When shopping for a new home, it's a good idea to try and see the potential of the property you're viewing. It may not be exactly what you're looking for "as is", but it may have the potential to become your dream home after some redecorating or renovating.

The challenge is, judging how much work is required. You don't want to buy a home with the expectation that it requires a $20,000 renovation, only to discover that it really needed three times that much!

That’s where a good REALTOR® can help.

He or she can help you get a realistic estimate of the cost of repairs, upgrades, and renovations, and even recommend some reputable interior designers or contractors.

That way, when you see a home with "potential", you'll be able to make a more informed decision.

Want more tips on finding and buying your next dream home? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

Let's face it. Life can get complicated, complex and stressful very easily. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to simplify your life, especially at home. Here are some tips from the experts:

• Don't be ruled by the TV guide. Instead, select what you want to see and then record those shows. That way, you can watch them anytime.
• Prepare some meals in advance that can simply be heated up as needed. That reduces a lot of "after-work, gotta-get-dinner-ready" stress.
• Create a weekly dinner menu. It takes some time to prepare, but it allows you to shop effectively, and greatly reduces the stress of figuring out what to cook each day.
• Don't accumulate stuff you don't want or need. Give those things away.
• Simplify your cleaning by dividing tasks into ten minute chunks (such as vacuuming the living room.) Then fit those tasks in here and there whenever you have ten minutes.
• To avoid clutter, adopt the "touch it once" rule, which simply means putting things where they belong right away.
• Think of the home-related chore you hate doing most. Can you outsource that to a local company, or a neighbour looking for some work?
• Limit the time you and others in your family spend checking emails and text messages. Consider having an hour or two each evening that's "no screen" time.
• Develop healthy routines, such as evening walks and family board game night.

These are just a few ideas. If you want to simplify your home life, you can probably brainstorm several other strategies and habits you can try. The idea is to make your home an enjoyable place to be – for you and your family.

Like most things in life, shopping for a new home can either be time-consuming and stressful, or fun and satisfying. It just depends on how you go about it.

There are many things you can do to make the home shopping process go smoothly and accomplish what you want: finding the home of your dreams at a price you can afford.

Here are some ideas:

• Get pre-approved. Find out from your bank or lender how much you qualify to borrow. That will give you confidence when home shopping, because you’ll know that, should you find the right property, financing won‘t be a problem.
• Make a list. Write down everything you want in a new home.The obvious items include the number of bedrooms, size of backyard, location, etc. But also list not-so-obvious features, such as walking distance to public transit and the potential for a large recreation room in the basement.
• Take a camera. After seeing a few homes, you may not remember every important feature and characteristic. So be sure to take pictures (where allowed) of the properties you view as well as the neighbourhoods. They’ll be invaluable when shortlisting potential properties later on.
• Keep an open mind. There’s probably an ideal home available for you on the market. But it might not be exactly what you had originally envisioned. So try to be flexible when considering potential homes. If, for example, a property doesn’t have a big deck for entertaining, you can always have one built.
• Take care of yourself and your family. When you’re viewing properties, bring some healthy snacks and water with you.  Take regular breaks, especially when you’re seeing multiple homes. And don’t see too many properties at a time especially if you’re bringing young children with you.  

Also, find a good REALTOR® to help you. He or she can make the home shopping process go smoothly.

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

You see a home on the market that you like. Should you buy it?  Before you make an offer, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the property’s long-term potential. After all, a property is not just a potential home, it’s also an important investment. 

Here are some things to look for when viewing homes on the market:

• Is the area’s average income increasing? The more affluent a neighborhood becomes, the higher the property values.
• Are employment opportunities growing nearby? If jobs are leaving the area, housing prices will likely decline.
• Are there any nearby housing or community developments that will enhance the quality of life in the area? If a park with a quiet walking trail, or a prestigious golf course, is being built nearby, the value of the neighbourhood will increase.
• Is the crime rate on the rise or decline? This can have a significant impact on future property values.
• Are there public transit lines located nearby? Studies show that housing prices increase in areas where public transit is close and convenient.
• Is the property located in a neighbourhood dominated by higher priced homes?
• Does the property have features that will always be valued by home buyers, such as a large kitchen, spacious backyard, and professionally finished basement?
• Are there short-term negatives about the area that will eventually disappear, such as loud construction projects?  Once those negatives are gone, house prices will often jump.

Need help finding the right home for you? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

There’s nothing wrong with that.

In fact, you may have pictures on the fireplace mantle showcasing happy family memories over the years… or trophies and other awards in the kids’ bedrooms that represent achievements that make you proud… or a fridge door covered with notes, a calendar and other items that make it a de facto family bulletin board! 

These are all things that help make a house truly a place to call “home”.

But when it comes time to sell, all that personality can work against you. When buyers view your property, they want to visualize themselves living there, not you and your family. 

Have you ever noticed how model homes are often furnished and decorated? All the rooms look beautiful and enticing. They draw you in. Why? Because, although all the rooms in the model home look great, they’re also impersonal. There’s no uncomfortable sense that you’re in a stranger’s home. So you can easily see yourself living there.

And that’s exactly what you should strive for when preparing your house for sale.

You can’t get rid of every personal item. That would be impractical.  But there’s a lot you can do to depersonalize your home. For example, you can:

• Take down family pictures
• Clear items from the fridge door
• Store trophies in a box
• Remove personal knick knacks and similar items
• Keep only general titles on a bookshelf and store the rest.

The more easily buyers can see themselves living in your home, the more likely they are to become interested in it and make an offer. 

Want more ideas for making your property look even more appealing to potential buyers? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

How do you select the best moving company for your needs?

• Ask for recommendations from friends other professionals in the local real estate industry.
• Beware of fly-by-night operations. They may seem like a bargain, but you get what you pay for.
• Does the company provide you with a written estimate and contract? (Beware of movers that just give you a price over the phone.)
• Ask if they are covered by insurance, and what their policy is regarding lost or broken items. Make sure you receive a copy of their insurance certificate.

Finally, always ask what circumstances would result in extra charges being applied. The number one complaint received about movers by the Better Business Bureau is unexpected extra charges.

Questions about moving? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

Something has just spilled on your favourite rug or carpet. There's a stain forming. You're worried. Will you be able to remove it? Will the stain set and stay forever?

Luckily, there's a good chance you can completely lift just about any kind of stain – if you follow a few guidelines.

The first rule of stain removal is: act fast. The fresher the stain, the easier it is to lift. So when you notice a stain of any kind, start to work on it right away. Don't wait.

Begin by trying to dry blot the stain. Avoid the temptation of using a wet cloth or detergent, at least at this stage of the game. Blot the stain gently with a clean, dry cloth or absorbent paper towel. Be patient. It may take several minutes before you see any results.

If dry blotting doesn't completely lift the stain, mix up a combination of one glass of water with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Again, take a clean cloth or paper towel, wet it with the water/lemon mixture, and gently blot the area (test on an inconspicuous area first). Wait five minutes, then try dry blotting again.

You may have to repeat the above process a few times.

Using a vacuum cleaner directly over the affected area can also help lift more of the stain.

If, after all your efforts, some of the stain is still there, place a couple of sheets of paper towel over the stain, with a few books on top to maintain pressure. Leave those there for 24 hours. Check every hour or so. If you see stain on the paper towels, you know it's working.

If all else fails, consider calling in a professional cleaner. They know all the tricks and can often perform a miracle for you!

When you’re preparing your house for sale, you want to make sure every room looks its best. But pay particularly close attention to the kitchen. Many buyers will spend a lot of time determining whether or not it meets their needs. In fact, some buyers will even form an impression about the entire property based primarily on how they feel about the kitchen! 

How do you make it look its best?

Start by making sure your kitchen appears as roomy as possible. Put away all countertop appliances, even the toaster and the coffee machine, so that the counter space is completely clear.

Check that your cabinets and pantry shelves aren’t stuffed with dishes, foodstuff and other items. While that’s normal in most family homes, it doesn’t promote the image of plentiful storage space. Clear out as much as you can. Make sure what you leave behind, especially food items, is stored neatly. 

Got a junk drawer? We all do. Empty the contents into a box and stow it away.

Of course, you want to ensure that the kitchen is clean and shiny. The area in and around the sink it critical. There are some excellent specialty cleaners available that will remove even the most stubborn stains in a stainless steel sink.  (Never use steel wool or other abrasive cleaners. They leave unsightly scratches.)

If you have a window over the sink — a great selling feature — make sure it’s especially clean. You can be sure that buyers will linger for a few moments to look through it. 

And, finally, don’t forget the space under the sink. Make sure that the space is as clean — and empty — as possible. 

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

When you show your home to prospective buyers, there is probably a long list of things you’re hoping they’ll notice. For example, the beautiful chandelier in the foyer, or the spacious backyard and large deck, or the kitchen with the island big enough for a family to sit down for breakfast.

But what about those things you’re hoping buyers will not zero in on?

Every home has some features that are less than enticing to the typical buyer. You may not be able to do much about an unfinished basement or a home backing onto a noisy main street. 

However, there are several things buyers don’t want to see that you can change. Here are five of the most common:

• Clutter. Back rooms in basements filled with boxes and other items. Closets stuffed full of clothes. Rooms crammed with too much furniture. Clutter of any kind makes buyers feel uneasy –and gets in the way of showcasing the wonderful features of your home.
• Maintenance issues. Buyers definitely don’t want to see a lot of things needing repairs or replacement, such as dripping faucets, faded or chipped walls, or overgrown lawns and shrubbery.
• Smells. You can’t see smells, of course. But buyers will notice the lingering aroma of exotic cooking, cigarette smoke, and pets.
• Personal items. Buyers will, of course, understand that a family is living in the home they’re viewing. However, constant reminders – in the form of vacation pictures, bowling trophies, or scattered children’s toys – can make a buyer feel like an intruder.
• You. It’s nothing personal, but buyers prefer to view your home without you in it.

The good news is, all these things can easily be dealt with before you show your home.

Looking for more ideas on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

There’s a lot of competition in the housing market these days.  When you put your home up for sale, you’re bound to be up against several other similar listings. That’s why it is important to make sure your property is in a good state of repair so that it makes a good impression on potential buyers.  Here are some things that may need your attention or the help of a reputable contractor:

1.   Doorways. Inspect all your entry systems closely. Look for sagging screens, cracked glass, squeaks, and aging or broken aluminum parts. Consider giving your doors a fresh coat of paint.

2.   Roof. Check for missing shingles and have replacements installed where necessary. Also inspect the gutters.  Remove any leaves and other debris that may have accumulated.

3.   Walls. Look for nail pops, holes and dents. Patch and paint where necessary.

4.   Toilets. Make sure all toilets are still secured firmly to the floor and don’t rock when you sit on them. Anchoring nuts tend to corrode over the years. Replace where necessary.

5.   Faucets. Inspect all faucets, including those in the laundry room and other areas. Do you have one that drips? If so, repair or replace it.

6.   Cabinets. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets get scratched and worn in spots over the years. There are many great scratch repair products on the market that can make cabinetry look almost new.

7.   Decks and gates. Any loose boards? Rickety stairs? Sagging gates that you have to lift in order for the latch to close? Buyers will notice. Get them fixed. 

The good news about these types of repairs is that they are relatively inexpensive, yet make your home show significantly better.

Want more ideas for selling your home faster and for the best price? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!

Finding the right home involves more than just finding the right property. The location plays an important role as well.  The last thing you want is to be dazzled into buying what looks like a dream home, only to discover later on that the location makes it inconvenient to get to work, school and other activities. 

So when you see a property you like, take a drive around the area. Drive to the local school your kids will be attending. Drive to the highway you take to work. Drive to activities you and your family enjoy, such as golf, movies, and swimming.

By spending some time exploring the area by car, you’ll get a feel for what life is going to be like living there.

How do you select the best moving company for your needs?

• Ask for recommendations from friends other professionals in the local real estate industry.
• Beware of fly-by-night operations. They may seem like a bargain, but you get what you pay for.
• Does the company provide you with a written estimate and contract? (Beware of movers that just give you a price over the phone.)
• Ask if they are covered by insurance, and what their policy is regarding lost or broken items. Make sure you receive a copy of their insurance certificate.

Finally, always ask what circumstances would result in extra charges being applied. The number one complaint received about movers by the Better Business Bureau is unexpected extra charges.

Questions about moving? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!