Why Winter Can be the Ideal Time to Buy

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.12.2024

Why Winter is an Ideal Time to Buy Your Dream Home

When most people think of buying a home, they typically picture spring or summer, when the weather is warmer and the market is buzzing with activity. However, winter offers a unique set of advantages for homebuyers. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat or a spacious family home, here are four key reasons why winter might just be the best time to make your move.

1. Less Competition, More Opportunity

Winter often sees fewer buyers in the market, which means less competition. Many families delay their home search until the spring, thinking it's the best time to buy, but that can lead to bidding wars and higher prices. With fewer buyers vying for the same homes, you’ll have more options and less pressure to make quick decisions. Plus, sellers who list their properties during winter are usually motivated to sell, which could give you an edge when negotiating.

2. Better Deals and Negotiation Power

With the holiday season about to pass, many sellers are more willing to make a deal. Winter buyers often have the advantage of negotiating prices or terms that favor them. Sellers who need to relocate or close before the year ends might be more flexible with their pricing and can offer better incentives. If you’re well-prepared and serious about your purchase, you could find a great deal at a lower price compared to the more competitive spring or summer months.

3. See the Home in its Winter Condition

Winter provides a unique opportunity to see how a home performs during the colder months. You can get a true sense of the property’s insulation, heating efficiency, and how well it holds up against snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This is the time to assess whether the roof is in good condition, check for drafts, and ensure the home is well-insulated. If you notice any potential issues like poor heating or leaks, you can factor those into your offer and avoid unpleasant surprises once the seasons change.

4. Faster Closing Process

Winter often means a slower pace for real estate transactions, which can work in your favor. With fewer buyers and sellers, lenders and real estate agents may be able to process paperwork and schedule inspections more quickly. This allows for a faster closing process, which means you could be settling into your new home sooner than you would in the busy spring market. Additionally, mortgage rates tend to be stable during the winter months, so you can secure a favorable interest rate without the rush.

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Winter might not seem like the obvious time to buy, but it can actually offer a wealth of advantages for savvy buyers. With less competition, the possibility of better deals, the ability to assess a home in its true winter condition, and a quicker closing process, now is a great time to start your home search. Don’t wait for the busy spring market—take advantage of winter and find the perfect home today!

8 TO-DO Items When Selling Your Home During The Christmas Season

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.12.2023

Selling your home during the Christmas season can be a challenge, but also an opportunity. You can use the festive mood, the cozy atmosphere, and the holiday spirit to attract buyers and make them fall in love with your home. Here are eight tips to help you sell your home during Christmas.

1. Decorate tastefully. You can add some Christmas decorations to your home, but don’t go overboard. You want to create a warm and inviting feeling, not a cluttered and overwhelming one. Choose simple and elegant decorations that match your home’s style and color scheme. Avoid anything too personal, religious, or flashy that might distract or offend buyers.
2. Light up your home. The days are shorter and darker during the winter, so you need to brighten up your home as much as possible. Open up your curtains and blinds, and turn on all the lights in your home. You can also add some candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to create a cozy and festive ambiance. Make sure your outdoor lights are working and clean, and consider adding some wreaths or garlands to your door or windows.
3. Keep it cozy. You want to make buyers feel comfortable and cozy in your home, especially when it’s cold and snowy outside. Turn up the heat, light up the fireplace, and offer some hot drinks and snacks. You can also play some soft music, bake some cookies, or use some scented candles to create a pleasant aroma. Make sure your home is clean and tidy, and remove any signs of pets or children.
4. Showcase your home’s features. If your home has any features that are especially appealing during the winter, such as a fireplace, a hot tub, or a heated garage, make sure to highlight them in your listing and during showings. You can also include some photos or videos of your home during other seasons, so buyers can see how it looks year-round.
5. Be flexible with showings. The holiday season is a busy time for many people, with work, school, and family plans. That’s why you need to be flexible and accommodating when it comes to showing your home. Try to make your home available as much as possible, even on weekends and evenings. You can also use technology to offer virtual showings or open houses for buyers who can’t visit in person.
6. Price your home right. Pricing your home right is crucial for any season, but especially for the winter when buyers are more motivated and less willing to haggle. To determine the best price for your home, you need to do some research on the current market conditions, the demand and supply of homes in your area, and the features and condition of your home. You can also consult with a professional agent to get their expert opinion and guidance.
7. Hire a professional agent. Selling a home during the Christmas season can be tricky, so you need an expert who knows the market and can help you sell your home fast and for top dollar. A professional agent can help you stage your home, take high-quality photos, market it effectively, negotiate the best deal, and handle all the paperwork and legal issues.
8. Don’t give up. Selling a home during the winter may take longer than in the spring or summer, but that doesn’t mean you should lose hope or lower your standards. There are still plenty of buyers out there who are looking for their dream home, and yours could be it. Stay positive, proactive, and patient, and you will eventually find the right buyer for your home.

I hope these tips help you sell your home faster and easier this Christmas season! If you need any more help or advice on selling your home during the winter or any other season, feel free to contact me anytime! 😊

12 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Home While You Are Young

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.11.2023

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. While many people wait until they are older, more established, or more financially stable to buy a home, there are also many benefits to buying a home at a young age. Here are 12 reasons why you should consider buying a home in your 20s or 30s.

1. You can build equity. Equity is the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. The more equity you have, the more wealth you can accumulate over time. By buying a home at a young age, you can start building equity sooner and take advantage of the power of compounding interest.
2. You can take advantage mortage rates before they rise even more. Interest rates are always fluctuating, and for the past few years, they are showing a continuous incline. By buying a home at a young age, you can lock in a low interest rate and enjoy lower monthly payments than you might be facing over the next 5-10 years.
3. You can benefit from tax deductions. Homeowners can deduct certain expenses related to their home ownership, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and mortgage insurance premiums. These deductions can lower your taxable income and save you money on your taxes. By buying a home at a young age, you can start taking advantage of these tax benefits sooner.
4. You can customize your home to your liking. One of the perks of owning a home is that you can make it your own. You can paint the walls, change the flooring, update the kitchen, or add a deck. You can also choose the location, size, style, and features of your home to suit your needs and preferences. By buying a home at a young age, you can enjoy the freedom and satisfaction of creating your dream home.
5. You can increase your credit score. Your credit score is a measure of your financial responsibility and trustworthiness. It affects your ability to get loans, credit cards, and other financial products. One of the factors that influence your credit score is your payment history. By buying a home at a young age and making timely mortgage payments, you can establish a positive payment history and boost your credit score.
6. You can generate passive income. Owning a home can also be a source of passive income if you decide to rent out part or all of it. You can use the rental income to pay off your mortgage faster, save for other goals, or invest in other properties. By buying a home at a young age, you can start generating passive income earlier and diversify your income streams.
7. You can learn valuable skills. Buying and owning a home is not only a financial decision, but also an educational one. You will learn many valuable skills along the way, such as budgeting, negotiating, researching, maintaining, and improving your home. These skills can help you in other aspects of your life and career as well.
8. You can prepare for the future. Buying a home at a young age can also help you prepare for the future. Whether you plan to start a family, pursue higher education, or retire early, owning a home can give you more stability, security, and flexibility in achieving your goals. You can also use your home equity to fund other opportunities or emergencies that may arise in the future.
9. You can enjoy more privacy and independence. Owning a home also means having more privacy and independence than renting or living with others. You don’t have to deal with landlords, roommates, or neighbors who may interfere with your lifestyle or preferences. You also don’t have to worry about rent increases, lease renewals, or eviction notices. By buying a home at a young age, you can enjoy more privacy and independence in your living space.
10. You can contribute to your community. Owning a home also means being part of a community. You can get to know your neighbors, join local organizations, participate in events, and support local businesses. You can also contribute to the improvement and development of your neighborhood and city by paying property taxes and maintaining your property value.
11. You can take advantage of first-time buyer programs. If you are buying a home for the first time, you may be eligible for various programs that can help you with the process and costs of homeownership. For example, some programs may offer low down payment options, grants, tax credits, or discounted interest rates for first-time buyers. By buying a home at a young age, you can take advantage of these programs before they expire or change.
12. You can fulfill your personal goals and dreams. Finally, buying a home at a young age can help you fulfill your personal goals and dreams. Owning a home is a major milestone and achievement that many people aspire to. It can also be a source of pride, joy, and happiness for you and your loved ones. By buying a home at a young age, you can make your dreams come true sooner rather than later.

I hope these reasons inspire you to consider buying a home at a young age! If you need any more help or advice on buying a home, feel free to contact me anytime! 😊

9 Steps To A Successful Fall Real Estate Sale

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.10.2023

Fall is a great time to sell your home, but it also comes with some challenges. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and the competition is fierce. How can you make your home stand out from the rest and attract serious buyers? Here are nine tips to help you boost your fall real estate sales.

1. Take advantage of the season. Fall is a beautiful time of year, with colorful leaves, cozy vibes, and festive decorations. Use this to your advantage by making your home look warm and inviting. Add some seasonal touches, such as pumpkins, wreaths, candles, and blankets. You can also bake some fall treats, such as apple pie or pumpkin bread, to fill your home with a delicious aroma.
2. Clean up your yard. A messy yard can make a bad impression on potential buyers. Rake up the leaves, trim the bushes, and mow the lawn. You can also add some fresh mulch to your flower beds and plant some fall flowers, such as mums or pansies. Make sure your walkways and driveway are clear of debris and snow.
3. Brighten up your home. Fall means less natural light, which can make your home look dark and dreary. To combat this, open up your curtains and blinds, and turn on all the lights in your home. You can also add some extra lamps or candles to create a cozy atmosphere. Consider replacing your light bulbs with warmer or brighter ones to enhance the mood.
4. Showcase your home’s features. If your home has any features that are especially appealing in the fall or winter, such as a fireplace, a hot tub, or a heated garage, make sure to highlight them in your listing and during showings. You can also include some photos or videos of your home during other seasons, so buyers can see how it looks year-round.
5. Hire a professional agent. Selling a home in the fall can be tricky, so you need an expert who knows the market and can help you price your home right, market it effectively, and negotiate the best deal. A professional agent can also help you stage your home, take high-quality photos, and provide a virtual tour for online buyers.
6. Be flexible with showings. Fall is a busy time for many people, with work, school, and holiday plans. That’s why you need to be flexible and accommodating when it comes to showing your home. Try to make your home available as much as possible, even on weekends and evenings. You can also use technology to offer virtual showings or open houses for buyers who can’t visit in person.
7. Price your home right. Pricing your home right is crucial for any season, but especially for fall when buyers are more motivated and less willing to haggle. To determine the best price for your home, you need to do some research on the current market conditions, the demand and supply of homes in your area, and the features and condition of your home. You can also consult with your agent to get their professional opinion and guidance.
8. Offer incentives. To sweeten the deal and entice buyers to make an offer, you can offer some incentives or perks that will make their life easier or save them money. For example, you can offer to pay for some or all of the closing costs, include some appliances or furniture in the sale, or provide a home warranty or inspection report.
9. Don’t give up. Selling a home in the fall may take longer than in the spring or summer, but that doesn’t mean you should lose hope or lower your standards. There are still plenty of buyers out there who are looking for their dream home, and yours could be it. Stay positive, proactive, and patient, and you will eventually find the right buyer for your home.

I hope these tips help you sell your home faster and easier this fall season! If you need any more help or advice on selling your home in the fall or winter, feel free to contact me anytime! 😊

7 End of Summer Home Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Fall

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.09.2023

Summer is almost over, and that means it’s time to get your home ready for the cooler and wetter months ahead. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or stay put, doing some end of summer home maintenance can help you save money, prevent damage, and improve your comfort. Here are seven tips to help you prepare your home for fall.

1. Clean your gutters and downspouts. Your gutters and downspouts are essential for directing rainwater away from your roof and foundation. However, they can get clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, which can cause water damage, mold growth, and pest infestation. To prevent this, you should clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
2. Inspect your roof. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so you want to make sure it’s in good shape before the rainy and snowy season begins. Look for any signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, cracks, leaks, or sagging. If you notice any problems, you should contact a licensed roofer to repair them as soon as possible.
3. Seal any gaps or cracks. Gaps and cracks around your doors, windows, pipes, and vents can let in cold air, moisture, and pests. This can affect your indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality, as well as increase your energy bills. To seal these gaps and cracks, you can use caulk, weatherstripping, or foam insulation. You can also install storm doors and windows to provide extra protection and insulation.
4. Service your heating system. You don’t want to wait until the first cold day to find out that your heating system is not working properly. That’s why you should service your heating system at least once a year, preferably in the fall. This will ensure that your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or fireplace is running efficiently and safely. You should also replace or clean your air filters regularly to improve your indoor air quality and reduce allergens.
5. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital for your safety and security. They can alert you to potential fires or gas leaks in your home. However, they can also malfunction or run out of batteries if you don’t test them regularly. You should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month by pressing the test button on each device. You should also replace the batteries twice a year, preferably when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
6. Trim your trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs can add beauty and value to your home, but they can also pose a hazard if they are not properly maintained. Overgrown branches can break off and damage your roof, siding, windows, or power lines during a storm. They can also block sunlight from reaching your lawn or garden. To prevent this, you should trim your trees and shrubs at least once a year, preferably in the late summer or early fall when they are dormant.
7. Store your outdoor furniture and equipment. If you have any outdoor furniture or equipment that you don’t use during the fall or winter, such as patio sets, grills, lawn mowers, or bikes, you should store them away in a dry and secure place. This will protect them from the weather, rust, mold, and theft. You should also clean them before storing them to prevent dirt and stains from setting in.

I hope these tips help you get your home ready for fall! If you need any more help or advice on home maintenance or selling your home in any season, feel free to contact me anytime! 😊

15 Ways To Create Stunning Curb Appeal

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.06.2023

Curb appeal is one of the most important elements in the advertising of any home. It can be improved on any budget because elbow grease goes a long way with lawn care! Below are some tips to choose from when aiming to maximize curb appeal:

1. Keep the lawn well-maintained.

2. Add colorful plants and flowers to the garden.

3. Paint the front door and trim.

4. Upgrade the mailbox.

5. Install new light fixtures, like statement sconces.

6. Power wash the exterior of your home.

7. Add outdoor seating to the front porch.

8. Upgrade the house numbers.

9. Professionally clean the windows.

10. Add solar lights along the walkway leading to the front door.

11. Consider adding window grids, and or shutters, if it matches the style of your home.

12. Touch-up any crumbling parging.

13. Ensure the grading is sloping away from the house.

14. Trim tree branches and any bushes.

15. Add a border of decorative rock, brick, or hedges to both sides of the property lines.

5 Expectations Home Buyers and Home Sellers Should Have in a Market with Low Inventory

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.05.2023

Saskatoon has been experiencing a lack of inventory since the pandemic. While these market conditions vary from residential, acreage, farm, land, and commercial properties, they vary even further within residential. Successful navigation of such market conditions also requires different considerations between condos, townhouses, and houses, reflecting even further variations within those different price ranges. Additional factors that impact these expected conditions include the selling and buying strategy utilized by each respective party. Therefore, the following are general indicators for the public in most cases. 

 

Home Sellers 

• You may not have to get into extensive negotiations. 
• You may have to make little to no concessions. 
• It may sell within the first day or so of listing. 
• You may get multiple offers. 
• It may sell for over asking price. 

Home Buyers  

• You will be competing with other buyers for many of the same homes. 
• It may take weeks or months before you get an accepted offer on a home you like. 
• You may lose out on submitted offers to other buyers. 
• You likely will not get much of a reduction on price.  
• You may have to be flexible with possession, conditions, and other terms. 

For further clarity into what you can expect with your unique situation, please reach out, via text or phone to Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325(REAL), detailing your overall objective.

7 Reasons Why You Should Take Advantage of Spring Selling Season

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.04.2023

The spring selling season is often the busiest and most frantic period of real estate activity in the calendar year. There are many reasons for this. If you are hesitant about selling your home soon, check out why this is the perfect to take the plunge and do it!

1. The Weather Is Ideal

One of the biggest advantages to selling during the spring is the beautiful weather. The sun shines brighter, and the temperatures are warmer, creating the ideal environment for potential buyers to spend time out and about looking at homes. During the spring, people come out of hibernation due to longer days and improved moods. Plus, once they find the perfect home, the conditions are ideal for moving and getting settled into their new space. When you list a home in the winter, you risk having to postpone open houses or individual showings if harsh weather strikes.

2. You Maximize Curb Appeal

Speaking of ideal weather, if you have stunning landscaping, it's hard to show it off when there's snow on the ground and flowers aren't in bloom. Listing a home in the spring means you can wow buyers with curb appeal and perhaps command a higher asking price. The springtime allows you to show your home at its best.

3. Home Renovating Is Easier

The nicer weather is perfect for making those repairs or renovations that will increase your home’s value. Contractors, tradesman, and other businesses are in full swing, meaning there is options for you to use. Use this time and invest to make your home standout!

4. Higher Demand From Buyers

In the spring demand is much higher due to many factors. Most notably, many families are eager to get into their new space before the start of the school year in September. For many families, the ideal time to move is the summer; therefore, to make that happen, they begin looking for a property in the spring. Most homes are larger family homes, and families with kids are the largest demographic in real estate.

5. Houses Sell Faster

With more active buyers, spring also means homes are likely to sell faster, especially if they are priced correctly the first time listed. According to market trends, most people who sell their home in May or June can expect to sell it 18 days faster than the other months of the year. The faster you can get your house off your hands, the less mortgage payments you’ll be responsible for and the sooner you can move into your next space.

6. Competitive Pricing Possibilities

The increase in demand and how fast properties are moving means prices can be a bit higher. The possibility of multiple offers and bidding wars is greater in the spring due to the number of buyers in the market. This is not a guarantee though and is dependent on many factors.

7. More Inventory for You

Lastly, the springtime is great to go house hunting. You’re selling your home, and probably need another one. Many people are listing homes due to the reasons above, meaning there is plenty of options for you to look at. Your dream home could be right around the corner!

If you are ready to list your home during the Spring selling rush, check out my “Sell Your Home” series on Instagram (@saskatoonrealty). It will give you quick and easy tips to prepare yourself, and your home, for the selling journey!

7 Value Adding Renovations to Do Before the Spring Selling Season

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.03.2023

With Spring selling season right around the corner, you are probably wondering how to make your home standout amongst all the competition. Home renovations can be costly, so it is important to understand which home improvements will yield a return on your investment. Here are some ideas that will both increase your home’s attractiveness and overall value.

1. Install a Kitchen Backsplash

The kitchen is full of possible big-ticket item improvements, but backsplash isn’t one that breaks the bank. You can comfortably install a backsplash in just one weekend by yourself, instantly bringing new life to any kitchen.

2. Garage Door Replacement

Replacing a garage door is big for curb appeal, and it’s also a great investment that will recoup the cost (or more) during resell.

3. Siding Replacement

Appraisers typically look at the structural elements of a home and siding usually plays a part in that. Replacing siding increases value instantly due to the high visibility of the upgrade.

4. Finishing the Basement

A finished basement instantly adds value to the home. The amount of added useable square footage comes at a lower cost compared to an addition. Plus, the space can be used for anything a potential buyer can imagine, making it an extremely attractive option.

5. Replace Carpet with Laminate or Hardwood

Hardwood and laminate flooring are comparable in price to luxury carpets but comes without the hassle of continual vacuuming. This type of flooring is also more durable and less prone to damage or staining, making it a very attractive feature to buyers.

6. Manufactured Stone Veneer

A manufactured stone veneer project remains high on the list of valuable home updates. It provides a modern look to any space at an acceptable price whether you’re hiring out the work or going DIY.

7. Expand Outdoor Space

During the summer here in Saskatchewan, people want to enjoy as much of the outdoors as possible. Adding a deck, patio, hot tub, garden, fire pit, or any other addition that gets people outside is a very attractive feature.

Keeping pace with what buyers like and what can increase your resale value can help you decide where to focus your efforts. Talk with a local real estate agent about which renovations increase home value in your area. From there, you can invest in improvements that you will enjoy until you are ready to sell.

8 Home Improvement Projects Perfect for Winter

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.02.2023

Do not let the shorter and colder winter days stop your home improvement journey. Here are some easy and budget friendly home renovation ideas that you can do before springtime arrives.

1. Regrout Your Bathroom

If you’ve been ignoring your bathroom, you can make it up and give it the visual refresh that it needs by regrouting your bathroom tiles. The warmer temperatures and increased humidity of the other seasons could take a toll on your bathroom’s squeaky clean image due to increased hard water stains and mildew, but winter is the perfect time to restore your bathroom tile to squeaky clean.

2. Upgrade Your Living Room Lighting

Soft white lighting and warm lighting tend to work best in living room spaces and can work wonders to transform this gathering space into one that is inviting and welcoming. You get to decide how much or how little you want to do, and ultimately how big or how small of a project you want to make of this endeavor. Make sure to do this it at night when you can see how different placements of light fixtures illuminates your home.

3. Add Energy-Efficient Insulation

The winter season can become costly if you haven’t taken time to ensure that your home is properly insulated. With the high cost of fuel and energy at present, you would be wise to take the necessary steps to upgrade and resolve any insulation issues for your home now, so you could start saving. The winter season gives you the upper hand in terms of identifying problem areas because you can detect gaps, cracks, and open spaces a bit easier thanks to the presence of the cold air. Find the holes and gaps around your walls and floors, then fill them in with an energy-efficient material like spray foam, which expands upon application to take up space and create the desired barrier and block air.

4. Paint

Applying a coat of paint to your walls, cabinets, tiles, etc. can bring new life to your home. Manufacturers offer the best deals on paint during the late fall and winter. Winter also is when professional painters have fewer clients, which translates to lower prices. There’s also less moisture and humidity in the air during the winter, which means paint bonds to surfaces better and dries faster. There’s also no need to open all the windows either with low-VOC paints as it doesn’t need outside air; it just needs circulation.

5. Remove dying trees

If you have a troublesome tree on your property, you could save money by removing it in the winter, particularly in February and March. That’s because tree companies become busy in the late spring and summer when winds and stormy weather requires emergency tree removal.

The colder ground also makes tree removal advantageous during the winter. Frozen ground can keep nearby vegetation in place, making the removal less disruptive to the surroundings (though you may need to wait until the ground thaws to complete the stump removal).

6. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Hosting family and friends for the holidays can take a serious toll on carpets and upholstery. If you’re dealing with a bunch of new stains and spot cleaners just aren’t cutting it, it’s time to get out the heavy machinery. You can rent a professional-grade cleaner from just about any hardware store, or hire a pro to do an even better job.

7. Upgrade your Bathroom’s Fixtures

There’s nothing like a hot bath or a scalding shower on a cold winter night, and upgrading your bath fixtures is a relatively easy way to make self-care even more enjoyable. Invest in a luxurious high-pressure shower head, swap your old faucets for nicer models, install a bidet, and/or invest in more efficient toilets. Not only will your bathroom feel better but will also improve your overall quality of life.

8. Painting Your Garage Floors This Winter

The benefits of coating your garage floors in paint are numerous. The paint will help keep the floors intact which will benefit the homes resale value. Painting the garage floor will make cleaning your garage feel less like a chore and more seamless. This can also double as an opportunity to clean out any junk you have sitting in your garage. Before painting make sure all dirt is swept off the floor so the paint sticks better. The cold air will help the paint dry faster.