Some people don’t give hallways much thought when painting and
decorating. Instead, they focus on rooms.
The fact is, a great looking hallway can have the same, if not more, impact
than the most eye-catching family room or bedroom, especially when you
need to go through the hallway to get there!
Here are some painting tips that can bring a dull hallway to life:
• Paint the hallway the reverse of the rooms around it. If the rooms are
dark, use light colours in the hall. If the rooms feature simple colours,
consider being more dramatic in your choice of hallway paint.
• In a longer hallway, using two shades of the same colour on
perpendicular walls can make the space seem less tunnel-like. (The
darker shade goes on the shorter walls.)
• Darker colours can work well if the space is well-lit and there are few,
if any, shadows cast.
• If you decide to paint the halls white, select an off-white or eggshell
white. Avoid stark white as it will reflect light in a way that’s
unpleasant.
One more tip: Pictures can go a long way in making a hallway look inviting,
regardless of the wall colour.
Good luck with the painting!

Imagine there’s a neighbourhood you’d love to live in someday, but, every
time you drive through, you rarely, if ever, see a For Sale sign. It’s as if
homes get gobbled up by buyers the moment they get listed.
It’s true, properties do tend to sell quickly in desirable, in-demand
neighbourhoods. Does that mean you’re destined to either hope for a lucky
break or miss out on ever living there?
Fortunately, no. There are practical things you can do to increase your
chances of getting into that neighbourhood.
Your first step is to find out the kind of new home you can afford. You want
to get your financial ducks in a row so when a listing does come up in the
area, you’re able to respond quickly. Find out the average price range of
homes in the neighbourhood. Then, if necessary, talk to your lender or
mortgage broker.
The second step is to get your current property ready for sale. You don’t
necessary need to list it now, but you want to be in a position to do so
quickly, if necessary. You may need to clean up and declutter, get repairs
done, and spruce up your home in other ways.
The third step is to talk to us.
You see, listings in popular neighbourhoods often move fast. By the time
you see them advertised on the internet, they may be gone. I can closely
monitor listings in that area for you, so the moment one comes up that
meets your criteria, you can be alerted. This greatly increases your chances
of getting that home.
So if there is a dream neighbourhood you’d love to get into, give us a call!!!

Imagine buying a product from a store, taking it home, and then discovering
there’s a problem with it. Disappointing, yes, but not a catastrophe. You can
simply take it back for repair or exchange.
But, what if it’s moving day, and you discover there’s a problem with
your new home? Whoa. A house isn’t so easily returned!
What are the most common problems encountered on moving day?
• A delay in getting the keys.
• The seller not having completely moved out.
• An item expected to be included with the property is missing.
(For example, the window blinds.)
• Something needs repair that was not disclosed by the seller,
nor did it come up during inspection. (For example, the
dishwasher not working.)
• Damage to the property caused by the seller. (For example, a
heavy item dropped during the move and cracking a floor tile.)
Fortunately, these are rare events. In most cases, you can expect no
serious issues when you move into your new home.
But, if something is wrong, you have options. So, call me immediately. In all
likelihood, I will be able to quickly resolve the issue.
If it’s a serious matter, such as missing items, I may get your real estate
lawyer involved to arrange for the return of the item(s) or compensation.
So don’t worry. Let the professionals handle it. You can just enjoy your new
home!

When you suffer damage to, (or the loss of), your home or its contents, you
expect your insurance company to help you out. And, most do a good job of
doing just that.
Still, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance advisor and
find out what’s covered and what isn’t. You don’t want to discover that your
policy will not cover the cost of repairing the damage caused by a flood in
your laundry room.
Pay particular attention to coverage in the case of water damage. Some
insurance policies don’t cover floods and sewer backup unless an additional
rider is purchased.
Also, check liability limits. Ask your advisor to recommend an appropriate
level. Finally, make sure you know exactly how much your home is insured
for. Are you covered for the full replacement cost? Are you comfortable with
that coverage or the actual cash value?
Having the right insurance gives you peace-of-mind and is an important part
of enjoying your home.
Keep in mind that experts advise you to review your insurance with your
advisor. Ask lots of questions. Make sure you understand your coverage
fully.
By the way, if you’re looking for an insurance advisor, I’m well-connected in
the local “home” industry. I may be able to give you a couple of names of
good, reputable professionals. Give us a call.

Imagine finding the perfect home, only to discover there is serious interest
from at least a dozen other buyers. It’s like scrambling for the last piece of
cake at a buffet!
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help get the home you want,
even in a highly competitive market. Here are just a few ideas:
• Only view a few ideal properties at a time. If you see too many, and
thus spread yourself too thin, you risk homes slipping through your
fingers.
• Be realistic about price. Focus on finding a great home that you can
afford, rather than trying to find a bargain.
• Consider homes that need some work. They get less interest than
perfectly staged properties, yet can turn out to be a dream home.
• Be prepared to make an offer with as few conditions as possible. An
offer conditional on passing inspection is usually fine, but in a
competitive situation, offers with other conditions will likely be turned
down flat.
• Make your decisions quickly. If there are likely to be other interested
buyers, you want to get your offer in early.
• Make the right offer. To win the deal, you want your offer to be as
enticing as possible to the seller — especially when it comes to price.
Yes, it can be tough finding an ideal home in a hot market, but I can help.
Give us a call and I’ll show you how!!

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!!

You don’t have to freeze in the winter or start reading by candlelight to
reduce your electricity bill. There are many simple ways to use less power
with little, if any, impact on your lifestyle.
A good place to start is with your electronics.
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Any gizmo that has a clock,
digital timer, remote control or standby mode is sucking energy when it's not
being used (it's called 'phantom electricity' — and it's scary how much of it
there is).” So keep them unplugged as much as possible. Also, unplug
charger cords for phone and computers when not in use. Even when not
connected to the device, they still suck power.
Another easy change to make involves your lights. Switching to compact
fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs can save you a lot of energy. They’re
75% more efficient.
Finally, the old-fashioned method of insulating doors and windows can work
wonders for lowering your electricity bill. In fact, some particularly drafty
homes can lose up to 40% of their heat. Check for drafts regularly and
repair or replace insulation as needed.
None of these ideas will impact your day-to-day living. Yet, they could
potentially save you a bundle.

Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there
are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.
If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there
will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the
home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over
the seller? Here are some ideas:
• Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you
probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other
competing offers are near the listing price.
• Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This
reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders
will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this
purpose.)
• Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but
not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and
requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.
• Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf. A REALTOR®
will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you
the best chance of getting the home.
In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on
the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.

Looking for a REALTOR® like that? Call The Dion Ivans-Real Estate Team today!!

Property Surveyors, sometimes referred to as land Surveyors, play a vital
role in the real estate world. They are the professionals who determine or
confirm the exact boundaries of a property.
Will you need to deal with a Property Surveyor when selling your home?
You might.
Sometimes the mortgage lender will ask for a land survey, especially if your
property is older and hasn’t changed hands in many years. You might also
be asked for one by the buyer if there is any confusion about the size and
boundaries of your property – or if significant changes have been made to it
in recent years.
This is nothing to be concerned about.
A qualified Property Surveyor will do the appropriate inspection and
measurements on your property and issue you the survey. (It looks a little
like a blueprint.)
Property Surveyors are highly trained and licensed. In the United States, the
profession is represented by the National Society of Professional Surveyors,
with each state having its own governing body. In Canada, Professional
Surveyors Canada (PSC) represents the profession nationally, and most
provinces have their own professional associations.
Before getting a new land survey, make sure you don’t already have one.
Hopefully, you’ve stored the paperwork that relates to the purchase of your
home. Look through it. A valid land survey might be right there.
If you have questions about land surveys, call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!!

No matter how much you love your current property, you may be dreaming
of the day you can buy up into a better home in a better neighbourhood.
Is that day today, or, is it a few years down the road?
Here’s a quick way to make that assessment.
First, make a list of all the practical reasons why it might be time to move
up. Those reasons might include features such as: more bedrooms,
proximity to work and school, a larger backyard with trees, nearby parks and
walking paths and better access to things you enjoy like theatre.
Next, make a list of the emotional reasons for making such a move. Those
reasons might include memorable get-togethers with friends on a more
spacious deck, an easier and less stressful commute to work, more family
time with the kids and enjoyable Saturday golf at a nearby course.
Finally, take a financial snapshot to determine if you can afford to move up.
You’ll need to get a good idea of what your current property will sell for in
today’s market, average price of homes in your desired neighbourhood, and
how much mortgage you’ll need.
Once you have all that down on paper, you’ll have a clear picture of your
readiness. If the practical and emotional reasons for buying up are
compelling, and you can afford to make the move, then you have your
answer.
The time is now!
By the way, if you need help in making this determination – especially
figuring out what your home will likely sell for, call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!!

You’re standing by your window admiring the view. Then you notice it.
Moisture has built-up around the edges of the glass. Should you worry?
It all depends on the reason for the build up.
Assuming you have traditional double-pane glass in your windows, there are
a few things to look for if you notice moisture.
Often, moisture at the bottom of the windows is simply caused by too much
humidity in your indoor air. If that’s the case, simply adjust your humidifier.
If the moisture is on the exterior of the window, typically there’s also no
problem with the window itself. It may have rained recently or the outside
humidity may have spiked causing the accumulation. Generally, there’s no
reason for concern.
However, if the moisture is in between the two panes of glass, the seal has
broken and surrounding air – along with its water content – has made its
way in. This disrupts the thermal barrier of the window, reducing its energy
efficiency. In fact, the glass might feel noticeably colder than your other
windows on chilly days. In that case, you’ll need to replace the pane.
Similarly, if the moisture is coming in through only one spot — the bottom
right corner, for example — then you might have a leak. If you have a wood
frame or sill, you may also notice a growing water stain. It’s important to get
leaks fixed quickly. There may be water damage occurring within the frame
that you cannot see.

For for infofamtion contact The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!

When considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your
home, there is no doubt price plays a huge role. After all, if Offer #1 is
$10,000 higher than Offer #2, that’s an enticing difference that puts
thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.
However, price isn’t the only thing you should think about when comparing
multiple offers. There are other factors you need to consider as well.
For example, what conditions are in the offer? If Offer #1 is conditional upon
the buyer selling his current property for a specific amount, then what if that
doesn’t happen? You could end up with an offer that dies and be forced to
list your home all over again.
In that circumstance, accepting the lower offer may be your best move.
There’s also financing to consider. Most buyers will attach a certificate from
their mortgage lender to show that they can afford the home and will likely
secure financing with little difficulty. If you get an offer where the ability of
the buyer to get financing is in doubt, that’s a red flag.
The closing date is another important factor. Offer #1 might propose a
closing date that’s perfect for you, while Offer #2 is four weeks later. If
you’ve already purchased another home, you might require a month of
bridge financing if you accept Offer #2. There’s nothing wrong with that per
se, but the costs and additional hassle are factors you should consider.
As you can see, assessing competing offers isn’t as easy as it looks.
Fortunately, as your REALTOR®, I will guide you toward making the right
decision.