5 Safety Measures to Selling Your House During a Pandemic

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.10.2021

1. Mask Requirement – As the mask mandates have been fluctuating since the pandemic began, those guidelines are followed by the real estate industry as well. Even if the provincial mandate is removed for masks, a homeowner can still request that masks are required in their home.
2. Hand Sanitizer – While many home buyers already keep hand sanitizer readily available, sellers are welcome to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer at the front door for use during showings.
3. Leave Lights On – Homes look their best when they are well-lit. Therefore, to make sure your home looks its best and reduce unnecessary touching, leave the lights on before you leave for your scheduled showing time. Open those window coverings too!
4. Leave Doors Open – Again, to minimize unnecessary touching - leave bedroom, bathroom, and closet doors open. Between the hand sanitizer and minimal touching measures, you should have added peace of mind.
5. Minimal Attendees – Prior to the pandemic, it was not uncommon for home buyers to bring mom, dad, and the kids for additional perspectives. Given the intricacies of the pandemic, it is now recommended that only the most crucial attendees and signing authorities are in attendance during showings.

For more tips on preparing your home to sell, call Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325. Stay safe out there!

Why Saskatoon? 5 Reasons Saskatoon Real Estate is an Excellent Investment – In A Nutshell. (Part 1)

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.09.2021

1. POST-SECONDARY – Saskatoon attracts students from all over Canada and further. From the University of Saskatchewan to the Saskatchewan Polytechnic to the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, many post-secondary options are available which produces a high demand for student housing. Multi-unit developments, suited homes, and homes with multiple bedrooms are in constant motion in on the Saskatchewan MLS® making it easy for investors to capitalize on this demographic.
2. CURRENT ATTRACTIONS – Did you know some of the artifacts found at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park are older than the pyramids? Saskatoon truly has some gems that are unique all on their own. Search the list created by the team at Tourism Saskatoon and you will be impressed: https://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/things-to-do/
3. UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS – Between a state-of-the-art library and a $12.9 million downtown festival venue, Saskatoon is coming out of its shell in a big way. It is no surprise that Saskatoon’s average population increase has been consistent at 2% annually. Read more about some planning here: https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon-city-councillors-to-mull-12-9-million-downtown-festival-site-1.5304032
4. FESTIVAL CITY – Let the good times roll as Saskatoonians thrive on festivals and celebrations that take the city by storm almost every month of the year in Saskatoon. The most concentrated number of festivals take place during the summer including RibFest, Food Truck Wars, YXE Beer Wars, Fringe Festival, Jazz Festival, Taste of Saskatchewan and so much more! Look at the list, although many are continuously added on a regular basis, and choose your favourite: https://www.todocanada.ca/festivals-in-saskatoon/
5. REAL ESTATE REBATES – The City of Saskatoon offers numerous rebates to home-owners and home builders. Many of them are incentives for continued growth, and geared toward the new development sector, however if that is an option for you as an investor, the value tied into these rebates are worth taking advantage of. The details of these programs can be viewed here: https://www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/land-development/rebate-program

 

The 9 Step Plan: Maximize Your Profit Through Smart Renovations When You Sell Your Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.07.2021

 

1. Consult A Professional – Prior to tackling home renovations to increase your homes saleability, you will want to have your trusted REALTOR® come for a walk-through to advise you on your current home value and which upgrades might increase that home value. Ask them about a selling timeline as well. If you need recommendations on trades people, any good REALTOR® will have a rolodex of recommendations for you as well.
2. Review Your Mortgage – Are you allowed to sell free and clear, or do you have a substantial payout penalty? Is your current rate better than any other available rate? Is it a possibility to add some of your renovation capital to your mortgage? Your trusted mortgage broker can advise you accordingly.
3. Start A Home Renovation Binder – Your binder will keep your mind and bank account organized. Include your TO-DO list, minimum/maximum budget, deadlines, contractor information, warranty information, receipts, etc.. You can set this binder out during showings when your house is listed so the buyers know exactly what has been done to the home recently.
4. Create A Budget – Your budget will include minimum and maximum amounts to allow for fluctuating products and services. You can even review second-hand product sources like kijiji.ca or the Market Place on www.facebook.com for added cost cutting. However, cutting corners on products is not recommended, otherwise the cheap quality will dimmish the renovation impact.
5. Interview Trades People – Check their reviews, look for warranties, ask for a formal quote, and find out if they guarantee their work by a certain deadline. Remember that sometimes big companies do not always do great work and sometimes small businesses just starting out will really shine by delivering excellent work. The key word is “sometimes” so be sure to pay your due diligence by interviewing accordingly.
6. Monitor A Timeline – Plan to be complete at least two weeks ahead of your deadline. Human error and unexpected obstacles will undoubtedly leave you with a few touch-ups to circle back to. You will also need a few extra days to declutter and stage your home décor.
7. Pull Permits – While you do not have to call the city and inform them of every stroke of paint, there is a list of home renovation items that must be permitted, and it is up to you to consult your city, town, or RM regarding those.
8. Clean The Mess – Home renovations can be downright filthy! We are talking everything from a thick layer of dust from drywalling to multiple scrap pieces from demolition to foggy windows from landscaping. Cleaning this yourself may be very time consuming so you may have to budget for a professional. Do not forgot to get your ducts cleaned and change your furnace filter.
9. Sweat Equity – The best home equity is sweat equity. Pull up those sleaves and paint those walls, replace those burnt-out light bulbs, and plant some flowers for curb appeal. However, you will want to trust a professional when it comes to many trades like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.
10. Trade Service – What skills and services do you have? If you are a plumber, maybe you can trade services with an electrician friend. Review your own rolodex of family and friends to see if there is an option to trade services and maximize your end goal profit margin.

The ABC’s On How To Ensure Your Home Sells Quickly!

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.06.2021

1. Appropriate Pricing - Market value in 2021 has taken on a life of its own which makes it more important than ever to contact a professional to find out your homes market value. You will also be advised on appropriate sales and marketing strategies to coincide with the final chosen price.
2. Be Flexible With Showings - In a seller's market, you will want to prepare to vacate your home quite often for the first 1-7 days. It is important to accomodate showings requests so that your home gets the maximum amount of exposure. Remember to open all the drapes, turn on all the lights, and put away any unmentionables!
3. Clean Throughout - While homes are selling quickly already, you will  want to ensure your home is clean inside and outside. Just like a dirty car will sell, but you will get a higher price if it is clean. You will need to thoroughly clean it before moving to your next home as well so might as well get ahead of the game.
4. Declutter - Any space will appear larger with less items inside of it. Square footage sells, especially in a pandemic! Consider donating any gently used household items to single mothers in the area by contacting https://www.crystalsgift.ca/.
5. Equip Your REALTOR® - Provide them with all pertinent facts about your home, they are on your side and will protect you in case of any unforeseen issues that a home inspection might find. You are the expert on your home while your REALTOR® is the expert on selling it and they cannot sell it properly if you withhold information from them.
6. Furnishings Matter - If it does not flow with the style of your home or the current decor, you will want to consider putting that old couch that has your napping outline into storage. It is also not recommended that you use old furnture to "stage" you home. If you would like your home staged, you should hire a professional staging company as there are many layers to effectively staging a home to sell.
7. Get Those Walls Patched - If you are particularily handy, or you have a friend who is a bit of a handyperson, you will want to take the time to patch any dented drywall or touch up paint. The two reasons for this is that most contractors are very busy during the spring and smaller improvement items cost minimal in comparison to how much they improve showing value.
8. Hit The Market - Typically the busiest season for real estate is in the sping, followed by the fall. You will want to be cognizant of this to capitalize on an increased number of buyers but also know that in a seller's market, when demand exceeds supply, any time of the year will bode well for your sale as long as the local and global economy continues to support those circumstances.

10 Tips On How To Purge Like A PRO Before Selling Your Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 03.05.2021

1. Create A Plan Of Attack – Before beginning the physical purge of items in your home, write down a list of every room in your home. Consider the items in each room and what needs to be done to them to create more space by then noting bullet points check off. For example, you will need to go through all the cabinets in the kitchen, closets or vanities in the bedrooms, and shelves in the garage.
2. Piles On Piles – It has taken many years to accumulate all of your belongings so you will have to be very organized to sort through them in a day or so. The first step is to start with the smaller items of your home like clothing and accessories. Create three piles on the floor: a “YES” pile, a “NO” pile, a “MAYBE” pile, and a “DONATE” pile. Set aside an afternoon to focus all your time and energy into rapidly distributing all your personal belongings into one of these piles.
3. Phantom Needs – Often times when we are torn between whether an item is a “YES” or “NO” we are thinking “well, what if this happens, then I will need it”. The truth is, if you have not used the item in a year or more you probably do not need it and that fictional scenario you have created in your head will never happen. Throw it in the “NO” pile!
4. Emotional Needs – Another reason an item might end up in the “MAYBE” pile is that somehow you have developed an emotional attachment to it. Dive deeper into that item and ask yourself if it is a positive emotional attachment or a negative emotional attachment. If it is positive, set it aside for storage. If it is negative, throw it in the “NO” pile – it is time to purge emotional baggage too!
5. Recycle, Re-Use, Re-Purpose – Almost anything that ends up in the “NO” and “MAYBE” pile has the potential to be of value to someone else. Research different second-hand resources in your community and decide which ones you would like to support with your “DONATE” pile. For example, https://www.crystalsgift.ca/home/ accepts gently used household items to help vulnerable single mothers in need. While https://habitat.ca/en/restore accepts anything from doorknobs to old cabinets which not only helps those with housing needs in the community, but it also helps reduce waste. Almost all communities have a homeless shelter which can be your source for taking clothing and more personal belongings. Donations help make our world a better place!
6. Tackle The Trinkets – While we want to do our part in giving back to the community, we realize that financial needs are real as well and that some items have to be sold to recoup certain expenditures. You can post those items on popular marketplace websites or host a garage sale, depending on what you have the capability of doing.
7. Storage Boxes – If your “YES” pile has items that do not improve the appearance of your décor, grab some storage boxes (recyclable, if possible!) and put them away in your storage room. If your home does not have a storage room, you can stack these boxes in the garage or shed.
8. Large Furniture Items – Sometimes we outgrow furniture, or it outgrows us (like when the kids head off to college). Regardless of the circumstances, this is a great time to take inventory of your furniture. Does it serve a purpose? Is it functional? Does it flow with the rest of your furniture? Forget the piles here, stamp each piece of furniture with a Post-It sticky note that says “STORAGE” or “DONATE”. Having difficulty deciding on furniture? Contact an interior designer for an in-home consult, they can also advise on staging the furniture you keep.
9. Storage Lockers – Now for that couch that has your body shape outlined into it from countless Saturday afternoon naps, it may not be aesthetically pleasing anymore but you are taking it to your new home, you will want to arrange for it to be transferred to a storage unit. You can add any other larger items from your home as well that do not show well in terms of attractive décor.
10. Take Out The Trash – Finally for those items that are irreparably damaged, ensure you dispose of them in the appropriate category. Metals, plastics, and soiled trash are just a few aspects to consider.

6 Ways To Create A Healthy Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.03.2021

1. Start In The Kitchen – Fill your pantry with food options that have the least possible preservatives and manufacturing processing. Non-perishables such a beans and lentils are ideal and have endless delicious recipes they can be incorporated into. Fill your fridge with fresh vegetables and move any junk food into a hard-to-reach cabinet as well.
2. Lights, Camera, Action! – Remove any fluorescent tube lighting and any light bulbs that are cool in tone. Warm light is best for your eyes and LED lights are best for your electricity bill.
3. Create A Fitness Zone – Whether it is an entire room with professional workout equipment or a corner of a room with jugs of water and a rebounder, make it a priority to regularly visit this space. Increasing your heart rate regularily can add years to your life.
4. Decompression Space – Again, whether it is an entire room with Himalayan salt lamps and essential oils or a yoga matt near a window, a space to destress is essential to healthy living. Whatever stress management tools are most effective to you, should always be readily available in your home.
5. Proper Air Quality – Always stay on top of the humidity and airflow in your home. If weather permitting, open the windows every now and then for some fresh air. House plants are a wonderful conduit to support proper air quality in a home as well.
6. Bedroom Energy – Remove all electronics from your bedroom, especially if you find that you have been struggling with insomnia. Televisions, tablets and phones can seem like down time activities but the blue light stresses out the eyes and mind.

 

Real Estate Basics 101: How To Book Home Showings (Pre-Qualifying)

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.02.2021

1. Choose A REALTOR® – The benefits of working with one REALTOR® will always out weight the benefits of working with several REALTORS®. It is like choosing six pennies over one dime. When you work with one REALTOR®, you are guaranteed all fiduciary duties from them protecting your best interest to maintaining your full confidentiality. An effective working relationship is also developed where your REALTOR® will have a thorough understanding and commitment to your needs. Once you have committed to a REALTOR®, they will act as your personal concierge for scheduling all showings and dealing with all vendors.
2. Get A Mortgage Pre-Approval – Any skilled REALTOR® will ask you for proof of mortgage pre-approval prior to showings. No matter how sure you are of your financial picture, there are multiple variables that can affect this. It is a small step for a buyer to take, out of respect of the seller who is sacrificing their time and privacy, to be allowed access into someone’s personal space. You also save yourself time and disappointment as you may be looking at homes that are out of your budget. It is a privilege to be allowed into someone else’s home and only an amateur will overlook basic regulations of organized real estate. Nobody benefits from an amateur!
3. Provide Photo ID – Again, providing proof of your identity is a small step to protect all parties involved in any potential real estate transaction. When you are asked for your photo ID, it has nothing to do with invading your privacy, but everything to do with protecting REALTORS® from assault or rape and sellers from thieves or other criminals. It also protects you by preventing any catfishing should an actual criminal attempt to claim your identity to access a home. Not to mention the added health risks during a global pandemic, the seriousness of entering someone else’s home cannot be understated. Organized real estate benefits all parties involved so when you are asked pre-qualifying questions, DO NOT COMPLAIN as it saves everything from time to lives.

How NOT To Work With A Real Estate Agent

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 02.11.2020

1. Ask More Than One Real Estate Agent To Help You – Not only should a real estate agent not have to waste their time helping you, with no possibility of getting compensated for their time and knowledge (do you go to work and not expect to get paid?), but REALTORS® are not allowed to interfere with other REALTORS® clients – LEGALLY! To avoid this double whammy, often you can part ways with your real estate agent and choose another if you feel the first one is not the right fit.
2. Lie To Your Real Estate Agent – Whether you are trying to lie about how much of a mortgage you are pre-approved for or that there is a lien on your house, it is completely futile. Any skilled real estate agent will find it out anyway. Save yourself some time and tell the truth. The more truthful information you provide, the more effectively your real estate agent can help you.
3. Secretly Try To Squeeze Your Real Estate Agent Out Last Minute – Every now and then a scenario will arise where a seller and buyer might think negotiating between themselves as an option and try to complete the deal without informing their real estate agent. If this route is taken, you may find yourself going to court with the buyer or seller you have negotiated with due to failure to disclose or some other variable lacking in documentation. You might also find yourself going to court with a real estate brokerage if you signed any contracts with them.
4. Not Taking The Advice Your Real Estate Agent Gives You –  If your REALTOR® tells you that your offer is too low and you insist on submitting it only to infuriate the seller and get yourself banned from any future offers, you might want to start listening to your agent. If your REALTOR® tells you that your home is worth $350,000 but you insist on listing it at $400,000 and it does not get any showings for five months, you might want to start listening to your agent. The number of situations that need advising on is endless, so you might want to start listening to your agent.
5. Avoid Asking Your Real Estate Agent Questions – No question is a stupid question. Hopefully, you have chosen a skilled professional who speaks fluent REALTOR® and understands that most people do not. Which brings us back to point #1 (above): when you commit to one real estate agent, a relationship of trust can be developed so you can feel free to direct all of your real estate questions to them 365 days a year!   

8 Features In A House That Signify A Luxury Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.10.2020

Certain
features signify luxury when it comes to real estate. The following list is
compiled for homebuyers to become familiar with what features to keep an eye
out for when viewing homes, or for homeowners to keep in mind when completing renovations
to improve their home equity. Generally, each feature costs more in terms of
product and services. Can you add to the list?

1. Crown Moldings – For centuries crown moldings have only been seen in luxurious homes. Although they are not necessary, when they are installed it is important to ensure they are in balance with the baseboards and the rest of the home design to avoid a busy effect. https://www.royalmouldingsinc.com/blog/10-things-didnt-know-crown-moulding/#:~:text=%2010%20Things%20You%20Didn%E2%80%99t%20Know%20About%20Crown,century%2C%20all%20moulding%20was%20carved%20by...%20More
2. Tall Baseboards – In general, the smaller the baseboard the less it costs. Not only that but a taller baseboard lends to a more attractive aesthetic finish. It is the happy medium between a lower end baseboard and wainscotting which creates an extremely formal room finish. https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/what-is-wainscoting/
3. High Ceilings – In terms of cost, this feature adds to the cost of construction due to increased material and labor. It also lends to a feeling of grandeur while in the home which home buyers prefer therefore increasing the value of the home.
4. High-Efficiency Furnace – When accounting for the state of the climate and the lower monthly bills, the obvious choice is to opt for a high-efficiency furnace. While it does cost more at the beginning, the investment pays for itself over the years. https://allclimatehvac.com/commercial-heating-in-fridley/furnace-replacement-fridley/high-efficiency-vs-standard-furnaces/
5. Exterior Venting Kitchen Hood Fan – In Saskatoon, most hood fan’s do not vent outside. When the fan is turned on, the condensation suctioned up goes back into the room. It leads to strong smells in the home that are impossible to remove and a high humidity level which can lead to other problems. When shopping for homes, always ask your REALTOR® if the hood fan vents outside.
6. Triple Pane Windows – Not only do triple pane windows lend to better home efficiency but they also provide a better sound barrier. Over the years, they ensure the best aesthetic appeal with no condensation build up.
7. Upgraded Flooring – Hardwood floors are gorgeous and always highly coveted but durable laminate is sometimes the better option as they are more durable for high-traffic homes or homes that are pet-friendly. These days, laminate comes in a wide variety of durable and attractive styles.
8. Stucco Exterior – Although there are a few other exterior finishes that signify wealth, including culture stone and brick, none are quite as common as a nice acrylic stucco. If done properly, stucco will last for decades in the same quality as when it was initially applied. It is also common to pair it with accents of culture stone, for added style while not breaking the bank. https://blog.renovationfind.com/benefits-of-choosing-acrylic-stucco-for-your-home/

If you are looking for a home with these features, contact Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325 to be connected with a previously enjoyed home or a home builder that specializes in luxury development.

3 Key Indicators the Real Estate Market in Saskatoon Has Shifted

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.07.2020

Saskatoon has been in a firm Buyer’s Market for the past several years. It was not so long ago that the record was broken for the highest number of listings, in Saskatoon’s history, at over 2,200 available homes for sale. However, the global pandemic had some interesting effects on the local market that bodes in favour of sellers. A few of those key points are identified below, with additional information available through Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325.

1. Higher Demand – Arguably spurred by the pandemic lockdown, many buyers are looking to purchase a new home. Often the property is sold before interested buyers even get a showing booked.
2. Lower Inventory – Currently there is approximately a three-month supply of homes which is substantially lower than the past several years. The amount of homes for sale in Saskatoon is nearly 25% lower than last year.
3. Bidding Wars – Bidding wars will drive up a sale price. We have seen nine houses in Saskatoon sell over listed price within a span of seven days in the month of June. It is an extremely rare occurrence and numbers like this have not been present for about a decade.

   Note: Data is an approximation deemed accurate at the time of writing this article for the city of Saskatoon.