Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Staging the Kitchenby Monika Furtado on Tue, Apr, 10, 2012 10:06 PM
 We all know that kitchens and bathroom sell houses; in the same breath, what can you do in the kitchen? You can't move the appliances around.
The kitchen is the heart of family activity. The kitchen is not just used to prepare and eat meals, it is used for phone calls, planning dally life and family conversation. All this activity can create clutter. Buyers want to see a clean, well-organized and updated space. Think of the kitchen as the focal point of the whole house; it’s the most widely viewed used room in your house, and it’s the most expensive room to update. Buyers would rather pay more for a house with an updated kitchen so it’s not an out of pocket expense. Kitchen remodels get you the highest return on your investment than any other room.
When preparing the kitchen you need to scout out your competition. You want to look at the floors, appliances, lighting, countertops and the feeling you get in the competitions kitchen. You need to know what you’re up against!
Kitchens tend to displays a lot of personal items; take all your magnets and photos off the fridge. These items distract the buyer. Instead of them envisioning living in the space, they are learning about your life. Clear your counter tops, put away your coffee pot, toaster and all other appliances. This will make the space look bigger, with lots of counter space.
One of the cheapest upgrade you can do in the kitchen is updating the paint. If you have wall paper, stenciling, or outdated color, painting is a great way to refresh the space. A light, neutral paint is the most successful when staging.
Refinishing cabinets is a budget friendly way to give new life to your dated kitchen. Replace your faucet with something that is in trend as well as the hardware. Big box hardware stores have many options to suit any budget.
Addressing the counter top- if it has stains, burns or is just dated, there are lots of options to update, depending on budget. Granite is the president but not so budget friendly; to achieve the same look, you can install large tiles with narrow grout lines.
Formica is a great cost effective choice to update your counter tops. Formica comes in a huge selection of textures and colors. Choose a neutral color and style that will be in trend for a few years.
Current floor is at the top of the list of what buyer’s want, updating flooring is another costly item in your staging budget. Spending the money to update your floors before listing will prevent buyers from chipping away at your asking price.
Hardwood flooring can be resurfaced, if it’s still in good condition. Resurfacing is a cheaper alternative than replacing the flooring. If you have vinyl that is dated or worn, replace it. Today vinyl comes in lots of options and does a marvelous job to refresh the space
All your hard work will pay off when offers start rolling in!
Thursday, December 22, 2011 Staging for the Holidaysby Monika Furtado on Thu, Dec, 22, 2011 10:37 AM As my clients know, I am a strong believer in preparing a home for sale. Below is some great advice from Elysse Bulloch from Simply Stylish Staging about staging for the holidays. ---
Christmas is fast approaching the weather is cooling off and the snow is falling. Don’t let Christmas get in the way of selling your home. This time of year tends to bring out the serious buyer and also tends to be a less competitive time of year. Follow these holiday staging tips below.
Choose holiday decor carefully, sellers need to be careful not to overdo it. Christmas trees can take up a lot of space. If you have a smaller home stay away from the tree this year. Choose a color scheme that is the same as the rest of the house or pick decorating with a neutral colour scheme, so buyer do not get distracted. Choose decorations that are a general winter theme rather than religious pieces this way you are still appealing to a wide buying audience.
You need to remember when selling your home less is more. You don’t want your home to feel crowded. By using less, it will make the space seem bigger. Pick a few of your favorite decorations that match your current color scheme or try to stick to neutral colors. Garland and clear glass ornaments work well.
Curb appeal can be tricky in Calgary’s cold snowy winter months. Add a decorative planter to your drive way or front door for a punch of warmth. Also be sure to shovel your sidewalks and turn on interior and exterior lights. Buyers will feel welcomed from the minute they pull up.
Beware that Christmas does not appeal to everybody but the holiday season tends to attract serious buyers that want to be settled in their new place by the beginning of the year.
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Thanks Elysse! Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 1, 2011 A huge demographic shift is starting. The impact on home construction.by Monika Furtado on Thu, Dec, 1, 2011 12:14 PM 2011 is the first year that that over 400,000 baby boomers a year turn 65. The impact of this shift will be far reaching. Although Calgary is a young city in comparison to others we will also see an impact.
I am already working with a few folks reaching retirement that are looking to downsize from large family homes to something that suits their future needs. The hard part is defining what that looks like. Not everyone is ready to go from 2400+ sq feet in a private residence to a 900 sq ft condo. In fact, many are actively looking to keep a private residence, but maybe one where the snow is cleared or there is a greater sense of community and access to amenities. Commute to work is no longer a priority, but a short trip to visit grandchildren is now high on the list. Homes need to be of quality construction as that is what these folks are used to and would accept nothing less. Homes also have to be designed for being home all day and provide the light, appropriate layout and access to make day to day living comfortable. This package in the right price point is not something that is in vast numbers on market.
The other side of the coin is that I am seeing more families looking for homes that can accommodate both their children as well as their own parent(s). Whether due to health reasons, childcare or economics, more families are looking at options as they begin to care both for their children and their parents. The sandwich generation is growing too.
While some folks are looking to specialize in working with an older demographic, I don't see it all too different. It is still providing exceptional service to help folks figure out what they need and introduce them to what is available on market. It is being honest about the current value of their home so they can make productive decisions and working with them to prepare in a way that makes the transition easier. Whether it is taking the time to downsize belongings first, identifying required upgrades, finding just the right new home or even working with family to connect folks with the right experts to manage family affairs, it is all part of the process.
A thought to builders and designers: If you are building beautiful bungalows and villas, consider parking and stairs. I have had a number of folks turn their backs on new construction because access wasn't well considered. This is Calgary after all. And don't forget that these folks may have downsized, but they now have their family and grandchildren to host for dinner. While many folks no longer prize a large dining room, many baby boomers focus on family and hosting those they love. They want to enjoy a meal without seeing the dishes. :)
If you or your family are looking for your new home, give me a call. I am happy to help. Saturday, November 19, 2011 Humidity in your Homeby Monika Furtado on Sat, Nov, 19, 2011 04:49 PM It is -16 celcius outside right now and overnight it is expected to go down to -23. It is the start of winter in Calgary.
This morning we woke up in our home to find our windows completely frosted over with ice and condensation. The source, drying mudding from drywall work in our basement, resulted in much higher than normal humidity levels. After a few hours of cleaning, a trip to the store to buy a dehumidifier was in order.
If you find your windows regularly do this in cold weather, some investigation is required to keep your home healthy and to avoid potentially costly repairs. During home inspections, I've often heard inspectors note water damage to window frames and surrounding drywall. Often this may have been caused by humidity rather than a leaking window. The danger of high humidity is also that mould can result.
If the cause is a humidifier set too high or too many plants in a particular area, that is easy to fix, but it may also be an indicator of water issues in your home.
Monday, November 14, 2011 Preparing for sale - Consider a pre-sale home inspectionby Monika Furtado on Mon, Nov, 14, 2011 04:39 PM An item to consider when prepping your home for sale is a presale home inspection. It is difficult to lose a sale due to an inspection deficiency, so it is best to be prepared. If you are budgeting for some repairs and improvements, the inspection can help you target your efforts.
Should the home inspection show no major issues, it can be provided to prospective buyers as part of the pre-review process which could potentially help expedite the sale process.
Should issues arise, you can address them BEFORE you have an offer on the table or else give you time to get quotes for repairs that can be provided to prospective buyers. For example, if windows require replacement, buyers will often overestimate the cost resulting in more difficult negotiations.
Review your appliances. If they are very old or out of standard for your neighbourhood, consider replacements.
Gather together the warranty information for your home and appliances including the furnace and hot water tank. If items remain under warranty that is transferrable to the new buyer, let them know as this can enhance the perceived value of the house.
First time home buyers often do not have extra funds for repairs and may not have knowledge about what is required to repair various issues. Depending on your target buyer, a small investment in repairs may reduce time on market and result in a higher sale price than the cost of the repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home and wish to meet for a pre-sale consultation just give me a call at 403 850 2446. I am happy to help.
Monday, August 8, 2011 New Rules for Home Inspectors in Albertaby Monika Furtado on Mon, Aug, 8, 2011 10:50 PM On Sept 1, 2011, new rules come into effect for home inspectors in Alberta. The new rules will change expectations, guidelines, contracts and in some cases, who remains working as a home inspector. If you are purchasing a home during this time, give yourself some extra time to book an inspector and understand the new terms of service.
Friday, July 1, 2011 My Great Neighbourhood Contestby Monika Furtado on Fri, Jul, 1, 2011 09:56 PM Do you love your neighbourhood?
Share your photos and videos with Royal LePage and you could win one of three prizes: $1,500 for 3rd prize, $3,500 for 2nd prize and $20,000 for the Grand Prize!!!!
Monday, May 9, 2011 Save on your Mortgage: Take Advantage of Double-up Payments Offered by Most Banksby Monika Furtado on Mon, May, 9, 2011 09:43 AM The double-up advantage allows you to make an extra payment usually equal to your normal monthly payment. Depending on your financial institution, you can make anywhere from 1 to 12 double up payments annually.
Each double-up payment is applied directly to the principle on your mortgage. This means you save thousands each and every time you make one of these double-up payments. Even one double-up payment per year can make a difference.
Example:
Based on a $100,000 mortgage at 6.00% interest for a 5-year term amortized over 25 years.
Your montly payment would be $639.81.
You would pay $28,225.07 in interest over the first 5 years.
You would pay $10,163.50 in principle over the same 5 years.
Implementing Double-Up Payment
If you make one double-up payment each year during the average 5 year term you would save the following (monthly payments remain the same):
Total Interest padi during the 5-year term: $27,810.89
Total Principle paid during the 5-year term: $13,777.26
Principle Balance left owing after 5 years: $86,222,74
What You will Save:
If you paid one extra double-up payment each year for 5 years you would save in the following ways:
You would save $414.18 in interest
You would pay the principle down by $3613.73
If you continued this process every year you would save 21 months worth of payments; that's almost 2 year's worth of mortgage payments. At $639.81 per mortgage payment that means a savings of $15,355,44 (based on 6.00% interest over the full term.)
It can be hard for folks to save an entire mortgage payment to put down every year. If you can, consider this option to save on the long term cost of your mortgage. If not, consider some of the other tips such as rounding up your payments or switching to biweekly rather than monthly payments.
Courtesy of Daryl Marsden, President, Maximum Mortgages Tuesday, March 8, 2011 New Testimonialsby Monika Furtado on Tue, Mar, 8, 2011 03:44 PM Some recent clients have provided some great testimonials that have now been posted. Thank you all for your trust and ongoing referrals. I have great clients!
Outstanding and professional service was provided to Marco and I from Monika. Punctual, knowledgeable, reliable and courteous! We love our new home and appreciate everything Monika has done for us. I would recommend Monika to family and friends for any residential real estate services.
- Anna
We've used Monika's services to both buy and sell homes. Monika is an outstanding realtor who provides extraordinary services. She knows the real estate market well and goes the extra mile to ensure her clients experience the results they seek in an efficient and timely manner. I would highly recommend Monika to others desiring a professional, personable, effective realtor who gets the job done.
- Leslie
Excellent all around!
- Tim
Monika, you are fantastic! Chris and I could not have asked for a more professional, caring Realtor. Thank you so much.
- Chris and Cheryl
Thursday, December 9, 2010 What to expect from a Home Inspectionby Monika Furtado on Thu, Dec, 9, 2010 11:48 AM Whether buying or selling a home, it is important to know what to expect from a home inspection.
A home inspection is a standard condition of sale typically requested by most home buyers and is sometimes now even a requirement by a lender as part of financing. A home inspection is completed by a licensed home inspector and is generally paid for by the buyer. (Interview your home inspector and find out their background as not all inspectors are created equal.)
When a home inspection is scheduled, the seller is most often not at the property. Typically the buyer's Realtor will be at the home during the inspection. I highly recommend the buyer attend at least part of the inspection. Often the inspector will point out items of interest giving the buyer an opportunity to ask questions and become more familiar with the property. Often the buyer will learn important things about the home such as locations of shut off valves, ongoing maintenance requirements and the like.
A home inspection usually takes 3 hours for a typical mid sized home and the main purpose is to review major items in the home such as the structure, electrical, plumbing, foundation, roof, etc. The appliances will also be inspected as all are required to be in working order as per the Purchase Contract. The inspection is not intended to review cosmetic issues, wear and tear or by-law compliance.
Thursday, October 14, 2010 A Buyer's Market - Is this the Right Time to Trade Up?by Monika Furtado on Thu, Oct, 14, 2010 01:02 PM I've been working with a few folks lately that are considering this time in the market as an opportunity to trade up to a larger home. The numbers make sense.
If home prices dropped by 5%, here is what it would look like if you decided to trade up:
Home Price: $200,000 Home Price: $400,000
Sell at $190,000 Buy at $380.000
Loss = $10,000 Savings = $20,000
The smaller loss at sale will be compensated for by greater savings at purchase, resulting in a significant net gain.
If you have been considering a trade up to a large home, consider your numbers and if this is the right time for you. Wednesday, September 15, 2010 Client comments from recent showingsby Monika Furtado on Wed, Sep, 15, 2010 02:43 PM With inventory levels higher than sales numbers, folks are having to work a little extra hard to sell their homes. There are active buyers out there and homes are selling (874 in the last 30 days according to the CREB stats today Sept 15, 2010). Most people aren't really looking for a showhome, but they are looking for a home that has been well cared for and they will take the showhome if they can find one.
Buyers have the option to view many homes right now. It takes some marketing to get them into your home and then it takes some work to get them to love it once they are there.
These are some recent comments heard over the last couple weeks (as close to word by word as I can remember).
You can't change your location, but you can change the presentation. Can you guess which homes didn't make the shortlist and which did?
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"This feels like us. I could live here."
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"Do they have pets?"
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"They sure have a lot of stuff." 5 min later followed by, "Maybe we need to look at something bigger."
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"What do you think that will cost to repair?"
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"What great use of a small space. I wouldn't have thought to build a desk into that corner."
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"Wow, I can see why they are moving. They have really outgrown this house."
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"Nice, but nothing special."
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"Are there tenants in this home?"
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"They have kids, a great playroom in the bonus room, room for us in the basement, a great clean kitchen. The whole house is clean and ready to move in. This could work for us."
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"Too bad they smoked in the garage. What would it take to get that smell out?"
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"Great curtains. Do they come with the house?"
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"This house is really clean. Looks like they took good care of it."
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"There is no light in this house."
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"The pictures were misleading. They must have cleaned up just for the photos."
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"Too much work.. The wallpaper alone."
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"Why would someone paint a living room blue?"
If you need some help with preparations to sell your home give me a call at 403-850-2446 or contact me anytime. Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Are you appealing to all 5 senses?by Monika Furtado on Tue, May, 11, 2010 02:30 PM One of the most effective ways to sell a home is to stage it effectively. The term staging means things to different people. I like to describe it as presenting your home as an invitation to a buyer to feel at home. You want buyers to feel "Wow, I want to live here".
Aside from the art of staging, furniture placement, paint colors, accessories, art and decor, it is also important to consider the subtle cues buyers feel when they walk through your home.
Smell: The smell of fresh clean home is essential. A lack of smell is something that feels neutral. You feel comfortable and continue without hesitation. Scents, even those from candles or fresheners can turn off buyers. Cooking odours, pet odours, perfumes, tobacco or mildew are all turnoffs.
Touch: Most folks will touch the railing or table near the front door as they take off their shoes, run their hands on the stair rail, touch a kitchen counter and open doorknobs. Ensure these surfaces are free of dusts, oils or debris.
Sight: The first thing about showing a home is being able to see it. Turn on all the lights when preparing for a showing. If you have put effort into picking perfect bedspreads, rearranged furniture, cleaned the floors and put out your best decorations, you want folks to see it all and feel invited as the walk through the room rather than to spend time looking for light switches or missing features alltogether because they walked past a dark corner.
Taste: People can taste dust. They can. In an unkept home buyers spend less time looking, poke their heads into rooms rather than walking through and often go on to the next house because they felt uncomfortable.
Sound: What do you hear when you walk into your home? Is there a rattle coming from the basement, a loud hum from an appliance, a barking dog? Did you leave on the radio to welcome buyers? Did you leave it on so loud they left the living room cause they couldn't talk? Silence is golden. Soft appropriate music can work too, but please leave some way to turn it off if a buyer maybe doesn't appreciate checking out your home to the golden oldies.
A buyer just walked through your home. Did they feel at ease? Were they distracted? Check out the 5 senses to see if they felt welcome.
For more information on preparing your home for sale, do not hesitate to contact me and ask me for my Seller's Guide. |
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