When you’re shopping for a new home, you want to find a property that has all the features and characteristics you want. A large deck surrounded by picturesque landscaping ... a beautiful kitchen with gleaming marble countertops... a cozy finished basement with fireplace....

You should look for the ideal home. You deserve it! But some home buyers make the mistake of becoming fixated on finding the "perfect" property, and passing too quickly on those homes that don't quite measure up.

Why is that a mistake? Because some of those less-than-perfect properties have the potential of becoming your next dream home.

First of all, a home that is lacking some desirable features, such as a finished basement, will probably cost less. Those savings may be more than enough to cover any needed upgrade or renovation.

Secondly, if you look at a home in terms of its potential, rather than the features it happens to have now, there will be more properties available on the market for you to consider.

If you're determined to have a large wrap-around deck for entertaining, for example, don't cross homes that don't have this feature off your list. At least not yet. Instead, view these properties with an eye on potential. Is the backyard big enough to accommodate a large deck? How would a deck like that look if added to this particular property? How much would such a renovation cost?

There's no doubt about it. You want to find a home that has all the features and characteristics you want. If you work with a good REALTOR® like Rob Dion or Lee Ivans, there is a good chance you'll find a property that has most of them.

But keep an open mind. Sometimes a "diamond in the rough" can – with an upgrade or renovation – become a home you'll treasure for years.

There are dozens of ways to make your property more enticing to potential buyers. For example, you can invest in getting your home professionally “staged”, which involves making it look a little like a model home. Or, you can do a major renovation to improve your home‘s look and value.

But what if you don’t have a lot of time and are on a limited budget? What can you do today to make your home irresistible to buyers tomorrow? Here are some ideas:

1. Paint

It doesn’t cost much to paint key areas of your home, like the foyer, kitchen or master bedroom. Yet the impression it makes on buyers is significant. In fact, compared to most other types of home improvement projects, painting gives you the highest payback when you sell.

2. Create Space

Homes naturally get cluttered over the years. Even a double car garage can seem claustrophobic if there are a lot of boxes, equipment and other items stored in it. Go through each room of your home and do a major decluttering. It will make your property seem more attractive and, when you sell, make moving easier too!

3. Clean & Tidy

Obviously, you’re going to make sure your home is clean for viewings. But you’d be surprised what a homeowner can miss and a buyer notices. Closets, laundry rooms, side yard, basement furnace room and all other nooks and crannies should be as tidy and clean as possible.

4. Roll Out the Red Carpet

Not an actual red carpet! But you do want the entrance way to your front door and into the foyer to make the best impression possible.  After all, those are the areas that a buyer sees first. Make sure walkways are clear and clean. Ensure that when a buyer opens the front door and walks in, the impression he or she gets is that of a great looking place to live.

These four tips don’t take much time or money to implement. Yet, they can all help make your home even more irresistible to buyers than it is today.

Want more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

Buying or selling a home may be one of the biggest financial transactions you will make in your lifetime. It can also be a very complicated and frustrating process.You will need a professional to help you every step of the way. A professional who is highly trained, knowledgeable and has ethics beyond reproach. Your best friend in a real estate transaction is a REALTOR®, a member of your local real estate board and the British Columbia Real Estate Association.You can expect a great deal from a REALTOR® whether you are buying or selling.

When you are selling your home . . .

• The REALTOR® you choose is working for you, the vendor, and not for the people who are the potential buyers of your home.
• The REALTOR® gets paid, usually in the form of a commission, from a percentage of the proceeds of the selling price of your home.
• In line with the strict code of ethics the REALTOR® must follow, he or she will disclose this arrangement to you clearly, fully and in writing.
• The REALTOR® is experienced in the marketplace and can offer you expert advice on what price to set for your house, how you can make your house more attractive to potential buyers and what marketing plan will sell your home quickly, efficiently and smoothly.
• The REALTOR® has contacts among potential buyers currently looking for a home. He or she can quickly separate the merely curious "lookers" from the "buyers".
• As a member of the local real estate board, the REALTOR® can list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), which gets the details about your home into the hands of thousands of potential buyers. Only REALTOR®S are able to list homes on MLS®.

When you are buying a home . . .

• The REALTOR® will make it crystal clear to you whether he or she is working for you, the buyer, or the seller.
• Special arrangements can be made so that the REALTOR® becomes your agent for buying a home. The REALTOR® is bound by ethics to disclose this relationship to potential vendors you may deal with.
• With his or her wide experience and contacts, the REALTOR® can direct you to your potential "dream home" much more quickly and efficiently, saving you many hours and lots of frustration checking the ads and driving around.
• A REALTOR® has access to thousands of listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®).
• The REALTOR® is usually paid by the vendor; this is the case whether the REALTOR® works for the seller or the buyer. When a REALTOR® working as your agent helps you buy a house, he or she usually is paid from the commission paid to the vendor's REALTOR®.

Whether buying or selling, a professional REALTOR®'s services can be invaluable. Their advice can save you from making bad choices and help make your home buying or selling experience a positive one.

Multiple Listing Service, MLS®, REALTOR® and REALTORS® are registered trademarks of the Canadian Real Estate Association. REALTOR® identifies a real estate practitioner who is a member of the Association.

Why is it so important to know how much you can afford to spend on a home?

Two reasons.

First, you don't want to buy a property and then find out, only after you’ve moved in, that you can't financially maintain it. That would mean having to resell it under stressful conditions.

Second, you don't want to settle for a property that's less than ideal, when you really could have afforded the "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 talk to a good REALTOR®. He or she will help you gain a clearer understanding of how much your current home will likely sell for in today's market. That amount, together with other financial resources you might have (such as savings), will determine your down payment.

The next thing you’ll need to figure out is your mortgage. Your REALTOR® can 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 qualify.

Say, through the proceeds of the sale of your home combined with your savings, your expected down payment is $90,000. If the lender authorizes a mortgage of $270,000, then you can afford a $360,000 home.

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

One thing is for sure. A good REALTOR® can work with whatever amount you can afford and show you homes on the market that most closely meet your needs.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

 Here are 19 tested tips:

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS

An inviting exterior insures inspection of the interior. Keep your lawn trimmed and edged, the flower beds cultivated and the yard clear of refuse.

Remove snow and ice from the walks and porch in winter. Exterior siding should be washed to remove algae and environmental residue. Place a framed picture of the home, at its best, inside the front door on a table.

2. DECORATE YOUR HOME - A STEP TOWARD A SALE

Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce desire.

Do not tell the prospective buyer how the place can be made to look; show it by redecorating first. A quicker sale at a higher price may result.

3. CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS

Bright, cheery windows and unmarred walls will assist your sale.

4. FIX THAT FAUCET

Dripping water discolours the enamel and calls attention to faulty plumbing fixtures.

5. A DAY WITH THE CARPENTER

Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors and the like become noticed. Have them fixed.

6. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

The attic and basement are important. Remove unnecessary articles, and display the full value of your storage and utility spaces. For a few dollars, have an electrician install lighting in crawl spaces and storage areas.

7. OBSTACLE COURSE

Prospects will have to dodge items unless all stairways are cleared of objects. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries. Remove clutter and put into rental storage.

8. CLOSET ILLUSIONS

Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats, and other articles neatly placed, will make your closets appear larger. Now is the time to get rid of old and out-of-date clothing.

9. YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ROOM IS THE KITCHEN

Colourful curtains in harmony with the floors and countertops add appeal. The smell of a freshly baked loaf of bread appeals to prospective purchasers.

10. CHECK AND DOUBLECHECK YOUR BATHROOM

Bright and clean bathrooms help sell homes. Cultured marble basins with cracks can be cut out and conventional basins installed.

11. FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE

Bedrooms are always outstanding features. Arrange them neatly. Consider painting the ceilings to brighten the room.

12. CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT?

Illumination is a welcome sign. For after-dark inspections, turn on your lights from the front porch on through the house. The prospective buyer will feel a glowing warmth.

13. THREE'S A CROWD

More will lose a sale. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The prospect will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

14. LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG - DOES NOT APPLY IN HOUSE SELLING

Keep pets out of the way, and preferably out of the house. Any corner where pets sleep should be cleaned before any inspections.

15. SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Be courteous but do not force conversation with the prospect. They are there to inspect your house, not socialize.

16. BE I EVER SO HUMBLE

Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained sales representatives answer any objections that are raised. This is their job.

17. IN THE SHADOWS

Please do not accompany the prospect and real-estate representative. They know the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your house when alone. You will be called if needed.

18. PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE

Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the prospect before he or she has purchased the house loses the sale. Proper timing is important.

19. A WORD TO THE WISE

Do not discuss price, terms, possessions or other factors with the potential buyers, refer them to the realtor.

Now that your house is ready to show, you are one step up on the competition.

Information provided by Shell Busey and the Province. For more information go to theprovince.com or askshell.com. 

The internet can be a wonderful tool to help find a new home, or it can be a frustrating time-waster. It all depends on how you use it.

Let’s first take a look at the upside of using the Web when home shopping.

A good REALTOR® can point you to websites and specific web pages where you can:

·         See pictures of homes available, including in some cases individual rooms and other property features.

·         Get property details, such as lot size, number of bedrooms, square footage, and other features.

·         Find information on the neighbourhood and surrounding area, such as the location of schools, parks and public transit.

·         Take a “virtual tour” (when available), which allows you to view a home on your computer almost as if you were walking through it in real life.

Previewing specific homes online can save you a lot of time. You can quickly get a sense for whether or not a property meets your basic criteria before traveling to see it in person.  But there is a downside to relying too much on the internet to preview homes.

Pictures and descriptions on the internet don’t always tell the whole story. It’s entirely possible for a home to look unappealing to you on a website, yet turn out to be the perfect home when you actually go to see it. (Imagine not seeing it and missing out on that potential dream home.) In addition, even these days, some homes are listed and sold so fast that they never make it to the internet. So if you rely too much on websites to find homes, you might miss out on opportunities.

The solution? Work with a REALTOR® who knows how to find homes on the market that are a good match for you, and knows how to make the entire home buying process go quickly and smoothly.

Need help finding a new home? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!

Say you’re a homeowner wanting to sell your two-storey, detached home. You sit down and make a list of things that need to get done to make your property as attractive as possible to buyers. 

You consider the backyard. “Hmm,” you think. “Doesn’t our deck need a new finish and our flowerbed need new edging stones?”

Then you think about the basement. “The carpeting. It’s old. We really should replace it. We should install a new drop ceiling, too.”

Then the main floor. “Our kitchen cabinets are old. We should get a contractor in to quote on replacing them. How about a brand new shiny sink and faucet? That should increase the resale value of our home, shouldn’t it?”

Before you know it, you have a long list of updates, repairs and renovations that you think you should be doing, and you haven’t even started on the second floor!

It’s easy to get carried away with preparing your home to be listed, and end up spending a lot more money than you’ll ever get back from the eventual sale.

So how do you determine what improvements you should be making in order to get your property ready for the market?

That’s easy. Talk to a good REALTOR®. 

A REALTOR® who knows the local market can inspect your property and advise you on the repairs and upgrades you need to make. He or she will know what buyers are looking for, and will also have a good idea of the return on investment you can expect from a particular improvement.

He or she may also be able to recommend reputable trades people and other professionals to assist you in making those improvements.

So go ahead and make that long list. Then, review it with your REALTOR® so you can make an informed decision on how to get your property ready for sale.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

There is no doubt about it! 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 winter season.

First, before showing your home to a potential buyer, clear your front walkway. Make sure fence doors and gates open freely. 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.

Second, 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. Also, 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.

Next, 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 property. So work 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 The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today.

If you’re selling your home, you’ll have a very personal perspective on what it‘s worth. You’ll remember all the hours you put into making the backyard flower garden beautiful, or the work you put into renovating the basement, or the money you spent on installing new hardwood floors in the living room and hallways.

It’s natural to want these improvements factored into the asking price.

However, potential buyers don’t have that same perspective. Although they may appreciate the improvements made to the home, buyers will only be interested in paying current market value for your property. That’s the price for which comparable homes with comparable features are currently selling in your area.

Buyers don’t see all the hours you spent on improvements and renovations.

What they see, instead, are the final features: the hardwood floors, the freshly painted bedrooms, the sparkling new master ensuite. Features like these will certainly help sell your home faster and for the best price — but that price will likely be close to the current market value.

Now, it’s tempting to try to set a list price high above the current market value in the hopes that some buyer will appreciate all the time and money put into the property. But that strategy rarely, if ever, works. In most cases, pricing your home higher than comparable properties on the market only discourages potential buyers from viewing it.

Buyers expect to pay market price.

Want to know the market value of your home? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

Vacation time and slower work schedules create an ideal time for open houses. However, as homes fill up with presents, decorations and visitors, sellers are often faced with the challenge of striking the right balance between cozy and crammed. Keeping your home tidy and sparingly decorated doesn't mean sellers can't celebrate the season in style, but remember that buyers are looking for just the right amount of sparkle.
 
"Potential buyers expect that there may be some decorations, but when they arrive they are trying to envision how they would spend their day-to-day lives in the home," says Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "Keeping the holiday decorations to the right level will be easier if you remember the goal is to bring out the home's structural charm," Soper adds.

We know that potential buyers can be put off by a home that has too many personal items. So while trying to manage the Christmas clutter, sellers should also remove items that remind buyers that the home belongs to someone else. To assist sellers, Royal LePage compiled a top ten list of things to avoid when selling a home during the holiday season.

1. Too many lights: A home will dazzle more if lights are kept to a tasteful minimum. Sellers should opt for white lights instead of multi-coloured flashing bulbs to provide a more neutral glow to a home.
2. Forgetting to clear the snow:  Snow can look beautiful on trees, but driveways and walkways should be cleared as soon as the flakes fall.  Buyers should be able to move freely during an open house so it's important to remember all the outdoor paths and patios around your home.
3. No life or landscape: Give buyers a chance to imagine the potential in your landscape. Frost-resistant plants like flowering kale or miniature trees allow sellers to liven up walkways without taking away the buyer's ability to envision his or her dream outdoor spaces.
4. Not cozy: Everyone appreciates a warm, cozy home - especially in the winter. Set the thermostat at a warm temperature for the whole day, and be mindful that some thermostats have low temperature pre-sets during the day when no one is at home. When the home is attended, fireplaces and candles could also be lit to create a comfortable environment throughout the day.
5. Engage the senses: Simmering a pot of cider with cinnamon during open houses or showings will create a warm and festive feeling.
6. Lingering odours: Be aware of those holiday dishes that may leave a strong odour. If possible, wait until showings are completed before cooking those traditional favorites -- potential buyers will appreciate a neutral environment.
7. Hiding a home's seasonal bests: Photos of the home's back and front yards, gardens and patios in spring and summer will show potential buyers what the house looks like when it is not buried under snow and when the leaves are still on trees.
8. Don't let the tree take over: A smaller Christmas tree, with minimal decorations, will create the appearance of more space. A huge tree, on the other hand, will make the room look smaller, and busy decorations can intensify clutter.
9. Presents should not be present: It is important to cut back on clutter when showing a home; hide the wrapped presents to keep them out of eyesight.
10. Too many decorations: Remember, when selling a home during the holidays, less is always more. Whimsical ornaments can be great accents during the holidays, but be mindful not to go overboard. When it doubt, remove it!

Before shopping for a new home, it’s common — and advisable — to create a “wish list” of the features you desire most. For example, you might want an extra bedroom for guests, ample space for a home office, a local playground for the kids, and so forth.

However, many buyers don’t make their list complete enough. You might find a home with the extra bedroom and nearby playground you want, only to realize, too late, that your commute to work becomes twice as long. You missed the importance of the commute because it wasn’t on your list.  Ouch!

When you make your wish list, don’t be afraid to dream big. You might not be able to find a home that includes everything you desire, but you may be surprised by just how close you can get.

Here are some wish list items to consider:

• Distances to places you visit regularly – work, schools, running trails, recreation centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers.
• Specific home features – a backyard tree, large closets, a fireplace, a two-car garage, a beautiful view.
• Neighborhood characteristics –safety, sidewalks, nearby public transit, playgrounds, the neighbors. 

A complete list helps you make a better decision about which homes to consider. It helps you balance the positives — “I love the large kitchen with the marble countertops” — with the negatives — “The bathroom off the master bedroom is small” — to ultimately make the best buying decision. 

Also remember to take your list with you when shopping for a new home. Use it as a checklist or as a way to organize notes.  Ultimately it will make it easier to shortlist homes, compare them, and determine when you’re ready to submit an offer. 

Want to find out which homes on the market fit your wish list? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

When it comes to home security, most homeowners think about door locks and alarms. These are, of course, very important. However, there is also a lot you can do around your property to prevent the possibility of a break-in.

One important part of home security is outdoor lighting. Your home doesn't need to be lit up like a baseball diamond at night, but your exterior lighting should illuminate your yard enough to be a deterrent to burglars.

Some burglars hide around the property and wait for someone to arrive and open the door so they can use that opportunity to force their way into your home.

Security experts suggest that you walk around your property and look for areas where someone could hide, such as behind tall shrubbery like a cedar hedge or behind a tool shed. Make sure these areas are well lit.

Pay particular attention to lighting around exterior doors, especially the back door.

Home security experts also recommend that exterior lighting be installed with a timed dimmer. The lights can then be set to cast a bright light in the early evening, and then a dimmer light throughout the rest of the night.

Lights installed with motion detectors can also be effective in certain areas. The sensors will cause the light to turn on or brighten when someone comes onto that part of your property. Generally, thieves will flee as soon as they see a light turn on.

Do you hide a spare key under the front door mat or in a flower pot? No matter how clever you think you are, experienced thieves know all the common hiding places. So, if you need to have a spare key available, put it in a small combination lock box and hide the box. That way, if a burglar finds the box, he still won't be able to open it and access the key.

Thinking of buying or selling?? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today....