing the potential selling price of your property, give us a call. As Realtors who specialize in this fast paced market, we can give you the information you need to know. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative richardthyssen@kw.com (direct) 519-495-1541

How To Sell Your Home Super Fast

If you put your home on the market, chances are you want it to sell quickly. However, there are certain circumstances in which sellers don’t just want their home to sell quickly, they actually need it to sell super fast. This may be due to a sudden relocation, the purchase of a new home with a tight closing date, or any number of other reasons. Obviously, this can be a stressful situation. However, there are some practical things you can do to help your home sell super fast: Find out the current market value of your property. This will guide you in your decision on the listing price.  In this market, homes are moving quickly.  We can expose your property to the open market and sell your home for a price that will make you smile. Be as flexible and accommodating as possible when it comes to scheduling viewings and open houses. If you’re going to restrict buyers to seeing your home on Saturdays from 3 to 5, then you’re going to reduce your chances of a quick sale. Clean and declutter your home. This is the fastest way to dramatically improve how it shows. Tend to the outside of your property. Cut the grass. Trim the hedges. Fix the creaking back gate. Do everything you can to increase your property’s curb appeal. Apply fresh paint wherever possible. Painting is the quickest and least expensive “renovation” you can do. It can significantly improve the look of any area of your home. Spread the news that your home is on the market. Tell your friends, neighbours and co-workers.

What to View When Viewing a Home

Shopping for a home is a little like shopping for a car. Unless you know what to look for, you risk being swayed by first impressions and buying something that does not truly meet your needs. For example, you might fall in love with the recreation room — complete with a bar and a dartboard — and unconsciously overlook the fact that the home doesn’t have enough bedrooms to accommodate your growing family. So when you’re viewing a potential new home, or checking out a property during a weekend “open house”, make sure the home meets your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Is there enough room for my family, now and in the future? Remember, as kids grow so does the space they require! Are there enough bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and storage space? Is the yard big enough? Will my furniture fit the space? Do I like the neighbourhood? Always take a walk around and explore the area. Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? If the seller won’t be taking care of such issues, repairs or replacements could add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the true cost of buying the property. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions when viewing a home. After all, it’s a major purchase. You want to get it right! Need help finding homes to view that meet your requirements? Call today.

Buyers Will Love Your Storage Areas If...

A potential buyer comes to view your home. She explores each room with interest. Then she opens the closet door in the master bedroom. Will she be impressed with the space and imagine her clothes adorning the racks and shelves? That likely depends on how you use and manage that storage space. Of course, her first reaction will be based on size. Short of doing a major renovation, there’s not much you can do about that. However, there is plenty you can do to make the space seem bright and roomy. Your first step is to remove as much of the clutter as possible. If the closet doubles as storage for boxes and other items, for example, move those items elsewhere. (It might make sense for you to temporarily rent space at a local self-storage.) Next, make sure the space isn’t over-filled. You don’t have to remove all your clothes, but consider removing enough to fully accentuate the roominess of the space and make it look neat and organized. Finally, don’t forget about lighting. It also plays a key role. A dimly lit closet will make the space look unappealing. Use enough wattage to create a pleasant glow throughout the area. Don’t forget to do the same things for all your other storage spaces too.

notable, quotable... quotes! “If I look confused, it’s because I’m thinking.” Samuel Goldwyn “Everyone is a genius at least once a year.” G. C. Lichtenberg “I not only use all the brains I have, I use all the brains I can borrow.” Calvin Coolidge

February Newsletter

Richard Thyssen Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative    Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc. Phone: (519) 438-8000 Fax: (519) 438-8004 Email: richardthyssen@kw.com Website: www.thyssengroup.com

Spring is just around the corner and that is traditionally the time of year when the housing market starts to heat up. If you have any plans to move, or are even just curious about what’s available on the market, now is a great time to inquire. We would be happy to help you with any information you want. Please give us a call anytime. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative richardthyssen@kw.com (direct) 519-495-1541

Making the Home Selling and Moving Process Easier

There’s no doubt that things change in a home when it’s put on the market. Those changes can cause stress for the entire family. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce that stress considerably. With a little bit of planning, you can even make the home selling process a relatively pleasant experience for everyone. The first step is to talk candidly with your family, especially kids, about their feelings and concerns regarding selling your home and moving. Their worries may include: Losing connections with friends. Finding a new job. Starting a new school. Disruptions in the home during viewings. Work involved in preparing the home for sale. Keeping the home clean and tidy for viewings. The more you’re aware of how your family feels about the process, the better you can deal with those issues. Keeping the home clean for viewings and open houses is usually one of the major stressors. It may feel like you’re tidying up for a special guest several times a week! A solution worth considering is hiring a maid service on a short-term basis. That help can save you a lot of time and stress, especially if you’re also searching for a new home. During viewings, it’s best for you and your family to be out of the home. So, consider planning little adventures. You can visit a museum, eat at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try for months, or take the gang to a recreation centre. These ideas will go a long way toward alleviating the sense of being “kicked out” of your own home!

Neighbourhood Open House

While shopping for a new home, you will likely view a lot of properties and may even attend a few open houses. That’s part of the process of finding your next dream home. But there is another type of open house you should also attend. It’s one for which you need no invitation – the “neighbourhood open house.” Of course, this isn’t an actual advertised open house. The term simply means that you’re able to view any neighbourhood you’d like to live in and try it on for size. So when viewing a home or attending an open house, take some time to explore the neighbourhood. Get a sense of what it’s going to be like to live there. You can: Take a walk around the block. Visit the local park and playground. Have a coffee at a local cafe. Visit the local school. Test access to commuting routes to work. Check out daycare facilities. Drive to the local shopping centre. Investigate local features, such as theatres, restaurants and golf courses. The neighbourhood you live in is just as important as the home itself. Before you buy, make sure you get to see your neighbourhood too.

Diffusing Disputes with Neighbours

Even if you live in a beautiful home in a great neighbourhood, a dispute with a neighbour can make living there a miserable experience. That’s why it makes sense to settle such disputes quickly and amicably. How do you do that? Here are some tips: Deal with the issue quickly. It’s tempting to avoid facing an unpleasant dispute with a neighbour and hope the problem just goes away. That rarely happens. To settle a dispute, you need to act quickly. Avoid displays of anger. Acting angrily typically only gets the other party on the defensive. It can escalate the situation and rarely, if ever, leads to a resolution. Isolate the problem. Never generalize a dispute with a neighbour. Be specific. Don’t complain; propose. Rather than complaining about loud music at night, propose a solution. For example, “When our front lights have been turned off, that means we’ve gone to bed. Would it be possible to turn down the music at that time? Thanks!” Say thanks when there’s a resolution. You may never be close friends, but being cordial will go a long way toward easing the tension.

notable, quotable... quotes! “Congratulations. Today is the day. You’re off to great places. You're on your way!” Dr. Seuss “Don't mistake activity with achievement.” John Wooden “Doing the best in the moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” Oprah Winfrey

Offers - It's not always about Price

When it Comes to Offers, it’s Not Always about Price.

When considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your

home, there is no doubt price plays a huge role.
After all, if Offer #1 is $10,000 higher than Offer #2, that’s an enticing difference that puts
thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.

However, price isn’t the only thing you should think about when comparing multiple offers. There are other factors you need to consider as well.

For example, what conditions are in the offer? If Offer #1 is conditional upon the Buyer selling his current property, then what if that doesn’t happen?

You could end up with an offer that expires and be forced to start all over again.
In that circumstance, accepting the lower offer may be your best move.

There’s also financing to consider.

Most Buyers have discussed their mortgage qualifications with their lender and will likely

secure financing with little difficulty. If you get an offer where the ability of the Buyer to get financing is in doubt, that’s a red flag.

The closing date is another important factor. Offer #1 might propose a closing date that’s perfect for you, while Offer #2 is four weeks later. If you’ve already purchased another home, you might require a month of bridge financing if you accept Offer #2. There’s nothing wrong with that per

se, but the costs and additional hassle are factors you should consider.

As you can see, assessing competing offers isn’t as easy as it looks and it's not always about price.

Fortunately, we are here to help and will guide you toward making the decision that will best serve you.

 

If you would like to know what's happening in the housing market or would like an update on what your home is worth, call us anytime  519-495-1541.

 

 

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

Direct: 519-495-1541

Email: richardthyssen@kw.com

www.thyssengroup.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's the Better Mortgage Rate Choice - Fixed or Variable

In today’s market, variable and fixed rates are not too far apart. This makes most people think that the fixed rate is the way to go as it’s often viewed as the safest option.

Many believe that variable rate mortgages are for the daring and at any time your rate could double leaving you high and dry in the cash flow department. Many don’t realize that isn’t the truth at all.

The great thing about a variable rate is you have the option to lock into a fixed rate at any time you start feeling panicky, but I can assure you your interest rate will not be doubling over night. Even if your rate did go up by .25% the savings you would have already earned would put you on level playing ground, or you’d possibly still be in the lead.

Over the last 40 years variable rate mortgages have proven themselves to be the better choice for saving money and flexibility. I would also say that you’ll be given ample warning in the news and media that the Bank of Canada is planning a move on rates. When the rate does increase, I’m certain it will be slowly creeping up with just a quarterly rate increase at a time.

Where you’ll save the most money choosing a variable rate compared to a fixed rate is with the penalty.
With a variable rate, you’ll only ever be charged 3 months interest at any given time you choose to break your mortgage during the term. With a fixed rate it’s always the greater of Interest Rate Differential (IRD) or 3 months interest, and believe me those IRD penalties can be insanely large!

Statistics show that the majority of Canadians break their mortgage before the 5 year term is up, so save yourself some dough and consider going variable. There’s more to it than just the lower rate.

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

Souce of information contained above from Robert Stanfield, Mortgage Agent. Agent License: M08009050 LondonMortgageGuy.ca

Viewing your home from a Buyer's prospective

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

When most people think of the word “REALTOR®“, the image of a professional helping someone buy or sell a home comes to mind. Of course, that’s a big part of the job! But as your REALTOR®, I also consider it my job to help you enjoy your home between transactions. How do I do that? This informative newsletter is one way. Another is to invite you to give me a call when you have questions about the real estate market or want to know the current market value of your home. If you need some work done around the property, I may also be able to recommend a good contractor from amongst the reputable home professionals I know. Is there any other way I can be of service? Please let me know! Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record (direct) 519-495-1541

Viewing Your Home From A Buyer’s Perspective

There is an old adage in marketing and sales: Before trying to sell something, you need to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. When it’s time to sell your home, you’ll need to do the same thing. Imagine that you’re the potential buyer and then view your property from that perspective. Start with what a buyer sees first, the outside of your property from the curb. Does your home look inviting and attractive? Are there ways you can improve the look of your home from this vantage point? It may be as simple as trimming the hedges. Then, walk into your home through the main entrance. What is your first impression? Does your home look clean, uncluttered, and appealing from the foyer? Is there anything you can do to improve the look? Even a small change, such as moving a coat rack that is cluttering the space, can be a significant improvement. Finally, tour the rest of your home. Most buyers viewing homes will visit the kitchen, the living room, and other rooms on the main floor and then check out the upstairs bedrooms. As you are pretending to be a potential buyer and looking around, what impression are you getting? What features do you especially like? What don’t you like? Are there any issues that concern you? Don’t forget to view your garage and backyard too. By doing this simple exercise, you’ll be able to see what changes and improvements will make your home show better.

Imagine The Home In Five Years

When you view properties listed on the market, you will see them as they look today. Yet, once you purchase a new home, you’ll likely plan on living there for years to come. Since homes and neighbourhoods change over time, it’s a good idea to imagine what the property and the surrounding area will be like over the years you plan to be there. How do you do that? To begin, take a close look at potential maintenance issues that may be coming up. Will the roof shingles need to be replaced in a couple of years? Is the furnace more than 15 years old? Will the bathrooms need to be renovated in four or five years? Then, take a look around the neighbourhood. Find out what construction projects, road improvements, and other improvements are underway or will be happening soon. Are there plans for a new school nearby? Is there a major shopping centre due to be built down the street? Also try to get a sense of the trends in the neighbourhood. Does it seem like it will be a nice place to live over the next few years? Do the homeowners take good care of their properties?

Understanding How Homes Are Priced

Whether you plan on putting your home on the market someday soon, or you’re just interested in how much your property is worth from an investment perspective, it makes sense to know how homes are priced. When a home goes on the market, there is an overwhelmingly high probability that it will sell for somewhere close to its market value. If a three bedroom, detached home in a neighbourhood sold for X dollars, then you can expect a similar home down the street to sell for roughly the same price. That’s why we look closely at recent home sales in the area in order to advise clients on the best listing price. Are there other factors that determine selling price?  There are many. Home improvements, special features such as a large deck as well as the general attractiveness of your home, can all increase its value to potential buyers. While some of these characteristics may help boost its selling price, others may simply help you sell your home more quickly.

notable, quotable... quotes! “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein “The good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge.” Bertrand Russell