In bustling cities like Toronto, Mississauga and Oakville, condo living is becoming a popular choice for modern families and empty nesters. With space being limited, many people find condos perfect for downsizing or for an easy-care lifestyle. But if you have pets, moving to a condo can be a bit tricky. Whether you are upsizing, investing, or even just moving your family and furry friends, making sure your new condo is pet-friendly is important.

Understanding Condo Rules for Pets

The first step in moving with pets is understanding the rules that condos have. Every condo building has its own set of rules, which can be found in the condo's Declaration, rules, and pet policy. These documents will tell you if pets are allowed and any limits on the type or number of pets you may have. Some condos have rules that restrict certain pet breeds or sizes. For example, they might only allow dogs under 30 pounds, and some may not allow cats or exotic animals at all.

What Modern Families Should Know

If you are planning to upsize to accommodate your growing family, always check the condo's pet rules to make sure you can bring your whole family, including your fur babies. Transparency is key; this means being open with your real estate professional about your pets. This helps avoid problems later and ensures a smooth transition.

Tips for Empty Nesters and Investors

Empty nesters looking to downsize to a more manageable condo should also look at pet rules closely. Even if pets don't seem important now, plans can change, and having the option to adopt a pet later might be appealing. Similarly, investors should keep pet rules in mind. A pet-friendly condo can attract more tenants.

Agitation: Why It's Important to Get This Right

Pet problems are not uncommon in condos, and understanding and following pet rules is crucial. Not knowing these rules can lead to problems for pet owners and their neighbours. For instance, leash laws usually require pets to be on a leash in communal areas. The leash should be no more than 6 feet long to ensure safety for everyone. Designated pet areas may be available for exercise and relief, but you'll need to know where these areas are to avoid fines.

Condo rules typically demand that owners pick up after their pets immediately and dispose of the waste properly. Failure to do so could mean penalties, and nobody wants that. Noise can be another issue. Pets barking or making noise can disturb neighbours. It's your job to make sure your pet isn't too loud, keeping harmony within the community.

What Happens If You Don't Meet Pet Rules?

Not following the rules can lead to fines and even conflict with the condo board or neighbours. This is why it’s important to know and follow all the pet rules before making any condo your permanent home. Being proactive can save headaches and keep everyone happy.

Solution: Making Your Condo Pet-Friendly

Even with all these rules, it’s still possible to have a happy, pet-friendly condo life. Here are some tips:

Making the Most of Small Spaces

Living in a condo means a smaller living area compared to a house. Using smart storage solutions can make your space more pet-friendly. Choose furniture with hidden storage for pet toys, food, and beds. Consider adding shelves or vertical storage options to save space.

Creating a Cozy Environment

Pets need a cozy spot to rest. Create a specific area in your condo for your pet’s bed, their toys, and food. This makes your pet feel settled and keeps your home organized. Small touches like a comfy bed in the quiet corner can make all the difference.

Exercise and Play

Exercise is key to a healthy pet, especially when living in a smaller condo. Plan daily walks and maybe even trips to nearby parks. Some condos offer pet play areas, so learn where they are and spend some time there. This helps keep your pets happy and healthy.

Pet Policies and Rental Apartments

For those who rent, knowing your rights is important. In Ontario, landlords can't have 'no pets' clauses in leases. However, they can take action if your pet is disturbing others or causes damage. So, it’s always good to check condo bylaws regarding pets before you move in.

For Landlords and Investors

If you’re renting out a condo, familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) to understand what you're responsible for. Pet-friendly places can attract more tenants, but make sure your condo’s bylaws comply with pet laws, especially involving service animals.

Conclusion: Knowledge Is Key

Living with pets in a condo is entirely possible when you know the rules and get ready in advance. The joy of having your pet with you makes following a little extra paperwork and rules worth it. Check out the pet policies before making any decisions and be open about your needs.

For modern families, empty nesters, specially in the GTA, Mississauga and Oakville understanding and respecting these rules can lead to a better living experience for everyone involved. Taking these steps will help ensure that moving into a condo with your furry members is as smooth as possible. Always remember, knowledge is power, and knowing these rules helps you enjoy a happy, pet-friendly condo life.

#RealEstate #Pets

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is a bustling place with a lot of people looking to buy homes. Many are professionals currently renting, families hoping to upsize, and baby boomers wanting to move into condos. But something big is happening that could make buying a first home trickier: tariffs on building materials.

The Problem:

Tariffs Make Everything Costly The GTA, including Oakville and Etobicoke, is facing a “triple challenge.” Affordable homes are harder to find, housing supply isn’t keeping up with demand, and traffic can make even getting around a pain. Now, the cost of building materials like lumber, steel, and aluminum is about to go up 25% because of tariffs. This increase is like a big speed bump for folks trying to buy homes or condos for the first time. Builders might have to charge more to cover these costs, meaning higher prices for buyers.

Prices in the GTA are already pretty high.

Imagine trying to buy your first home when prices might skyrocket because of tariffs! They could add as much as $50,000 to the cost of building a typical house or condo.

These tariffs are coming at the same time other things are changing. The Bank of Canada cut the key interest rate to 3%, and there is talk about cutting rates even more. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) predicts that by 2025, buying might be easier with lower interest rates, but tariffs add a lot of uncertainty.

Agitation: 

Why Tariffs Could Delay Your Home Buying Plans So what does this mean for the average person wanting to buy a home in the GTA? People who are renting right now face a lot of questions. Is it better to buy now, before prices go up more, or wait and hope prices stabilize?

With housing prices averaging about $1,084,547 this year, even a small increase is a lot of money. Add higher building costs due to tariffs, and the house you were saving for might feel like it’s moving out of reach.

Interest rates are something to watch as well. If they rise because the economy is unstable, monthly mortgage bills could climb higher. For someone just starting out or trying to move up, this could make buying a home harder. Developers might also slow down building condos and homes due to the high costs, which means fewer choices for buyers.

People planning to sell larger homes and downsize to condos are affected too. With building costs up, new condos might be more expensive or take longer to finish. This impacts baby boomers and empty nesters who want less space but comfortable living.

What Can You Do?

How will tariffs on building materials make buying a first home or condo trickier?

If tariffs worry you, there are some things you can consider as you think about buying:

1. Act Now if You Can: With interest rates potentially going down more, and prices expected to rise, acting sooner might save you headaches later. If you find a good deal and can buy now, it might be worth it before tariffs hit harder.

2. Look at New Areas: Expanding your search to include neighborhoods with more available listings or less competition might open doors you didn’t see before.

3. Keep an Eye on Policy Changes: Political changes could mean new policies on housing and trade. Stay informed on any potential property tax changes or any measures to counteract these tariffs.

4. Work with Experts: Real estate professionals can help you understand current market conditions and guide you in making smart decisions. They know the local market and can offer advice tailored to your needs.

What if Tariffs Continue?

The big question is: what if tariffs stay around or get worse? Prices of materials might keep climbing, making new builds skyrocket. The once-predicted ease of buying a first home in 2025 might not happen if tariffs push prices even higher. Scarcity could also cause rents to rise, making renting less affordable as well.

But if more homes and condos become available, the market might balance out somewhat. People waiting to buy might find themselves with more options and slightly less competition.

The Greater Toronto Area has always been popular due to its strong job market and diverse opportunities. As long as it remains a desirable place to live and work, people will continue to look for homes here.

What's Next?

The GTA real estate market is influenced by more than just tariffs.

It’s a mix of supply and demand, interest rates, and economic changes. Whether you’re renting and saving, planning to upsize, or thinking of downsizing, these shifts impact your plans.

One thing is clear for potential buyers: staying informed and flexible is key. The real estate landscape might be tricky to navigate, but understanding market dynamics can help guide you to make the best decision. Working with someone who knows the market can offer advantages and make the process more manageable.

Whether you’re thinking about buying now or waiting for the right moment, staying proactive and understanding market changes will empower you to find the home you want in the GTA despite the challenges tariffs may bring.

Buying your first home is a big decision. It’s normal to feel unsure about whether you’re ready to make this move. With many steps involved and decisions to make, understanding when you’re ready is crucial. Let’s explore how to understand your readiness for purchasing a home.

Understanding Your Financial Health and Lifestyle

Check Your Savings

One of the first things to consider is your savings. Buying a home requires having enough money saved for the down payment, closing costs, and other fees. Generally, a down payment is about 5% to 20% of the home’s price. In the Greater Toronto Area, this might mean saving thousands of dollars.

Evaluate Your Income

Your income plays a big role in deciding if you’re ready to buy a home. You’ll need stable and reliable income to qualify for a mortgage. Lenders will look closely at your earnings and job stability. Make sure your income can cover mortgage payments, bills, and unexpected expenses.

Understand Your Credit Score

A good credit score is important when buying a home. It influences the mortgage rate you’re offered. The higher your score, the better the rate. Check your credit score and work on improving it if it’s low. Paying bills on time and lowering debts can help.

Consider Your Future Plans

Think about your future. Are you planning to stay in the area for a long time? Buying a home is a long-term commitment. If you plan to relocate soon, it might be better to wait.

Evaluate Your Stability

Your personal and family stability is also important. For families or individuals, being settled personally can make homeownership more manageable. If there are major changes looming, it might make sense to wait until life feels more stable.

Understand Home Maintenance

Owning a home means taking care of it. From mowing the lawn to fixing leaks, home maintenance can be time-consuming and costly. Make sure you’re ready to handle these tasks or willing to hire help.

Prepare for Financial Responsibility

A house comes with many financial responsibilities. Besides the mortgage, there are bills, property taxes, and insurance. Ensure that you’re not stretching your budget too thin, as these costs can add up quickly.

Check Your Savings

One of the first things to consider is your savings. Buying a home requires having enough money saved for the down payment, closing costs, and other fees. Generally, a down payment is about 5% to 20% of the home’s price. In the Greater Toronto Area, this might mean saving thousands of dollars.

Evaluate Your Income

Your income plays a big role in deciding if you’re ready to buy a home. You’ll need stable and reliable income to qualify for a mortgage. Lenders will look closely at your earnings and job stability. Make sure your income can cover mortgage payments, bills, and unexpected expenses.

Understand Your Credit Score

A good credit score is important when buying a home. It influences the mortgage rate you’re offered. The higher your score, the better the rate. Check your credit score and work on improving it if it’s low. Paying bills on time and lowering debts can help.

Consider Your Future Plans

Think about your future. Are you planning to stay in the area for a long time? Buying a home is a long-term commitment. If you plan to relocate soon, it might be better to wait.

Evaluate Your Stability

Your personal and family stability is also important. For families or individuals, being settled personally can make homeownership more manageable. If there are major changes looming, it might make sense to wait until life feels more stable.

Understand Home Maintenance

Owning a home means taking care of it. From mowing the lawn to fixing leaks, home maintenance can be time-consuming and costly. Make sure you’re ready to handle these tasks or willing to hire help.

Prepare for Financial Responsibility

A house comes with many financial responsibilities. Besides the mortgage, there are bills, property taxes, and insurance. Ensure that you’re not stretching your budget too thin, as these costs can add up quickly.

Explore the Housing Market

Research the Market

Knowing the market helps you in making an informed decision. Look at home prices in different neighbourhoods of the Greater Toronto Area. Keep an eye on trends and talk to real estate professionals to get a sense of timing.

Understand Your Needs

Before buying, know what you need in a home. Consider the number of bedrooms, proximity to work, and other factors like schools if you have children. Being clear about what you need will guide your search more effectively.

Making a Plan

Set a Budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. Include all related costs in your budget, and try not to overextend yourself financially. This budget will guide your home search.

Work with a Real Estate Agent

A realtor can make the home-buying process smoother. They understand the market, can find homes that fit your needs and budget, and guide you through contracts and negotiations.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This helps you understand how much you can borrow and shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. It can speed up the buying process once you find a home you like.

Seek Expert Advice

Talk to a Financial Advisor

A financial advisor can help assess your readiness to buy a home. They can look at your financial health and offer advice unique to your situation. This professional guidance can be invaluable.

Consult with Family and Friends

Sometimes, talking to people who have already bought a home can provide good insights. They can share their experiences, lessons learned, and even mistakes to avoid.

Buying a home is a goal for many, and understanding your readiness makes the process less daunting. Financial health, lifestyle, and market knowledge all play crucial roles. With careful planning and expert advice, you can move towards homeownership with confidence.

Oakville, a picturesque town in the Greater Toronto Area, is a place many people would like to call home. With its blend of beautiful parks, great schools, and convenient transport links, it’s no wonder this area is very attractive. But what about home prices in Oakville? Let’s find out what the market looks like this year and how it affects different groups of people.

The Problem: An Evolving Housing Market

Oakville’s real estate market is experiencing some changes. In the past, buying a house in Oakville might have felt like a race due to fewer options. But now, things are changing, perhaps making it a bit easier for people who want to buy a home there.

Some interesting facts about the market include:

• The number of homes sold in Oakville in May this year was 307 units, which is a 15% decrease compared to last May.

• The total number of homes sold from the beginning of the year until May is just below the numbers for the same time last year, showing a small 1.9% drop.

• Interestingly, even with fewer sales, the number of new homes listed increased by 32.8% compared to last year in May.

• Right now, there are over twice as many active residential listings than there were a year ago. That means more homes are available for potential buyers.

For first-time buyers or families wanting to upsize, this means there are more options to choose from. But prices still matter a lot. Currently, the overall benchmark price for homes is around $1,287,700, which is 6.9% lower than last year.

What This Means For Different Groups of Homeowners and Buyers

The changes in Oakville’s housing market mean different things for different people. Here’s how it affects you if you belong to one of these groups:

1. First-Time Home Buyers:

First-time buyers could find this market quite encouraging. With more homes available, it might be a bit less stressful to find something that suits their budget and preferences. But prices for houses, townhomes, and condos remain high. The benchmark price for single-family homes is $1,526,900, but townhouses are generally more affordable, with an average price of $896,500. This could be good news for those hoping to get into the property market without spending too much.

2. Families Looking to Upsize:

Families wanting more space might find now a good time to make their move. With more inventory and somewhat lower prices than last year, families looking for roomier homes may have more success. However, single-family homes still cost over $1.5 million, so careful budgeting and planning are necessary.

3. Baby Boomers and Empty Nesters:

For people looking to sell their house and downsize, the rising inventory means they should be prepared for more competition. While home prices have dipped, the increasing number of new listings could motivate sellers to be more flexible with pricing if they want to sell quickly. Shifting to a condo, which has seen consistent prices, might offer a mix of convenience and manageability. The average price for apartments is nearly unchanged at $662,900 compared to last year.

The Solution: Making Smart Moves in a Shifting Market

Here’s what can help different groups consider their next steps without stress:

• Timing and Patience: More homes are available, which means buyers don’t have to rush. Taking time to find the right property without hasty decisions could prevent regrets.

• Affordable Options: Exploring townhouses or condos can be a great alternative for first-time buyers and those looking to downsize. They offer space and comfort, often at a lower price than detached homes.

• Work with a Professional: For assistance, partnering with an agent can bring valuable insights and help to navigate this changing market. Whether buying or selling, having expert advice can lead to better decisions.

• Prepare for Offers: For sellers, making homes appealing, competitive pricing, and being prepared to entertain offers quickly can facilitate smoother transactions in this busy market.

What If the Trends Continue?

Considering the trends in Oakville’s market:

• Prices Could Sway Both Directions: Prices might stabilize or even go up slightly if interest rates change or more people move into the area.

• More Listings Mean More Choices: If new listings keep coming, it could continue to be a buyer’s market, allowing buyers more room to negotiate prices.

• Rentals Stay Up: With high home prices, the demand for rental properties can keep rising. This could be a strong investment opportunity for those considering rental properties.

Conclusion: Opportunities in the Oakville Market

Overall, Oakville’s real estate market presents both challenges and opportunities. The increase in active listings provides some breathing room for potential buyers who have felt pressured by the rapid pace of previous years. While the prices remain high, the availability could mean more negotiation power for buyers.

For sellers, adapting to this changing market means being strategic about pricing and presentation. And for those looking to transition from larger homes to smaller, more manageable living situations, choosing wisely can ensure a smooth and beneficial move.

Whether buying your first home, relocating, upsizing, or downsizing, Oakville offers a promising landscape with its unique blend of accessibility and charm. With careful planning and the right approach, 2024 might just be the year to make your move in Oakville’s housing market.

Moving to another home or new location

You can use your equity to buy another home whether you need to upgrade to a bigger home or to downsize into a smaller one. Likewise, you can also use your equity if you want to relocate to a different area. Whether it’s to move for work, to be nearer to family, or to fulfill a lifelong dream, your equity can definitely help you in buying a new home,

Paying personal debts

Nothing feels more freeing than being debt-free. If your current goal is to clear all your personal debts, using a portion of your home equity can help you achieve that. By paying off personal debts like credit cards or car loans, you will be able to consolidate those debts at a lower interest rate. Hence, it will help you pay your debts easier. Paying off personal debts is a good start in eventually saving and growing your wealth. If you decide to use your home equity in paying those debts, just make sure to pay them on time as you will be using your house as collateral.

Starting a new business or growing your current 3 business

Nothing feels more freeing than being debt-free. If your current goal is to clear all

your personal debts, using a portion of your home equity can help you achieve that. By paying off personal debts like credit cards or car loans, you will be able to consolidate those debts at a lower interest rate. Hence, it will help you pay your debts easier. Paying off personal debts is a good start in eventually saving and growing your wealth. If you decide to use your home equity in paying those debts, just make sure to pay them on time as you will be using your house as collateral.

Funding someone’s education

Preparing for your children’s college ege is a daunting task and can be heavy on your finances. On the other hand, going back to school yourself and pursuing higher education can also cost a lot of money. Using a portion of your growing equity can help you finance you or your loved one’s education. Your future, as well as your loved one’s future, is also an important investment!

Start Building Your Equity Today

1. Make a bigger down payment.

   The quickest and easiest way to build your equity is to put down a bigger deposit when purchasing your home. Increasing your deposit from 5% of the property value to 10% will instantly give you a bigger equity value.

2. Increase your monthly mortgage payment or make additional payments.

   Remember that only a portion of your monthly mortgage payment will be allotted to the principal cost of the house. Increasing your monthly mortgage payment or making additional payments that go to your principal cost will help you steadily build your home’s equity.

3. Refinance and shorten your mortgage loan term.

   Shortening your loan term might mean higher monthly payments, but it also means that you’ll have lower interest rates and that a bigger portion of your payments will go into building your equity.

4. Invest in remodeling or home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home.

   By taking up remodeling projects whether it’s done by a professional or approached in a DIY way, your home’s equity will increase as your home’s value increases.

5. Just wait for the value of your home to increase in time.

   If you don’t need to urgently spend your home’s equity, you can also just wait as your home’s equity increases gradually over time.

Buying a home from a friend or a relative can be a great choice. For one, you might already be familiar with the house. You can also score a better deal that can help save you money. Having a less complicated closing process is another great advantage.

However, there are also some disadvantages. Although you are friends with the seller, it is advised that you still go through inspections, get disclosure forms, and negotiate professionally. In some cases, business transactions between friends such as this can go sour.

Make sure to follow the right steps to avoid any conflict that can damage your relationship. Here are the do’s and don’ts of buying a home from a friend.

Do’s of Buying a Home From A Friend

Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Once you initially discuss buying a home from your friend, make sure that you apply for a mortgage pre-approval from your bank. Your friend might not require it, but it’s a kind and genuine gesture that shows that you are serious in buying his or her house. Having an approval letter gives your friend the assurance that you are qualified for a mortgage and that you can actually afford to buy the property.

It can be stressful for both of you to go through the next steps of the home buying journey and then find out later on that you are not qualified for a mortgage.

Conduct a home inspection.

You might be familiar with your friend’s property already or have spent a lot of time there, but it’s still important to conduct a home inspection to see any structural damages, foundational cracks, and other hidden faults that you won’t easily notice.

By having a professional home inspection done, you’ll be more aware of any repairs you need to make or if there are any red flags that you need to avoid. It could save you money when negotiating the contract price or even save you from buying something you might regret in the future.

Get everything in writing

Just because you are friends with the seller, doesn’t mean that everything can be talked about without writing legal contracts and agreements. Being too casual about business transactions such as this is where conflicts and disagreements can root from. Even if you trust each other, it’s important to have a tangible piece of paper that you can use as a basis for your transaction. Make sure that the seller provides home maintenance and repair conditions, disclosure forms, homeowners insurance records, the contract of the property sale, and of course, the title of the property.

Don’ts of Buying a Home From A Friend

Try to do the paperwork on your own.

When buying a home from your friend, you might be tempted to skip hiring a real estate agent or legal attorney to handle any paperworks or legal documents. Unless one of you is knowledgeable about these things, it’s better to let the professionals handle it to avoid any mistakes that can cost legal repercussions later on.

Ask for a discount that’s way below the market price.

Depending on how close you are with your friend, some might say that you shouldn’t ask for any discount at all unless it is voluntarily given as a sign of respect. It might be okay to negotiate with your friend, but don’t think that just because you are friends, you can expect to buy it way below the market price.Whether your friend inherited the house or bought it with his or her own money, you should respect that it is your friend’s property and that you should buy it at a fair price.

Speaking of fair prices, on the other hand, you should also be careful about your friend selling it to you at a price that’s higher than its market price. Your friend could be the one taking advantage of you, and you should be cautious about this happening too. It’s best if you can have the property go through a home appraisal to determine its real value.

Forget to ask about a seller’s disclosure form.

Don’t forget to ask your friend to give you a proper home disclosure form so you can have a record of anything concerning that’s happened in the property before. In most places, this is mandatory and lack of disclosures can lead to lawsuits (which we don’t want to happen, of course). Did a fire occur before? Water damage or toxic materials in the house? Any past disputes over property lines or fencing? You might be friends, but of course, transparency is always important in any transaction.

Don’t forget to keep these in mind when buying a house from a friend. It’s a great chance to buy a house from someone you trust. It will make the homebuying process a lot easier, especially if it’s your first time buying a home. Just make sure to keep your discussions open to both parties’ ideas and to keep things transparent so that it can be a transaction that can benefit both of you.

Now that you have decided to sell your home, how will you turn your home into the most valuable asset it can be? No matter if you are selling your home yourself, or using an agent like myself, knowing about these low cost tips will help you increase the overall monetary return when you sell your house.

While a particular buyer may not like your home for many different reasons, a buyer’s agent is much more likely to bring other buyers back to a home that shows well. In the small community of real estate agents, word does get out pretty quickly when a home on the market is showcase ready.

From the moment a prospective buyer pulls up outside your property they are forming important opinions that make or break a sale.They’re taking in factors like the condition of the property, potential maintenance issues and general street appeal, and this critical evaluation only continues when they enter a home.

Importantly, research indicates these first impressions take only 26 seconds to make, meaning a property owner has a very limited window of opportunity when it comes to getting it right.

First Impressions – What I’m about to tell you may seem minor and easily overlooked, but this advice goes hand-in-hand with the very well known concept of Curb Appeal. Whereas curb appeal is the very first gut feeling a potential buyer has about your house, the buyer’s first impression lasts as they walk up to the front door to the point when the door first opens. With this in mind, the front door should be especially sharp, since it is the entryway into the house. Polish the door fixture so it gleams. If the door needs refinishing or repainting, make sure to get that done.

If you have a cute, little plaque or shingle with your family name on it, remove it. Even if it is just on the mailbox. You can always put it up again once you move. It is important to make your house anonymous as if the house already belongs to the next owner. Buy a new, plush door mat, too. This is something else you can take with you once you move.

Make sure the lock works easily and the key fits properly. When a homebuyer comes to visit your home, the agent uses the key from the lock box to unlock the door. If there is trouble working the lock while everyone else stands around waiting, this sends a negative first impression to prospective home buyers. If the lock is sticky, sometimes a shot of graphite in the keyhole is all that is needed.

Then, there is the entry way. Are there shoes or other clutter in the foyer, does the first impression of the inside of your home impress a buyer of things to come set them up for a polite, but quick tour of your home?

In any housing market, but especially in a buyer’s market, your house is in competition with all the other houses on sale in your neighbourhood. How your home competes is key to turning a prospective buyer in to a buyer with an offer.

A first impression will not last, if the rest of your home is not presentable. Many home sellers wonder what trade-offs to make, how much budget to allocate to get their home ready to list and sell. The starting place is to think like a buyer, put yourself in your buyers shoes, walk across the street from your house and walk up to the front door, make notes of all the things that you’d want to see fixed if you were going to buy your own house.

A first impression is a lasting one, and it doesn’t take significant time or financial outlay to ensure your property’s first impression is favourable.

Critically, when you get that all-important first impression right, you’re more likely to secure a second inspection, which in turn drastically increases the chances of swiftly selling your home.

Different homebuyers have different criteria when it comes to looking for a new home. Some buyers purchase a home because of its location. Some buyers prioritize the size of the house especially if they have a growing family. However, they all have one thing in common – they want a home where they can live comfortably and a property that will increase its value over time. Aside from the specific features that they want in a home based on their preferences, they want a house that will be worth their money.

If you are selling a home or planning to sell one soon, it would be best to know what today’s homebuyers are looking for. This will help give your property and advantage and get you a good offer. Here are just a few things of what today’s homebuyers are looking for:

Accessibility

An important thing that homebuyers look for in a home is its location. This would probably be the first thing that most homebuyers consider when looking for a home. They start with the location. Is it near their workplace? What are the nearby establishments? Are there parks, groceries, hospitals, and schools? What about transportation? It would be convenient if the public transportation is accessible. If the home buyer prefers driving his/her own car, he/she would definitely want to check the traffic and know about how long it takes to drive in and out the neighborhood.

Hardwood floors

Most home buyers prefer new homes with hardwood floors. Aside from its clean look, it is more durable and easier to maintain than carpets. Carpets need to be replaced after a few years and also need to be cleaned regularly. If it gathers too much dust and dirt, it can trigger allergies and be a cause of sickness. With hardwood floors, it just needs to be swept from time to time. To make it look new again, it just needs to be refinished based on the homeowner’s preference.

If the home you are selling currently does not have hardwood floors and you want to upgrade before you sell, you might need to spend some cash as hardwood floorings can be a bit pricey. Fortunately, there are cheaper options like engineered wood flooring. This alternative can help you achieve the look and durability of real wood but with an affordable price.

Outdoor living spaces

Another feature that home buyers look for in a home is outdoor living spaces. Staying inside the house for too long can sometimes feel suffocating. So some people prefer to have an outdoor space where they can hang out while still within the confines of their home. This outdoor space can be an additional living space without the cost of large-scale home addition.

Make sure to take care of your patio or backyard and make it look nice. If home buyers see the outdoor space in your listing or during open house, your property will definitely have an advantage among your competitors.

Energy efficiency

Many homebuyers are starting to realize the importance of an energy efficient home. From benefits like savings in electricity and water bills, environmental friendliness, and using smart home technology, having an energy efficient home can definitely make it stand out from the rest.

If you are building a home from scratch make sure that you incorporate a smart design. If you want to transform your current home, you can do so by installing smart home devices such as smart light bulbs, locks, and appliances. Have solar panels installed at home and make sure that you have energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

Laundry room

When people buy a house, they don’t only look at the living room and facade. Homebuyers these days are practical. When you think of day-to-day living, having a comfortable laundry room is one of the most helpful things in the house.

People don’t like turning other rooms into a laundry room, especially so they can keep the mess of dirty laundry just in one place. Having a separate, spacious room where they can wash, dry, iron, and fold clothes can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers.

Of course, as a home seller, you might not meet all the expectations of homebuyers and that’s okay. Make sure to highlight the good and unique features of your home and improve it in areas possible. In the end, it all comes down to setting the right expectations with the buyer. You can also work with hiring the right real estate agent that can help you find the right buyer for your home.

We’ve all heard the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words.” And, in real estate, pictures make a huge difference in how quickly you sell your home.

Now, thanks to the continued advancement of technology, buyers can have an intimate look into your home they are interested in without ever leaving their couch. And buyers are doing their research, more now than ever before. They are filtering through sites based on location, prices, school districts, square footage, etc. Once they have narrowed down their search to their liking, they are immediately flipping through photos. And you need photos that make buyers want to see your home in person!

One of the most important things that will set your property out from others the photographs. When a buyer is looking in MLS, the Internet or in some other location, photographs draw their attention. Is this shallow? Well, yes and no.

Your house might be stunning and beautiful, but if someone browsing your listing online can’t see that, then you’re losing out big time.

Also, just because photos have been taken doesn’t mean that they’re high quality. The appropriate lighting, angles and staging are all key components of well done real estate photographs. Once again, this is why leaving the job to a professional real estate photographer is best. Remember that this future buyer is probably scanning through dozens of different listings within a matter of minutes, so attention-catching photos is a must.

You would be shocked how many people put little or no effort into the photographs of their property. As an old commercial slogan stated – Image is everything. A shallow statement, but true. Your photographs represent the first curb appeal impression buyers will get of your property.

As time goes on and technology continues to advance, online platforms and visual tools become more robust allowing home buyers more and more insight into a home before ever connecting with the seller or agent.

This means you need to strongly consider hiring a professional photographer to take the photographs. They understand lighting, angles and so on. It may sound like an unnecessary expense, but it can be the difference between a sale and sitting on the market for month after month.