Top 10 low cost, high return outdoor renos

We are in the thick of the busy spring selling season - so why is your home still on the market? Enhancing your curb appeal might be just what you need to sell your home quickly and for the most money! Improving your curb appeal isn't as costly as it may sound, it's all about timely exterior preparations to boost your property's value!

1 -- Keep it clean! was the front, side ans back of the house. the new owners will be looking at all sides of the home. rent or borrow a pressure washer - they do such an incredible job on just about everything.

2 -- If it's broke, fix it! walkways, roof shingles, leaky and rusty exterior faucets you get the idea. a lot of small repairs can add up to a big bill in the eyes of the new owners plus they might wonder what else needs fixing. i know you don't really want to do but neither does the potential new owner.

3 -- Paint it! check your doors (front, side and back) is the paint cracked or peeling or just looking tired and old? it is easy to give a door a new fresh paint job and the impression it will make will be huge!

4 -- Lights....exterior lighting looks great but sure that all of the bulbs are operational. for more curb appeal add some solar lights in the garden, and keep the exterior lights on during dusk it makes a beautiful home look beautiful even at night plus many potential buyers to drive by so be sure to always have the home looking it's best!

5 -- Support staff! check that all railings are safe and secure. Again, this lets home buyers know the home i cared for and no one will get hurt during a showing or open house. That wouldn't be a good first impression!

6 -- Primp the driveway too! An old tired looking asphalt driveway can look pretty drab. On a nice sunny day, 'paint' the drive way with a top sealer, the instructions are easy to follow just read the label and wow what a statement!

7 -- Get in the Gutters! I know gross but necessary. Dirty gutters can really make any home look dirty. Once they are clean take a look to see if the paint job needs any work.

8 -- Raise the roof! Replace the shingles if they need it. Most buyers do not want to replace a roof due to the cost so they may pass on your home if the roof is looking rough. Or, they will really low ball the offer if thy think the roof needs replacing.

9 -- Wired! Tidy up any loose wires it looks better and it is safer. Some staples or nails can help keep them in place.

10 -- Landscaping! If you don't want to plant new ones - a t least maintain what you've got! Keep the shrubs and grass neatly trimmed, flower beds weeded and neat. Keep the garden gnomes in the garage, they can come with you to the new place. They have a tendency to make gardens look cluttered.

These suggestions will help you maintain the value of your home and help you sell it faster. In a competitive market, your home's appearance could be what sets you apart from the rest.

Just one look, that's all it took....

I do believe in love at first sight and I believe it can happen more than once in a lifetime. I have experienced love at first sight when I met (my now) husband and when I saw both of my children for this very first time, I have also seen it in real estate. The moment you see your first home for the very first time it is just perfect....well it should be.

When it comes to selling your home you always make sure that the interior is pristine. Every detail is just right and the home looks just beautiful but wait...what about your exterior? Yes, curb appeal, it matters, and in a big way. Over 80 percent of buyers will view your home on the Internet first and then decide where to book viewings so be sure to spend as much time prepping the outside as you do on the inside. Since buyers make up their mind about a home within the first 30 seconds, you don't have any time to waste.

The season you are selling your home can be a factor( selling season can be any season of the year) but there are many ways to make certain that the exterior of your home is picture perfect. Think of the many guidelines that you followed to ensure your interior is beautiful, they apply to the exterior too.

De-clutter: get rid of the garbage cans, the strollers, the sporting equipment, kids toys etc...from the front lawn and porch area

Clean: sweep, mow, rake, shovel depending on what the exterior elements call for but be sure to clean and clear the entry way to your home. And in the winter months, be sure to sand or salt the walk way (safety first plus, you don't want buyers to remember falling on the icy path leading to your home).

Details: pay attention to the small things. Is the front door paint faded or chipping? Do the stairs or walls or windows need a good power washing? Is your exterior light working? Is your doorbell working? Do your shrubs need a trimming? Are your flower pots looking alive and well? Paying attention to those details sends a positive message to buyers and gets them excited to see the inside of your home.

Decor: add some colour and life to the exterior with a decorative wreath, add some colourful outdoor pillows to your bench or chair, add some plants and/or flowers to exterior pots. This can be done in the cooler fall and winter months too.

First impressions are lasting impressions. Showcase your home and you will bring in the best buyers with the best offers, all of the hard work is worth it. Go ahead, be the envy of the neighbourhood....

Easy trick to make you home (listing) warmer!

Here's an easy tip for anyone looking to make their home more appealing to a buyer...

now that the autumn season is upon us - turn on that fireplace, especially if it is a chillier day!

Not only will it add warmth to the space but it will draw the buyer's attention to that fabulous feature - the fireplace!

Gas or woodburning it doesn't really matter - it adds that cozy feeling that makes us want to cuddle up on the sofa and relax!

It's selling season!!

Well it's that time of year again, selling season, also known as spring! This time of year tends to be the most popular time to sell your house. But with so much competition on the market how can you set your listing apart from the others? Well, here are some great suggestions to make your home look the best it can. Home staging your property isn't just fluffing pillows, there is a lot of other elements, too.

1 -- Rake the front lawn. Sure, the grass isn't quite here yet but the left over debris can really make the front lawn look awful. So clean up!

2 -- Sweep the front porch or stoop. You might have some left over salt, sand or leaves, so clear the area it will make a good first impression. Also take the time to sweep the driveway and back porch too.

3 -- Add some colour. The flowers are not in bloom yet but you can add some colour with a spring themed wreath or perhaps a bench with some colourful outdoor pillows.

4 -- Pull back the curtains and pull up the blinds and let the light in! Your home will feel larger and brighter in an instant.

5 -- As long as it is not too cold, open up the windows before your open house and let some fresh air in. Over the winter the air in our homes tends to get stuffy. But don't keep the house too cool, it might feel drafty.

6 -- Clean your carpets either with a powerful vacuum or maybe contact a professional carpet cleaner. It's amazing how dirty our carpets get over winter (especially if there are pets in the home). A deep cleaning can even make the air feel crisper.

7 -- Clean you windows and screens. Again, the home will feel so much better and if you have a great view, don't block it.

8 -- Brighten and freshen up your home with some fresh cut bouquets or potted plants.

9 -- You can renew your spaces such as the bathrooms and bedrooms with some minor accessories. Add some new candles, new guest towels or decor pillows with some colour. Check out some inexpensive stores such as Bouclair, Loblaws and Wal-Mart for some great finds at great prices.

10 -- Take the time to check your light fixtures for dust, cobwebs and burnt out light bulbs. This is also a great time to clean your smoke alarms.

 

Your home should always look it's best but it is most important when there is a lot of competition on the market you need to really impress. To sell quickly and for top dollar, it is worth spending the time (and money) to make your home the best it can be.

What's cooking?

The kitchen is the hub of all activity in any home - so it should be practical and stylish.

So before you start your kitchen reno, take a loook at what's cooking in the kitchen.

Here is what is happeing for hot kitchen looks in 2009.

Rustic chic: natural materials and colours (like stone, wood, light greys, white, pale greens and yellows); more obvious wood graining; rough-hewn-looking stones such as slate, soapstone or honed stone finishes.

Electric-bright colours: strong statements in bold primaries, often used in one element or as an accent (like a red wall); also, bright cabinets and/or countertops, especially in yellow or orange.

Reflective, high-gloss surfaces: already a hit in Europe, in colour, black or white or metals such as stainless steel; mirror, glass (including glass mosaic) or high-gloss finishes.

Monochromatic design: especially all-white or all-black.

Cleaner, simpler lines: even in traditional styles; the heavy, over-the-top mouldings of years past are being toned down.

Built-in appliances: a 30-inch deep fridge can be integrated with a 24-inch counter depth by actually recessing it into the wall behind, maximizing storage capacity without interrupting the flow of a counter or jutting into the room; it can then be finished with a cabinet front or embellished with furniture elements.

Enviro-chic: good looks are not enough these days! The kitchen must be environmentally friendly at all stages of its creation -- from the choice of materials and manufacturing processes to its functionality and efficiency to all the appliances.

New Homes - Decorator bonuses

In Ottawa, many new home builders such as Richcraft and Valecraft are offering decorator bonuses with every purchase of a new home. Bonuses usually range from $5,000 to $15,000 and can be spent however the purchaser wishes.



So what is the best way to spend these bonuses if you are looking at reselling your home in the future? The top three areas of the home to spend your bonus are:


1 -- the kitchen


2 -- the bathrooms


3 -- flooring


In the kitchen, you want to look at real wood cabinetry, lighting, a back splash, and the type of flooring (ceramic or hardwood). Other features home buyers look for are: pot and pan drawers, pantry storage and efficient use of space. When making your selections you do not have to spend a fortune but look at a neutral or popular colour palette, the design centre should either have samples of colour packages for you to look at or helpful associates in the showroom. Add additional pot lights in task areas such as the kitchen island or breakfast bar. Another added touch you can do after purchase, is updating the hardware on the cabinetry, this can add some more style to your kitchen.



The bathrooms, you want to look at ceramic, lighting, faucets and shower heads, storage space solutions and real wood cabinetry. Add pot lights above a stand up shower and/or roman tub. Again, make sure you stick with a neutral colour palette - magazines can also give you some great ideas to inspire you. Right now the spa look is very in style so peruse the builders selections and see which items can be used together to achieve a similar look. After purchase you can personalize your bathroom with a framed mirror and more modern overhead lighting above the mirror. Also go to your local home improvement store, and purchase a shower head with varied pressure options or a rain shower head - this will help with future saleability and increase your enjoyment!



Flooring - most if not all purchasers are looking for hardwood flooring in the home and ceramic in wet areas. The flooring in the kitchen can be ceramic or hardwood. Hardwood in the kitchen is becoming more popular and looks great especially if the floor plan is very open concept. Continuing the same style of flooring makes the space seems larger (a bonus for potential buyers). Too many types of flooring in any size space can make it feel and appear small. The dark walnut stain is also very popular but buyer beware - darker floors show a lot of dust and pet hair. You do not have to upgrade your type of ceramic to a porcelain tile or marble but look for an option that is variegated and looks like natural stone. If you cannot afford hardwood throughout the home focus on placing it in the living room and dining room. Many buyers are fine with carpet in the bedrooms.


All home builders mark up on all home upgrades so select yours wisely. This will make a difference in the resale market and especially if your home is in a new community, yours can get lost in the mix so make your home special by adding enough extras to draw buyers into your open house but still keeping (and perhaps even adding) money in your pocket once it is sold!

Help me spend my reno money!!

When it comes to home renovations, some money is better spent. The money invested in improving your home will not always translate into an equivalent return in the selling price of your home. However, with planning it is possible to both increase the saleability of your home and even profit from your home renovations. Don't forget about the new home renovation tax credit (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.html) help anyone looking at renovating their homes. Check out the above link for more information.

Renovations do not have to be extensive or expensive to earn a high rate of return. In fact, one of the cheapest and simplest improvements yields one of the highest paybacks - paint! A fresh coat of paint on interior walls returns an average 73 percent payback. So, a $1,500 paint job could be expected to increase a home's selling price by $2,625 (a $1,125 profit).

To maximize saleability ensure that your new decor is modern and tasteful. Choose shades of white and tame versions of popular colours (look at new show homes for color ideas). Steer away from too many personal touches and custom work if you plan to re-sell. It is unlikely that your investment will be recouped and it may prevent the quick sale of your home. Also, try to keep renovations in harmony with the fashion of your neighbourhood. A fresh paint job is one way to increase your profit and the number of showings but you also want to make sure your home is clean, decluttered and organized. Some home improvements will make your home sell faster but will not necessarily increase your profit. An example of such an improvement is installing a granite counter top. A granite counter top will be expected at a higher purchase point but your basic town home will not really benefit from such a cosmetic update.

So where should you invest when it comes to home renovations? The kitchen and bathroom are key areas to focus your renovation attentions. With average paybacks of 72 and 68 percent respectively, new fixtures, cabinets and tiles could be well worth the money and/or time and effort. The AIC's ( Appraisal Institute of Canada ) study highlighted the top ten renovations and the average rate of return:

1 -- Interior painting and decor - 73%
2 -- Kitchen renovation - 72%
3 -- Bathroom renovation - 68%
4 -- Exterior paint - 65%
5 -- Flooring upgrades - 62%
6 -- Window/door replacement - 57%
7 -- Main floor family room addition - 51%
8 -- Fireplace addition - 50%
9 -- Basement renovation - 49%
10 -- Furnace/heating system replacement - 48%

One area that tells the purchaser a lot about the home and seller is maintenance. If a seller wants top dollar for there home small repairs and basic maintenance must be attended to. Agents on the Bennett Real Estate Pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) team have had buyers reject a home because of something minor such as peeling paint on a deck. The potential purchasers felt if the obvious was not attended to, other problems were hidden and not attended to. In this market, potential buyers are educated and are looking for something specific. If you are selling make sure your home is picture perfect.

Updating your front door

Whether you are selling your home or just want to update its tired look, that first impression your home gives from the street or sidewalk-its curb appeal-is key to how your house is perceived. At the very center of curb appeal is your front door and the area around it. It’s where you welcome the world to your home, and it sets the tone for your entire house. The Bennett Real Estate Pros know all about making that perfect first impression for potential buyers. Read here for a variety of ways to add interest and 'personality' to the front door of your home.

Renewing the Finish
Front doors take a lot of abuse both from use and weather-in particular, the harmful ultraviolet rays in sunshine. A wood front door will need a new paint job every five years or so to look its best. If it’s stained and varnished, it will need attention more frequently. Like any paint job, a front door will only look great if you put in the prep time and use top quality paint: Thoroughly sand down the existing finish, remove or be sure to cover the grip set so it's finish is not the same as the door's, brush on a primer, and follow with two thin top coats, while sanding in between each application. The same general routine applies to varnish, although it is even more important to be careful of brush marks and to paint in temperate weather with the door in complete shade. Use a good quality brush - you don't want your door to become hairy! Consider color carefully-your front door is a great place to express a little personality with a strong primary color, as long as it still works with shutters, trim, siding colors and other aspects of your house.

Grip set Upgrade
This is the most expensive piece of hardware on or around your door because of its role in security, but these days it also offers a wide range of handsome aesthetic choices. The term grip set refers to a door handle and lock, which can be combined in a number of ways: a handle with a keyed lock, a door handle and lock with a separate deadbolt, and a handle and deadbolt that are connected visually and mechanically. Door handle styles include a “D” handle, a round handle that you grasp, and a lever handle. It’s important to pick a lock that offers the degree of security you need. Once that is satisfied, take some time to pick the look that will make the best statement on your front door. You’ll see lots of new finishes-satin nickel, hand-rubbed pewter, and hand-rubbed bronze-as well as bright brass. Prices range from less than $50 to $300 and more depending on the security rating of the lock, the quality of the materials, the design, and the finish. Typically, you can replace a new lock in the edge and face holes already drilled in the door. If you want to select a modern look make sure it works with the age and style of your home - otherwise, the front entry can look strange and disjointed.

Add House Numbers
This is another way to put some style and serve a practical purpose. Thin brass or nickel house numbers can run under $5 a piece; thicker examples can double or more in price. These are typically screwed to the wall with small matching that are included, but numbers “plaques” are also available that frame the numbers in a matching metal.

Mail Box or Slot
Even if the mail is only delivered to your mailbox out on the curb these days, a flush-mounted mail box or a mail slot have a traditional appeal and can be a convenient way for neighbors to leave things for you when you’re not home. Mailboxes, which are attached directly to the wall or siding, range in price from a few dollars for a thin sheet metal version to several hundred for a detailed architectural casting. Style and quality differences are obvious. Mail slots are available at architectural salvage yards in solid brass, and in at the home center in a brass- or nickel-plated version for under $20. Mail slots do require you to cut a hold in the door or wall, and they don’t promote good energy efficiency. In Ottawa, one of the best shops for a variety of mailboxes is Preston Hardware located on Preston Street in Little Italy.

Add some life
Place decorative plant pots or urns on the steps leading to your door or on either side of the door and fill them with colorful seasonal flowering plants or some fake topiary plants. Install window boxes to the windows near your front door and keep them filled with seasonal plants. Tie a simple grapevine wreath on your door. Change the theme by inserting various decorative items, such as flowers, flags, ribbons, pine cones, or pumpkins. You'll have a fresh look each season. Accessorize with plants and greenery whenever possible. Be sure to keep them watered!


Remember the front door is what your guests and potential buyers see first so make sure it is as welcoming and warm as the rest of your house. When opportunity knocks, answer the door - it might be an offer to purchase your home!

Living with clutter?

Clutter can completely take over your life. Once it starts, it's hard to stop and control. But if you are even considering putting your home on the market, de-cluttering is a must! Working exclusively with the Bennett Real Estate Pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) has put me in touch with various homeowners and the number one tip I give all of them to present their home in the best light possible is to - get rid of the junk!

Clutter not only makes a home look messy but it makes any space seem smaller and closed in. Clutter also makes potential buyers think that the space does not have enough storage (a big negative when it comes to selling your home).

Here are some easy de-clutter tips courtesy of the Bennett Real Estate Pros:

1 -- Declutter for 15 minutes every day. It’s amazing how much you can get through if you just do it in small increments like this.

2 --Don’t allow things into the house in the first place. Whether you have begun de-cluttering the living space, or you have just completed it, stop bringing in new stuff NOW. Even if that’s ALL you do and don’t start de-cluttering immediately, if you can only establish one habit at a time, establish the no-more-stuff habit first. This way, when you do get to de-cluttering the existing stuff, you have already stopped making it worse. Think of bailing out a boat with a hole in it. You can bail and bail, but it won’t do anything for the leak.

3 --Donate stuff you’re decluttering, so you don’t feel bad about wasting it.

4 -- Create a goals chart with de-cluttering on it — either daily, or 3 times a week. Check off the days when you de-clutter, and you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment.

5 --Start at the corner by the door and move your way around the room, doing the superficial stuff first - surfaces, empty the bin etc. Repeat, but do more the second time around - for example. open the cupboards.


6 -- Whenever you’re boiling the kettle for tea, tidy up the kitchen. If the kitchen is tidy, tidy up the next room - it’s only 3 minutes but it keeps you on top of everything (helps if you have an Englishman’s obsession with Tea as well!)

7 -- Use the “one in, two out” rule. The rule: whenever you bring in an item, you have to throw away two other items. First you cheat, by throwing out two pieces of paper, but soon you will have to move to big stuff.


8 -- Make your storage space smaller and more minimal. If you have lots of storage, you’ll fill it with stuff.

9 -- Clothing rule: If you haven’t worn an item in 6 months, sell or donate it.

10 -- The One-Year Box. Take all your items that you unsure about getting rid of (e.g. “I might need this someday…”), put them in a box, seal it and date it for 1 year in the future. When the date comes, and you still did not need to open it to get anything, donate the box WITHOUT OPENING IT. You probably won’t even remember what there was in the box.

11 -- De-clutter one room (including any closets, desks, cabinets, etc.) before starting on the next one. Spending time in that room will feel so good, and it will be so easy to keep clean, that it will motivate you to do more!

12 -- Keep a list in your planner labeled “Don’t Need It - Don’t Want It.” When you’re out shopping and run across some kind of gadget or other item you crave, note it down on the list. This will slow you down long enough to reconsider. Also, seeing the other things on the list that you nearly bought on impulse really helps.

13 -- Internalize that your value is not in your “stuff”. It is just “stuff”. And realize that your value grows when you share your “stuff”. Hoarding is a selfish act.

14 -- Have someone else (who you trust!) help you go through things. They don’t have the (sometime’s irrational) emotional attachment that you might have, but can still recognize if something should be kept.


15 --Gift everything. Books you have read immediately get recycled among friends, family or local libraries. If you buy a new gaming system, donate your old one – and all the games.

Once you have started to de-clutter your home, not only will it look better but you will feel better too. The feedback from your showings will be very positive and your home will be on the market for less time. So get started, the spring is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate!