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Direct Line: 905-830-8611

‪#‎Keswick‬ ‪#‎Georgina‬ ‪#‎RealEstate‬ ‪#‎REMAX‬ ‪#‎HomesForSale‬ Keswick, Ontario Georgina, Ontario

How to quickly improve indoor air quality

How to quickly improve indoor air quality

There are many reasons why the air quality in your home may not be at its best. A faulty furnace or an aged carpet are just two potential culprits. Until you get those issues addressed, how do you make your indoor air healthier — today?

Here are some ideas:

• Check the furnace filter. This is one of the most overlooked maintenance items in the home. Any furnace repair person can tell you stories about filters they’ve seen caked in dust. Make sure those aren’t yours. Air passes through those filters before circulating throughout your home. Replacing a filter takes less than five minutes.

• Clean the drains. Drains are a surprisingly common source of odour in the home. Most people only clean them when they’re clogged, but they should be flushed thoroughly with a good-quality cleaner at least once a season.

• Turn on the bathroom fan. Not only do bathroom fans remove odour, they also reduce moisture build-up. About 50% of air pollutants originate from some type of moisture; mould being the worst. Professionals recommend you keep the bathroom fan on for at least 30 minutes after a shower.

• Clean your doormat. Even if your doormat doesn’t smell, it can be a source of air pollutants. When people wipe their shoes, they transfer pesticides and other outside ground pollutants from their shoes to your mat.

Of course, you can always open a window. That’s the most popular way to freshen the air, and it works.

Discovering that a home you like has “issues”

Discovering that a home you like has “issues”

Say you’re viewing a home and are impressed with how it looks. The walls are freshly painted. Everything seems bright and new. You’re considering making an offer.

Then, while standing on a mat in the kitchen, you hear a squeak below your feet. You lift the mat and see that some tiles are broken. Obviously the mat was there to, literally, cover up that defect.

A few broken tiles are not a big deal. But now you’re thinking, “What else might be wrong with this house?”

There’s no reason to worry that every home will have maintenance issues hidden from view. However, it’s smart to do your due diligence to ensure the home you’re considering is truly as good as it looks.

One way is to have a professional home inspector check out the property as a condition of your purchase offer. He or she will inspect the home from top to bottom, inside and out, and point out any issues you should address.

It’s also smart to ask questions. Find out the age of certain features, such as the roof, furnace, and appliances. Ask about any recent renovations, and determine whether they were done by a professional or by the homeowner.

Most importantly, work with a good REALTOR® who can provide you with information on the property that you would have difficulty getting on your own. Your REALTOR® has a stake in making sure you buy a home with your eyes wide open — knowing all the potential maintenance issues you’re likely to encounter.

Want to talk to a good REALTOR®? Call today.

How Much Should You Budget for Home Maintenance?

How Much Should You Budget for Home Maintenance?

If you own a car, you know there’s more to the cost-of-ownership than just finance payments and gas. You also need to budget for maintenance and repairs. If your car is older, those costs are going to be higher. That’s just common sense.

The same is true of your home. It’s wise to budget for anticipated repairs and maintenance. Otherwise, you might be caught by surprise when you find that your furnace stops working and needs to be replaced. That can easily be a four-figure expense.

Experts recommend that you set aside 1% of the value of your home for repairs and maintenance. For a $500,000 property, for example, that would be $5,000. That is, of course, merely a rule of thumb. If your home is older, you may need to budget more.

Another recommended method is to budget $1 a square foot. If you have a 2,500 square foot home, that would be a budget of $2,500. Again, that number would need to be higher for older properties.

When budgeting, consider things that are getting old and will likely need to be replaced within the next three years. Examples include roof shingles, furnace, A/C unit, deck, fence, plumbing, and windows. Anticipating that expense will help you plan accordingly and avoid the shock of an unpleasant and costly surprise.

Keep in mind that budgeting $2,000 for repairs and maintenance doesn’t mean you’ll actually spend that money this year. But, if needed, the budget will be there, and that’s peace-of-mind.

The “3 Up” Strategy for Selling Your Home Quickly

The “3 Up” Strategy for Selling Your Home Quickly 
There are many reasons why you may need to sell your home quickly: a sudden job relocation; a change in family situation; or perhaps an opportunity to purchase a new home that you just can’t pass up.

Whatever the reason, this strategy will help when you need to sell fast. It’s called the “3 Up” strategy.

• Fix it up.
• Clean it up.
• Spruce it up.

First, you need to fix it up. That simply means getting things repaired around your property, such as a broken floor tile in the kitchen or a sticking patio door that’s difficult to open and close. Maintenance issues like these distract buyers from the appealing qualities of your home. Fortunately, repairs can usually be done quickly.

Second, clean it up. Obviously, when your home is clean and tidy it’s going to look its best. You also want to eliminate as much clutter as possible. You don’t need to make every room look like a magazine cover — but that’s a good attitude to have when prepping your home for a quick sale!

Finally, spruce it up. That means making any quick improvements that are going to make your home even more appealing. It might mean replacing the kitchen counters or giving the main rooms a fresh coat of paint.

Of course, the number one strategy for getting that SOLD sign on your front yard is to select a great REALTOR®.

Looking for a great REALTOR®? Call today.

Should You Sell First and Buy Later? Or Vice-Versa?

Should You Sell First and Buy Later? Or Vice-Versa?

When you’re thinking of selling your home and buying another, you face the inevitable question: Should I list my property first or buy my new home first?

Let’s take a look at both options.

If you attempt to buy a property before listing your home, you run into a couple of challenges.

First, sellers may not take you seriously as a potential buyer. After all, you haven’t put your own home up for sale. As far as they’re concerned, you might merely be testing the market.

Second, your property might not sell as quickly as you thought it would. If there is an early closing date on the home you purchased, you might end up owning, and paying a mortgage on both properties, at least until your home sells.

If, on the other hand, you list your property before buying a new home, sellers will know you’re serious. That puts you in a competitive position in the event of multiple offers.

Also, if your home sells quickly, you’ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing exactly how much of a new home you can afford. You’ll be able to shop with confidence.

Of course, like the first option, there is a chance that the closing dates won’t match and you’ll end up owning two properties for a period of time. However, solutions such as bridge financing are available to help.

So, there is no perfect answer. A lot depends on the state of the local market.

Looking for a good REALTOR® who can help you decide which is the best move for you? Call today.

“Closing Day” Terminology You Need To Know

“Closing Day” Terminology You Need To Know

Closing day is an exciting time. After all, you’re moving into your new home! However, it can be stressful as well. The last thing you need is to be confronted with something you don’t understand. So here is a quick list of common “closing day” terms.

• Disbursements. This is the allocation of funds to the appropriate parties, such as the seller. Your lawyer will take care of this for you.

• Possession. This is the moment on closing day when you are legally able to take possession of your new home. It’s usually when your REALTOR® or lawyer hands you the keys.

• Title. This is a legal document that identifies the property and its owner.

• Closing costs. These are expenses, excluding the selling cost of the property, that are due on closing day, such as legal fees, reimbursement for pre-paid utilities, utility deposits, insurance, and taxes.

• Closing adjustments. These are expenses pre-paid by the seller that need to be reimbursed on closing.

There may be other terms you come across on closing day as well. Don’t worry, a good REALTOR® can help make the day go smoothly for you and your family.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call Team Metherall today.

Home Upgrades That Hold Their Value!

Home Upgrades That Hold Their Value!

Do you have a renovation project in mind – and wonder how much value it will add to your home? Remodeling Magazine recently did a study of renovation projects, comparing costs to added value. Here are some of the results:

Replacing a main entry door has a return on investment of over 95%. After all, the entrance to a home is one of the first things a prospective buyer notices.

Adding a new deck also adds a lot of value. Depending on the materials used, you can expect to get back three-quarters of the money invested.

Another high-payback project is the garage door. This once again demonstrates the importance of a home’s “curb appeal.”

If you’re tackling a big project, such as a basement renovation, you’ll be glad to know that, according to the study, a project like this adds a lot of value.

Finally, minor improvements to bathrooms and kitchens – such as adding new countertops or cupboards, can also be good investments that mostly pay back when you sell your home.

Of course, these figures are averages and can vary widely depending on location, type of property, and other factors.

Need help determining how a particular home improvement might impact the selling price? Call Team Metherall today.

Taking the "scary" out of real estate

Taking the "scary" out of real estate

Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in particular.

First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so many questions, such as:

•Is "now" a good time to list?

•How much can you expect to get for your property?

•How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn't?

Then there's the buying and selling process:

•How do you prepare your home for sale?

•How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your price range?

•How do you prepare your home for viewings?

Yes, there's a lot to think about. That's why finding a good REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market is so important.

A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list.

A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes smoothly.

So if you're considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today.

Wally, Cyndy & Cole Metherall
TeamMetherall.com
Cell: 905-830-8611

RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
430 The Queensway South Keswick, Ontario L4P 2E1

Creating quiet in a (sometimes) noisy home!

Creating quiet in a (sometimes) noisy home!

Does your spouse like to practice the drums in the evening? Does your teenager like to play video games, with the volume turned up high? Are there other sources of noise you'd like to minimize?

There are many ways to soundproof areas of your home to reduce noise.

Here are some ideas:

•Furniture placement

. Surprisingly, where you place furniture can dramatically reduce incoming noise. For example, a bookshelf covering a third of a wall can muffle sound from an adjoining room by 25%.

•Noise harmonization techniques

. Soft music, air fans, and other sources of rhythmic noises can actually reduce the unpleasantness

of incoming sounds.

•Area rugs

. Adding an area rug, even on top of existing carpeting, can significantly reduce noise coming from the floor below.

•Acoustic tiles and panels

. These are special ceiling tiles and wall coverings that are designed to diffuse and reduce sound infiltration. There are some products on the market that are remarkably easy to install.

Find The Perfect Home

Find The Perfect Home!

It's there, it's just a question of finding it.Your dream home is out there but it may take a little work to find it. We'll help.

Your next home could very well be your dream home. It might be the home you've wanted in your heart all along and, for one reason or another, you just haven't found it yet. But it could come on the market soon. Maybe today, or perhaps tomorrow, next week or next month. We could very well be the broker to help you find it.

Here's how we'll help ...
(1) You tell us what you're looking for. Click here to fill out the form detailing the key characteristics of the home you really want.

(2) We'll add your home requirements to our "email alerts" and the minute a home appears meeting your criteria, we'll send an "alert" to your email address telling you about the property. It's a great way to ensure that your dream home doesn't come on the market and get purchased by someone else without your ever knowing it!

Click here to start filling out this home criteria form. Be as detailed as you can.

Team Metherall

Your Real Estate Source!

RE/MAX All-Stars Awards

RE/MAX Awards Snap Georgina

Awards are given yearly to RE/MAX employees for achievement in sales. RE/MAX Landmark Realty Inc. (Keswick office) has recently merged with RE/MAX All-stars Realty Inc. They have 10 offices with approximately 240 agents, head office is in Markham. This merge has many benefits to their clientelle...including the ability to serve their clients from numerous different office locations. The Award Lunch was at the Pickle Barrel in Markham this year, and the agents were presented with plaques for recognition in Sales Achievement for 2013. Congratulations to the awesome RE/MAX agents!

If you would like to learn more about Keswick, or search homes for sale in Keswick. Please visit homes4salekeswick.com

Making sense of a crazy REAL ESTATE market

Making sense of a crazy REAL ESTATE market.

 

Unless you're a real estate expert, you probably look at the market and think

things are pretty confusing. Even a bit crazy! You hear news about “bubbles

bursting”, “higher or lower home sales in a particular month”, “new home starts”

that are up or down, and on and on it goes.

 

It’s a lot of news and a lot of jargon. If you're thinking of selling your home within the next year or two, you will want to understand what's happening in the market so you can make the right decisions and get a clear sense of what to expect. So, how do you make sense 

of it all?

 

That's where a good REALTOR® can help.

 

Even if you don't have any definite plans to move in the near future, a REALTOR®

who is an expert in the local marketplace can help you understand what homes in a particular neighbourhood are selling for, and what you can expect to get should you decide to list your property.

 

Getting to know a REALTOR® also means you’ll have a trusted expert to

talk to from time to time, when you have real estate related questions.

You’ll have someone you can think of as "Your REALTOR®".

 

Plus, when the time comes to sell your property, you won't have to deal with

a stranger. Instead, you'll be able to work with a REALTOR® that you know well

and who knows YOU. Overall, that will make the buying and selling process go more smoothly and more successfully.

 

Looking for a good REALTOR® who wants to get to know you? Contact Team Metherall today!

 

Team Metherall

RE/MAX All-Stars Keswick Realty Inc., Brokerage

905-476-4111

A quick lesson in wood floors

Thinking about installing wood floors? The first decision you need to make

involves the type. According to the National Wood Flooring Association,

there are four types:

 

•Unfinished

This type requires you or your installer to sand and apply a finish. If you want a specific colour or style, or you're trying to match existing flooring, this might be the best option for you.

 

•Factory finished

As the name suggests, this is flooring that has its finish applied in the factory. Although it is more expensive, factory finished flooring can be installed faster and can be walked upon

immediately.

 

•Solid

This is flooring that is made from a solid piece of wood, top to

bottom. The advantage is that it can be sanded and refinished many

times over the years, or even decades.

 

•Engineered

This is flooring that is made of thin layers of wood pressed together. It can be engineered to be very durable and expand and contract less than solid flooring.

 

The type you choose depends on your needs. Talk to your dealer or contractor about your specific application.

When is it time to talk to a REALTOR®?

When is it time to talk to a REALTOR®?

 

Many people only see a doctor when they're sick or have some other health

concern. On the other hand, some people visit a doctor regularly for check

-ups, to ask questions and get advice, and to maintain good health.

 

Which do you think is the better approach? Obviously, the second one!

 

The same thing is true when it comes to real estate. Even if you have no

current plans to buy or sell a home, there are many reasons to talk to a

REALTOR® regularly in order to maintain your good "real estate" health.

For example, you can:

 

•Get an assessment of the current market value of your home, so you

can make an informed decision about whether to stay or move.

 

•Ask about the state of the local real estate market (which may be

vastly different than what you hear on the national news.)

 

•Find out what homes are currently selling for in the area.

 

•Learn what's currently available on the market, especially in

neighbourhoods you would like to live in and that are within your budget.

 

•Ask for a contractor recommendation. 

 

In fact, it's a good idea to have a chat with your REALTOR®

once or twice a year, even if it's just to say hello. 

 

You want to build a relationship with a good REALTOR® who understands (and cares about) you and your needs. That way, when it does come time for you to make a move, you're dealing with a REALTOR® you already know and trust.

 

Don't have a good REALTOR®? Call today!

 

Team Metherall

RE/MAX All-Stars Keswick Realty Inc., Brokerage

Light Your Way to a Faster Sale!

Light Your Way to a Faster Sale!

 

Remember the last time you visited an upscale furniture showroom? The

furniture and fixtures on display probably looked great. The colours and

textures jumped out at you. It was a feast for the eyes!

 

There is a good reason for this: lighting. 

 

Of course, the quality of the products has a lot to do with how appealing

they look when on display. But smart retailers know that proper lighting is

key to making those products look their best. In fact, some retailers even

hire lighting consultants!

 

What does this have to do with selling your home quickly, and for the best

price?

 

Obviously, when showing your property to potential buyers, you want your

home to look its very best. Proper lighting can be a big help.

When preparing your home for sale, review the lighting in each room and

make sure the space is sufficiently well lit. You want the lighting to be strong

enough to prevent dark or shadowy areas, yet not so strong that it's

uncomfortable for the eyes.

 

As a rule of thumb, the total wattage of lights in a room should equal the

room's square footage times 1.5. So, if a room is 120 square feet and has

three light sources (ceiling light and two lamps) then the bulbs in each

should be 60 watts.

 

Pay particular attention to traditionally dark areas, such as the garage,

basement, and closets. Make sure those areas are well lit.

If you have a viewing scheduled during the day, take advantage of natural

light through windows. Open the curtains!

 

Finally, one of the most important areas is the foyer. Always make sure the

entrance has sufficient lighting. You don't want buyers to think they've

entered the home of classic TV's The Adam's Family!

 

Want more ideas for preparing your home for sale? Call today.

How to Choose the Right Size HDTV

How to Choose the Right Size HDTV

 

If you don't own one already, you may be tempted to purchase a

widescreen digital television to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and

sports programs. However, it can be difficult to select the right screen size,

especially if you've been accustomed to viewing a TV with a traditional 4:3

screen.

 

When it comes to size, there are many factors that come into play, such as

screen resolution and personal preference. However, the last thing you want

is to purchase an HDTV that is too small for the room, or so big that it

dominates the space.

 

Here's a tip:

The rule of thumb is to take the distance you'll be sitting from the television

and multiple by five to get the screen size you need. So if you'll be sitting

eight feet away, you'll want to look at HDTVs with screens that are in the 35 -

45 inch range.

 

A good electronics dealer can help you make the best choice.

 

Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers!

Making Your Kitchen More Attractive to Buyers!

What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to

selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the

kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer

gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on

the kitchen."

 

That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do

what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible

to buyers. 

 

Here are some ideas:

First, clear the countertops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want

to make the entire countertop area seem as spacious as possible.

If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles

and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also

make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation and it will only cost

you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com,

"The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new

cabinet hardware."

 

Replacing the countertops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be

worth it if the current counters are old and worn. 

 

Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure

it's clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open

cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front

labels facing forward.

 

There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home

look great to potential buyers. Call today for more ideas.

How Long Does it Take to Find a New Home?

If you're planning to look for a new home sometime in the future, you

may be wondering how long the process will take. How much time

should you set aside for viewings? How many of the listed homes

should you see?

 

Of course, the process varies from person to person. According to

the Department of Housing & Urban Development, home buyers view

an average of 15 properties before finally choosing to make an offer

on one of them. That number may be a good benchmark for you.

On a Saturday afternoon, you can comfortably look at three or four

potential properties. You can see more if you want to make a full day

of it. One factor that impacts the home shopping process is how clearly

you know what you're looking for. For example, if you're certain you want a three bedroom backsplit,backing onto a wooded area or ravine, in an upscale neighbourhood,

then the process is going to be fairly simple. You're just going to view

properties that closely meet that criteria. But if you're the kind of person who simply says, "I'll know it when I see it", then you'll need to look at several homes on the market. That

means carving out plenty of room in your schedule for viewings.

 

A good REALTOR can help you understand what's available on the

market and which homes are worth seeing. He or she can also help

you determine how long the process will likely take, and show you

ways to make the process go more quickly and smoothly.

Looking for a good REALTOR? Call today.

 

Team Metherall
RE/MAX Landmark Realty Inc. Brokerage

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

 

There are several reasons why you may need to sell your home quickly. For

example, a job change may require a speedy relocation to another city, or

you may have purchased another property and don't want to be stuck too

long with two mortgages.

 

Here are some tips that can help get the sold sign on your front lawn

sooner.

 

•Be realistic with price

If you set the listing price higher than the current market value of your home, then you're 

not going to get many, if any, viewers. You want the list price to be attractive, which

means listing at the current market value.

 

•Get things fixed

You probably don't have time for a major renovation. So just make sure everything in your home is in good working order. Deal with any obvious maintenance issues, such as a

leaking faucet or a gate hanging precariously on one hinge.

 

•Ensure your home shows well, inside and out side

Eliminate clutter. Trim hedges. Make sure every room has adequate lighting,

especially the basement. Imagine that a special guest is visiting your

home, then clean up and prepare accordingly.

 

•Be flexible with viewing times

You want as many potential buyers as possible to see your home. So don't restrict viewing times to just Saturdays. Make sure your home is as "available" as possible for showings. This may cause you and your family some inconvenience, but the reward will be selling your property sooner.

 

•Work with a good REALTOR®. 

Find an agent who understands the area and the local market well.

He or she will be able to recommend a variety of strategies that will help sell your home faster, and for a good price. 

 

•

Of course, there's no way to guarantee that you'll sell your home within the time frame you want. But these tips will certainly increase the chances that you will.

 

Thinking of SELLING YOUR HOME? Looking for a good REALTOR® who knows the area well? Call today.