When you’re preparing your home for sale, it’s not unusual to need to
fix up a few things around the property. After all, you want your home
to look its best to buyers, so that you get good offers, quickly.
What do you need to fix? Here are three categories that will help you
create and prioritize your list.
1. Anything that squeaks or creaks.
Is there something in your home that makes a noise it shouldn’t be
making? Perhaps it’s a rattling closet door or a creaking floor board?
You may be so used to it you no longer notice the sound. But buyers
will. Be sure to get those items fixed.
2. Anything that’s unsightly.
You don’t have to make your home look perfect. However, things that
are unsightly will likely get buyers’ attention. You want them to focus
on the terrific features of your property, not the scuff on the wall.
Take a walk through your property, including the yard. Pretend you’re
the buyer. Do you notice anything that doesn’t look good? If so, tidy it
up, fix it up or replace it.
3. Anything that’s broken.
If there’s anything that needs repair — an outside tap that’s not
working, or a sliding door that regularly careens off its runner — call
the contractor or fix it yourself.
Getting these items fixed will go a long way toward making your
home appealing to buyers.
Want more tips on preparing your home for sale?

Call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!!

The US Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (the Fed) raised its target overnight rate to between 0.75 and 1 per cent this morning.  In the statement accompanying the Fed's decision, it was noted that the labour market continues to strengthen and economic activity is expanding at a moderate pace. Moreover, inflation has increased in recent quarters and near-term risks to the economic outlook appear balanced. The committee expects that economic conditions will evolve in a manner that warrants gradual increases in its target rate, but it was also noted that rates will remain below long-run levels for some time.

Today's action on interest rates by the US federal reserve, particularly the signaling of further rate increases to come this year, will put upward pressure on long-term rates in both the US and Canada.  A tightening cycle in the United States may be further compounded by US monetary and fiscal policy acting at cross purposes, with the Fed trying to cool the economy while the Trump administration embarks on deficit widening tax and spending measures. In all, we expect the consequence of these actions will be higher Canadian mortgage rates by the end of the year.  A deeper analysis of these trends is contained in BCREA's first quarter Mortgage Rate Forecast, available online tomorrow.  

“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”

The Bank of Canada announced this morning that it is holding the target for its overnight rate at 0.5 per cent. In the press release accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that growth in the economy is improving and recent higher CPI inflation should be only temporary, reflecting increased energy costs.  The Bank stated that it is remaining attentive to significant uncertainties weighing on its outlook. 

While the Canadian economy is showing signs of improving, with strong hiring and faster than expected growth in real GDP, the outlook remains clouded by uncertainty over trade and tax policy in the United States.  If economic growth and inflation evolve as the Bank currently projects,  the Bank would likely be contemplating raising its overnight rate some time in early 2018.  However, given that we have no more clarity now than at the time of the Bank's previous rate decision regarding changes to trade agreements or the stance of US fiscal policy, the Bank will remain sidelined until the path forward becomes more clear.

 “Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”