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.

10 Productive Homeowner Tasks To Do While Staying Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.04.2020

Even if you are not planning on selling your home, you always want to protect your investment and keep it in its best condition. Alternatively, if you plan on selling your home this year, take advantage of the added time you are spending in your home and help it look its best for when the time comes to put it on the market. Many of the following tasks can be done with minimal to no supplies. If supplies are needed, they can be delivered to your home. 

1. Deep Clean – Many surfaces build up dust and grime easily over time which could make your home a hotbed for germs. Take this time to remove dust from all edges, disinfect all crevices, and remove all grime buildup on fixtures or doors (vinegar works great on doors!).
2. Replace Batteries – It is always good to ensure the nuts and bolts of your home are running properly. Whether it is on your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, alarm system, or thermostat, check those batteries! These items would also be identified in a home inspection.
3. Replace Filters – Filters are like the lungs of a home. Check your furnace filter, humidifier filter, range hood filter, and any other filters in your home that might need addressing. You may have to just wash some of those filters but be sure to do your research on which ones cannot be washed. 
4. Check Grout – Tile can often be found in bathrooms and kitchens not only for aesthetics but also functional reasons. You will want to make sure to always repair and clean the grout as it will prolong the life of tiled surfaces and it just looks so much better. 
5. Check Caulking – You will find the bulk of this in any bathrooms and the kitchen too. Run your finger along the caulking and if you find any open spots, strip and replace. Caulking is very inexpensive but a leak could cause hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in replacements. 
6. Tighten Up – After a long winter, doorknobs, railings, and racks may be sitting loose. Take out a screwdriver and tighten things up! The entire house should take 15-30 minutes and prevent a full replacement in the future. 
7. Tape, Mud, And Sand – If you have a few quarter sized dents in your walls that you have been walking by for months, now could be a good time to try your hand at repairing them. Larger sections are not recommended as this project can produce a lot of dust and prompt the need to clean your ducts which is something you would want to avoid right now.
8. Paint – Whether you are painting a discolored room or just to change the vibe in the room, now is a great time to take on this smaller project as there are many non-toxic paint options available. Many people also find painting therapeutic which would be beneficial during these times of uncertainty. 
9. Wash Window Treatments – If you have horizontal blinds, it is worth the time and effort to thoroughly clean the dust off of these. If you have drapes, take them down and wash them, you might be surprised at the original color! 
10. Yard Work – As long as you are still adhering to the physical distancing regulations, feel free to get those yard tools out this spring, just take a break if your neighbor comes out to tackle their yard. Don’t forget your gutters! 

If after this thorough comb-over of your home, you find that it does not suit your needs as much as it once did, contact Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325. You will receive a free Homeowner’s Counselling Session completed remotely from the comfort of your own home. 

The 7 Most Common Items Needed For Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Appointment

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 02.03.2020

1. Government Issued Photo ID – Ensure it is not expired and has your current address.
2. Proof Of Address – You may need your address history, depending on your current living circumstances.
3. Proof Of Income – T4, pay stubs, child tax, etc.
4. Contact Information For Your Employer – A longstanding employer is always best but your employment history might be required.
5. Proof Of Down Payment – It should reflect the exact amount and where it came from (gifts are allowed as well).
6. Any Outstanding Current Debt – You will need to include all financial obligations and anything that may have damaged/ing your credit.
7. Proof Of Assets – Other real estate, savings, vehicles, investments, etc.

Disclaimer: Mortgage pre-approvals vary from person-to-person and financial institution-to-financial institution so other items may be needed. It is also important to note that you may get a rejection from one mortgage specialist and an approval from another. Call or text Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325 for a highly-skilled mortgage specialist contact.

7 Ways To Control Your Emotions In Order To Successfully Sell Your Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 03.02.2020

Selling your home can be a very emotional time in life. Hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of days spent in your home can inevitably build a complex emotional bond that can be difficult to identify and even more difficult to break. Here are some tips on how to get ahead of your emotions so you can successfully get a sold sign on your lawn:

1. Journal – Buy a $2.00 notebook and dedicate it entirely to your home selling journey. It will allow you to organize your thoughts, reflect upon your progress, and document your successes for the next time you have to sell a home. Not a fan of writing? Start a vlog and post it to YouTube, you may be able to help others facing the same task.
2. Set Your Intentions – Identify the reason you are selling your home and commit to it as a positive experience. Perhaps you have an incredible new job opportunity that requires you to relocate or you are expecting a new baby and need more bedrooms. Setting the intention for selling your home will provide the fuel required to continue with sale of your home regardless of any obstacles that may arise during the interim.
3. Keep Yourself Accountable – If you find yourself feeling discouraged often, with a delayed sale or negative feedback from a showing, confide in your real estate agent and use them as a touchstone for staying on track in achieving your goals.
4. Visualize Your Home As A Stock – Real estate is one of the most popular types of investments in the world, and much like stocks, the value goes up and down. The most successful stock investors buy low and sell high, according to the larger financial situation. Reflect upon your financial situation and remember that sometimes you need to take risks for long-term diversification.
5. Focus Your Emotions On The Next Home – Distract yourself from your emotional ties to the past and embrace the potential in your next home. How can it better accommodate your new life circumstances? What kind of house warming party can you welcome your friends and family with? Where are the nearest walking-trails for you to explore your new neighborhood?
6. Objectify Your Home – Think of your home from the perception of a consumer. For example, a product on a grocery store shelf must be presented nicely, priced correctly, and be in front of the right buyer to get sold. It is easier to not allow hurt feelings to influence a potential sale, if a few buyers pass without being attracted to your home, if you think of it from the perception of a consumer who has a variety of variable needs.
7. Remember Memories Do Not Equal Value – The daughter may have had all of her birthday parties in your kitchen and then went on to get married in your beautifully landscaped backyard but that does not mean the price tag increases by $20,000 more than your neighbour’s house which is almost the exact replica of your home.

4 Major Problems That Can Happen When Your Home Is Not Properly Sealed

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.11.2019

High Energy Bills – The first sign home owners can watch for are unusually high energy bills in the winter. If heat is slipping through doors that have old weather stripping on them, it is only sensible to take the steps for resealing at the doors and any other potential areas that might be losing heat so you can save more money in the long run.

Pest Problem – Regardless if it is an insect issue or something larger like rodents, it is easier to take preventative measures instead of reparative measures. Once the pests have infested the home, it can cost hundreds of dollars to remove them and possibly thousands to repair any damage they may have caused.

Dangerous Radon – Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is present in the vast majority of houses which can be especially dangerous if gas levels are high. It often enters the home through the basement. The best practice is to caulk all cracks in the basement and if there are additional concerns a Home Testing Kit can be purchased for added peace of mind.

Mold Damage – If the humidity in a home is not moderated properly, mold can completely destroy a home. It would be an especially high risk if the home IS properly sealed and the occupants cook and/or shower often without running the fans. Once the mold sets in, it is also a health hazard for the current occupants of the home and a potentially large cost to remediate which would complicate any possible resale.