July Newsletter

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

Welcome to summer! Hopefully there will be plenty of nice weather over the next couple of months so you can enjoy barbecues, picnics, deck parties, and other outdoor activities. Without a question, it’s the perfect season for socializing. The long sunny days and warm moonlit nights are the perfect setting for sharing interests or discussing ideas with friends and family. You might even find yourself talking about the possibility of buying or selling a home. If that topic comes up, remember that we are always available to help with any questions you - or your friends or relatives - may have. Call or email us anytime. Best wishes to you and your family. Have a great summer! Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record  Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative richardthyssen@kw.com (direct) 519-495-1541

“Facelifts” that Boost Resale Value

If you plan on putting your home on the market, you obviously want it to look as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Improving the look of your kitchen or bathroom is a great place to start.

You don’t necessarily have to invest in a major - and potentially expensive - renovation. There are many simple, do-it-yourself ways to give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift and make it look (almost) new. Here are some ideas to consider: Instead of installing new cabinetry, just replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Those alone will significantly improve the look of the room. In fact, even just replacing the door pulls can make a big difference. Replacing the sink is also an easy renovation. You can purchase a sparkling new kitchen sink and faucet kit for far less than the benefit they will deliver. Replacing the countertop in the kitchen is a more complex renovation and, in most cases, will require the help of a contractor. But, a handy person can probably tackle replacing the countertop in a bathroom without too much difficulty.

Real Estate and the Price of Apples

Consider this scenario. Say you're at your local supermarket and notice that apples are on sale for $3.95 each. If you've ever purchased apples before, you know that's a pretty hefty price.

However, you've heard about the "national apple market" on the news, so you're not surprised. After all, they've been saying that apple prices will be higher this year. Now, let's say you're driving home and decide to drop by a farmer's market. One of the stands, run by a local family farm, is selling their apples for just $1.95 each. Why is that? The reason is pretty simple. The national apple market doesn't always reflect what's happening locally. In fact, the local market may be very different. So, what does all this have to do with real estate? Well, the same scenario can play out in real estate. You may hear news about the national market... about bubbles and rebounds and ups and downs. But that doesn't necessarily mean your local market - the market right here in your neighbourhood - is the same. So before you make a decision about whether or not to make a move, find out what the local market is doing.

Using the Internet to Shop for a New Home

There's more information on the Internet than in the entire collection of the U.S. Library of Congress. (And that's the largest library in the world!) So it makes sense to use the Internet as a resource when shopping for a new home.

You can search for the kind of property you're considering, view pictures of available properties that meet your criteria, and, in some cases, even watch virtual tours of those properties. The Internet is a useful home shopping tool. It can save you a lot of time. But it can't replace working with a good Realtor, and actually going to see the various properties. Think of it this way. Would you marry someone you met online but never got to meet in person? Of course you wouldn't. That would be a recipe for disaster! The same holds true when shopping for a new home. The Internet can help you shortlist the properties you would like to see, and perhaps provide a sense of the area. But only by working with good Realtors like us, can you get the real insights you need into the homes available on the market, and then determine the ones that would potentially be ideal for you. So when shopping for a new home, don’t hesitate to ask us how best to use the Internet. We can direct you to websites and web tools that will help make the home shopping experience much more enjoyable and productive, while at the same time, provide you with the personal attention you need to ultimately purchase the home of your dreams.

notable, quotable... quotes! “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Maria Robinson “People may forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou “Our attitude toward life determines life’s attitude towards us.” John N. Mitchell

June Newsletter

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

www.thyssengroup.com

 

June is a busy month in so many ways. Did you know that based on daylight hours, June has the longest days of the year? It also has the most marriages - and marriage proposals! But as a homeowner, there are other things that make June particularly eventful. It’s a popular month for landscaping, gardening and, especially, planning renovations. (Let us know if I can help you by recommending a contractor or service provider.) June is also a popular month to look for a potential new home. Some people are just curious and want to check out what’s available on the market. Other people, of course, are seriously planning to make a move, and could use some advice and help. If you fall into either of those two camps, or even if you’re somewhere in between, give us a call. We would be happy to answer your questions and offer our help. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record richardthyssen@kw.com (direct) 519-495-1541

What's Memorable About Your Home?

Chances are, there is a characteristic of your property that everyone remembers, appreciates, and maybe even envies. It could be a spacious kitchen with an island and upgraded appliances... or a stunning backyard with a wrap-around deck and beautiful landscaping... or rustic hardwood floors that contrast with elegant, high-end ceramics.

Whatever it is about your property that people tend to like and remember, will also appeal to potential buyers. So, when listing your home for sale, make sure to emphasize that characteristic. When buyers view homes, they tend to remember just one, or sometimes up to two or three features of each property. "Oh, that's the house with the large rec room and bar." Or, "That's the property with the gorgeous landscaping." These are characteristics that help sell a property. Make sure you highlight them. However, sometimes homeowners lose perspective of what is truly appealing about their property. Ask friends to tell you what features in your home make it appealing. You might be surprised by their answers.

The Problem With "Stuff"

The late comedian George Carlin used to have a routine called, "A place for my stuff." He was referring to the idea that, besides being a place to sleep and eat, the purpose of a home is essentially to store all the stuff you accumulate over the years.

That may or may not be true. But, if you're like most homeowners, you probably have a lot of stuff in your home... stuff in closets, and stuff in the garage. That’s just what happens! The problem, however, comes when you try to sell your home. What may seem to you like a comfortable home office filled with supplies, office equipment, books and papers, may look to a buyer like an uncomfortable, small and cluttered space. That's the problem with "stuff". Too much of it, and it gets in the way of buyers seeing and appreciating the great features of your home. So, when you're selling your home, what do you do with all that extra stuff? One solution is to have a garage or yard sale. (If you call it a "moving sale" you'll attract more buyers.) This is a great way to get rid of the things you don't need anymore – and, perhaps, make a few dollars! Another solution is to give some of the items you don't need anymore to charity. There are many local organizations that can make good use of second hand clothing, furniture, and toys. Finally, for all of the things you want to hang on to, but are cluttering up your home, consider renting a locker at a self-storage company. One thing is for certain. The more spacious and comfortable each room of your home appears to potential buyers, the more likely it is that they'll see the true value of your property and become interested. Want more tips for selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today.

What's Great About Your Neighbourhood?

When potential buyers view your home, they are just as interested in the surrounding area as they are in the property itself. So, before listing your home on the market, it makes sense to think about your neighbourhood and its key characteristics.

Here's a good way to do that: Imagine a relative from out-of-town coming to visit. She may say that she likes your neighbourhood, and wants to know what you enjoy most about living there. How would you answer? Would you talk about the friendly neighbours? Would you list the community events? Name all the local shopping? Describe the nice restaurants within walking distance? Or tell her about the local playground? There are probably many things about your neighbourhood that make it great. What are the top three? Those are probably characteristics of the area that most buyers will want to know. Your neighbourhood is a key selling feature of your property. I can make sure potential buyers understand its best features.That's why it's important to have us as your Realtors of choice.

notable, quotable... quotes! “One who smiles rather than angers is always stronger.” Chinese proverb “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” Japanese proverb “Nothing is inevitable, if we are paying attention.” Marshall McLuhan Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.

What you should know when buying or selling your home

As an investment, Real Estate has earned a good reputation. Of course, your home should be more than an investment. It should meet your family’s needs and desires while also providing the potential for stability and long-term growth. It takes knowledge, skill, and research to get this combination right. Simply put, it’s all about watching, waiting, and then acting to your best advantage. By working together, we can identify your needs, follow trends and anticipate changes in the marketplace that will benefit you. So give me a call soon, and let’s get together. I look forward to finding genuine real estate opportunities... and the best ways for you to capitalize on them. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record  Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Direct: 519-495-1541 Office: 519-438-8000 www.thyssengroup.com richardthyssen@kw.com

How Much Can You Afford?

Why is it so important to know how much you can afford to spend on a home? Two reasons. First, you don’t want to buy a property and then find out, after you’ve moved in, that you can’t financially maintain it. That would mean having to resell it under stressful conditions. Second, you don’t want to settle for a property that’s less than ideal, when you really could have afforded the "dream home" you’ve always wanted.

So how do you figure out how much you can afford to pay for your next home? The first step is to gain a clearer understanding of how much your current home will likely sell for in today’s market. That amount, together with other financial resources you might have (such as savings), will determine your available down payment. The next thing you’ll need to figure out is the maximum amount of mortgage for which you qualify. Say, through the proceeds of the sale of your home combined with your savings, your expected down payment is $150,000. If the lender authorizes a mortgage of $375,000, then you can afford a $525,000 home. Typically your lender determines your maximum mortgage based on, among other things, a percentage of your income, to ensure you can maintain the property. It’s worth doing your own calculations too. Calculate your anticipated utilities, insurance, and property tax, and make sure you have some money set aside for unanticipated expenses. Of course, you don’t need to spend as much as you qualify for on a new home. A home that meets your needs in terms of property type, features, and neighbourhood, may in fact cost you less. One thing is for sure. As your Realtor, I can work with whatever amount you can afford and show you homes on the market that most closely meet your needs.

Is Your Home In “Move In” Condition?

When buyers view your home, they ask themselves whether they like it. Assuming that the answer is "yes", they try to determine how much work would be required before they could move in. It’s not uncommon for a buyer to be interested in a property but be turned off by the perceived amount of work required. In fact, this can sometimes discourage a buyer from even making an offer.

That’s why ensuring your home is in as “move in” condition as possible is so advantageous. It will help sell your home faster and, often, for a better price. So what does “move in” condition mean? It means that there are no repairs or maintenance issues that need to be addressed immediately. Buyers can be discouraged by seemingly minor issues, such as a loose closet shelf or a lightly dripping shower head. So it’s important to get those little repairs done before showing your home. Buyers will also likely want to know the age of your furnace, water heater and other appliances, in order to anticipate when they will need to be repaired or replaced. If you have transferable warranties for any of these items, be sure to let buyers know. A fresh coat of paint is one of the best investments you can make in preparing your home for sale. More than any other repair or renovation, a coat of paint can make just about any room look almost new and move-in ready. Buyers are sometimes worried about having to purchase new window coverings. If your window coverings will stay with the home, make that clear to buyers too. Generally, the more you can do to make your home seem ready to move in, the better. Want more tips on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today!

What Happens When You Make An Offer?

If you want to buy a new washing machine, you simply go into a retail store and pay the listed price. Pretty simple. However, it doesn’t work quite that way when it comes to real estate. Although a home will usually have a “listed price”, you must make an “offer” for that property and then the seller must accept it. In fact, if there are other buyers interested in the property, you may not get the home even if you offer the listed price or over!

That’s why it’s so important to work with a good Realtor like me, who can provide information and experience to help you determine the right offer to submit. Once you make an offer, if the seller accepts it, the home is yours. If the seller rejects your offer, it could be because they’ve accepted another buyer’s offer, feel your offer is too low, or have rejected one of your conditions. Sometimes, the seller will come back with a counteroffer. If you accept it, congratulations, you’ve bought the property. If you don’t like the counteroffer, you can make a counter-counteroffer! This back and forth negotiation can get a bit tricky, which is another reason to have a good Realtor like me by your side. Call today.

notable, quotable... quotes! “Every success is built on the ability to do better than good enough.” Unknown “Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind.” F. Scott Fitzgerald “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Edmund Hillary