A Winter ‘tune-up’ for your home

Winter is a time of year when many of us resolve to get ourselves in trim, but what about a “tune-up” to keep your home operating at top efficiency?

A good place to start is improving your home’s energy efficiency. For a modest investment, a thermostat timer will allow you to pre-set temperatures to use less fuel when you’re asleep or away. Dimmer switches will also reduce energy and save you money.

Your home ‘tune-up’ should include a check of fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (batteries should be changed twice a year). Also, clean or replace the air filters on your furnace, or consider having a furnace inspection to ensure its running safely and performing at top efficiency.

Want to know more about keeping your home running at optimum levels, and preserving its future resale value? Contact us, and let’s talk real estate.

Forecast for 2020 upgraded

The latest industry forecast for Canada’s real estate market has been upgraded, indicating an even more active year for sales and average price. On December 16, 2019, The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) upwardly revised its 2020 national forecast to predict MLS® home sales will rise by 8.9% this year, to reach 530,000 units, led by sales increases in BC and Ontario.

Prices are also expected to move up this year, with the national average approaching $531,000. Of course, this is just the ‘big picture’ on the national front. Sales and pricing can vary dramatically in different markets. For a closer look at sales and prices in your area, contact us.

Keep it simple when making an offer

An active housing market is usually good news for the seller, while buyers may be in competition when you make an offer. Generally, the fewer conditions in your offer, the more it will appeal to the seller. Getting pre-approved for financing can be a good start in keeping your offer clean and simple.

Your offer will also be more appealing if you accommodate the terms the seller sets out in their listing. Details such as a closing date may have great importance to the seller. If you change the terms, you increase the likelihood that the seller may counter your offer. This means that the entire offer is refused and everything can come back up for negotiation, including price. Ask us for guidance on preparing an appealing offer.

If you would like further information on any of the above topics, or others, please provide us with your contact information and we’ll be in touch.