Your neighbourhood has a lot of features that can help sell your home faster. Unfortunately, buyers don’t usually notice those features just by driving around. So, you need to make sure they get all the information they need about your neighbourhood.

 
For example, say homes don’t go on the market often in your area. That’s an indication that the quality of life in the neighbourhood is so good that no one wants to leave! In real estate we measure the area’s “turnover rate”, and it’s handy data to have when listing your home.

 

Another bit of data that buyers can’t simply see is the local crime rate. But, most police departments keep those statistics. If your neighbourhood has a low crime rate, that’s an obvious plus to sellers.


Demographic data…

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 Just under 3800 sq ft of dev living space in this modern custom home w/SE, in-floor heated walkout & 3 car heated garage. Open concept, family rm w/gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, formal dining rm, kitchen w/custom cabinets, SS appliances, granite counters, walk through pantry, spacious nook & 3 good sized bdrms on the main. Master has large walk in closet, 5...x6 tiled steam shower, tub & double sinks. Bsmnt-9ft ceilings, fully dev, full wet bar w/2 bar fridges, dishwasher, sink, family rm, office/gym rm, theatre rm, laundry rm w/lots of cabinets & sink, a wine/storage rm, full bath & 2 more bdrms w/walk in closets. Exterior upgraded to Hardie plank siding w/1 1/2" Styrofoam+newer shingles. Sound system throughout, network ready, central R/O & softener,…

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Have you ever considered renting out a room to a student or renovating your basement into a self-contained rental apartment? 

It’s a big decision. There are many pros and cons to consider. 

On the pro side, renting can provide you with additional income. An extra few hundred dollars a month can go a long way towards paying down your mortgage or splurging on an exotic summer vacation. 

Creating rentable living space in your home — for example, an “in-law suite” featuring a kitchenette and bathroom — may also increase your property’s market value. 

On the con side, you’ll have more costs and responsibilities as a landlord. For example, you might need to purchase extra insurance because basic home insurance policies typically do not cover rental…

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Hopefully, this will never happen to you. But, there are circumstances – a fire, for example – when you and your family would need to exit through a window.

It pays to be prepared for that eventuality.

Your first step is to determine which windows are safe to use as an exit. There should be at least one on each level.

The windows you select will need to provide enough space for a person to climb through (at least a 20 inch opening). Make sure everyone knows which windows are “safe exit” windows, and how to open them. Keep in mind that windows may have screens, so ensure everyone knows how to remove those as well.

For a second floor window, consider purchasing a portable escape ladder. These are compact and easily stowed in a closet or under a…

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Imagine you were selling your car, and a prospective buyer was on the way over to see it. What would you do? You would probably make your vehicle look as clean and shiny as possible, inside and out. 

The same holds true if you’re selling your home and there’s a potential buyer on the way. You want the buyer to be wow’d by your property. Here’s a handy checklist to follow: 

  • Clean every room. Make your entire house look as “guest ready” as possible.
  • As much as is feasible given the time, reduce clutter. Consider packing some items into boxes and storing them in the basement or garage.
  • Get pets out of the house. You can take them for a walk, have a neighbour watch them, or take them to a good kennel.
  • Turn on the lights, even during the…

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