Be an Educated Home Viewer

If you're planning on finding your next dream home in Caledon, then you are probably going to visit many homes for sale that meet most of your criteria.

You want to make the right purchasing decision for you and your family. So, it's important to be wise when visiting and viewing properties for sale. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1. Take notes on your Smart Phone. Take notes, not only of the home's characteristics, but also of how you feel. For example, can you imagine yourself happily cooking up a storm in the kitchen? Do you see yourself entertaining family on the back deck? Your smart phone will help with #4 too!

2. Bring a measuring tape. Will the furniture you plan to bring fit? Your dining room suite? Your home fitness equipment? Measure out your own furniture at home so you know before you visit how big your heirloom table actually is!

3. Ask about maintenance. Is the property in a good state of repair? Will anything need to be replaced soon, such as the windows? Ask about septic, water, and conservation lines, especially in Caledon.

4. Bring a camera. Take lots of pictures of the home's exterior features. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll remember how everything looked. Step back and get a wide shot of every room.

5. Check out the area. Do other homeowners take good care of their properties? This shows pride of ownership. How is the noise level? Is there a playground, or another area feature nearby? Highway?

6. Make a list of compromises. For example, are there only two bathrooms instead of three and, if so, can you live with that?

7. Make a list of bonuses. What features does the home have that, are not a necessity, but would be nice to have? For example, an entertainment bar in the basement recreation room. Would the home be able to accommodate your wish list in the future?

8. Remember your budget. Is the price within your range? Can you afford to buy this home?

The savvier you are when viewing properties on the market, the more likely you will be to find your next dream home in Caledon.  Visit my properties page and see if your next dream home is waiting for you in Caledon.

How to Discourage Buyers from Buying Your Home

If you have finally come to the decision of listing your home for sale, then of course you’ll want to make the best impression you can make on potential home buyers.

However, just to have a little fun, say you don't want to sell your property. What could you do to discourage those who view your home?

1. Pets. You could have your pets in the home during viewings, running around and being loud. That will of course make it uncomfortable for some buyers – especially those with pet allergies.

2. Family Mementos. You could also leave personal items around, such as family pictures and trophies. This will make it more difficult for a buyer to imagine himself and his family living there. It might even make him feel a bit like an intruder!

3. Clutter. Junk in bedrooms, closets and other areas of the home will make those spaces feel less spacious than they really are, as well as make visitors feel uneasy.

4. Don’t Fix Anything. If you really want to turn off a buyer, then don’t do any minor repairs. A dripping tap, flickering light, dent in the wall, or other maintenance issues are certain to turn a buyer away.

5. Linger. If all of this doesn't turn away a buyer from your home, then stick around during a viewing and follow the buyer and family from room to room. That will certainly make them feel uneasy.

Of course, this is all in good fun. When you put your home on the market, you want to sell it!

It’s easy to avoid all the pitfalls described above and ensure potential buyers appreciate the full value of your home.

So when you’re preparing for a showing, think of ways you can make your property appear its best, and make the buyer feel welcomed and comfortable viewing it. Think of how you would want to see the home as a potential buyer.

Want more ideas on how to sell your home quickly and for the best price? Call today.

Do you get distracted by all the features you love when you see a new house on the market? It's easy to get distracted by all the bonuses – the wrap-around porch or the spacious finished recreation room with plenty of space for the kids or entertaining. However, you need to make sure that within all that excitement you don’t overlook any expensive maintenance issues or potential hazards that could be just around the corner.

Unfortunately nothing lasts forever. The major components of every home – from the furnace to the roof shingles – need to be replaced eventually. If you are aware of when such maintenance issues are likely to arise, this can help you make a more informed decision about the home you fell in love with.

Here’s what you can do when viewing a property:

Ask for the age of the major components of the home,

• roof shingles - roof shingles may look merely weathered in spots – and you might think they have years of service left – when, in fact, they're due to be replaced in a year.
• furnace,
• air conditioner,
• water heater,
• and appliances.

Also pay close attention to the backyard deck, fencing, flooring, and windows. Do any of those components look aged, worn, and in need of repair or replacement sometime soon?

Finally, don't forget to check the kitchen and bathrooms. Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and cabinetry have a life-span of about 10-15 years.

Of course, there are things you can't see, such as wiring, plumbing, venting, and other components of a property that may require maintenance soon. That's why it's so important to make any offer to purchase a home conditional on passing an inspection by a qualified home inspector.

Want more ideas on buying the right home for you? Call or email me today. www.liveincaledon.ca

One of the most heart-breaking things about the real estate business is helping an elderly person or couple sell the family home before they are really ready to let it go.  Mobility issues are one of the main reasons mature adults move and is a key driver behind the demand for bungalows and bungalofts.  While this stage of life is good for the real estate industry there are alternatives that people may want to consider.

An elevator sounds extravagant but can be a cost effective way to keep a person in their home once they find the stairs are too challenging. An elevator can be installed in about the same space that a closet would need and can run right from the basement to the second or third floor.  Even the most well-planned bungalows have basements that end up as storage space that needs to be accessible.

I had a home for sale last year that had an elevator in it.  It was of interest to people with disabilities as well as multi-generational families that had elderly parents living in the home. It had been installed when the mother developed mobility issues but the family did not want to leave their neighbourhood or move into a bungalow.  It was in a 2 storey house and was positioned so that all of the existing rooms were still beautiful and functional.

There is currently a unit for sale right now in Legacy Pines, in Caledon, that has an elevator in it.  Last year, when I had a buyer for the active adult community located in Palgrave, I didn't even think to scan the multi-floor condos for my client.  You'd think I would know better, but I won't make that mistake a second time!  The split-level townhouse is priced at $439,900 which is substantially lower than the bungalows in this popular neighbourhood and it shows very nicely.  It is not my listing, so you won't find it in the featured listings on my website, but it is available to me to show.

If you are thinking it's time for you or a family member to make a move due to mobility issues, check out the idea of putting in an elevator. It could be helpful now and I suspect it will be a hot selling ticket in the future.

For more information on in home elevators & lifts, check out this link to CMHC
Canada Mortgage & Housing

Canada Custom Elevator serves the GTA: Canada Custom Elevator

How Much House Can You Afford?

Here are two reasons why it is so important to know how much you can afford to spend on a home:

Firstly, you don't want to buy a beautiful Caledon property and then find out, only after you’ve moved in, that you can't financially maintain it. Maintaining a country property comes with the knowledge of how to maintain a country property. You don't want to have to resell under stressfull circumstance.

Second, you don't want to settle for a country property that's less than ideal, when you really could have afforded the "Caledon Dream Home" you've always wanted.

So how do you figure out how much you can afford to pay for your next home?

The first step is to come and talk to me. I can help you gain a clearer understanding of how much your current home will likely sell for in today's changing market. That amount, together with other financial resources you might have (such as savings), will help determine your down payment.

The next thing we will need to figure out is your mortgage. I can certainly help you find a lender who will take a variety of factors into account – income, credit rating, debts, expected down payment, etc. – to calculate the maximum amount of mortgage for which you can qualify.

For example: with the proceeds of the sale of your home combined with your savings, your expected down payment is $150,000. If the lender authorizes a mortgage of $350,000, then you can afford a $500,000 home.

Of course, that doesn't mean you will need to spend that much. A home that meets your needs in terms of property type, features, and neighbourhood, may in fact cost you less.

I can work with whatever amount you can afford and show you homes on the market that most closely meet your needs.

Start your 2013 off right, contact me to find your country dream home in Caledon!

Preparing your home for winter showings

Everyone can agree, even if the weather is relatively pleasant, your home won’t show as well in the winter as it would in the summer, especially from the outside. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your home look more attractive and appealing to buyers during the cold winter season, especially during the beautiful Caledon winters.

1.) Before a showing of your home to a potential buyer, clear your front walkway. Make sure fence doors and gates open freely and are free of ice build-up. Also, clear off the backyard deck or patio area. You want buyers to be able to explore around your property without any obstructions.

In short, do everything you can to make the experience of walking up to your front door and around your property as pleasant as possible.

2.) Clear away any boots, shoes and other outerwear from the front foyer. You want buyers to focus on your beautiful home, not a cluttered entranceway.

3.) Have mats on both the outside and inside of your main entranceway. This will give buyers – as well as you and your family – a chance to wipe their boots and shoes.

4.) Adjust your thermostat. You want your home to feel warm, cozy and comfortable for potential buyers.

Finally, remember that in the winter, homes show much better during the day. In the evening, it may be too dark to fully appreciate your beautiful Caledon property. Try to co-ordinate with your REALTOR® to schedule viewings during the day whenever possible. If you can, also have pictures of your property available that showcase what it looks like in the summer. That takes planning. So if you're even just casually thinking of the possibility of selling your home, take some good "summer" pictures.

Want more advice on how to sell your home in the winter? Call today.

House Hunting Shopping List

You will want to make the process of shopping for a new home as productive and enjoyable as possible. Besides, you'll be on a quest to find your next dream home. That's why it's important to take the right things with you:

• A camera, so you can take pictures of the features you like in the properties you see.
• A notepad, to take notes.
• Measurements of your largest pieces of furniture you want to move with you, so you can confirm they'll fit in the rooms of properties you like.
• A measuring tape.
• Some energy boosting healthy snacks and beverages, (especially important if you're taking the kids along!).
• A map of the area, so you can check out local parks and other neighbourhood features. *Google map where you are going and catch other attractions on the way or while you are in the area
• Clear driving directions to each of the properties you want to see.
• One of the best ways to shop for a home, and actually enjoy the experience,is to work with a great REALTOR®.

It’s Easy to "Go Green"

Everyone would like to be “greener”, especially living in Caledon, the 2003 co-recipient of “TVO Greenest Town in Ontario” Award.

Although you may not be able to install solar panels on your roof, or implement an in-ground heat recovery system, there are ways to be green. Here is a quick and easy list to be green and stay inexpensive.

Get a recycling bin and learn how to use it. Most jurisdictions have a recycling program. You may be able to get a rebate on your recycling bin or even get it for free. Keep a list of items that can be recycled on your fridge door, so that everyone in the family can participate.

Get a kitchen compost bin. Find out if your jurisdiction has a compost pick-up program. If they do, get a kitchen compost bin. Composting can reduce landfill waste by as much as 32%. You can even build your own composter and use it for your own gardens. Some Town of Caledon Landfills will also deliver compost to you in the Spring for your gardens for a small fee.

Use energy-saving light bulbs. Low energy light bulbs have come a long way in recent years. Their consistent glow and brightness now rival their incandescent counterparts. By replacing regular 40-watt bulbs with energy-saving 8-watt bulbs, you could save nearly 50% of the electricity you used for lighting. Results may vary by brand.

Shop for local produce. Many grocery stores and supermarkets offer produce – fruits, vegetables, – that are grown within a 100 mile radius. The short transportation distance, means significantly less fossil fuel is required to get the produce delivered to your local store. Keep in mind that some non-local produce, such as apples in the off-season, often need to be transported thousands of miles. Find local here in Caledon www.eatlocalcaledon.org

Let nature do the work. As an alternative to air conditioning, open windows and block out the passive heat gain from the sun with curtains. Do the opposite in winter. Strategically using curtains and windows can lower your energy bill by as much as 20%.

Need more ideas or are you inspired to do more?

Recycle Household Batteries: www.ecocaledon.org

Reduce Energy Consumption: www.homeenergyontario.ca

Car Pool: www.carpoolzone.smartcommute.ca

Purchase a water efficiency kit or rain barrel: www.watersmartpeel.ca

The Caledon Trail is 35 km long and winds its way through Caledon from Palgrave on the North East corner, down to Terra Cotta on the South West side.  It is often referred to as the rail trail because the land was purchased by the Town when the railway was closed; it also is part of the TransCanada Trail System.   Because it was a train track, The Caledon Trail is very flat and easy to navigate.  You can hike the trail, cycle, ski or horseback ride on it – no motorized vehicles are allowed. 

The trail is the perfect way to see Caledon as it passes through the countryside as well as through the villages of Palgrave, Caledon East, Inglewood, Cheltenham and Terra Cotta.  All the villages have general stores or small restaurants so it is easy to pace yourself.   If you want to make a weekend of it, you can reserve a room at The Top of the Hill Bed & Breakfast in Cheltenham; it has been rated as one of the best B&B’s in Canada and Steve makes a delectable breakfast.

The Caledon Trail is one of my favourite reasons to Live in Caledon.  There are many houses and properties that back onto the trail or are close enough that it becomes an integral part of the lifestyle and another place to run into neighbours who may be out walking the dog or just out for an evening stroll or run.

One of the reasons I love to Live In Caledon real estate is that my morning exercise is fun rather than a chore.  This year, we were on the water for the Mother's Day long weekend and will still be able to comfortably kayak on the river until November.

I got up today, had my coffee by the Credit River, worked for a couple of hours at my real estate business and once my daughter got up, we put the kayaks into the water and paddled our way into Cheltenham Village core.  We left the kayaks at a friend's house and hiked home. 

It took about an hour, we had a meditative upper body workout in the kayaks and got some cardio & leg exercise on the hike home!  

Right now, I have lovely cottage-home for sale along the river in Cheltenham.   This could be your life too!