It can be difficult to make a decision, especially if it’s one that will impact many aspects of your life. It’s all too easy to simply not make a choice and stick with the status quo.
But, that’s not always the best thing to do.
In fact, when baseball legend, Yogi Berra, was asked about his secret to success, he famously replied, “When you come to the fork in the road, take it!”
Sure, he was joking. A little. But he was also providing very insightful advice. Get all the information you need and then make a decision that’s right for you. He recommended that you avoid getting stuck in indecision at all costs.
That kind of indecision often happens in the real estate world. Homeowners consider selling their home and finding a more ideal property, but they get stuck. They can’t make the decision.
It’s not fun. Indecision can be stressful and rarely gets anyone anywhere.
Why am I bringing this up?
If you’re ever thinking about moving and wondering, “Should I move or should I stay?”, I want you to know you can give me a call. I’ll provide you with the latest market data, information, and advice so that you can make the right decision — quickly.
I’d like to help you avoid the stress of indecision.
“Non-Market” Reasons Why it Might Be the Ideal Time to Sell
When considering whether or not to sell their home, many people think about market conditions. They consider whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. They look at trends. They try to time the sale to get the best price for their property.
While market conditions certainly can play a role in deciding whether you should sell now rather than later, many other factors can influence that decision too.
For example, you might have outgrown your home and need more space. Perhaps you need an extra bedroom or a larger kitchen. If you wait until market conditions are perfect, you may languish for months — or even years — in a home that’s too small for you.
The same can be said for downsizing.
Another “non-market” reason you might want to sell your home sooner rather than later is the neighbourhood. Is there another community more suited to your lifestyle that you want to get into? If it’s a particularly desirable area, you don’t want to wait too long to make a move. If you do, you might lose some good opportunities.
There’s also the emotional side of the decision to consider. You might simply want to move for no other reason than you need a change. That’s as good a reason as any to put up the For Sale sign and find your next dream home.
Other non-market reasons for selling include:
- Wanting a shorter commute to work.
- Adapting to a change in your family situation.
- Wishing to live closer to relatives and friends.
- Yearning for a particular property feature, such as a backyard with mature trees.
So, don’t just consider market conditions when deciding to sell. Look at all the reasons and then move forward with confidence. After all, you can sell and buy in any market.
5 Easy-to-Forget Things to Do
When you have a buyer coming to view your property, you want to make the best impression possible. So, you do the usual things. You clean, tidy and declutter. However, some details are easy to forget.
For example:
- Is there a mat by the front door for shoes, umbrellas, etc.?
- Did you air out the home as much as possible to get rid of any lingering odours from a pet, recent cooking, etc.?
- Did you empty trash bins?
- Is the buyer (or his or her agent) aware of any doors that may have special locking mechanisms? If not, leave a note with instructions. For example, “To open the patio door, pull up the deadbolt lock at the bottom.”
- Are there any kids’ toys on the floor that might accidently get damaged or be a tripping hazard?
The better your home shows to buyers, the more likely you are to get an offer.
Kitchen Improvements for Under $100
Is it really possible to improve your kitchen’s look for about the cost of a takeout gourmet dinner with the family?
Obviously you’re not going to be able to do anything major, such as replace the cabinets within that budget. But, there are many surprisingly low-budget ways to spruce up the kitchen. Here are a few ideas:
- Do you have old cabinets? You’d be surprised by how much newer they can look simply by replacing the knobs and/or handles. Pick a colour that blends, rather than contrasts, with the cabinets.
- Does your sink have a few stains? That’s not unusual! There are special cleaning products available to get out the toughest stains without damaging or scratching the sink’s finish.
- Lighting can have an enormous impact on the look and feel of a space, particularly the kitchen. Experiment with new lighting ideas. Try different bulb wattages. Consider a new lighting fixture that looks good and distributes the light more pleasantly.
- Often you don’t need to upgrade anything – you just need to do a little redecorating. Consider new window coverings. Declutter to create a greater sense of space. Play with design touches such as placing trendy cookbooks on the counter, adding a plant, or putting an attractive fruit basket on the counter.
Sure, depending on your choices, some of these ideas may cost you more than $100. However, any of these low-budget improvements can make your kitchen look considerably more attractive.
You’ll notice the difference. And, if you’re selling, so will buyers.
