Rocca Sisters & Associates Report – May 2013 Issue

Remember the last time you viewed a home for sale? What do you recall about that property? You are most likely to remember the features and characteristics that stood out for you, such as the gorgeous hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen with the long island, or… the faucet that was dripping in the main floor washroom!

Obviously, you want potential buyers to notice the great features of your home rather than those things that are less appealing. So when preparing your home for sale, pay particular attention to what a buyer is likely to
notice and remember.

Say, for example, that you have a small unused bedroom that has become the unofficial storage room. If something doesn’t go anywhere else, it gets plunked into that room! As a result, it’s a bit cluttered.

What will buyers remember about that room after a viewing? Will they see the potential for a home office or comfy reading room? Most likely, they will just remember a small, cluttered potentially unusable space.
The same can be said about a dripping faucet, a scuff in the wall, or the lingering odour of spicy cooking in the kitchen. Potential buyers will remember those things that stand out.

So, when you list your property, make sure that what stands out for potential buyers are the desirable features of your property.

If you have a wonderful sitting room with large windows and a great view, then make sure that space is clean and comfortable. You may even want to ‘stage’ it a little, perhaps with some fresh flowers and a good book sitting on the end table.

A good REALTOR who specializes in this neighbourhood can help you determine the most marketable features of your property and how to ensure buyers notice – and remember – them.

Looking for a great REALTOR to help you? Call Rocca Sisters today.

Make A ‘Great Things’ List

What’s great about your home? Is it the spacious foyer and generous main floor closet space? Is it the beautiful washroom? Is it the playground that is only a short walking distance away?

Although some properties may look similar at first glance, every home is unique – with features and characteristics that make it special.

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, make a list of all the great things about your property that potential buyers will want to know.

Start by thinking about what YOU think is great about your home. Write down what you really love about the house and the surrounding area.

Next, think about what friends and other visitors to your home think is great about it. Have you ever heard anyone say something like, ‘I really love your kitchen!’ or, ‘This is such a quiet street’? Those are indications that potential buyers will like those features and characteristics too.

Finally, talk to a REALTOR. He or she can help you determine all the great things about your home and the area – especially if that REALTOR specializes in this neighbourhood.

Unique Residential Real Estate Environment

The Royal LePage House Price Survey was released on April 4th, bringing great news about the current state of the Canadian housing market. The first quarter of 2013 proved to be a very unique and supportive residential real estate environment.
Royal LePage President, Phil Soper, stated that ‘The combination of very low mortgage rates and flat home prices, against a background of general economic improvements across the nation, is not something we have seen before. While some have spoken loudly about impending market volatility and dramatic downward pressure on home prices, we are simply not seeing evidence of this. The current market environment is very supportive for housing. Those waiting for big declines in home prices will likely be disappointed.’

With interest rates expected to remain low and the Canadian Economy gaining economic strength, it is the stability of house prices that is the toughest to predict. And while many have been predicting a drop in house prices, they continue to be on the rise. The latest report released by the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington reported a 10% increase in the average residential sale price in March 2013 as compared to March of last year.

If you have been thinking of buying or selling, now is the time to take advantage of this unique market. Call us today to schedule a free, no obligation home evaluation. Experience Cathy and Tanya’s hands-on, personalized customer service that has ranked us the #2 Team in Canada for Royal LePage in 2012. We proudly provide a service that is not just the best, but remarkable.

Download pdf version of this report