Kirsten Billings

Todays home buying experience is not the same as most people have experienced in the past when purchasing a home. Due to supply and demand, we are left with fewer homes on the market while the number of buyers remains consistent. This has not only been the driving force in the increase in property values but has also had a major effect on HOW we buy houses.

Todays market is a rapidly moving market, buyers must be prepared to make quick decisions on making offers and be aware that “lowballing” will not work in todays market, as it seems there is always another buyer willing to pay more. It is also important to know that most properties are selling for close to or at list price or higher still if the property goes into a multiple offer situation.

Occasionally buyers do not want to enter a multiple offer situation because they are not interested in competing. In some price rages with a higher number of buyers, multiple offer situations happen often and may be inevitable in the search for a home.

Multiple offers do not need to be avoided. Often a multiple offer situation eliminates the negotiation process altogether, making the entire process very cut and dry. The Buyers submit their offers and the Seller chooses the one that has the most agreeable price, conditions and dates to them. While stressful for Buyers, it is generally a very quick process. It is important that the Buyer presents the best offer that is satisfactory to them and a qualified Realtor will help with this process.

Its very easy to get discouraged when property after property already has an accepted offer, or after unsuccessful multiple offer attempts, but every week more houses are coming on the market and it is imperative to remain positive that the right home is still out there.

Be open minded…Buyers may not always find what they are looking for in their price range…sometimes they find something better!

Use what you have

Place 3-4 foot tall bare branches in a large vessels on either side of your front door and wrap them with white or coloured lights. Spraying the branches with white paint or adorn them with Christmas balls or pinecones for extra punch.

Cut oranges into slices and bake on low heat until dry. Add the orange slices to a bowl with pinecones and cinnamon sticks for a festive scent through your home

Bring the outdoors in with fresh cut cedar or pine bows, sprigs of holly or the same white branches from above. Add Fairy or mini lights for instant holiday sparkle. This is perfect for mantles, staircases and around doors and windows.

Fill a glass bowl or lantern with your favourite Christmas balls and display throughout your home and enjoy all season long.

A welcome sign to your neighbourhood 

Your yard is an invitation to the rest of your home. It is said that what you wear is your greeting card to front everyone you meet and the same can be said by the front yard and entry way of your home. 

Step out onto the curb and survey the street view of your home. 

This is the first impression people have of your home. Is it welcoming? Does it give the impression that your home is well maintained and cared for, or is it overgrown and neglected? 

Once Buyers step inside your home they know within seconds if they can see themselves living in that space. But what is it that gets them to the front door? It’s curb appeal. The goal is to have prospective buyers to be enthusiastic about what lies beyond the front door.

What does your curb appeal say about your home?

First step is clean it up; Remove debris and wash down all hard surfaces – remember to give soffits, gutters  and light fixtures a good cleaning too. Edge the lawn and pull out visible weeds. If you have the resources to add or improve existing landscaping then by all means do. Otherwise ensure that what is there is not overgrown and there is a clear view of the house. Prune back any trees or shrubbery that is up against the house as they can be detrimental to the health of the house (causing moisture issues) as well as for security.

Make it welcoming; Give your front door a fresh coat of paint and if needed, new hardware. Is there room for a seat or bench for guests to remove their shoes? Replace a worn welcome mat with a fresh one, and add seasonal plants of flowers. It doesn’t need to be a daunting task, just step back and look at your home from the prospective of someone who’s never been there. 

Too often we become blind to what’s in front of us and it is truly the simple changes that can make a world of difference to the curb appeal (and marketability) of your home.