Whitby, ON

Buying Your First Home — Working With A Buyers Agent

As a prospective Buyer of your first home, or fifth home for that matter, you should be aware that in many cases the Sales Representative showing you a property is actually representing the Seller. This means that they are legally obligated to pass any information along to the sellers which you provide to them...information which could dramatically and adversely impact your ability to be represented fairly.

Working with a Buyer’s Representative to buy your first home eliminates any conflict of interest as the specialist works only to represent your needs. As well as providing dedicated representation, the Buyers Representative invests substantial time and effort in locating your dream home.

A large part of the Buyer’s Representative’s work is performed “behind the scenes” previewing homes, researching comparable sales, gaining market knowledge, evaluating changing legislations and maintaining professional credentials.

In return for the dedicated work that a Buyer’s Representative provides for you, the client, all they ask for is your loyalty and commitment to them. This will give the agent the security in knowing that they will be paid for their time. Remember that the Buyer Representative that is representing you will be investing considerable more time with you than a specialist who is just simply showing you homes.

Having a Buyer’s Representative will enable you to be represented professionally. They will not only help you find a home, but also guide you and make you feel comfortable with every decision you make along the way.

And Best of All, these services are free of charge to you!

If you are buying your first home in the Durham Region area of Ontario please call me to discuss how I can help you reach your goal of home ownership. I can be reached at 905-556-0290 or 1-877-520-3770 — or send an e-mail to bob@rodkin.ca

Landscaping to Sell Verses Landscaping for Ones Self in Ontario's Durham Region

I have been landscaping (soft-scape) in Ontario's Durham Region professionally for 5 years now. One thing I have observed is the confusion that sometimes centers round landscaping to sell verses landscaping for ones self. Is there a difference? If so what is it? Is landscaping a good investment from a resell stand point? What types of landscaping projects bring the greatest return on your investment? I will try to address these questions for you here.

First of all YES there is a difference between landscaping to sell and landscaping for ones self. In the former:

Landscaping to sell:

• You are advised to choose flowers colours that are more visible from a distance. Like reds and yellows. (Rather than the pinks and purples).

• Your plantings should be fuller than normal.

• Low maintenance yards are the order of the day. You may need to remove some perennial flowerbeds and replace them with grass or ornamental shrubs.

• Big emphasis should be placed on beautiful hanging-baskets and urns. Small little pots and ornaments should usually be removed.

• Beautiful built -in BB-Q's and other elaborate and expensive stone and landscape should usually only be under taken for properties in higher price ranges; and even then only if other homes similar to theirs offer these up-grades.

• Do not let your personality shine through, rather choose generic designs and colour schemes that will appeal to a broader base of people.

• Now is not the time to invest a lot of time and money into soil work.

Landscaping for ones-self:

• Go with what you love and what you have the time, budget and skill to maintain.

• Try to choose colour schemes that harmonize with the house and colour harmonies that are pleasing in and of them-selves. But other than those guidelines the sky is really the limit. Let your personality shine through.

• Pay special attention to how you plan to use this outdoor space. Put your money into the areas that are of greatest value to you ie: If you love perennials and gardening put your time and effort into creating elaborate flower gardens. If your passion is entertaining, decks or patios along with BB-Q's and dining areas are your better bets. If you have young children large flat grassy areas will be the order of the day.

• Do not over plant. This will lead to not only potential plant disease but will create a lot of unnecessary work in the near future thinning and moving things around.

• Pour your time, money and energy into your soil quality. Make sure you have a deep layer of top soil and be sure to amend it yearly with lots of compost.

Is landscaping a good investment from a resell stand point?

This really is a loaded question. The answer depends on the value of the home, the type of landscaping undertaken, and your particular target market. If you are re-landscaping with the intentions of selling in the near future then follow the above guide for landscaping to sell. If you are not planning on selling for some time but still would prefer to landscape your property with an eye towards future resale value then do a combination of the 2 lists. Design it still to your liking and needs but do not do anything to wild or out of the norm like carve all your trees into totem poles or paint all your sideways yellow (like the wizard of OZ).

What types of landscaping projects bring the greatest return on your investment?

• A great lawn is always a good investment. It adds immeasurably to the curb appeal of your home in part because visually it takes up a lot of space.

• Tree-scaping can add substantially to your home value, not to mention desirability.

• Excessive flower gardens tend to turn buyers away. Many love the look but are just too busy to maintain them.

• Beautiful and well maintained walkways and driveways tend to be a good investment.

• Out-door lighting is also tends to be another good investment.

Take a drive around your community some time. Pay special attention to the curb appeal of each home you pass. Take a picture of the ones you find particularly appealing or right down what it is you liked about it. Chances are if you found it appealing others will as well.

Home Staging tips for Whitby home owners! How to add curb appeal to your property!

I recently took an afternoon to drive around the different residential neighbourhoods of Whitby, Ontario. My goal was to study effective curb appeal. I went armed with my camera ready to take photos of any properties I felt had great curb appeal . I must admit that I was disappointed to discover that many of the homes in Whitby lack in this regard.

The homes with the nicest appeal tended to be in more affluent neighbourhoods, like McQuay, Cochrane and the Cullen Garden district. This is partly because these homes have larger landscaping budgets but also because their plantings are still very young and not yet over grown.

If you are ever in the Hamilton area check out the little town of Dundas, just to the west of Hamilton. Now this is a community with great curb appeal.As you drive from home to home through the residential neighbourhoodsyou will be met with immaculate lawn after immaculate lawn, beautifully landscaped yards and attractive well maintained homes. Every once in a while you will spot a deer in someones yard. It makes you want to get out of your car to take it all in.

Enhancing your properties curb appeal may not be a big priority with you now. But when it comes time to sell, enhancing your properties curb appeal will become a necessity, if you want to receive the maximum value allotted for your home. Properties with great curb appeal beacon to potential buyers to come inside for a closer look; and I might add they are entering your home in a positive state of mind, not a ready to find fault, or in a discount mind set.

Following are a few Home Staging tips to bring your properties curb appeal up to snuff:

1. Tame that jungle. Neatly trim all bushes, shrubs and trees. Make sure they are not blocking walkways or windows. Remove and replace any overgrown or sickly bushes and shrubs with healthier versions that are in better proportion with your property.Edge your flower beds and lawns it really does make a tremendous difference.Make sure your lawn is green and thick and neatly mowed. Discard any sickly plants especially in hanging baskets and pots and replace them with healthier versions. Reds and yellows are great colours to add to draw attention to your property and to enhance it's curb appeal when you are selling. (And please do not forget to remove the weeds! There really is no excuse for this when your home is on the market.)

2. Add 3 hits of black. Adding 2 black urns full to overflowing with beautiful seasonal flowers along with a black doormat is an inexpensive way to add some charm to your front entryway. In the winter you can fill the urn with Christmas greens and in the spring with tulips and other spring bulbs.

3. Use 3 colours only in a 60%-30%-10% ratio.

4. Paint your front door in a contrasting colour. Good colour chooses for front doors are black, red, ometimes aqua. Depending on the colour of your siding or brick.

5. Add some new door casings. To dress up a front door try adding some new elegant door moldings. Choose a style that is in keeping with the homes architectural styling. This little addition can really make your front entrance rock.

6. Add shutters to windows. For an instant face lift try adding some new shutters to the windows.

7. Mulch-up those flower beds.

8. Repaint metal railings and rusted urns. Tremclad makes a great rust paint for this purpose.

9. If your yard is still lack luster have it professionally landscaped. Exercise a little caution here as many landscaping projects are very expensive and will not bring you a good return on your investment in such a short amount of time.

10. Remove old fabric awnings. They tend to look dated and tired.

11. Pay special attention to the lighting. Up-dating your homes exterior lighting will help to make it look newer and well kept. It will also improve safety around the home.

12. Up-grade door hardware and mail boxes. These finishing touches go a long way towards creating a positive first impression.

13. Remove all boats & trailers from your driveway. A clear unobstructed view of your home is necessary for passers by. While you are at it clear away all building materials, garbage and children's toys as well.

The goal of creating a great curb appeal is to get the buyers to want to come inside. Make it as appealing as your time and budget will allow.

10 Home Improvements that are at the top of buyer's lists both here in Whitby and abroad are:

1. Up-Dated Kitchens:

The kitchen up-grade that is best for you will depend upon the price range of your home, its architectural style, and your home's target market. But with all that said there are certain trends you can embrace to appeal to the majority of buyers out there.

I. Slab Countertops: Granite is the top pick with buyers today. It is not only gorgeous to look at but it is also hard, nonporous and easy to care for. If granite is a little out of your price range there are other slab counters available that are also attractive to today's buyers. (Corian, concrete, limestone, soapstone, and marble. even butcher-block, which is less expensive than stone, is a good alternative to laminate counter-tops.)

II. Stainless Steel Appliances: Whether you are leaving the major appliances for the new buyer or taking them with you when you move stainless-steel appliances are a big hit with today's buyers.

III. Communication Centers: which include a comfortable workspace, storage area, message center, and electronic equipment

IV. Lots of Organized storage space:

2. Freshly Painted Walls:

Freshly painted walls are one of the top 3 up-gradesthat today's buyers are looking for. When choosing paint colours to sell your home, go for the neutrals. Warm beige's have replace the pink beige's of past. Others appealing colours for today's home buyers are soft Grey's and soft greens.

3. Up-dated Flooring:

Hardwood floors still rule with buyers. The current trend is toward the darker stains but if your home is small a lighter colour will most likely work better for you. If you cannot afford this up-grade go for a neutral coloured Berber or a cut pile. Make sure that the quality of the flooring matches the price range of the home. Up-dated flooring is also one of the top 3 up-grades for today's buyers.

4. Pre-Organized Closets:

The third of the top 3 rated up-grades is, organized storage space. This ranks big time with today's buyers. White melamine shelving in closets has replaced wire rods and shelving. Organizing all of the key storage areas of your home, including clothes closets, linen closets, kitchens, pantries and garages will boost you up the ranks on buyer's lists.

5. Spa like Bathrooms:

Think white, think clean, think luxury. These are today's trends in Bathroom renovations. Walk in showers, large soaker or whirlpool tubs, beautifully framed mirrors, chrome and beautiful tile floors and tub enclosures. Add to this plenty of thick white towels, elegant accessories and art work (especially in the master bath)

6. Upgraded Light Fixtures:

Today's buyers spend the majority of day light hours away from their homes. This has increased the demand for not only more attractive and functional lighting but also for more lighting in general. Be sure to include not only ambient lighting but also task lighting and accent lighting. Popular trends in lighting include pendant style lights over kitchen islands, puck lights in glass cabinets, under cabinet lighting and side lit vanities. Popular metals and finishes include brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, pewter and black metal.

7. Energy Efficient Features:

Energy consciousness is not a fad. It is a trend that will continue to grow in the buying public's consciousness. With soaring heating & electrical costs, water shortages and growing environmental awareness buyers are looking for ways to reduce their living expenses and to reduce their carbon footprint. Up-grades that improves a home's energy efficiency like: new thermal windows and doors; high-efficiency furnaces; energy efficient air-conditioners; energy star appliances; low flush toilets; low water demand landscaping and high R-factor insulation should bring you a good return on your investment.

8. Fabulous Fixtures

Up-grading your homes jewellery (such as draw pulls, door knobs, taps and faucets) will help it to stand out amongst the other homes on the market. Try to create a uniformed look throughout the home using the same metal and similar style.

9. Open Floor Plans:

Gone are the days of tiny little rooms and dark dingy corners. Today's buyers are looking for open and airy spaces with lots of light.

10: Low maintenance Landscaping:

Todays buyers do not have a lot of spare time for demanding yards. They are looking for low maintainace yards that look proffessioanlly landscaped. Decks continue to be popular but ponds have lost their appeal for many buyers. Black metal fencing (or wrought iron) have become very popular and combination stone and payment driveways and a big draw.

Home Stager in Whitby, Ontario answers the Question of Who Benefits From Home Staging?

Home Owners Benefit: • Staged homes sell faster. An average of 50% faster (and as much as 89% faster according to a 2008 RESA study). • Staged homes sell for more money (as much as 10% more). 65% of buyers say they would be willing to pay more for a home that was move-in ready. • Staging is a great investment and can save you money. A 2007 HomeGain.com surveyfound that home staging produced a 340% return on investment. I know allot of people out here in Whitby, Ontario who wouldn't mind a that kind of return on their investments. Knowing which improvements bring you the greatest return is the key to success. • Staging helps your home make it to buyers top 10 list of properties to view. According to Maritz 2005-2006 research poll, 58% of buyers made a decision to buy after seeing 10 properties. Effective staging helps your property make it to buyer's top 10 lists. • Front yard staging gives you great curb appeal. 63% of buyers drive by homes before choosing which ones they would like to view.

Realtors Benefit: • Staging will provide you with great photos. Whether you live in Whitby, Ontario, or Regina, Saskatchewan statistics show that 80% of home buyers preview properties on the Internet. Staging will provide you with great photos for your Internet and print ad advertising. • Staging will save you money. Staged homes have been shown to sell faster than non-staged homes. Fewer days on market not only makes for happy clients but reduces the amount you have to spend on marketing and other listing expenses. • Staging will help you to get more listings. Stagingyour properties will help you to distinguish yourself as an agent who goes above and beyond and who is on the cutting edge of the real-estate industry. Happy home sellers and their stagers will be more than happy to recommend you others. • Staging will make you more money. Staged propertiessell for as much as 10% more than un-staged properties. A higher selling price means more commission for you. • Staged properties receive more viewings. • Professional stagers act as an objective 3rd party. Using the services of a Home Stager reduces the risk of you offending your client and losing the listing by telling them all the work that needs to be done to their property.

Builders & Investors Benefit • Stagedproperties sell 78% faster than un-furnished properties. (Not just here in Whitby but all across North America). • Staging will save you money. Home Stagers often have an extensive inventory of rental furnishings and accessories available to you at preferred rates. Renting rather than purchasing will save you as much as 80%. • Staging will increase your profit margin. A well staged property will usually yield higher offers and reduce the chances of having to reduce your price.

Home Buyers Benefit: • They purchase a property that is move in ready. Everything is fresh, clean, and in a good state of repair. Decors and up-grades are on trend.

Neighbours Benefit: • When a home sells for maximum value it causes the price of the other homes in the area to go up in price as well. This is because values are usually determined by the average selling price of other homes in the area.

Bankers and Appraisers Benefit: • A home that has been well staged is easier for bankers to lend money on and to appraise it value. Sometimes the appraisals even come in a bit higher meaning the bank will loan more money for the purchase of that property.

Home Inspectors Benefit: • When a home has been staged it makes it easier for the home inspector to do his/her inspection. A staged home will usually receive a good report from an inspector. • Many deals have fallen through after a inspection has turned up allot of work and repairs that needs to be done. Once the inspectors spots a few red flags he becomes all the more vigilant. If the home is dirty and appears not well keep they tend to presume that you have neglected other repairs as well.